How many franchised Black Bear Diner outlets were operating at the start of 2023?

According to Black Bear Diner's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, there were 84 franchised outlets at the start of 2022, 88 at the start of 2023, and 91 at the start of 2024. This indicates a steady, albeit slow, growth in the number of franchised Black Bear Diner locations over the three-year period covered in the FDD.

For a prospective franchisee, this information is useful in understanding the recent growth trajectory of the franchise system. The increase from 88 to 91 franchised locations between 2023 and 2024, and from 84 to 88 between 2022 and 2023, suggests that the brand is expanding its franchise network. This could be a positive sign, indicating that franchisees are finding success and the brand is attracting new investors. However, the relatively small net change each year also suggests that growth is measured and not explosive.

It's important to note that while the number of outlets is increasing, potential franchisees should also consider other factors such as the number of terminations, non-renewals, and transfers to get a complete picture of the health of the franchise system. A high number of closures or transfers could indicate underlying issues with the franchise model or franchisee satisfaction. Reviewing Item 20 in its entirety will provide a more comprehensive understanding of outlet dynamics.

Overall, the data suggests that Black Bear Diner is gradually expanding its franchised locations. A prospective franchisee should investigate further to understand the reasons behind the growth and any potential challenges facing the franchise system.