3 Quickly Growing Brands on the Move
Growing brands have managed to gain and keep customers’ enthusiasm. Yelp released a list of the top 50 growing brands on April 10, 2024. The list was compiled based on an analysis of data generated by Yelp. The second brand on the list is Scooter’s Coffee. Third on the Yelp list is Wawa. The seventh company included is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.
All three of these growing brands have opened multiple new branches. Scooter’s Coffee has small branch locations that facilitate rapid opening and efficient business practices. Wawa has expanded its branch network by opening new locations and diversifying its location types. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has also adopted a variety of offerings and pursued franchise expansion.
Coffee Chain Finding Franchise Success
According toย CNBC, Scooter’s Coffee is a “Midwestern coffee chain… founded in 1998 in Nebraska.” The chain appears second in the 2024 Yelp list of brands experiencing growth. Scooter’s Coffee has started to branch out, opening new franchise outposts. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of Scooter’s Coffee locations increased by 53%.
Scooter’s Coffee establishments are generally small. CNBCย specifies that the “standard, drive-through-only location is only 664 square feet.” There are two advantages to the branches’ small size. One advantage is that branch locations can be built quickly. Another is that they can be operated efficiently.
A Trusted Brand for Gas and Convenience
Another business on Yelp’s list of growing brands is Wawa. Wawa is the third company on the list. Wawa is a franchise beloved by its clientele.ย CNBC states that “Wawa is a convenience store and gas station chain.” Wawa’s enthusiasts are particularly enthusiastic about the company’s cheesesteaks. Fans also appreciate Wawa’s hoagies.
According toย CNBC, Wawa “has been expanding outside its Philadelphia stronghold.” The company has been exploring new locations to gain customers. Wawa has been growing, seeking markets along the East Coast of the United States. Wawa has been opening franchises in new places. The company has also been exploring versatility in its approach. CNBC reports that Wawa “has been opening drive-thru locations.”
Burgers and Frozen Treats Available in More Locations
The seventh business on Yelp’s growing brands list is Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. This business went through a massive structural change. CNBCย states: “Private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners bought the Midwestern fast-casual chain.” This financial transaction happened in 2021. The monetary amount involved is unknown.
This event prompted changes for Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Many new Freddy’s locations were opened. The company hired additional staff to open franchises. In 2023, Freddy’s opened sixty-two franchise spots. This brought the total number of Freddy’s establishments to more than 500 branches. Also, like Wawa, Freddy’s chose versatility. For instance, Freddy’s has opened locations at airports.
Overview of What Has Helped Growing Brands Grow
According to Yelp, this is “Yelp’s first-ever list of the 50 fastest growing brands.” The list came out on April 10, 2024. Research for the list was conducted by analyzing data generated by Yelp. Yelp analyzed data on the openings of completely new locations for businesses. Yelp also looked at the searches people made. In addition, Yelp states that the research process involved considering “consumer interest.”
Based on the findings from the data, Yelp compiled the business rankings listed. Yelp states: “Challenger brands… make up over 70% of the brands on the list.” Challenger brands do things differently from the leaders within their markets. They compete by highlighting new approaches within their particular industries. Scooter’s Coffee is presented as a challenger brand example.
Wawa, known for its convenience, is also recognized for offering popular coffee. Additionally, Yelp reports, “Wawa saw its grab-and-go offerings resonate.” Yelp found that, in general, customers are leaning toward businesses providing comfort food. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is cited as a popular example.
