1851

The coronavirus continues to have dire effects on businesses across the country, and the franchise industry is no exception. Franchisors across segments are strategizing new ways to support their franchisees, keep customers satisfied, help local communities and come out stronger on the other side of this crisis.To that end, 1851 Franchise publisher Nick Powills and Charles Internicola, founder and partner of the <a href="https://www.franchiselawsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-paul-gucciardo-and-angelina-perry-of-sobol-2712855" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Internicola Law Firm</a>, are covering the coronavirus and its impact on businesses through our <a href="https://mbf6e734.clickfunnels.com/webinar-registration1584137477175?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-paul-gucciardo-and-angelina-perry-of-sobol-2712855" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Conversation With webinar series.</a>In today’s afternoon webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with <a href="https://mysobol.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-paul-gucciardo-and-angelina-perry-of-sobol-2712855" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SoBol</a> President Paul Gucciardo and franchisee Angelina Perry about how leaders can learn from the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.<h4>Restaurants Are Adapting</h4>With rules and regulations changing everyday, it can be difficult to ensure that staff members are fully equipped to adapt quickly. Franchisors need to make sure that all restaurant owners are constantly communicating and supporting management and employees.Many restaurant brands are finding themselves well positioned for this situation. SoBol, for example was already primarily delivery and take-out driven before the crisis, and it has already minimized the amount of full-size restaurants throughout its network, which positions franchisees for success with lower operations costs, easy menus and streamlined labor procedures.&nbsp;As we emerge from this health crisis, the health food segment may be at the top of the list when prospective franchisees look for opportunities and customers look for options.&nbsp;Online ordering platforms are growing more than ever. It is essential to have those digital offerings working smoothly to ensure that customers keep coming back.&nbsp;Cross-training is also key now. Every team member should have a complete understanding of what the brand does, regardless of what department they are a part of. On the corporate side, teamwork needs to be the guiding principle, whether it be in operations, marketing or anywhere else.<h4>The Value of the Franchise System</h4>For franchisees, right now is the time to lean on the franchise system — not just the franchisor but fellow franchisees as well. Whether it is questions about regulations, SBA loans, rent deferment or staffing, there are so many ways that franchisees can help each other out through the sharing of best practices.Ultimately, the ability to push through this crisis and stay strong for consumers will be a huge validation factor when the country reopens.&nbsp;Constant communication with franchisees is more important than ever, especially as many owners become more involved in the day-to-day operations of stores due to diminished staff.&nbsp;Entrepreneurs should choose a franchise that they can stand behind. Whether it be the product offering or the core values, business owners should only invest in a brand that they are proud to be a part of. Coming out of this crisis, candidates should research what franchisors did to stand by franchisees during this difficult time.&nbsp;<h4>Emerging Brands</h4>Although there may be pressure to fit a certain norm, emerging franchisors will be better positioned in the long run if they stay true to their business model. For example, SoBol stuck to their decision to maintain smaller footprints and prioritize simple models, which has become a major advantage.&nbsp;The primary mission right now is simply to make it to the other side. Development might need to take a back seat to prioritize operational efficiencies and store-level success.&nbsp;While “pivot” has become a popular term during this crisis, sometimes brands need to dig deeper into what they were already doing right and drive that home. For example, SoBol concentrates on one great bowl instead of expanding its menu.&nbsp;From executives to store-level employees, there will be people who shine right now and reveal themselves to be truly valuable assets for the brand. How you behave in the time of crisis is what people remember, both good and bad.&nbsp;There are some emerging franchisors that use their size as an excuse, but it doesn’t matter how many units a brand has, it still needs to support franchisees in order to survive. Size is irrelevant, it is all about teams coming together to find ways to make it through this unprecedented event.

A Conversation With: Paul Gucciardo and Angelina Perry of SoBol

1851 Franchise

Nick Powills and Charles Internicola are joined by Paul Gucciardo, President of SoBol, and Angelina Perry, SoBol franchisee, to discuss how leaders can learn from the COVID-19 crisis. 

a-conversation-with-paul-gucciardo-and-angelina-perry-of-sobol

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

Right at Home

Right at Home® Named a 2025 Top Franchise Brand for Multi-Unit Owners by Entrepreneur Magazine

right-at-home-named-a-2025-top-franchise-brand-for-multi-unit-owners-by-entrepreneur-magazine

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite -Tips-to-Ease-Dog Anxiety-for-4th of July- July-2025

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

tips-to-ease-dog-anxiety-fireworks-4th-of-july

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

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

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

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

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

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

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

A Conversation With: Paul Gucciardo and Angelina Perry of SoBol

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS