Food-chain fads are pretty common. Some persist (McDonalds), some muddle along (TCBY), some collapse spectacularly, such as Boston Market (though I find it's still going).
The similarities with tech startups exist, including overambitious growth plans.
Quiznos may have been one of the more spectacular failures. Everyone I know liked their product, but I've only seen one open store in the last year, when only a few years ago I saw them regularly. HQ forced franchisees to purchase materials through specific suppliers at high prices, which drove franchisees into debt and out of business.
I thought of adding them to my list but I wasn't familiar enough with the story. I do recall something about an implosion happening though. Oh yeah, and the pyramid scam / forced suppliers thing.
The similarities with tech startups exist, including overambitious growth plans.