STARTUPS CENTRAL

A regional sub sandwich chain has overtaken the long-standing leader in diner approval. The American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2026 places Jersey Mike’s at the summit with an 84/100 rating, while Chick‑fil‑A follows close behind at 83/100, snapping the latter’s 11‑year streak at the top. Diners cited the chain’s perceived freshness, a broader selection and what they see as strong value when rating their visits. Jersey Mike’s also expanded rapidly last year, adding 238 o

Dave’s Hot Chicken is shifting its pitch: speed will no longer be the chain’s primary selling point, the company’s chief executive told reporters this week, as it moves to emphasize food consistency and the in-store experience. The announcement signals a strategic change for the fast-casual chicken brand that began as a Los Angeles pop-up in 2017 and expanded rapidly across the U.S. and abroad. Executives said the company will slow some aspects of its rollout and refocus reso

From eight Applebee’s in 1999 to a network of more than 3,000 restaurants and gyms, Flynn Group has become the biggest franchise operator on the planet. At a recent industry gathering, company founder Greg Flynn outlined the principles that guided that rise — an emphasis on discipline, selective brand choices and a decentralized operating model that rewards local leaders. Flynn’s story began with a small cluster of neighborhood grills. He said he didn’t chase growth for its o

The market for pet services and goods has swelled past $150 billion, and franchise owners are cashing in. National rankings for 2026 show a mix of large retail chains and specialty service brands climbing the list, with Pet Supplies Plus, Dogtopia and Hounds Town USA among the standouts. Those chains report hundreds of locations combined and investment requirements that range from mid-six figures to more than $1.8 million, making the sector attractive to entrepreneurs who wan

Subheadline: Moving between countries taught me to slow down, listen first and tailor how I earn trust rather than impose a familiar playbook. I landed in my first overseas assignment convinced the methods that worked at home would work anywhere. They didn’t. Within weeks I realized that clarity of intent and early wins weren’t enough when the operating rules were different and people judged leaders by other signals. The main lesson: succeed abroad by confirming expectations,

More workers than ever are changing states, reshaping where companies will find and keep talent over the next decade. States with heavy tax burdens and strict regulations are seeing the largest outflows, while several Sun Belt and Southeast states are gaining residents, according to 2023 IRS migration figures. That shift is forcing employers to rethink recruiting strategies: some firms will face deeper hiring pools and lower wage pressure, and others will need to compete hard