Chise Franchise News:
Operator-first publication for the franchise industry covering franchise news, stories, and practical insights.
Franchise Articles
Why Pairing Franchise Menus With Consumer Staples Works There is a special kind of electricity when a franchise brand taps a product people already love and trust. These are not obscure ingredients tucked into a chef’s tasting menu; they are pantry-door mainstays and grocery-aisle favorites that millions recognize instantly. When…
Franchise Pulse
Keep a pulse on what’s happening with New Products & Service, Emerging Brands, Talent and Locally within Franchising
Launch Items

Domino’s Pizza has expanded its lineup of oven-baked sides with the launch of two new Bread Bite flavors: Cinnamon and Garlic. These fresh additions join the classic Parmesan Bread Bites and are available in 16 or 32-piece orders, with larger sizes included in the brand’s popular Mix & Match Deal.

Red Robin is launching a bold new menu on September 8th featuring steakhouse-inspired burgers like the A.1. Steakhouse and Bacon ‘N’ Bleu, along with fresh seafood entrées, upgraded appetizers, and playful new beverages. Guests can also enjoy the return of the fan-favorite Zucchini Fries with a new recipe and indulge in trendy drinks like dirty sodas, mocktails, and adult cocktails.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is blending fall nostalgia with tropical flair in its new Apple Pie Paradise Smoothie, available nationwide from 3rd September to 4th November. Featuring a mix of sweetened apples, cinnamon, banana, coconut, non-fat yogurt and topped with Biscoff® cookie crumble, it’s the brand’s first smoothie to include the beloved cookie.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has launched the limited-time Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack and brought back the fan-favorite Pumpkin Pie Concrete, both available starting 27th August at participating locations. The savory burger features crispy Applewood bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and Smoky Fry Sauce, while the seasonal dessert blends vanilla frozen custard with a whole slice of pumpkin pie.

iCode has partnered with Codie Blocks to introduce hands-on coding education for children as young as three, using playful, emoji-based coding blocks inspired by the PBS show Mia & Codie. The program will roll out across 70+ iCode franchise locations nationwide, making early childhood coding both accessible and fun through interactive toys, lesson plans, and the Codie App.

Dippin’ Dots has become the exclusive frozen treat provider at Urban Air Adventure Park, bringing its iconic beaded ice cream to participating locations nationwide. The partnership pairs two family-focused brands to enhance the fun and energy of the indoor adventure experience.

Chick-fil-A is introducing waffle cut potato chips in two flavors; Original with sea salt and Chick-fil-A® Sauce, starting 18th August. The chips will be offered as a side, snack, catering option, and later this fall in 7-ounce retail bags across the Atlantic and Southeast regions.
Talent Updates

Caribou Coffee has named Scott Kennedy as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following his tenure as CFO and Interim CEO. Kennedy, who brings extensive leadership experience from Target and KPMG, will focus on strengthening culture, enhancing guest experiences, and driving growth across the global coffeehouse brand.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Stacy Peterson as President and Chief Operating Officer, where she will oversee U.S. operations, marketing, and technology to accelerate growth and innovation. A seasoned restaurant leader, Peterson brings experience from her prior roles at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and nearly a decade at Wingstop, where she drove digital, marketing, and operational advancements.

Five Star Franchising has appointed experienced franchise executive Ben Kramer as Brand President of Bio-One, a leading provider of biohazard cleanup and decontamination services. Kramer will focus on strategic brand expansion, operational excellence, and supporting franchise owner success as the brand continues its national growth.

Voda Cleaning & Restoration has appointed Sae Lee as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, marking a key milestone as the brand approaches its 100th franchise owner in just over two years. Lee, a seasoned finance and strategy leader with extensive franchise sector experience, will drive financial operations, corporate development, and long-term growth initiatives to support Voda’s rapid national expansion.

The Picklr, North America’s largest indoor pickleball franchise, has appointed Abby Olson as Chief Operating Officer to lead operational scale and strategic growth. Olson, who helped Crumbl expand from under 10 to over 1,100 locations, brings extensive franchise and operational expertise to support The Picklr’s national and international expansion.

Taco John’s has appointed veteran operator Jackie Secor as Chief Operating Officer to accelerate growth, enhance franchisee success, and streamline system-wide operations. Bringing 25+ years of frontline-to-executive experience (Auntie Anne’s to SVP roles at GoTo Foods), she will oversee operations, technology, and training with a data-driven, franchisee-first approach.
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