Rapidly growing franchisor enters Canada and plans expansion as Frachiczar Acquires Pinot's Pallette

Earlier this month, Franchiczar, a Houston, Texas-based franchisor and developer of software and services designed to help franchise brands scale their growth, announced the acquisition of pinot’s palette, the upscale paint-and-sip franchise that has led the industry, enabling people to explore their creative side for 15 years.

With the acquisition, Franchiczar now has operational locations in Canada and is poised to expand its Canadian footprint, with plans to open franchises across multiple brands in the months and years ahead.

The move gives Franchiczar more than 80 Pinot’s Palette franchises across North America, including two locations in the Ontario Province – in Toronto and Woodbridge. That brings the Franchiczar network to more than 100 franchise locations open or in development across three brands.

Franchiczar is also home to emerging brands, including youth esports franchise Valhallan and technology-enabled gym Franchise Iron 24. Pinot’s Palette joins Franchiczar’s growing portfolio of brands and is the first established franchise brand acquired by the franchisor. Franchiczar expects growth in major metropolitan areas in canada across all its brands in 2023 and beyond.

Franchiczar has created a portfolio of “betterment brands” across education, entertainment, creativity and fitness industries and plans to add more brands that help people live better lives. i n addition to being a franchisor, Franchiczar’s core offering is an end-to-end ecosystem in which franchise brands can thrive, pairing it’s Franchiczar Operating system (FCOs) with a suite of services, including franchise development, marketing, operations and technology.

Pinot’s Palette offers a revolutionary way to enjoy art and wine, meet new people and bond with friends. Guests enjoy a no experience-required art class – all supplies included – directed by trained, local artists who guide guests step-by-step through a featured painting. By bringing fun, modern and creative ideas to their events, Pinot’s Palette creates a unique experience while providing a worthwhile contribution to the community.

Founded in 2009, houston-based Pinot’s Palette has been recognized numerous times in top industry rankings, including the inc. 5000, entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Franchise Business review’s Top 50 for Franchisee satisfaction.

For Craig Ceccanti and Charles Willis, the founders of Pinot’s Palette, the acquisition by Franchiczar puts their creation in trusted and familiar hands. Founder and CEO of Franchiczar, David Graham, has a longstanding relationship with them. They helped to mentor Graham when he began his first franchise, Code Ninjas, several years ago. With both franchises based in the Houston area, Graham had reached out for general networking and sharing advice, and the relationship grew to help each other out over the years.

“as an established brand with locations across North America, Pinot’s Palette is a welcome addition to the Franchiczar family of brands and will be pivotal in the future growth of our network of brands as we continue to expand into new verticals to help individuals become the best version of themselves,” said Graham.

Graham continued by sharing his admiration, saying, “Craig Ceccanti and Charles Willis mentored me as I began my first franchise several years ago and helped me become the leader i am today. i am grateful for their trust in allowing Franchiczar to continue the legacy they have built.”

As a result of the acquisition, Franchiczar brings a large shared services team with professionals in almost all facets of franchising, including technology, support, compliance, marketing, administration and more. The goal is to build on Pinot’s Palette’s position as the leading paint-and-sip franchise and bring new growth from customer acquisition and franchise expansion.

With Pinot’s Palette’s passionate community of franchisees, employees, and customers, Franchiczar is committed to building on that legacy and taking the brand to new heights. Franchiczar believes that acquiring Pinot’s Palette is a significant and positive development for everyone involved. They are excited to work with Pinot’s Palette’s network to create a bright future for the brand.

“We know our franchisees are in good hands and that Franchiczar is the right place to drive the next growth stage for the brand,” said Pinot’s Palette co-founder craig Ceccanti. “I have known David Graham for years and have full confidence in a bright future for Pinot’s Palette under his leadership and team.”

Franchiczar brings technology and expertise from franchising veterans to guide the brand into its next chapter. Shauna Garner, President of Franchiczar, will assume the role of brand president of Pinot’s Palette, bringing extensive franchising and wine industry experience to the position.

Franchiczar’s Michael Hataway will join Pinot’s Palette as Executive Vice President of operations. David Graham will be the new CEO of Pinot’s Palette and will continue to oversee all Franchiczar brands.

Leading up to the acquisition, Franchiczar saw a strong first year of franchising for its emerging brands, Iron 24 and Valhallan. Franchiczar is targeting significant growth for all its brands for the rest of 2023, with several locations set to open in the coming months and several Iron 24 and Valhallan locations to be announced around North America and the U.K. throughout the year.

Building on its momentum, Franchiczar is targeting aggressive growth strategies. Valhallan plans to sign at least 100 new franchisees and open 75 arenas worldwide. Iron 24 wants to acquire and convert existing gym brands into Iron 24 locations, sign 60 new franchisees, and open 75 locations nationwide.