u nlock success and sustained growth by choosing a diversified franchise s hemeck’s i mmigrant Journey to Zoom r oom a d ream of d ogs, a legacy of h ard work whats
32 Zoom Room: a Dream of Dogs, a Legacy of hard Work: shemeck’s immigrant Journey to Zoom room
What’s new
30 Franchising News Announcements from the Industry
Franchisor in Depth
36 Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders: Ohana at its Finest: Family-Owned timmy t’s gourmet grinders Embodies aloha spirit throughout hawaii and Beyond
Have Your Say
42 Mike Stone: 5 tips for Franchise success in 2025
Snapshot
46 Donar Shack: Doner shack go global with major india deal
Expert Advice
34 Chris Conner: selling Back time: the art of Efficiency in the Fast- casual Model
38 David Dunsmuir: close the retirement savings gap by Becoming a Franchise Owner
40 Jeff Salter: Ongoing Educational programs result in Franchising success
44 Charles Bonfiglio: Unlock success and sustained growth by choosing a diversified franchise
t ro Pical sM oothie c aFe® Celebrates its 1,500th Cafe Opening
Tropical Smoothie Cafe, one of the nation’s leading fast-casual restaurant brands consistently recognized for its long-standing commitment to quality, innovation, and franchisee success, announced today that the brand has reached a significant milestone by officially opening its 1,500th cafe.
Located in the brand’s home state of g eorgia, the new cafe will hosted its grand opening on n ovember 15 at 3630 Browns Bridge r oad in cumming.
Multi-unit franchisee, Mike haines, will operate the 1,500th cafe. t his will be his eighth location. since joining the company in 2015,
haines has been driven by the brand’s commitment to serving freshly prepared food and smoothies with exceptional service and an emphasis on community involvement, which are values he resonates with deeply.
“ t he opening of our 1,500th tropical smoothie c afe in a key market is a reflection of the tremendous growth we’ve achieved, thanks to dedicated franchisees like Mike who embrace our vision to inspire Better® in their communities,” said Max Wetzel, cEO of tropical smoothie c afé, LLc . “Mike’s success with his current locations makes him the perfect franchisee to expand with for this special opening.
haines will donate $1,500 to Meals by g race, a local non-profit organization that supports children facing food insecurity. additionally, tropical smoothie c afe will donate $1,500 to the brand’s partnered nonprofit, n o Kid hungry®.
“Being part of such a special achievement for the tropical smoothie c afe brand is truly an honor,” said haines. “ t he sense of community within this brand is remarkable, and it makes celebrating moments like this even more rewarding.
www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com
Xo i and n ei G h B orly® equip 4,000 home service franchise owners with seamless referral solution
XOi, a leading provider of technicianfocused technology solutions for commercial and residential field service companies, announces a new partnership with Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services company.
More than 4,000 n eighborly franchise owners can now use XOi’s digital field service application to connect and instantly share customer referrals across 19 of the company’s home service brands. t he partnership leverages XOi’s industry-leading catalog of field service data and advanced artificial intelligencedriven analytics and insights, allowing n eighborly team members to seamlessly satisfy customer demand for home service projects while driving lead generation value for n eighborly’s franchise business owners.
“With this partnership, XOi is empowering home services business owners to fully leverage the resources and opportunities available in the n eighborly network,” said a aron s alow, cEO and founder of XOi. “ integrating o ur technology with the world’s most trusted home services franchisor ensures n eighborly owners have the tools they need to deliver worldclass service and support the company’s continuing growth and success.”
With instant in-network cross-brand referrals facilitated by XOi, n eighborly franchise owners can quickly and effortlessly connect their customers with
the trusted local services they need.
“XOi’s authoritative technology solution offers a tremendous enhancement to n eighborly franchise owners,” said Brannon Morrison, s enior Vice president, strategic Operations, n eighborly. “XOi’s ability to simplify the referral process through this partnership helps our franchises offer customers convenience and value that inspire confidence and trust, and at the same time we’re supporting new leads and opportunities for other n eighborly owners in the same markets.”
https://xoi.io.
t he r ed c hic K z Ignites California Growth with
New
Sacramento Location Following Fresno Success
The Red Chickz, the fast-casual sensation known for its West Coast twist on the crunchiest, most flavorful Nashville Hot Chicken, is making a bold entrance into the state’s capital with a new lease signed at 2115 Bronze Star Dr., Woodland, CA. This milestone reinforces The Red Chickz’s explosive expansion in its home state, following the brand’s successful debut in Fresno this August, where it quickly earned a devoted local following.
A New Flavor Experience Arrives in Sacramento
t he sacramento location, set to open in spring 2025, promises to become a go-to destination in the capital city for bold flavors, unique menu offerings, and an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere.
“ t his expansion into sacramento is a key milestone in our california journey as we continue to build our presence in t he golden state,” said shawn Lalehzarian, co-Founder and cEO of t he red chickz.
Expanding Statewide: Building on Fresno’s Success
t he brand’s expansion into sacramento follows the impressive performance of t he red chickz’s Fresno location at 3520 n Blackstone ave, ste 106, which opened in august 2024. Under franchisee Keerat riar, Fresno’s location has quickly become a local favorite, boasting a 4.8-star rating on g oogle from 175 reviews. t his incredible reception is a testament to the brand’s flavor and quality, offering california diners a unique fusion of nashville hot chicken with a satisfying california twist.
“ t he immediate success of our Fresno location highlights the strong connection t he red chickz is building across california and the nation,” said spencer sabatasso, Vp of Development at t he red chickz.
https://theredchickzfranchise.com.
Fa M ous toastery Embarks on Nationwide Expansion, Bringing First Location to Texas
Famous Toastery, the nationally-renowned better breakfast franchise known for its Famously Fresh and simple-scratch menu, is excited to announce growth on a national level with a signed franchise development deal in San Antonio, Texas. Local franchise owner Rachell Bonds, a retired Army Officer with over 27 years of dedicated service, plans to open the brand’s first location west of the Mississippi by the end of 2025.
