# The Melt Signs First Franchise Development Agreement for Eight Texas Restaurants

> The Melt signed its first franchise development agreement with operator Syed Ahmad to open eight restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin in Texas.

- Published: 2026-11-13T18:02:36+00:00
- Section: Partnerships
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-13/the-melt-first-franchise-texas-deal
- Source: [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-melt-signs-first-franchise-development-agreement-in-eight-unit-texas-deal-302939055.html)

## Key takeaways

- The Melt signed its first franchise development agreement with Syed Ahmad for eight Texas locations in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.
- Syed Ahmad brings more than 40 years of restaurant experience and previously owned and operated 90 Burger King restaurants.
- The Melt operates 24 company-owned restaurants and launched its franchise program earlier this year after about 15 years of development.

The Melt signed its first franchise development agreement with veteran restaurant operator Syed Ahmad to open eight locations in Texas, covering the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin markets, [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-melt-signs-first-franchise-development-agreement-in-eight-unit-texas-deal-302939055.html) reported on November 13, 2026. Ahmad brings more than 40 years of restaurant industry experience to the partnership.

## Syed Ahmad's Eight-Unit Texas Agreement

Ahmad is one of the original Jack in the Box franchisees and has owned and operated 90 Burger King restaurants, 64 Denny's locations, three Dunkin locations and 11 Popeyes restaurants over his career. He currently operates several Popeyes restaurants in Texas, Oregon and Washington and is opening new Dunkin' and Jimmy John's locations. Ahmad has lived in Dallas for 30 years and has known The Melt CEO Ralph Bower and Greg Vojnovic, vice president and head of franchising, for nearly 20 years.

"After more than 40 years in the restaurant business, I've learned what separates a concept with real staying power from one that's simply following a trend," Ahmad said. "The Melt immediately stood out to me."

Founded in San Francisco in 2011, The Melt operates 24 company-owned restaurants and spent about 15 years developing its menu, kitchen design, labor model and operating systems before launching its franchise program earlier this year. The menu is anchored by the MeltBurger, made with a blend of Angus and Wagyu beef topped with melted aged cheddar, alongside melted classics, crispy chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, seasoned fries and handspun shakes.

"Signing our first franchise development agreement is an incredibly exciting milestone for The Melt, and we couldn't ask for a stronger partner than Syed to help us launch this next chapter," Vojnovic said. "Syed has spent more than four decades building and operating restaurants for some of the most successful brands in the country."

Prospective franchisees can learn more at [meltfranchising.com](http://themelt.com).

## The Melt's Franchise Shift and Unit Economics

According to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), The Melt announced in 2026 a strategic shift from a 100% company-owned operating model to launching its national franchising program after 15 years of operating corporate stores. The same records show 19 company-owned restaurants primarily in California and Arizona, a footprint that expanded by approximately 20% in 2025, and revenue of $58.3 million for 2025. Average unit volumes exceeded $3.4 million for mature locations open more than one year, with the top third of locations surpassing $4.5 million.

The records also list plans announced in 2026 to expand into Florida through franchise development, targeting the Tampa and Orlando markets with experienced multi-unit operators.

## The Melt's National Franchise Rollout

The Melt launched its franchise program earlier this year, and the company said it plans to expand nationally with similar franchise partners. Ahmad's agreement covers eight locations across Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin.

## Companies in this story

- [THE MELT company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0007osp/the-melt) · website: http://themelt.com

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