TUSTIN, Calif. – Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, has several new development deals in 2025 to grow across four key regions, bringing a total of 19 new locations to high-growth markets. In tandem, Wienerschnitzel recently broke into the non-traditional sector, signing to open 6 locations within Walmarts in select western U.S. states. These new deals are led by both new Wienerschnitzel franchisees and existing franchise partners who are extending the hot dog franchise’s reach into new territories.
Most recently, Wienerschnitzel signed a three-store agreement for Olympia and Southwest Washington with a family-owned group that has operated Subway restaurants across the region for more than two decades. Their long-standing community ties and extensive experience in franchising make them a strong multi-unit partner as Wienerschnitzel continues to build momentum.
Separately, recent franchisee Paul Del Bufalo, is spearheading growth in another region of the Pacific Northwest. In less than five years with Wienerschnitzel, Del Bufalo has transformed the Boise, ID market, cultivating a loyal customer base and recently opening his second location in Nampa. He’s also in early development stages for his third store in the Boise market. In addition, he’s turned his sights to expand in the Pacific Northwest by committing to open four new Wienerschnitzel restaurants in the greater Spokane, WA, and Northern Idaho region.
Evan Carbonell, owner of four Wienerschnitzel franchise locations in El Paso, TX, will bring four additional new units to Fort Worth, Texas under his Met1Franks group. His team is actively securing real estate for their first location while also developing a new Wienerschnitzel storefront in Casa Grande, AZ.
New to the WienerFam and prior to joining Wienerschnitzel, Leon Dickey owned and operated multiple McDonald’s restaurants in the Tidewater market of Virginia. He gained extensive experience in day-to-day operations, management and team leadership, making him an ideal franchise partner to introduce seven units to the State of Virginia, and the East Coast.
“Wienerschnitzel’s model has truly stood the test of time; for more than 60 years, we’ve been a fan favorite across the western U.S.,” said Ted Milburn, Director of Franchise Development. “That strong foundation is pushing our franchise development forward as we expand into new regions, from the East Coast to Southwest markets. We’re building our network and bringing the best hot dog franchise on the market to new regions through non-traditional partnerships.”
Following Wienerschnitzel’s recent Walmart deal, the brand is committed into a military base and is also pursuing introducing their legendary hot dogs to airports, amusement parks, travel centers and other non-traditional formats. Supporting this expansion and fueling the brand’s momentum are strategic new hires like Shak Turner, the brand’s newest Director of Franchise Expansion working alongside Ted. Joining the team earlier this year, her focus has been driving growth across non-traditional formats and attracting high-ranking multi-unit franchise candidates.
There are 340 Wienerschnitzel franchise locations in operation throughout 13 states and more than 50 units in various stages of development across the United States. Wienerschnitzel is seeking experienced multi-unit operators and highly successful entrepreneurs to be a part of its franchise family.
To learn more about the brand and the benefits of owning a Wienerschnitzel franchise, visit www.wienerschnitzelfranchise.com.
About Wienerschnitzel
Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, California, Wienerschnitzel is one of the iconic pioneers of the quick-service food industry. The World’s Largest Hot Dog Franchise serves more than 120 million hot dogs annually – and is fueled by a mission of “Serving Food to Serve Others,” giving back a percentage of profits to its charitable partners. Based in Tustin, CA, Galardi Group Inc. franchises 340 Wienerschnitzel restaurants in 13 states. The Galardi Group is also the parent company and franchisor of Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez, LLC. Visit Wienerschnitzel’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube to learn more.