“We’re thrilled to bring Famous toastery to texas, marking a significant step in our journey to share our Famously Fresh brand nationwide,” said Mike s ebazco, president of Famous toastery.
Bond’s love of food stems back to her time growing up in Louisiana. n ow, after nearly three decades of service to the country along with raising two children on a solid foundation of leadership and a deep appreciation for the importance of family, Bonds looks forward to her franchising venture with Famous toastery, a brand that seamlessly aligns with her lifelong interests and values.
Famous toastery is now preparing to debut a brand refresh featuring a vibrant logo to match its new orange and teal color pallet coming to its restaurants. t he refresh will also include updated food and cocktail menus as well as an upgraded digital customer experience.
AF ter
Famous toastery’s evolution into a national name began when the brand first began franchising in 2013. since then, Famous toastery has developed a large fanbase across the s outheast region of the U. s ., with over 25 locations between n orth and s outh c arolina and Virginia.
h and & s tone MassaG e and Facial sPa
The nation’s leading massage and facial spa franchise, recently announced the conversion of 30 LaVida Massage locations across seven states that were rebranded as Hand & Stone franchise spas in October. The expansion located in Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Washington allow Hand & Stone to optimize markets where the brand already operates and to establish a presence in new, priority markets.
“We’ve made the deliberate decision to make conversions a core part of our ongoing domestic expansion strategy. conversions are a win-win for the entire hand & stone community, including our clients, our existing franchise owners and their teams, and for the converting operators,” said John teza, president and chief Executive Officer at hand & stone. “ t hrough the addition of the LaVida Massage spas to our system, we’re reaching more consumers than ever before, and welcoming talented, experienced franchise business owners, who are already familiar with our sector, into our industry-leading brand. We are excited to partner with our new franchise owners and look forward to continuing our growth journey and exploring new opportunities to expand this strategy.”
hand & stone supports converting franchisees by providing a full week of new owner training sessions at hand & stone’s headquarters, deploying training staff to provide on-site support for spa associate, massage therapist, and esthetician training for all incoming staff, and makes a significant financial investment to support the successful conversion of each spa. in addition to the recent conversion of 30 LaVida locations, the group successfully converted a Massage Experts spa this year and 23 Massage g reen locations last year.
r achel’s Kitchen Expands into Texas with First Location in Frisco
Rachel’s Kitchen – the Las Vegas-based, fresh casual eatery known for its wholesome food and delicious recipes – has officially opened its first Texas location in Frisco. Situated at 3620 The Star Blvd. #1200, within the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters complex, the new franchise marks a pivotal step in the brand’s continued expansion efforts.
“We are excited to officially become part of the Frisco community,” said Debbie roxarzade, cEO and Founder of rachel’s Kitchen. “We see incredible potential for rachel’s Kitchen in texas, where
residents value fresh, high-quality food with a personal touch. t his opening is just the beginning of what we hope will be a thriving presence across the state.”
Founded in 2006, rachel’s Kitchen has grown from a cozy Las Vegas café into a beloved regional chain with nine locations. t he brand has developed a strong following through its approachable, madeto-order menu that offers something for everyone—whether you’re seeking a nutritious bite or a comforting treat. t he menu includes offerings such as sandwiches, fresh juices, salads, and breakfast classics.
With plans to expand further throughout Dallas and Fort Worth, rachel’s Kitchen aims to build on the positive reception of the Frisco location. rachel’s Kitchen is committed to not just delivering great food but also fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
“We envision rachel’s Kitchen becoming a staple in the texas dining scene,” added roxarzade. “Our focus is on creating welcoming spaces where families, friends, and professionals can gather, and we’re excited to build lasting relationships with new customers in this market.”
Mosquito authority + Pest authority Extend their Franchise Agreement
Mosquito Authority and Pest Authority, leading providers of mosquito and pest control solutions for residential and commercial customers, have extended their franchise agreement with No More Bugs, LLC, the brands’ largest franchisee, for another 10 years.
t his news follows a period of growth
for parent company Main Line Brands, including corporate team appointments, the launch of a new bundle for Mosquito authority and pest authority and the relocation of its headquarters to a stateof-the-art facility earlier this year. t he updated agreement will bolster Mosquito authority and pest authority’s reach in the franchisor’s home base of n orth c arolina,
as well as in markets across the East coast and s outheast.
“Our franchisees are what make each of our brands truly stand out – from the service itself to the experience provided,” said chris Buitron, chief executive officer at Main Line Brands. “Extending our partnership with n o More Bugs, LLc not only promotes the growth of Mosquito authority and pest authority brands, but it also solidifies our position as a franchisor committed to constantly improving and adapting our support to cater to our owners – whether single-unit or multiunit.”
n o More Bugs, LLc, operates in 35 territories across 11 markets including locations in Maryland, n ew Jersey, n orth c arolina, s outh c arolina, tennessee, Virginia and Washington D.c . Over the past 12 years, n o More Bugs, LLc has built a multi-unit empire in the mosquito and pest control service space. t his extension reflects their commitment to continued expansion, with plans to grow throughout the s outheastern U. s
sMoothie KinG APPOINTS NEW CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand and the first health and fitness fast casual brand of its kind, today announces the appointment of Jyoti Lynch as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Jyoti started in late October, and in this role, she will lead the brand’s technology strategy, ensuring that innovation continues to enhance Smoothie King’s digital transformation and guest experience.
Lynch brings over 25 years of experience as a proven technology expert with a successful track record in building and transforming well-known restaurant, retail, and technology brands; growing company revenue, improving profitability, and enhancing the guest experience. a s the new ci O at smoothie King, Jyoti will build out a comprehensive technology strategy that supports smoothie King’s
continued business growth, creates seamless experiences for guests, and helps to improve franchisee profitability.
“We are confident that Jyoti’s deep expertise and leadership will help us continue to innovate and meet the evolving needs of our guests’ healthy and active lifestyles,” said Wan Kim, cEO of smoothie King. “ i believe she is a great addition to our executive team and will help us continue to improve and elevate smoothie King’s technology capabilities.”
