Momentum is one of the most frequently cited signals in franchise development conversations, and also one of the most misunderstood. A growing unit count is visible and easy to reference.

How Chris Ives Is Building Bubbakoo’s Burritos Into a National Fast-Casual Brand In June 2025, Chris Ives became CEO of Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a brand he had already spent six years

Not all restaurant segments move in the same direction at the same speed. While some categories have struggled to rebuild post-pandemic traffic and revenue, fast-casual has continued to pull ahead.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos is entering a new phase of growth, one defined not just by expansion but by acceleration. The brand recently recorded its strongest franchise development performance in over a