Thawing a Freeze on Growth

s franchisees, Neal and Nimesh Dahya () were all about rapid growth. After first taking over corporate-owned Applebee’s locations in 2009, the brothers discovered their knack for restaurant management and, in the years ahead, grew a business that owned, consulted for, or invested in more than 180 restaurants across such. They acquired Fosters Freeze, a California-based ice cream and burger franchise that first launched in 1946 and was ripe for revitalization. “Slow and steady” became their mantra. Now, after nearly six years of developing relationships with the brand’s 64 franchisees and updating operations, the Dahyas are finally ready to expand the storied brand.