Most recently, Lynch served as chief technology Officer at r ed r obin, where she oversaw all aspects of technology, leading strategic and operational planning, innovation, and growth for the brand’s technology function. previously she served as ci O at both European Wax center and Jamba.
“ i am thrilled to join smoothie King at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Jyoti Lynch.
a dR eam of d ogs, a legacy of h aR d Wo R k:
s hemeck’s i mmig R anT
Jou R ney T o Zoom Room
For Shemeck Piatek, the journey to franchise ownership was shaped by family, passion and a deep love for his community. Growing up in Poland with entrepreneurial parents who ran a hair salon and a currency exchange - both pillars of their small town - instilled in him a strong foundation of hard work, resilience, and community connection. This upbringing set an example of what was possible.
When his family immigrated to the United States in 2001, he found himself in the fast-paced business world in New York City. For 15 years, he honed his sales and management skills working for major companies like Microsoft and Best Buy. These experiences shaped his expertise in customer services, business growth, and leadership. Nonetheless, he had a calling throughout his entire career – one beyond the corporate world – his passion for dogs. Volunteering at local animal shelters and training rescue dogs in need on the weekends became his sanctuary. It was a way to fulfill his passions of giving back and bonding with animals while maintaining his full-time career. When Shemeck and his family relocated to Richmond, VA, he saw an opportunity to take the next step towards building his dream career. He was ready for a change, an opportunity that would allow him to be hands-on, support his community, and make an impact in the pet world. That’s when he discovered Zoom Room, the nation’s premier indoor dog training franchise.
Finding the Perfect Fit with zoom room
Zoom Room’s mission aligned seamlessly with his values: fostering a deeper bond between pets and their owners while supporting responsible pet ownership. Having previously attended a similar training facility with his own dog, Shemeck saw Zoom Room as a unique franchise with purpose-driven
services. Unlike traditional dog training centers, Zoom Room focuses on agility, socialization, and interactive learning for both dogs and their owners, allowing for a shared experience that builds trust and strengthens communication.
Shemeck’s Richmond location opened in 2022 and has quickly become a valuable resource for local pet owners. “I wanted to create a place where dog owners could not only train their pets, but also find a supportive community. Zoom Room isn’t just a gym for dogs; it’s a place for owners to connect, share experiences, and learn more about their pets,” he says. His location offers a variety of services from
puppy socialization, agility and obedience training, playgroups, and even PupLates, all designed to enhance the dog-owner bond.
Bringing community Values into the Business
His dedication to his community in Richmond reflects the entrepreneurial spirit his parents embodied years ago in Poland. Zoom Room prioritizes more than dog training, focusing on community outreach and involvement by supporting local initiatives that benefit animals in need. He has fostered partnerships with shelters, rescues, and veterinarians to create an
environment for all dog owners, whether they’re new dog parents or experienced professionals.
“Community engagement is at the core of everything we do,” Shemeck says. “We’re not just helping dogs become bettertrained; we’re also creating a network of responsible pet owners who support each other. By partnering with rescue organizations, we’re making sure more animals find loving homes and the care they deserve.”
Zoom Room Richmond has become a community hub where dog owners to connect, share tips, and bond over their pets, creating a ripple effect of positive pet ownership. For Shemeck, it’s this connection—both between people and pets, and among the Richmond community— that makes his business meaningful.
Building a legacy in richmond
For Shemeck, owning a Zoom Room is more than a job – it’s a way to foster a sense of community among local pet owners and give back to those in need. He has been able to bring his passions full circle. From his days volunteering in NYC shelters to his thriving local business, he’s turned his lifelong love for dogs into a career with purpose.
As he puts it, “Owning a Zoom Room isn’t just about training dogs. It’s about bringing people together, building connections, and making a difference—one dog at a time.” v
selling back TiM e:
The aRT of e fficiency in The fas T- c asual m odel
In a time-deficient world, convenience and quality can no longer be mutually exclusive. Fast-casual franchises have emerged as a recognizable force in the dining industry, offering fresh, prepared-onthe-spot meals without the long wait times once chained to eating out.
For those who are seeking to own a business, the fast-casual model is certainly trending and with good reason — streamlined operations, recognizable demand, and scalable growth potential make it one of the most promising sectors in the restaurant industry. This sector alone is expected to reach around $302.5 billion by 2028.
When seeking a business that may work for your time, skills, and budget, it’s important to explore the defining traits of each successful fast-casual franchise you have your eye on. Let’s dive into some brands that have emerged in the marketplace and why they continue to trend with consumers and franchise buyers alike.
Today’s diners increasingly prioritize health and wellness, keenly aware of what they are consuming even while out and about. Bites and Blends, a health-focused concept that has risen to local fame in the Philadelphia area for its smoothies, juices, salads, and other items, has mastered the art of serving food that is both nutritious and delicious.
One reason why Bites and Blends continues to work so well in the fast-casual space is that it keeps its menu simple but versatile,
hris conner has worked in the franchise development industry for almost 20 years and helped over 600 brands franchise their brand and develop franchise distribution channels. He founded Franchise Marketing Systems in 2009, which now includes a team of 27 franchise consultants based in and Canada and supports brands around the world to grow and scale through franchise expansion.
isit www.fmsfranchise.com for more information
allowing customers to customize their orders. This focus on health-conscious, grab-and-go meals taps into a growing market of individuals seeking balance between indulgence and well-being. It gives them back their time without sacrificing their health. Franchisees will find ingredient cross-utilization, strong branding, and easy-to-follow procedures. Plus ongoing support throughout the life of the franchise.
tastes of the World that standout
Since fast-casual models are indeed trending, it’s great to look for concepts that are more than just burgers and fries — although, with the right branding, systems, and recipes, these concepts still do well, too. In line with this, cultural authenticity can be a major draw to diners seeking a little different.
