1851

<p>After nearly 105 years in business, the aroma <a href="https://franchise.nathansfamous.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-james-walker-senior-vice-president-of-restaurants-nathans-famous-2715033" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Nathan’s Famous</u></a>’s signature hot dogs still wafts over the boardwalk of Coney Island, through Yankee Stadium, and to the New York boroughs beyond.&nbsp;</p><p>With more than 250 company-owned and franchised units (not to mention Nathan’s Famous products available at more 70,000 different retail and foodservice locations throughout all 50 States), Nathan’s remains a seasoned exporter of that New York flavor to the rest of the world, too.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2020, the brand proved that even after a century in business, it’s got some new moves. The brand unveiled a <a href="https://rddmag.com/development/3015-nathan-s-famous-announces-new-store-design?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-james-walker-senior-vice-president-of-restaurants-nathans-famous-2715033" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>new store design</u></a> and started offering a ghost kitchen model to franchisees.&nbsp;</p><p>1851 Franchise spoke with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwalkermobile/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-james-walker-senior-vice-president-of-restaurants-nathans-famous-2715033" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>James Walker</u></a>, senior vice president of restaurants for Nathan’s Famous, to gain insight on franchise development and growth.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851 Franchise: Nathan's is a well-established brand, so what is something people may not&nbsp; know about its history?&nbsp;</h4><p>James Walker: People know Nathan’s around the world for our flagship location in Coney Island, our annual hot dog eating contest and, of course, our world-famous hot dogs. What many people are surprised to discover is that the brand dates all the way back to 1916, making it one of the oldest and most successful restaurant brands in America. The other surprise for guests of Nathan’s Famous is how diverse our menu is.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: How many franchised vs. corporately owned stores are there?&nbsp;</h4><p>Walker: We maintain four corporate owned-and-operated locations, including two locations in Coney Island. These corporate locations serve to test new products and systems, as well as to serve as global training centers. The balance of our system is owned and operated by our valued franchise owners.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Are there any keys to consistent franchise growth?&nbsp;</h4><p>Walker: I think one of the most important elements is remembering how important your franchise owners are. If you’re truly concerned with their well being and treat them with the respect they deserve, they can be a huge help to growing a franchise brand.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What are the biggest hurdles to successful franchise growth right now?</h4><p>Walker: The restaurant industry has always been in a constant state of change. What is new is the pace at which that change is happening. The hurdles I believe all restaurant franchisors are facing today include ensuring they are experts at how their current franchise owners can operate successfully in the current environment. Franchisors must also be future-focused, flexible, agile, and adapt their business model to changes quickly for the success of both current and future franchise owners.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: How did the COVID crisis affect franchise growth opportunities?</h4><p>Walker: Current franchise owners, and prospective candidates, are looking for franchisors who are able to adapt their business model quickly to allow owners to be successful. This includes a concern for their financial commitment and well being.&nbsp;</p><p>At Nathan’s Famous we refused to change our position of serving the highest quality food possible, and remained committed to our entire menu being “memorable, craveable, and Instagrammable.”&nbsp;</p><p>What we did change was <i>how</i> we delivered that customer experience. We developed a business model that allowed current and new operators to provide both Nathan’s Famous and our Wings of New York brand to customers through a ghost kitchen model. This model works for our customers by delivering the highest quality products where and when they want them. But it also works for our operators because it’s quick to market and requires a capital expenditure of less than $3,000.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: Are there any common mistakes you see franchisors making when trying to grow?&nbsp;</h4><p>Walker: Yes, I see many of the same mistakes being repeated: Growing beyond their ability to support their franchise owners and selecting franchise owners who are not a good match for the brand.</p><h4>1851: How did you personally get into franchising?&nbsp;</h4><p>Walker: My first experience in franchising was while working for <a href="https://cinnabonfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=frandev-players-james-walker-senior-vice-president-of-restaurants-nathans-famous-2715033" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Cinnabon</u></a> in the early 2000s. During my time at Cinnabon, I was fortunate enough to work for Chris Elliott, who was president of the brand at the time. Chris practiced absolute candor with franchise owners, and practiced daily his “communicate and support” approach to running a franchise organization. My time with Chris was very helpful in formulating my approach to leading a restaurant franchisor.&nbsp;</p><h4>1851: What are your biggest goals/plans for 2021?&nbsp;</h4><p>Walker: Nathan’s Famous and Wings of New York have been able to grow through our ghost kitchen model during the pandemic, both domestically and internationally. In many cases these kitchens have been launched with virtual support. My preference is always to be closest to those who execute our customer experience on a daily basis, so my hope for 2021 is that I will be able to visit our operators who I have been unable to visit so far due to COVID related restrictions on travel.</p>

FranDev Players: James Walker, Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Nathan’s Famous

1851 Franchise

After a century in business, here’s how New York’s iconic Nathan’s Famous remains open to fresh ways of thinking. 

frandev-players-james-walker-senior-vice-president-of-restaurants-nathans-famous

Mosquito Squad Plus

How This Marine Corps Veteran Found Freedom and Purpose With Mosquito Squad

how-this-marine-corps-veteran-found-freedom-and-purpose-with-mosquito-squad

Spadea Lignana Franchise Attorneys

How The DeFelice Brothers Turned a $10,000 Loan Into an Award-Winning Franchise With Help From Spadea Lignana

how-the-defelice-brothers-turned-a-10000-loan-into-an-award-winning-franchise-with-help-from-spadea-lignana

Caring Transitions

How This Gilbert Entrepreneur Found Purpose Helping Families Through Life’s Transitions

how-this-gilbert-entrepreneur-found-purpose-helping-families-through-lifes-transitions

USA Ninja Challenge

Where Passion Meets Purpose: USA Ninja Challenge Gives Franchisees the Power to Change Lives

where-passion-meets-purpose-usa-ninja-challenge-gives-franchisees-the-power-to-change-lives

SweatHouz

From Finance to Wellness: Natalie Siewers’ Path to Leading SweatHouz in Northern Virginia

sweathouz-franchise-northern-virginia-natalie-siewers

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

Thursday 1851 Franchise Agg - NASAA’s Noncompete Push

NASAA’s Noncompete Push Puts Franchise Growth on Uncertain Ground

franchise-noncompete-nasaa-advisory-reasonableness-standard

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image  of Happinest franchise collection and all their brands that work together. 

The Happinest Advantage: A Marketing Partner Invested in Your Bottom Line

happinest-franchise-marketing-strategy

Ty McBride on Turning Preservan Into a Franchise: No Shortcuts, Just Persistence

ty-mcbride-on-turning-preservan-into-a-franchise-no-shortcuts-just-persistence

1851 Franchise Coffee & Analytics image with blue background and photo of Nick Powills

The Franchise Broker Slowdown — How Did We Get Here?

the-franchise-broker-slowdown

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

FranDev Players: James Walker, Senior Vice President of Restaurants, Nathan’s Famous

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS