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Diving certificate:
- Walmart has partnered with Knuckies Franchise Company LLC to Open Knuckies Hoagies in select storessays a statement on Tuesday.
- The retailer and sandwich chain have signed 14 leases in six states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas.
- This is the latest in a series of restaurant partnerships with Walmart in recent years.
Diving insight:
Knuckies Hoagies said in the announcement that the partnership with Walmart provides the franchisee with “an integrated customer base and premier locations.”
Founded in 2019, Knuckies Hoagies lists six locations in Georgia on its website and sells hoagies, salads, soups and desserts.
Knuckies Hoagies Founder and CEO Todd Broaderick said Restaurant Business that six of the 14 leases will be awarded to franchisees, but there are hopes to expand the master franchise agreement to provide franchise operators with more Walmart opportunities.
Retailers and grocers continue to step up their efforts to expand their food service offerings, particularly meal preparation to order.
Walmart, for example, has several restaurant cooperations in the store with chains in recent months. Last month, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ unveiled plans to put its Express model in select Walmart stores. In the meantime, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza has plans Open 92 company-owned stores inside Walmart stores in four states.
Earlier this year, Walmart has expanded its partnership with Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar to add more Poke restaurants in the store.
Wetzel’s Pretzels has also opened locations in Walmart stores.
