Franchising’s Weekly Rewind

There is never a dull moment in the world of franchising. Blink – even as 1851franchise.com provides scrolling news updates from the world of franchising five days a week – and you’ll surely miss something. What? You’re not following 1851franchise.com’s News of the Moment yet? Get with it, people. For now, here’s a look at some of the more interesting headlines from across the franchise industry from the week that was… Papa’s Story If you’ve ever hung out in the lobby of a Papa John’s, and based on the unit volume of the mega brand, you probably have, you’ve almost surely seen the photograph of “Papa” John Schnatter leaning up against his beloved 1972 Chevy Camaro Z-28, which he sold to help finance his pizza empire. There’s far more to Schnatter than just that one moment in time, and Entrepreneur did a fine job profiling the pizza magnate’s rise to greatness. (Entrepreneur) Fishing For Answers The New York Times’ editorial board took on the subject of global commercial fishing that is equal parts fascinating and head-scratching. But if you are in the industry and connect in any way to fish, it’s a must read. (New York Times) Jump Jumps Up at Back Yard Burgers Industry veteran and well-regarded marketer Monte Jump was recently given the reigns over operations of the resurgent Back Yard Burgers brand. In addition to his role as Chief Marketing Officer, Jump also will serve as Chief Operating Officer. (NRN) KFC Taking a Different Approach in China Every brand that seeks to grow internationally has a number of challenges before it. One often overlooked is culture. KFC is known for quick-serve chicken in the United States. In China, it’s going a slightly different route. (China Daily) Shh, There’s Less Fat and Less Salt Pressure from all directions is leading some of the bigger brands in franchising to reformulate some of their menu’s respective favorites. But that hasn’t always sat well with the consumers that actually might want to eat something that tastes good to them. A dilemma? The definition of the word, my friend. (Sorry, WSJ non-subscribers, this one may be pay-wall protected.) (Wall Street Journal) Muscle Maker Grill Flashes a “W” in Enemy Territory in New Social Attempt Quick-serve restaurant brand Muscle Maker Grill is encouraging its fans, which it lovingly calls “warriors,” to flash a three-fingered victory sign via Facebook through July 28 as part of a disruptive approach in social media. OK, no big deal there. But the brand is encouraging their fans to make this salute at competing QSR restaurants, where meals leave their “warriors” feeling empty. Did I just hear someone scream “baba booey” in the background?  (Media Post) Some SMBs going to Instagram for Social Success Franchisees and small-business owners alike may find value in focusing more closely on their Instagram accounts when considering social media options. Per a story from The Associated Press, owners of concepts that benefit from sharing visuals are seeing good return from the photo-sharing site. (The Associated Press)