Our blog is where we share insights from the front lines of franchising, public relations, and marketing. From industry trends and strategic guidance to lessons learned through client work, we offer perspectives designed to help brands stay informed, competitive, and positioned for growth.
Growth in franchising rarely comes down to one decision. It requires the right market, the right operating infrastructure, sufficient capital and a willingness to adapt to change. With rising costs, competitive real estate markets and evolving consumer behavior adding new considerations to the equation, franchise leaders are being challenged to think more strategically about when, … Read more
Owning and operating a franchise business is no small feat. Countless factors shape the viability of the investment, the business launch and ongoing ability to operate successfully.
Franchising offers exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs, but in today’s fast-moving environment, success requires more than simply choosing the hottest concept. It takes careful evaluation, strong operational leadership and trusted partnerships to weather unpredictable times. At the Northern Illinois Franchise Association’s (NIFA) Q3 2025 lunchtime gathering, Andy Jacobi—Jersey Mike’s franchisee, entrepreneur and executive leader—shared his perspective … Read more
Franchise success continues to hinge on one critical factor: a strong, aligned partnership between franchisors and franchisees. Nowhere is that more evident than in the way brands approach modern marketing. At this quarter’s Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA) luncheon, a panel of seasoned franchise marketing leaders discussed how consistency, authenticity and community engagement are transforming … Read more
Franchise success isn’t just about having a great brand or a strong business model— it’s about fostering a productive, transparent partnership between franchisees and franchisors. At this quarter’s Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA) gathering, Julie Bieszczat, CEO of Barney Enterprises and a 14-unit Wendy’s franchisee, shared insights such as how strong franchisee/franchisor communication and collaboration, … Read more
Franchisees everywhere ask the same pressing question as they build their online presence: “How can I secure a spot on the first page of Google results?” At this quarter’s Northern Illinois Franchise Association (NIFA) luncheon, Lisa Landsman, Google’s Head of Global Business Development, shared actionable insights to help franchisees, franchisors, and suppliers maximize their local … Read more
At the Northern Illinois Franchise Association’s (NIFA) Q1 event, attendees had the privilege of hearing from Baron Waller, a multi-unit Culver’s franchisee in Chicago. The event kicked off with lively networking among Chicago’s leading franchise industry professionals, all while enjoying some of Culver’s iconic menu offerings: the butter burger, cheese curds, and more. The event was hosted … Read more
At the recent Northern Illinois Franchise Association’s (NIFA) Q3 gathering, Geoff Alexander, President & CEO of Wow Bao and Managing Partner with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprise (LEYE), led an inspiring presentation on the invaluable lessons he’s learned and the mentors who have guided his career and Wow Bao’s success. During his 30-year tenure with LEYE, … Read more
For emerging franchise brands, it can be difficult to overcome the operational kinks and financial capital required to compete with big-name brands. That’s where umbrella brands come in. Many umbrella franchisors beefed up their portfolios in recent years, investing time and resources to scale emerging concepts to a national audience. The first Northern Illinois Franchise … Read more
