🍟10/15/2024 – Franchises fight shrinkflation, disaster relief, and market expansion
FROM THE WOLF DEN
1) Meet the 61-Unit Franchisee Behind the Domino’s ‘Moreflation’ Promo
Domino’s Pizza last month launched its “Moreflation” promotion, taking aim at the rise in consumer complaints about shrinking portion sizes from across the foodservice and retail landscape. Dubbed “shrinkflation”—cutting product sizes while charging the same or higher prices—the practice is now drawing attention from lawmakers.
For Domino’s franchisee Pat Farmer, the campaign was an extension of the brand’s core messaging, which he described as “doing a little more when others do less.”
It’s a good thing Farmer believes in “Moreflation,” because he was the face of its TV spots. And while the promo—a mix-and-match offer where online customers ordering two or more medium two-topping pizzas for $6.99 each could upgrade one pizza to a large for free—ended September 29, Farmer said the value proposition for Domino’s is ongoing.
2) Fast-Food Franchises Rally to Aid Hurricane Helene Survivors
Big-name restaurant brands have delivered funds and food to Southerners swamped by Hurricane Helene. Bojangles, Chick-fil-A, Denny’s, Domino’s and McDonald’s stepped in to help after the powerful storm killed more than 220 people, leveled towns, ruined roads, and shut off electric and cellphone service. The storm made landfall in Florida on Sept. 27 and then moved north, where it deluged mountain regions, hitting western North Carolina particularly hard.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has already disseminated $210 million in relief, but that is probably only the beginning for how much FEMA will pay out because of the Helene. CoreLogic, a company that provides analytic data on property, estimated storm damage at $30.5 billion to $47.5 billion. In response to the widespread devastation, several fast-food franchise restaurants have stepped up to support survivors with meals and money. Among them are Bojangles, Chik-fil-A, Denny’s, Dominos, and McDonald’s.
3) Zaxbys Moves into Maryland with First Three Locations on the Eastern Shore
Zaxbys™ is proud to announce its debut into the great state of Maryland. Franchise co-owners Curtis and Teresa Snyder, along with Teresa’s father, Thomas Mitchell, have signed a territory agreement to open three locations along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The first Zaxbys in Maryland is slated to open in Cambridge in late 2025, with additional locations in Easton and West Ocean City/Berlin to follow.
Curtis Snyder, a local attorney and real estate developer, is enthusiastic about pioneering Zaxbys in a new market.
“We’ve always wanted to bring something special to the Eastern Shore, and Zaxbys is the perfect fit. The quality of the product, combined with the brand’s growth strategy, convinced us this was the right move. Maryland residents, along with travelers from Baltimore and D.C. heading to the shore, are going to love it,” said Snyder.
EXTRA SAUCE 💥
Protein Bar Franchise Development Plans Take Flight: Thanks to locations open in three busy airports and it first franchise agreements signed, Protein Bar & Kitchen’s development plans are taking off.
Still, CEO Jeff Drake is not ready to celebrate just yet. The head of the better-for you fast casual concept sees plenty of empty runway ahead to grow his brand beyond its current count of 16 locations.
Protein Bar opened locations in New York’s LaGuardia Airport in September, in Chicago O-Hare International Airport in August and Salt Lake City International Airport last November.
Perkins is adding a fast casual model, Griddle & Go: Fresh off a rebranding initiative, Perkins American Food Company – formerly Perkins Restaurant & Bakery – is introducing a fast casual model, called Griddle & Go.
The company is calling Griddle & Go an “elevated café experience.” Designed in partnership with The Aria Group, the concept features a footprint of about 1,500 square feet and seating for 65 customers, suitable for both traditional and non-traditional locations. The concept will also include digital menu boards and kiosks to drive speed and convenience for on-the-go customers. The first location is set to open this month.
Slim Chickens Promotes Christina Vaughan to Chief Operating Officer: Slim Chickens has announced the promotion of seasoned restaurant industry professional, Christina Vaughan to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
In her role as COO, Vaughan will be part of the brand’s senior leadership team. Her focus will be on optimizing operations, elevating the customer experience, and driving franchisee satisfaction.
“Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to work alongside Christina as she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in creating and enhancing systems and processes that have driven Slim Chickens forward,” said Rothschild. “Christina is a results-driven leader, highly respected by our franchisees, support center, and vendor community. I am excited to continue working with her in her new role, where her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success.”
Metal Supermarkets Las Vegas (South) Welcomes New Ownership: Bringing energy and a continued emphasis on customer service to an established local business, Metal Supermarkets is pleased to announce new ownership of its south Las Vegas store. Jim Issertell and Andrea Hellewell plan to advance the world-class service as well as inventory levels, which have been a cornerstone of the business’ success.
Metal Supermarkets now looks to Jim and Andrea and the store team to uphold the store’s passion of providing speed, variety and convenience for metal-seeking businesses and consumers. The new ownership seeks to build and sustain lasting relationships with customers through a commitment to world-class customer service by providing any metal, any size, cut and ready fast.
Fazoli’s to Break Breadsticks in Utah with Five Unit Development Deal: FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announces a new development agreement in partnership with franchisee Valor Acquisitions Group, LLC to bring five Fazoli’s locations to Utah over the next five years, with the first unit expected to open in 2025 in Saratoga Springs.
Since 1988, Fazoli’s has been committed to serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh, and friendly. From unlimited signature breadsticks to freshly prepared pasta entrees, the chain prides itself on serving high-quality menu offerings, all at an affordable price.
Blo Blow Dry Bar Inks New Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement in Atlanta: Blo Blow Dry Bar is thrilled to announce a new franchise agreement in Georgia. Behind the three-unit deal is Atlanta native, Jasmine Budhwani, an Atlanta local who immigrated from India in her childhood. Her first of three locations in Atlanta is slated to open in spring of 2025.
A pioneer in her family, Jasmine Budhwani, who immigrated to the United States from India, was the first to graduate from both high school and college. Her entrepreneurial spirit was instilled at a young age, further honed through her extensive experience in the service industry. Most notably, Jasmine was the owner of two hotels totaling 177 keys, where she cultivated a deep understanding of guest satisfaction and exceptional service delivery.
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