The 8 | October 21, 2016

8. Brand Buzz: “How Shake Shack Achieved Rock Star Status in the Burger World:” Since its debut in 2011, Shake Shack has grown to 100 locations around the world thanks to its cult following. Adweek interviewed Shake Shack’s Vice President of Marketing Edwin Bragg to discuss how the brand is shaking up the fast food industry and creating disruption.

7. Brand of the Week: Dairy Queen*

The Dairy Queen system continues to experience strong growth in 2016 with October openings, and multi-unit franchisees are a major driving force behind the brand’s strategic expansion efforts.

Technomic named Dairy Queen the brand to beat in the Limited Service Restaurant Frozen Dessert category. The report shows Dairy Queen owned nearly half of the frozen desserts industry in 2015, outselling its closest competitor by nearly $3 million.

As Dairy Queen embarks on a strategic expansion initiative in New York, they’re targeting Albany, New York. Dairy Queen could open the first of 15 planned units in the area as early as next summer.  

Nation’s Restaurant News recently featured Matt Frauenshuh—Dairy Queen’s largest franchisee. Today, with over 180 locations in 10 states, he’s helped to give the brand a competitive advantage in the QSR industry—and he’s only 34 years old.

6. For 1851’s Emerging Franchisors series, we featured Laura Novak Meyer’s boutique photography studio Little Nest Portraits. We talked to Meyer about how she turned her passion for photography into an emerging franchise concept that’s positioned for rapid growth.

5. “Promoting the Local Economy in Sports Arenas:” Sobelmans owner Dave Sobelman talked to 1851 about his partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks and elaborates on why partnerships are beneficial for local businesses. Opportunities like being in the BMO Harris Bradley Center for concepts like Sobelmans present a unique type of brand awareness that’s especially helpful for restaurants that are looking to expand their reach to more customers within and outside of their local arena.

4. This week, a Togo’s executive shared five ways to delight unhappy customers. According to a recent Fast Casual article, Simona Krebs, manager of Brand & Guest Relations at Togo’s, provided top best practices for customer support that will increase the likelihood of satisfying your customers and improving your business.

3. “Why Private Businesses are so Focused on the Bottom Line:” When it comes to hitting your company’s goals, you’ll have a much better chance at success when your employees are included in your puzzle.

2. In the Media: The Columbia Daily Tribune reported that JAN-PRO is opening its first location in Columbia, Missouri. The business will be run by Master Franchise Owner Janet Mann, who currently owns a location in St. Louis with her husband.  

1. Power Rankings: Through October 15, Miracle Method Ranked No. 1; Toppers Pizza* ranked No. 9; MOOYAH ranked No. 8; Signal 88 ranked No. 7; Sport Clips* ranked No. 6; Pita Pit ranked No. 5; Checkers* & Rally’s ranked No. 4; Buffalo Wings & Rings ranked No. 3; Famous Toastery ranked No. 2; and Smoothie King ranked No. 1.