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    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.

    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.

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