Cooking Commodities: More Brands Buying Whole Ingredients
Some brands are going beyond fresh, using whole ingredients right from the farm, fishery or field.
Franchise News
Edgy Ads, Low Food Costs, All Part of Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness CEO Michael Haith’s presentation started with a rap on Asian food: “Teriyaki madness, you’ve got to have this, if you haven’t had this, teriyaki madness,” (repeat again and again at a staccato cadence).
With a Whoosh, Sub Zero Creates Spectacle and a Treat
“I’ve been waiting for this presentation all day,” said a man in the front row as SubZero Ice Cream founders Jerry and Naomi Hancock hauled in their equipment—three gallons of cream, a stainless steel bowl, a big blue cooler on wheels and, most unusually, a 50-liter tank of liquid nitrogen at a cool minus-350 degrees F.
ZIPS Dry Cleaners CEO Wants to See your Dry Cleaning Bill
Drew Ritger wants to see your dry cleaning bill. Go ahead, take it out and see how much it cost to get your jacket or shirt cleaned.
Smoothie King Catches the Fitness Wave
You might not know it at first blush, but Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim is a hilarious and entertaining guy, which I learned over dinner a few years back in the company’s previous home in New Orleans. His presentation at the Franchise Times Finance & Growth Conference was funny and direct as the company rides a wave of enthusiasm for health and fitness across the globe.
Black Bear Charging Eastward
Twenty-three years after starting the company with $15,000 that came, in part, from selling his boat, Black Bear Diner CEO and co-founder Bruce Dean never thought he would be here at the helm of a successful brand that’s suddenly breaking out and epitomizing the American Dream.
Del Taco’s ‘QSR Plus’ Position Continues to Pay Off
The repositioning of Del Taco as a “QSR plus” concept is working, says CFO Steve Brake, and last week the Lake Forest, California-based Mexican brand reported its 23rd consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth for company-owned restaurants.
Never Sell a Deal You Wouldn’t Sign Yourself, NRD’s COO Says
Susan Beth brings an operator’s mindset to her COO role at NRD Capital, winner of a Franchise Times Dealmakers award at a gala luncheon today, for the private equity firm’s acquisition of Ruby Tuesday last December. So her advice for other dealmakers is no surprise.
Wendy’s Strives to Delight the Customer, Engage the Operators
Wendy’s Chief Development Officer Abigail Pringle kicked off the franchise presentations at Franchise Times’ Finance & Growth Conference.
Testing Cupping, Float Tanks, Elements Massage Aims to Innovate
While other franchised massage brands are leaning heavily toward skincare and other beauty services, Elements Massage wants to innovate, says CEO Jeremy Morgan.
