Huddle House signs 10-unit Midwest development deal

By AI, Created 12:02 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Huddle House has signed a 10-unit development agreement to expand across Northwest Arkansas and Mid-South Missouri, with the first restaurant slated to open in Branson West, Missouri, later this year. The deal adds to the brand’s recent franchise momentum as it continues pushing beyond 300 locations nationwide.

Why it matters: - The 10-unit deal expands Huddle House’s Midwest footprint and brings the brand into more communities across Arkansas and Missouri. - The agreement gives Huddle House another growth signal as the chain courts multi-unit operators seeking a proven franchise concept. - The first location is expected to open in Branson West, Missouri, later this year.

What happened: - Huddle House signed a 10-unit development deal to grow across Northwest Arkansas and Mid-South Missouri. - The agreement covers locations across Greene, Christian, Stone and other surrounding counties in Arkansas and Missouri. - Peter Ortiz, chief development officer for Ascent Hospitality Management, said the deal follows recent signings in Texas and across the Southeast.

The details: - Huddle House has been in business for more than 60 years and has more than 300 locations nationwide. - The brand has more than 120 signed agreements over the last three years. - Huddle House offers streamlined prototypes and flexible streetside and non-traditional formats. - The formats are designed for colleges, airports, casinos, military bases and travel plazas. - Franchisees can tap multiple revenue streams centered on breakfast. - The company also offers Huddle House Express, which pairs new items with guest-favorite classics. - Huddle House says it provides hands-on real estate and construction support to help speed development. - The brand is part of Ascent Hospitality Management and has nearly 300 locations open or in development. - Huddle House has been named one of the Top 200+ Franchises by Franchise Times, included in Thrillist’s list of “Regional Breakfast Chains that Should Be Everywhere” and ranked as a Top 500 Chain Restaurant by Restaurant Business. - The company also directs prospective franchisees to its franchising site.

Between the lines: - The Midwest deal suggests Huddle House is leaning on multi-unit franchise growth rather than single-store expansion. - The focus on flexible formats points to a strategy aimed at nontraditional and high-traffic venues, not just standalone restaurants. - Ortiz framed the brand’s momentum as part of a broader push to attract experienced operators who can scale across multiple markets.

What’s next: - Huddle House expects the first Branson West restaurant to open later this year. - Additional sites are planned across the named Arkansas and Missouri counties as development moves forward. - The company’s franchise pipeline will likely remain central to its expansion strategy if current signing momentum continues.

The bottom line: - Huddle House is using a 10-unit Midwest deal to extend its reach and reinforce a franchise model built for flexible, multi-unit growth.