Chise Franchise News:

Operator-first publication for the franchise industry covering franchise news, stories, and practical insights. 

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
Menu Item
Cinnamon, and Garlic Bread Bites

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.

two burgers and two beers with A1 suace
Red Robin
Menu Item
A.1. Steakhouse Burger & Bacon ‘N’ Bleu Burger

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.

Drink on Cutting board
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Menu Item
Apple Pie Paradise Smoothie with Biscoff® Cookies

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.

Burger and milkshake drink
Freddy’s
Menu Item
Smoky Bacon Cheddar Stack

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
Service
Codie Blocks

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 in front of storefront of Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park
Product
Dippin’ Dots

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.

2 bags of chips from Chick-fil-a
Chick-fil-A
Product
Waffle Cut Potato Chips – Original with sea salt and Chick-fil-A Sauce

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

CEO holding iced coffee
Scott Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer
Caribou Coffee

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.

President Stacy Peterson Headshot image
Stacy Peterson
President and Chief Operating Officer
Jersey Mike’s Subs

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.

a man (Ben Kramer) smiling at the camera. Photo for new role at Bio-One
Ben Kramer
Brand President
Bio-One

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.

Sae Lee
CFO and CSO
Voda Cleaning & Restoration

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.

Image of Abby Olson against black background
Abby Olson
Chief Operating Officer
Picklr

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.

Jackie Secor
Chief Operating Officer
Taco John’s

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.

Franchise Events

New Jersey Skyline
NY-NJ Franchise Trade Show & Money Expo 2025
The Great American Franchise Expo
East Rutherford, NJ
September 6, 2025

  –  

September 7, 2025

The NY–NJ Franchise Trade Show & Money Expo brings together aspiring entrepreneurs, franchisors, and investors to explore franchise opportunities and learn about financing options. The event combines a franchise showcase with financial education sessions, creating a one-stop experience for building and funding a business.

Blue Bear art in downtown denver
The National Franchise Show – Denver
National Event Management
Denver, CO
September 13, 2025

  –  

September 14, 2025

The National Franchise Show in Denver is a two-day event where entrepreneurs can meet directly with franchise brands in industries like food, home services, senior care, and pets to explore ownership opportunities. It also includes free seminars on financing, legal guidance, and marketing to help attendees choose and launch the right business.

Washington DC IFA Advocacy Summit capital building
IFA Advocacy Summit 2025
International Franchise Association (IFA)
Washington, DC
September 15, 2025

  –  

September 17, 2025

The IFA Advocacy Summit brings together franchise leaders, franchisees, and policymakers to discuss key issues impacting the industry. The event provides opportunities to share the franchise perspective on Capitol Hill and strengthen the sector’s collective voice in shaping public policy.

Washington DC with Pink Trees
Washington DC Franchise Trade Show & Money Expo 2025
Great American Franchise Expo
4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA 20151
September 20, 2025

  –  

September 21, 2025

The Great American Franchise Expo will be held at the Dulles Expo Center near Washington, D.C. on September 20th –21st, 2025, bringing together entrepreneurs, franchise owners, and industry experts. Attendees can explore a wide range of franchise opportunities while also gaining insights from free seminars on topics like financing, franchise law, and business growth.

Hollywood Beach Florida sand and ocean view with palm trees
IFPG Annual Retreat 2025
International Franchise Professionals Group (IFPG)
The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida
September 29, 2025

  –  

October 1, 2025

The IFPG Annual Retreat 2025 will take place September 29th to October 1st at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, bringing together franchise consultants, franchisors, and suppliers for several days of networking and collaboration. The event features panels, speed networking, mastermind sessions, and social gatherings designed to spark meaningful connections and share valuable industry insights.

Downtown Atlanta GA
Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (FLDC) 2025
Franchise Update Media (an IFA company)
Atlanta, GA
October 7, 2025

  –  

October 9, 2025

The Franchise Leadership & Development Conference (FLDC) is a premier annual gathering that brings together franchise executives, developers, and thought leaders to explore best practices in growth, recruitment, and brand leadership. Designed to foster learning and connection, the event features expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies to drive sustainable franchise development.

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