Peri Peri Grill introduces customers to the fiery, flavorful world of Portugueseinspired cuisine, centering its menu around flame-grilled chicken marinated in housecrafted spices. This brand caters to spice lovers and adventurous eaters who crave
something beyond the ordinary, while also giving its franchise partners a steady dose of competitive edge and streamlined operations.
support-Focused and Franchisee aware
Based out of Florida, Box of Cubans celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Cuba by offering standout dishes like the Classic Cuban Sandwich, made with slowmarinated pork, serrano ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles. The menu is simple yet offers a heavy punch of flavor and variation. For franchisees, this means fewer ingredients to manage and a focus on high-quality preparation.
But there’s more to this franchise than melt in your mouth meat. The company is developing a new flagship location, double in size than that of their original location, in order to provide each franchise owner with extensive resources and
training opportunities. Box of Cubans gives its franchisees a dedicated space to showcase its operational excellence while delivering continuous support throughout the ownership journey. All in all, checking into the support and training protocols of any franchise you are researching is always a good idea.
the sweetness of specializing and speed
The Scoop N Scootery turns dessert into a fast-casual experience. The sweet-focused franchise has revolutionized the ice cream scene with creamy, inventive creations that have wowed even the most discerning dessert enthusiasts. The brand excels in delivery and takeout, making it a strong choice for entrepreneurs in urban and highdensity areas — sundaes are even offered for delivery up until 2am.
By focusing on frozen treats and toppings, the franchise operator can stay focused on operations, narrow in on vendors, and keep inventory costs low. The brand is strong and confident within the dessert space and offers a model that is transferable throughout all cities in the U.S.
elevating the standard
Sandwiches may be a staple of quick dining, but Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders takes them to a whole new level — differentiation with this type of fare is key. With oversized, flavor-packed grinders made fresh daily, this franchise blends comfort food with gourmet quality. ‘Daily’ is a staple within the brand’s vocabulary. Bread is baked daily. Bacon is cooked daily. Locally sourced vegetables are sliced daily. The intentional effort for freshness
and the extra time the brand pours into its food makes for quicker wait times for its visitors and tastes that simply cannot be replicated in haste.
Timmy T’s thrives by offering a menu that appeals to a wide customer base, from busy office workers to families looking for a quick and satisfying meal. The grinder expert also gives back another element of time with its one-sandwich-minimum delivery policy. For franchisees, the straightforward operations and strong brand recognition create a trustworthy platform for success in a variety of areas.
seeking a Fast- casual Franchise?
Fast-casual franchises definitely trend these days by expertly blending speed, quality, and innovation. For entrepreneurs, these franchises offer more than just profitability — they provide a chance to join an ever-growing industry that satisfies both the needs of its customers and the entrepreneur. If you are interested in diving into a fast-casual model like any of the ones mentioned here or would like to seek out additional opportunities, my team can help.
Visit www.fmsfranchise.com to learn more about our team, experience, and franchise resources.
For more information on how to find a franchise model, visit American Veterans Franchises: https:// americanveteranfranchises.com/
o hana aT i T s Fines T:
family-
oW ned Timmy T’s g ou R me T
gR inde R s e mbodies a loha sPi R iT T h R oughou T h aWaii and beyond
It all started with a vision in 2014 to create a sandwich shop that could serve up premiumquality food in a community-centric model. Developed by Tim and Tom, a father-son duo based out of Hawaii, Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders has grown from a kitchen table dream to a locallyfamous, frankly, kick-ass sandwich shop that has the locals hooked and the tourists pouring in.
Timmy T’s team works hard and always from three basic principles — fast, fresh, and friendly. This isn’t your average deli; it’s a bold, unapologetically awesome quick service restaurant with massive plans to bring their top-tier grinders and aloha vibes to the world. The founders were seeking something better than the typical sandwich shops on the market and set out to build the Timmy T’s brand with intentionality from the start. With three thriving locations — Kailua, Moanalua, and the recently opened Kapahulu branch — this grinder expert has now set its sights on further growth and franchising.
quality in action
Bonded by more than just blood, Tom and Tim have another trait in common — they are unapologetically passionate about quality at its finest. Timmy T’s kicks off each day baking bread on site, slicing locally-sourced veggies, and preparing premium meats and cheeses for their many sandwiches. Timmy T’s is a testament to the versatility of the grinder in action and also offers the Walking Salad — all of the freshness and deliciousness of a Timmy T’s sub wrapped in a crisp lettuce leaf instead of bread. Add in their secret weapon — a team that genuinely loves what they do and one that goes above and beyond for its customers —and it’s no wonder the brand has become a staple in the local food scene.
community love Meets Best sandwich
Locals and tourists alike rave about the experience: not just the sandwiches but the vibe. Timmy T’s is the place where next-level fare meets laid-back energy, and that combo keeps people coming back for more. Their recent expansion to Kapahulu — thanks to a demand for more locations from its fans and a solid operating model — marks a major milestone for the brand, adding to their existing spots in Kailua and Moanalua. This third location further asserts the sandwich shop’s reputation as a QSR that delivers big flavor and even bigger community love. From local schools to first responders, the sandwich expert works to offer give-back days and promotions.
Timmy T’s is also unique due to its one sandwich minimum for delivery. This impactful gesture further cements the amazing attitude that Timmy T’s sprouts from — to get its appetite-invoking creations into the hands of anyone and everyone in the area. It also offers catering, including customizable options for all dietary preferences and tastes.
Franchise Partners Wanted
Timmy T’s has officially joined the franchise game, and they’re looking for partners who share their passion for awesome food and epic customer service.
Timmy T’s is looking to bring aboard franchisees who are willing to seamlessly merge with the brand philosophy and attitude that has grown the brand into what it is today. Hands-on hard work. Attention to all the details. Developing community relationships. It’s what makes Timmy T’s a unique player in the restaurant industry.
Timmy T’s gives its franchise partners everything they need to run a standout sandwich shop that everyone will love. Franchisees get hands-on training, ongoing support, and a proven blueprint for success. Operational procedures, store design layout guidance, marketing strategies, and ongoing research and development are all included too.
