Industry Data Report – New Unit Development and Closure Update provides insight on unit development, closures and franchise transfers by segment and concept for FYE 2009 and 2010 projected development.
The 2010 new unit development & closure update is based on 41 chains with $1+ Billion in system-wide sales. New unit development continued to decelerate in 2009 (particularly in the fast casual and coffee segments) as a result of a deteriorating economic environment, declining store level margins and tighter credit markets – all of which continue to weigh on 2010 development prospects. The aggregate closure rate spiked to its highest level in at least 5 years.
