5 Female-Led Franchise Brands

Now, more than ever, franchise brands are seeing female leaders step up to the plate to take on C-suite level positions. These women continue to inspire entrepreneurship and leadership in other aspiring female CEOs through their hard work and success despite existing barriers. Here is our list of some of the female franchise leaders making waves in the industry. 

Checkers* & Rally’s

The iconic drive-thru restaurant chain is known for their craveable seasoned fries and their “Crazy Good Food”, but what you may not know is that the franchise is led by an extremely successful female leader in the quick-service space. Frances Allen, named president and CEO of Checkers & Rally’s in February 2020, previously led Boston Market, Jack in the Box, Denny’s and Dunkin’. 

Orangetheory Fitness

The boutique fitness franchise was co-founded by physiologist Ellen Latham who created the wildly popular science-based fitness franchise after losing her job at 40 years old. Since then, the franchise has accumulated over a million members and about 1,200 locations. 

Amazing Lash Studio

The largest eyelash extension franchise brand is led by CEO Heather Elrod, who in just five years helped Amazing Lash Studio go from 53 to 200+ locations. Under Elrod’s leadership, the beauty franchise has also landed on lists like Franchise Times Fast & Serious and Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises ranking.

Blaze Pizza

The made-to-order pizza franchise is led by President and CEO Mandy Shaw, who had previously worked as the brand’s CFO since 2018. In the early years of the brand, Blaze Pizza was considered by Technomic as the “fastest-growing restaurant chain ever” after opening 200 locations in its first five years. 

Home Helpers Home Care

The in-home senior care franchise is led by President and CEO Emma Dickison, who has more than 25 years of experience in franchising. Prior to Home Helpers, she helped lead growth for Blockbuster and Sylvan Learning*.