Dive Brief:
- Walmart has teamed up with Knuckies Franchise Company LLC to open Knuckies Hoagies within select stores, according to a Tuesday announcement.
- The retailer and sandwich chain have signed 14 leases across six states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Texas.
- This marks the latest in a string of recent in-store restaurant partnerships for Walmart.
Dive Insight:
Knuckies Hoagies said in the announcement that the Walmart partnership provides the franchise with “a built-in customer base and prime locations.”
Founded in 2019, Knuckies Hoagies lists six Georgia locations on its website and sells hoagies, salads, soups and desserts.
Knuckies Hoagies Founder and CEO Todd Broaderick told Restaurant Business that six of the 14 leases are committed to franchisees but the hopes to expand the master franchise agreement to offer more Walmart opportunities to franchise operators.
Retailers and grocers continue to ramp up their efforts to offer more foodservice, especially made-to-order meals.
Walmart, for example, has made several in-store restaurant tie-ups with chains in recent months. Last month, Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ unveiled plans to house its Express Model in select Walmart locations. Meanwhile, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza has plans to open 92 corporate-owned units inside Walmart stores across four states.
Earlier this year, Walmart expanded its partnership with Uncle Sharkii Poke Bar to add more in-store poke restaurants.
Wetzel’s Pretzels has also opened units inside Walmart stores.