Their franchise model is built to empower entrepreneurs while keeping things simple, scalable, and stress-free. From a list of well-established vendors to a playbook for hiring the very best employees, Timmy T’s has really nailed down the secrets to successful franchising, especially in the QSR segment of the restaurant space — a segment that is expected to grow from $971.36 billion this year up to around $1,930.14 billion by 2032 .
“ A This isn’t your average deli; it’s a bold, unapologetically awesome quick service restaurant with massive plans to bring their toptier grinders and aloha vibes to the world.”
Why timmy t’s stands out
If we are being honest, there’s no shortage of sandwich shops out there. But Timmy T’s has dominated throughout its local area and within all its locations due to several differentiators. Here are a few points that makes the grinder shop different:
• Epic Customer Experience: Fast, fresh, and friendly isn’t just a tagline — it’s a mantra. Whether it’s the perfectly crafted sandwich or the team’s everpositive attitude, Timmy T’s turns every visit into a memorable experience for the review board. The above-and-beyond attitude is a requirement for every employee and is upheld in the strictest sense.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Not every sandwich shop can boast a daily touch like Timmy T’s. The smell of fresh baked bread in the air, crispy flavorful vegetables, freshly cooked bacon, and brand name meats and cheeses truly make all the difference in taste.
• Community-Centric Approach: Timmy T’s doesn’t just serve sandwiches; they serve their community. Each location feels like a local hangout spot where everyone’s welcome.
timmy t’s ohana Beckons
Timmy T’s isn’t just a business — it’s a fulfilling family-esque lifestyle that is bound to level up life. For franchise partners, it’s a chance to be part of something that’s fun and rewarding . For customers, it’s a place to get a sandwich that can literally turn the day around.
Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders is all about setting the bar higher, building community, and doing it all with Aloha Spirit at the forefront. Make something legendary with Timmy T’s Gourmet Grinders by visiting https://www. timmytsgourmetgrinders.com/sandwichfranchise-for-sale.
c lose The Re TiR emenT s avings g aP by becoming a fR anchise oW ne R
The difficulties of the financial market’s effects on retirement savings, and the need to stay active even after leaving employment are two issues that concern many older Americans who are nearing retirement age.
Many retirees enjoy their newly found freedom, but as people live longer, these retirees may soon wonder if their savings will be enough and begin to consider ways to add to their income. That’s why franchising has become such a viable option for so many older Americans who want to work on their own terms. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation has found that Americans between the ages of 55 and 65 start more businesses than any other
age group other than those in the 45 to 55 age range. Since the United States populace is getting older, it stands to reason that many Americans of retirement age are considering entrepreneurship as a way to help them earn money on their own terms. Franchising is a great avenue for this recently discovered entrepreneurial spirit since it allows franchisees to own their own business with the comfort of a proven business model.
In addition, franchise owners come from a variety of industries and career paths. From teachers and lawyers to veterans and government employees, franchising provides an opportunity for ownership to a variety of individuals who are seeking to create their legacy. Using a proven business model, retirees in almost any industry can partner with a franchisor and continue on their financial journey.
low investment, high return
One of the reasons many retirees are choosing to join a home service franchise to help close their savings gap is because many franchises can be bought with a low initial investment but have the potential for a high return on investment (ROI).
Compared with starting a new business from scratch, a home service franchise opportunity can require a much lower initial investment. This makes it much more feasible for retirees who have limited access to capital. The reason for such a high ROI is because
franchisors provide owners with a proven brand with blueprints for operations and marketing built for scalability across markets, regions, countries and even globally. In addition, there is potential for increasing buying power within a home service franchisor’s network or supercharged at a platform level, which help franchise owners lower overhead costs and gain access to resources and vendors to create efficiencies to scale their business.
More Brand recognition
Another reason home service franchises are so attractive to retirees is that franchise owners have to spend less on garnering local name recognition.
If you start your own business, you will need to spend a significant amount of your marketing budget just to get your name in front of potential customers. Home service franchise brands, especially those who are growing, have established brand recognition, trust and credibility. Customers expect to have the same consistent experience with a franchise brand in Florida just as they would in California. Studies have shown that customers more often do business with brands they know and trust.
As franchise brands expand their footprint, awareness increases, creating accelerated development opportunities for new franchise owners to bring a franchise brand to their community. Retirees gain more confidence that their investment will pay off and allow them to earn a profit more quickly.
a Proven track record
Unlike playing the stock market or starting a new business, the franchise model includes an established operational system that has proven to be successful in other locations.
Not only has the franchisor established the brand and set up shop in other markets, they also have established training programs built to help their franchise owners become and remain successful. It’s in a franchisor’s best interest to have fruitful franchised locations. To attract new entrepreneurs to help expand the franchise brand’s footprint, existing owners and new owners need to be growing profitably and empowered by their franchisor to continue success.
The Flexibility to Work Anywhere
One of the reasons most people look forward to retirement is because they want the flexibility to build their own schedule. Many home service franchise brands allow aspiring business owners the opportunity to be home-based and flexible. Whether they want to work from home or keep irregular hours, they can hire team members to take on workload and various functions to help scale the business faster. This allows the owner the freedom to spend their time vacationing or working on hobbies while still staying connected to their business.
While most retirees are looking for ways to boost their retirement income, others simply don’t want to exit the working world entirely. Franchises are also a great way to keep your business skills sharp or help you stay connected to your local community.
david d unsmuir is the President of Gotcha Covered, a custom window treatment franchise that has over 160 franchises in the United States and Canada combined. The company specializes in providing end-to-end consultation to its clients.
for more information, please visit gotchacovered.com. for more information regarding g otcha covered franchising opportunities, please visit gotchacoveredfranchising.com.
things to consider
As with any new business venture, retirees looking to enter into a franchising agreement will want to look before they leap.
Some things you should consider before investing your savings into a franchise include:
• The total investment cost: Make sure that the initial franchise fee, startup costs and other incidentals fit within your retirement budget. There are countless resources available online to help guide you on industries and services you’re most interested in coupled with your financial readiness. Every franchise brand has a franchise development team or coach ready to help guide you through the journey to becoming a franchise owner.
