1851

The Franchise Leader:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-rincione-03a56735/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=2024s-top-women-in-franchising-samantha-rincione-2725299" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samantha Rincione</a>The Company: Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ1851 Franchise talked with Samantha Rincione, founder and CEO of Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ, about her journey in franchising, her accomplishments in the industry, and the strategies she suggests for franchisors looking to empower and support female franchisees this year.1851 Franchise: Can you share your journey to becoming a leader in franchising?Rincione:&nbsp;When I was 22, I found the franchise Red Mango Yogurt and Smoothies. I enjoyed the product and the brand itself. I purchased my first location and within three years I quickly had 10 locations. I became very interested, not only in the franchisee side of the business, but also the franchisor side, I thought it was very intriguing. I also co-founded a company called Emerging Franchises. We would assist younger brands in their startup procedures, sales, management and design. I enjoyed working with younger brands and not only helping, but watching them grow and thrive. My husband and I had been in the food and franchise industry most of his career and all mine, so we decided to found Crave. The goal was to found a company where it was a family-friendly environment — where there was something for everyone, with delicious food and offerings. Now, at 35 years old, I have accomplished that goal.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: What are the unique challenges and opportunities for women in franchising?Rincione:&nbsp;Being a woman in the franchising world is interesting, to say the least. Personally, I love meeting other women entrepreneurs and business owners. There’s always insight and stories to share. I tend to think women can be more open with each other and genuinely want to see other women grow and succeed. I have noticed at times men may not take women seriously, but they should — we are a force to be reckoned with. Years ago, I found it to be more of a problem to be heard and seen. However, as the years go on, I am finding it easier as more women are starting to be in lead roles, especially in the food and franchising industry.1851 Franchise: How do you define success in your role?Rincione:&nbsp;Success, to me, is defined by continuous growth of our company. Signing additional franchisees for brick-and-mortar units as well as food trucks across the country. Also, for existing franchisees to meet their sales goals. Brand awareness is also very big; we put a big emphasis as a younger company to make our name known. We want to be “Craved” across the country. Seeing our franchisees’ growth with the brand growth as we spread across the nation with delicious food, self-pour beer and ax throwing means the world to me.&nbsp;&nbsp;1851 Franchise: What advice would you give to franchisors looking to support and empower female franchisees?Rincione:&nbsp;Do it! Women tend to be very detail oriented. I’m always an advocate to hear franchisees' opinions and ideas, whether male or female. The more ideas and eyes on things, the better, and the better we can grow.1851 Franchise: What advice do you have for any women aiming to enter the franchise industry?Rincione:&nbsp;Do your research! Know the brands that you would be working with and meet them beforehand. Make sure they follow the same values as you and are open to ideas and initiatives.&nbsp; Never stay silent and always be open to others opinions.1851 Franchise: Is there anything else you think our audience should know?Rincione:&nbsp;In franchising, it is important to be innovative. With Crave, one of the things I always push for is innovation. The times change and your brand should grow with the times. You don’t want to become stagnant and lose your customer base. We are always innovating at Crave. Also surround yourself with people that will make you better. I believe I am a better leader because of the people I have chosen to lead and help me run this company. We are a Crave Family.

2024’s Top Women in Franchising: Samantha Rincione

Top Women in Franchising: Samantha Rincione

1851 Franchise

Each year, 1851 Franchise does a roundup of the most influential and successful women in the franchising industry. In this installment, we speak with Samantha Rincione, founder and CEO of Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ.

2024s-top-women-in-franchising-samantha-rincione

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Photo of a large group of people standing in a circle, placing hands together in center

Franchise Opportunities for Minorities: Expanding the Franchise Network

franchise-opportunities-for-minorities

Amanda Evans - Stellar Service Brands - Franchise Marketing Leaders 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Amanda Evans — Senior Vice President of Marketing, Stellar Service Brands

stellar-service-brands-marketing-leader-amanda-evans

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

2024’s Top Women in Franchising: Samantha Rincione

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS