{"id":1817684,"date":"2026-09-11T11:59:49","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T09:59:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/news\/woworks-launches-three-tier-franchise-incentive-program\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T11:24:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T09:24:53","slug":"woworks-launches-three-tier-franchise-incentive-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/news\/woworks-launches-three-tier-franchise-incentive-program\/","title":{"rendered":"WOWorks Launches Three-Tier Franchise Incentive Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-bold-font-weight wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-weight:700\">WOWorks, the multi-brand platform behind several <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/our-franchises\/restaurants\/\">franchise restaurant brands<\/a>, including Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Barberitos, Zoup! Eatery and The Simple Greek, launched a three-tier franchise incentive program on September 10, 2026.  <strong>The program adjusts fees and royalties by development commitment, with operators signing for six or more locations eligible for a net $0 franchise fee on their first three restaurants.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Founded in 2020 and backed by Centre Lane Partners, <strong>WOWorks<\/strong> operates a portfolio of nearly <strong>240 restaurants<\/strong> across the United States. Its six brands span <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/our-franchises\/fast-food\/\">fast-casual franchise concepts<\/a> including salads, smoothie bowls, Mediterranean cuisine, burritos and soups, positioning it as one of the more diversified multi-concept platforms in the better-for-you restaurant segment. Through early September 2026, the company had opened <strong>23<\/strong> new restaurants and reported <strong>15<\/strong> more in the pipeline, putting it on track for roughly <strong>40 total openings<\/strong> this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">A Three-Tier Structure Tied to Development Scale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Available through the first quarter of 2027, the program organizes franchise incentives into three categories based on the number of units an operator commits to open. <strong>Small operators<\/strong> (one to two locations) pay half the standard franchise fee at signing and receive a <strong>50%<\/strong> reduction in royalty fees for the first six months after opening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Medium operators<\/strong> (three to five locations) receive the same fee reduction at signing and a <strong>50%<\/strong> royalty reduction for the first full year; they may also mix and match participating WOWorks brands within a single development agreement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Large operators<\/strong> (six or more locations) have their initial franchise fee refunded on the first three restaurants, resulting in a net <strong>$0<\/strong> franchise fee for those units, along with the year-long royalty reduction across all locations in the agreement. All incentives are contingent on <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/articles\/franchise-franchisee-franchisor-roles-responsibilities\/\">franchisees<\/a> meeting the development schedules set out in their agreements and are subject to change, per the company&#8217;s announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote\" style=\"--color: #e74c3c; \"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__content\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__quote-wrapper\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg-wrapper\"><svg class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg\" width=\"56\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M40.6 16.52H46.06C51.38 17.64 55.3 21.14 55.3 27.58C55.3 34.72 49.84 39.2 42.98 39.2C34.72 39.2 29.54 32.62 29.54 23.24C29.54 9.52 38.64 0.699999 55.58 0V5.04C46.62 6.3 41.3 9.52 40.6 16.52ZM10.92 16.52H16.52C21.84 17.64 25.76 21.14 25.76 27.58C25.76 34.72 20.3 39.2 13.44 39.2C5.18 39.2 0 32.62 0 23.24C0 9.52 9.1 0.699999 26.04 0V5.04C17.08 6.3 11.76 9.52 10.92 16.52Z\" fill=\"#e74c3c\"\/><\/svg><\/div><blockquote class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__text\">Restaurant development is not one-size-fits-all, and our incentive program reflects the different ways entrepreneurs want to grow. Whether someone is opening their first restaurant or expanding an established multi-unit portfolio, we are creating a more flexible path into the WOWorks system. For larger operators, the ability to mix and match brands and earn back the franchise fees on their first three locations makes this an especially compelling opportunity to build a diversified restaurant portfolio.<\/blockquote><\/div><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-details\"><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-pre-text\">A QUOTE FROM<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-name\">Kelly Roddy<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-title\">CEO, WOWorks<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">Co-Branding Added at No Additional Franchise Fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside the tiered incentive structure, WOWorks introduced what it calls a <strong>&#8220;Buy One, Get Two&#8221; co-branding option<\/strong>. Under the program, a franchisee at any development tier can bring a second participating WOWorks concept into the same location without paying an additional franchise fee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement allows two complementary menus to operate from a shared physical footprint, drawing on the same real estate and operational infrastructure. WOWorks has reported that co-branded locations account for close to half of its 2026 openings. Pairings the company has highlighted include Saladworks and Frutta Bowls as well as Barberitos and Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote\" style=\"--color: #e74c3c; \"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__content\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__quote-wrapper\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg-wrapper\"><svg class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg\" width=\"56\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M40.6 16.52H46.06C51.38 17.64 55.3 21.14 55.3 27.58C55.3 34.72 49.84 39.2 42.98 39.2C34.72 39.2 29.54 32.62 29.54 23.24C29.54 9.52 38.64 0.699999 55.58 0V5.04C46.62 6.3 41.3 9.52 40.6 16.52ZM10.92 16.52H16.52C21.84 17.64 25.76 21.14 25.76 27.58C25.76 34.72 20.3 39.2 13.44 39.2C5.18 39.2 0 32.62 0 23.24C0 9.52 9.1 0.699999 26.04 0V5.04C17.08 6.3 11.76 9.52 10.92 16.52Z\" fill=\"#e74c3c\"\/><\/svg><\/div><blockquote class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__text\">Co-branding is one of the most distinct advantages of the WOWorks platform. Instead of asking franchisees to invest in an entirely separate location to diversify their offering, we can help them bring two complementary concepts together under one roof. This program lowers a key barrier to entry and gives operators more flexibility in how they approach their markets.<\/blockquote><\/div><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-details\"><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-pre-text\">A QUOTE FROM<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-name\">James Walker<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-title\">Chief Growth Officer, WOWorks<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">What the Incentive Window Covers and Who It Targets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">WOWorks described the program as designed for two distinct profiles: independent entrepreneurs opening their first location and experienced multi-unit operators ready to expand at scale. The offer spans the full WOWorks portfolio and permits multi-brand development agreements under a single franchise relationship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company did not disclose the standard franchise fee amounts against which the incentive tiers are calculated. WOWorks is <strong>headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida<\/strong>, and is actively recruiting franchisees across the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations vary by state and individual circumstances and may change over time. Readers should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or other licensed professional regarding their specific situation. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WOWorks, the multi-brand platform behind several franchise restaurant brands, including Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, Barberitos, Zoup! Eatery and The Simple Greek, launched a three-tier franchise incentive program on September 10, 2026. The program adjusts fees and royalties by development commitment, with operators signing for six or more locations eligible for a net $0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":788,"featured_media":1817706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"WOWorks Launches 3-Tier Franchise Incentive Program","_seopress_titles_desc":"WOWorks launched franchise incentives with reduced fees and royalties, including $0 fees for qualifying large operators.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"content-type":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1616915,1812467,1755091,1815282,1812754,1811952","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3594],"tags":[],"type-de-post":[2066],"class_list":["post-1817684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-franchise-networks","type-de-post-articles-actualite"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817684","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/788"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1817684"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817684\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1817709,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1817684\/revisions\/1817709"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1817706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1817684"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1817684"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1817684"},{"taxonomy":"type-de-post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-de-post?post=1817684"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}