• Ongoing or other fees: You should evaluate yearly operational fees, ongoing royalty payments, marketing funds and other recurring costs before signing any commitment.
• Revenue and earnings potential: When meeting with potential franchisors, you will receive the brand’s financial disclosure document (FDD). The FDD is a legal document that franchisors must provide to prospective franchise owners before awarding a franchise. The FDD's purpose is to ensure that prospects make an informed decision before investing in the franchise. Dig into the franchisor’s Item 19 in their current FDD, and talk with current franchise owners to learn more about the franchise brand’s revenue and earnings potential.
• Local demand: Chances are your franchisor has done the market research on local demand for their product or service, and then built territories based on this research. The franchisor will help map your territory and local market dynamics, to help position your business for success.
• Network culture and brand equity: You wouldn’t pick friends or a spouse without making sure your vision of the future and your passions align. The same is true when entering into a business agreement and opportunity to grow and scale a business. Make sure you like the brand, the franchisor’s support team and your fellow potential franchise owners.
Franchising is fast becoming known as the new retirement option. Not only can owning a franchise help you keep your skills sharp and provide you with an avenue to stay involved in your community, but it can also provide you with a much-needed financial boost to close the retirement savings gap or give you additional earnings potential to create the flexible lifestyle you want well beyond your retirement. v
o ngoing e ducaTional PR og R ams ResulT in fR anchising s uccess
Franchising can combine the best of both worlds: it provides franchisees with the opportunity to become business owners, while the franchisor’s proven business model works as a roadmap to help ensure success.
But the fact that a franchise has multiple business owners located in various territories means that franchisors can’t always control the message or the quality of the product or service being delivered, and it can be difficult to disseminate information and maintain a cohesive company culture.
That’s why establishing ongoing education and training for your franchisees and their employees can make it easier for you
to preserve brand standards throughout the system. Training is also important in improving franchise owner and employee satisfaction.
For too many companies, training is limited to the onboarding process but isn’t revisited often enough to be effective. In a franchising system, failure to provide ongoing training may lead to inconsistencies in the quality of work and tried and true processes are forgotten. Additionally, a franchisee’s knowledge of their industry can begin plateau.
A franchisor’s failure to provide ongoing training to its franchise owners also sets a poor example. If franchisees aren’t given educational opportunities on a regular basis, chances are they won’t be motivated to provide ongoing training to their own employees.
enhancing your Franchise’s Performance
While the failure rate for a franchised business is much lower than the failure rate of an independent small business, the number one reason why franchisees fail is because they aren’t properly managing their business using the franchisor’s established operating techniques.
As a franchisor, one of your most important duties is to provide your franchise owners with the tools they need to succeed, and this includes regular training to help them maintain brand consistency.
Keeping your franchisees up to date on the latest best practices, sales techniques and compliance issues is one of the best ways they can enhance their performance levels.
In addition, it’s imperative that you
keep your franchise owners trained on any centralized technologies you may provide to help them improve sales or enhance customer service. Whether you use a companywide customer relationship management (CRM) system or your technical team has developed an application to help manage your employees, if your franchisees aren’t using it effectively, it can result in an inability to thrive.
Ongoing training programs also help you build a stronger partnership with your franchise owners. Hosting regular educational sessions in person or via the internet keeps you in contact with your team and helps you strengthen your relationship through collaboration and consistency.
It also sets a positive example about the benefits of ongoing education and encourages your franchise owners to roll out their own training programs for their employees.
training helps Franchisees Value employees
When asked what issues are important to them in the workplace, most employees regularly say that they want more training and greater advancement opportunities.
Franchisors can help their franchisees train their employees by offering certification programs to both franchise owners and their employees that serve to recognize and celebrate locations that exceed operational standards or business values.
By developing a catalog of tools, training and processes that support your franchise’s operational methodologies, franchisors can encourage franchisee owners and their staff to better understand their roles, improve their leadership abilities and provide a standard of customer service that should be implemented across all franchise locations.
At Caring Senior Service, we have developed our GreatCare® method of delivering care. This methodology addresses the three most important areas of concern: quality caregivers, care solutions and active involvement, and is taught and reinforced through a certification program that is offered to both franchise owners and their employees through separate tracks.
To achieve the GreatCare® Master
c aring s enior s ervice founder & ceo Jeff s alter began his career in senior care in 1991 working for a home health care agency in Odessa, Texas. Four months later, he started his own senior care service to provide seniors with the non-medical care they need to stay at home. In 2003, Caring Senior Service began offering franchises and today has locations in more than 50 markets nationwide.
for more information on c aring s enior s ervice, please visit https://www.caringseniorservice.com/.
Certification, participants must complete a progressive program that begins with the certified level, moves to the advanced level and then culminates at the master level. All franchise locations that achieve these milestones are celebrated and recognized. Ongoing educational programs like the GreatCare® certification program provide franchise owners and their employees an opportunity to improve their knowledge, which gives them the confidence to positively impact their performance and ability to improve their skills.
Employees who don’t perform certain tasks on a regular basis often lose these skills. By offering annual training for your franchise owners, you can help them refresh their employees’ forgotten competencies and give them the professional development they need to feel competent and successful.
training improves employee retention
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that many of its member companies often state that they are facing unprecedented labor shortages in nearly all sectors. That means that most businesses are struggling to keep the employees they have.
One of the ways employees feel valued is when employers provide educational
opportunities. A 2022 survey of more than 1,200 employees conducted by The Conference Board showed that 58% of employees said they would leave their company if it failed to provide them with training opportunities.
If a franchisor wants its franchise locations to remain successful, helping them develop ongoing training programs and opportunities for career advancement will help them retain their top talent.
Franchisors should consider holistic employee retention programs which their franchise owners can implement that include a variety of benefits, but training should be an essential part of any retention package.
Training is a critical part of any franchisorfranchisee relationship because it helps the franchise owners run their business successfully. But it also serves as encouragement to franchise owners to provide training programs of their own for their location employees.
