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-richard-huffman-britt-mckenzie-and-jim-dirugeris-of-celebree-school-2713005" 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-richard-huffman-britt-mckenzie-and-jim-dirugeris-of-celebree-school-2713005" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Conversation With webinar series.</a>In today’s morning webinar, Powills and Internicola spoke with <a href="https://www.celebree.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-conversation-with-richard-huffman-britt-mckenzie-and-jim-dirugeris-of-celebree-school-2713005" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Celebree School</a> CEO Richard Huffman, Chief Development Officer Jim DiRugeris and new franchisee Britt McKenzie about how the brand is navigating the pandemic.&nbsp;Here are some of the key insights from their discussion.<h4>Flexibility and Communication</h4>Right now, it is crucial to open up direct lines of communication between franchisees and franchise leadership teams. Maintaining a bullish attitude of “We’ll get through this and be successful” and maintaining frequent communication with franchisees can instill confidence. Franchisors need to deliver on the promises and commitments they made to their franchisees. Franchisors need to be flexible and be willing to have phone calls with franchisees during off-hours.&nbsp;<h4>Avoiding Temporary Closures</h4>Childcare is one of the fastest-growing industries, and pent-up demand for those services creates a lot of curiosity about the industry, both for parents and prospective franchisees.&nbsp;Should a business opt to close completely at this time, momentum may be hard to regain upon reopening. Closures might also drive customers to the competition, and some of those customers may never return.&nbsp;From a franchise development standpoint, brands that completely cease operations at this time may miss out on the prospective franchisees that are out there. The majority of franchisees coming into a system do not just want any business; they want a business that will allow them to leave a legacy behind and serve communities. Now that people are at home with a lot of extra time to think, these types of business will increasingly become appealing to them.&nbsp;<h4>Capitalizing on Real Estate</h4>Brands will have an opportunity to capitalize on real estate. Real estate brokers must be held accountable to help brands find the best possible locations.&nbsp;The goal of a leadership team is to make sure vision becomes a reality. Leadership teams must deliver on the promises they’ve made to their franchisees.&nbsp;<h4>Listening to Franchisees</h4>Flexibility, creativity and passion are very important at this time. Franchisor confidence will go a long way in reassuring both existing and new franchisees. It’s important that leadership teams present a united front.&nbsp;Brands don’t sell brands, people do. Franchisors need to get out of their own egos and listen to their franchise owners. Too many franchise sales websites just have pictures of buildings.

A Conversation With: Richard Huffman, Britt McKenzie and Jim DiRugeris of Celebree School 

1851 Franchise

Nick Powills and Charles Internicola are joined by Celebree School CEO Richard Huffman, Chief Development Officer Jim DiRugeris and new franchisee Britt McKenzie on how the brand is doing during this challenging time. 

a-conversation-with-richard-huffman-britt-mckenzie-and-jim-dirugeris-of-celebree-school

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

From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Howard Picker Is Using His Experience to Drive Sustainable Growth at Floyd’s 99

howard-picker-floyds-99-barbershop-franchise-franchisor-hot-seat

Jollibee -Launch-Story-Brand-Page-Deep-Dive-2025

Jollibee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

jollibee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Conversation With: Richard Huffman, Britt McKenzie and Jim DiRugeris of Celebree School

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS