SPARTANBURG, S.C. (January 27 2026) – Eggs Up Grill, a neighborhood favorite breakfast and lunch cafe and the fastest-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise in the country, brought its growing franchise community together earlier this month for “Momentum in Motion”, the 2026 edition of its annual franchise owner’s conference, celebrating a record-setting year and outlining continued growth plans for the coming year.

The conference brought together franchise partners, leadership and support teams for several days of collaboration, education and future-focused conversations. Programming included leadership presentations and franchise owner discussions focused on system performance and growth priorities, building on a strong 2025 marked by a record 18 new restaurant openings, 20 consecutive quarters of positive same-store sales and 7% same-store sales growth.

“Momentum in Motion was about carrying the strong results we achieved in 2025 into 2026 while staying grounded in the core values of hospitality and service that have defined Eggs Up Grill from the beginning,” said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. “As we continue to grow, maintaining that foundation is essential. With much of our unit growth coming from existing franchise partners, providing the right tools, resources and support will remain critical to their success and to our continued expansion.”

During the conference, Eggs Up Grill leaders shared updates on system performance, development progress and operational initiatives designed to support franchisee profitability and scalability. With a strong pipeline for 2026, the brand expects continued expansion, with a majority of new restaurants coming from existing multi-unit franchise partners.

The event also recognized standout performers across the system, honoring excellence in operations, sales performance, community engagement and brand leadership. The awards underscored the depth and consistency of Eggs Up Grill’s franchise network, with top honors including:

  • Franchisee of the Year: Conley McIntyre, owner of 10 locations across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia
  • Operator of the Year: Heather Hughes, West Ashley, S.C.
  • Rookie of the Year: Donny Nobles, Greenville, N.C.
  • “Above and Beyond” Award for Extraordinary Franchisee Performance: Ken Bates, owner of two locations in Tennessee and one in Virginia
  • Diamond Egg Award (highest sales): Germantown, TN

The celebration coincided with continued industry recognition for the brand. Eggs Up Grill recently earned top-tier placement in the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500®, along with inclusion in Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises and Franchise Times’ Fast & Serious ranking of the top 40 franchises to watch in 2026, reinforcing the brand’s position as a leading franchise opportunity in the daytime space.

As Eggs Up Grill looks ahead, the brand remains focused on delivering an affordable, friendly daytime dining experience while supporting franchise partners through operational innovation and ongoing investment. Eggs Up Grill is actively seeking growth-oriented franchise partners nationwide. To learn more about available opportunities, visit https://eggsupgrillfranchise.com.

For more information about Eggs Up Grill, visit https://eggsupgrill.com.

About Eggs Up Grill

Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill has been serving smiles for more than 25 years. From the first sip of freshly brewed coffee to the last bite of a hearty breakfast or lunch, our welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make every visit feel like coming home. As “neighbors serving neighbors,” we proudly serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a full menu throughout our hours of operation.

Eggs Up Grill’s business model is designed to create smiles not just for guests but for our Franchise Partners as well. Ranked as a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review, Eggs Up Grill is experiencing record growth and actively seeking both seasoned and first-time franchise partners. With more than 100 locations currently in operation and more than 90 under development or committed to open, the brand is poised for continued success.

Media Contact:

Loren Thum, Thunderly

(817) 913-0194 | Lthum@thunderlymarketing.com

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