Franchisors can go a step further and help their franchisees provide companywide training programs that prove to workers they are valued and translates into improved employee skillsets and retention rates. v
5 TiP s fo R fR anchise s uccess in 2025
As the new year approaches, it is a good time for franchise leaders to start thinking about how to make 2025 a success. Being customer-focused, setting the company vision, and staying proactive are all keys to success. As CEO of CertaPro Painters®, I believe it’s crucial for company leaders to identify key areas to focus on in the new year and create goals and actions to achieve them.
Below are five strategies that have helped us consistently deliver results.
1clarify the Vision and Bring Values to life
The end of the year is a great time to bring clarity to the vision of your organization, reaffirm what you stand for and ensure your core values are lived out daily.
Everybody at the company must be rowing in the same direction to achieve success.
Set aside time to articulate the company’s overarching vision. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a revenue or profit goal. Instead, think about what is the most impactful change that could strengthen and benefit your team and your customers’ experience—something that truly reflects your values.
When clarifying your vision, ask good questions like what is one area we need to fix because it’s not working well? Or what is one substantial improvement we can make that will have an incredible impact across the organization? Once you identify these core aspects, the next step is to focus on actionable, measurable steps to support this vision. Clear metrics are essential because if they are not measurable, they will not work. Define the key actions that best support bringing this vision to life in the coming year.
2embrace innovation
In today’s fast-paced world, change is constant and embracing it is essential to growth. Tech tools are really reshaping the franchise world in real-time. Think of innovations like AI, automation, and digital marketing, which are all opening new doors for franchises who are ready to embrace change. By adopting innovation through technology, franchises can streamline processes and improve efficiency resulting in increased productivity. Instead of working on repetitive tasks, tech solutions free up team members to collaborate, focus on creative work, anticipate customer needs, and stay ahead of the competition.
With the utilization of tech tools and investment in different areas of marketing such as social media, digital marketing, and search engine optimization comes a valuable edge.
A well-known saying in the marketing field is “content is king,” and that saying rings true even more in today’s digital age. Great social media content, for example, is now essential to a brand’s success. Social media content not only reflects your brand, but it also allows you to consistently deliver your brand message across various channels
to build awareness. Video and images get the most attention on social media, but the challenge for any brand is to make a connection to the customer before they swipe away.
To maintain a connection with the consumer, a company must not only embrace innovation through technology and digital marketing, but also ensure it’s easy for customers to connect with them. To build a true and lasting connection with customers, brands need to provide content that is informative, educational, or entertainment-driven, but above all, stay authentic to remain successful. Making this connection seamless and accessible is key to fostering trust and loyalty.
3Fine-tune the customer e xperience Journey
To really optimize the experience of your customer, focus on the areas that you can control—specifically, at each touchpoint along their journey with your brand. Touchpoints can include each encounter and interaction your brand has with your customer that shapes how they feel about your service and the memories they carry forward.
Touchpoints aren’t measured by the financials of how much the customer spends. They go beyond the financials and are measured by the interactions that shape a customer’s trust, loyalty, and perception of your brand. Ask yourself: What is enticing the customer to engage with your brand, making them trust your brand, recommend it to others, and motivating
them to continue coming back? It is also essential to identify where you may fall short and the factors that are discouraging or disconnecting them from your brand.
Addressing both the positive and potentially negative pain points—from the very first interaction to the completion of the job—will help fine-tune the customer journey and align your customers’ expectations with the overall experience.
4develop a community involvement Plan
More consumers today are not just looking for products and services, they are gravitating toward companies that contribute positively to their communities and demonstrate a commitment to supporting social causes.
Franchises that focus on charitable initiatives and partnerships, and are engaged with their communities, are likely to build stronger and deeper connections with their customers.
CertaPro Painters’ flagship charitable initiative every year is Paint it Pink, a campaign that is dedicated to supporting breast cancer research. Since 2019, CertaPro’s Paint it Pink has raised $555,000, which equates to approximately 11,000 hours of BCRF research. Each October through November, CertaPro franchises that participate in Paint it Pink donate a percentage of every painting project completed and all donations go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the U.S. and Breast Cancer Canada.
aBout the author:
Mike stone is President & CEO of CertaPro Painters®, North America’s Most Referred Painting Company®. He was appointed President & CEO in March 2015. Previously, Mr. Stone served as Vice President of Operations from January 2013 until his appointment as President. Mr. Stone also served as Regional Vice President from 2007 until 2013. He has been with CertaPro® since March 2003, first as a General Manager in Development and later as a General Manager in Operations. Prior to that, he was a Residential Sales Associate for a CertaPro Painters® franchisee for four years.
To help franchisees distinguish themselves as a brand that genuinely cares, they can also maximize their impact by participating in volunteer events, organizing fundraisers, and offering discounted services to community organizations.
5Practice continuous improvement
As the saying goes, “excellence isn’t a destination, but a journey.” That journey of daily growth and improvement is what can truly set your franchise apart from others. We at CertaPro Painters embrace that philosophy wholeheartedly.
At CertaPro, we truly live, breathe, impart, and champion our company’s core values in everything that we do every single day. One of our core values is to “practice continuous improvement every day.” This means challenging stakeholders to get better at what they do, finding smarter ways to work, and pushing innovation. We believe that every member of our organization has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and we encourage ongoing development and innovation to drive excellence. Continuous improvement results in long-term success and should be a key focus for franchise leaders in 2025. v
u nlock success and sus Tained g R o WTh by choosing a dive R sified fR anchise
America is the land of opportunity, and many hardworking entrepreneurs look for success by opening their own franchise business.
That’s easy to see looking at the latest Department of Labor statistics, which reveals the franchise industry contributes a significant part of the U.S. economy, accounting for more than 10% of all businesses with paid employees. In fact, over the last year, there were more than 806,000 franchise establishments in the country.
One of the ways to ensure that a franchise to stand out is by becoming a diversified
franchise. In simplest terms, this is a savvy business model that offers a wide range of products or services, catering to various customer needs and preferences. After all, relying solely on one franchise service can leave you vulnerable to economic shifts and industry-specific downturns.
For instance, at Tint World®, our offerings include automotive services like window tinting as well as residential solutions such as security film. This gives our team an opportunity to reach different customer segments and increase overall profitability.
An approach like this allows a franchise to tap into multiple revenue streams rather than relying on a single offering, so if one area starts to lose steam, revenue from
other services helps sustain the business.
That’s why if you’re an entrepreneur looking to join a franchise system, investing in a diversifies franchise can offer multiple benefits for your success.
Pros of diversification
New entrepreneurs often look to start a franchise with an established range of offerings based on market demand and industry trends, but the shrewd ones—and those most likely to succeed—are those that diversify and go that one step further. Some franchisors will even assist franchisees in diversifying their offerings, including providing training, marketing strategies or operational support.
It’s not difficult to understand why diversified offerings lead to increased revenue streams, which are crucial for survival—especially in the early years. An ability to maximize profits with multiple streams of revenue increases the overall value of the business model for a franchisee.
For example, some franchises provide revenue sources that are especially beneficial during specific seasons. This seasonal income, combined with other service offerings, helps maintain a balanced business and may reduce the fluctuations in revenue throughout the year.
With multiple incomes, a franchise owner can invest in necessary tools, equipment
harles Bonfiglio is president and CEO of Tint World, a provider of automotive, residential, commercial, and marine window tinting and security film services. With Automotive Styling Centers in the U.S. and abroad, each franchise location houses approximately 20 profit centers, ranging from in-store accessory installations to offsite sales and installation.
and labor. This will help your franchise stand out in a crowded landscape.
Having more than one type of service is also a great way to establish customer loyalty, as it creates a deeper connection through more business interactions. Consumers prefer working with businesses they know and trust, so they are likely to return and utilize all aspects of the franchise.
A growing customer base typically indicates a rising demand for additional services, so it’s important to stay open to expansion. To identify emerging trends and opportunities, make it a priority to monitor customer feedback and inquiries. As demand increases, think about diversifying your offerings to meet a wider array of needs and preferences.
By utilizing multiple revenue streams, entrepreneurs can shift their focus to more profitable segments of the business in response to evolving market trends and demands. This adaptability enhances financial stability, allowing income from one stream to compensate for any downturns in another.
Potential cons
Still, there are some challenges to running a diversified franchise. A common mistake new franchisees make is overextending themselves by offering a wide range of services beyond their capabilities, so you need to be able to deliver on what you promise.
Without proper focus, overextending can lead to diminished service quality.
And depending on whether staff works across multiple facets of the franchise, responsibilities may become stretched. You don’t want them helping one customer
“ An ability to maximize profits with multiple streams of revenue increases the overall value of the business model for a franchisee.”
when they get a call about related to another part of the business, which also demand your immediate attention.
The smart thing to do is have dedicated people for each part of the diversified business operations. This will ensure that every customer gets top-notch service.
Also, while you may be knowledgeable about your original focus of the franchise, you need to do your homework and ensure that your new and expanded services match the skills and expertise of those who work there. Hiring experienced staff is crucial for success.
Once you establish a strong reputation for excellence within your franchise, customers will deliver positive wordof-mouth and repeat business will come naturally.
it’s time
So, if you’re thinking about diving into the world of franchising, now is the perfect time to take proactive steps toward success. Start by thoroughly researching the various franchises that pique your interest, paying special attention to those that offer diversified service models.
A multi-stream model reduces risks and enables franchisees to take advantage of diverse market opportunities, paving the way for long-term sustainability and growth.
Remember, trends evolve quickly, and adaptable franchises willing to follow them will thrive. v
d one R s hack go global WiTh ma J o R india deal
Quick service restaurant, Doner Shack, has announced a deal with FranGlobal, which will see them open restaurants in India. The popular Berlin-inspired QSR franchise concept has now confirmed that their biggest market deal to date will be India with a 150-licence agreement signed this week.
The brand which had recently shared its plans to expand to the US, is extending its global expansion strategy once again with India’s leading franchising solutions firm FranGlobal – setting Doner Shack up to become one of Asia’s fastestgrowing quick service restaurants.
India is rapidly becoming a global franchise hotspot with the QSR market size estimated at an enormous 25.46 billion USD in 2024, expected to reach 38.71 billion USD by 2029. The country is poised to become the third-largest consumer market accompanied by over 85% growth in number of highnet-worth investors. Due to India’s continuous urbanisation, there are ever-growing locations for opportunity.
Chairman and founder of FranGlobal, Gaurav Marya, became interested in Doner Shack after recognising their huge potential to thrive in the region. Gaurav began investing in businesses at the age of just 16 in his home country of India which continues to be the primary location of his investments. His entrepreneurship has since seen great success and in 1999 he set up Franchise India which is today the largest integrated franchise and retail solution company in Asia.
Gaurav said: “I know India’s franchise sector extremely well and recognise there is a prominent place for Doner Shack within it. Their team has worked hard to appeal to multiple markets, and I believe the benefits will become apparent with the unfolding of this deal. I’m looking forward to expanding my networks in India and for Doner Shack to become a part of it.”
Doner Shack’s key customer target demographic is aged between 18 and 34 and since 65% of Indians are under 35 years old, they are a prime market for the brand. According to reports, most young adults in India are dining out at least once a week, with online ordering and pick-up becoming increasingly popular since there is little current tradition
of going to restaurants or public dining. India’s Gen Z are reported to be living in the moment, indulging in affordable goods that offer instant gratification, such as a quick bite to eat. As a result, dining out for long and expensive meals is seeing a decline whilst QSRs are rising in popularity.
Co-founder of Doner Shack, Sanj Sanghera, said: “Gaurav’s years of experience dealing with the Indian franchise industry and prospective franchisees is tremendously valuable to a brand like ours. This deal is huge for Doner Shack as a brand and we can’t wait to see the first of many restaurants open in the region.”
For more information on Doner Shack, please visit: https://www.donershack.com/
