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<a href="https://theorg.com/org/woops/org-chart/benjamin-woodruff?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Benjamin Woodruff</a>, co-CEO and partner at&nbsp;<a href="https://woopsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WOOPS! Macarons &amp; Gifting</a>, has built a career grounded in entrepreneurial grit. From managing high-volume restaurants in his early 20s to becoming a key player in the franchising world, Woodruff’s journey is a testament to navigating challenges while keeping an eye on long-term success.In a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbXgT-n4pc8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">“Franchisor Hot Seat” podcast interview</a>, 1851 Franchise Founder and Chief Growth Officer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/powills?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nick Powills</a> sat down with Woodruff to discuss his accidental entry into franchising, the growth of WOOPS! Macarons &amp; Gifting and the brand’s forward-thinking strategies. Woodruff shared insights into navigating the challenges of the pandemic and how innovation continues to fuel the brand’s success.A transcript of Woodruff’s interview with Powills has been provided below. It has been edited for clarity, brevity, and style.<h3>Nick Powills: What’s your backstory? How did you “accidentally” fall into franchising?</h3>Benjamin Woodruff: I started out managing high-volume restaurants in my early 20s in San Diego. After having my son, my family and I moved back east to Atlanta to be closer to relatives, and I began looking for a more stable job with better hours.That led me to a position at what is now Franchise Ventures, working in the lead portal space. I spent a few years selling lead generation to franchisors, attending conferences, and building relationships. Like many, I stumbled into franchising almost by accident.<h3>Powills: How did you get involved with WOOPS!?</h3>Woodruff: After my time in the portal space, I started my own consulting company focused on outsourced franchise development. Ironically, WOOPS! was my first client. Things took off much faster than I anticipated and before I knew it, I became deeply involved with the brand. Fast forward eight or nine years, and here we are.<h3>Powills: You’re now co-CEO of WOOPS! What was your vision when you stepped into the franchisor role?</h3>Woodruff: Honestly, I didn’t have a long-term exit strategy when I first joined. I was focused on taking things as they came. Over time, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the private equity space and learned the value of building a strong financial foundation before considering an exit.We’re not in any rush to sell or exit. We’ve worked hard to build a great culture and team, and we love what we do. For now, we’re focused on continuing to grow the brand and support our franchisees.<h3>Powills: How did the pandemic affect WOOPS! and how did you navigate those challenges?</h3>Woodruff: The pandemic hit us hard. Pre-COVID, we were heavily focused on mall and transit-based retail, with small-format kiosks. When everything shut down, we lost about half of our system.One of the most difficult but necessary decisions we made was allowing franchisees to exit their agreements if they chose to, given the uncertainty at the time. That decision cost us, but it also left us with a stronger core group of franchisees.Now, we’re back to about 30 locations and focused on rebuilding to 50 units in the near term. We’re also exploring new formats, like a WOOPS! macaron trailer for events and festivals, which we’re excited to roll out.<h3>Powills: Does the macaron category create challenges for innovation, or is there room to grow?</h3>Woodruff: There’s plenty of room for innovation. We started out offering a broader menu but realized over time that focusing on one great product — French macarons — was the best strategy.Macarons are one of the most difficult pastries to make at scale, which creates a high barrier to entry. That’s a major advantage for us compared to other categories like cupcakes or frozen yogurt, which are easier to replicate.We also lean heavily into corporate gifting, which has been a growing segment for us. Franchisees can fulfill large gifting orders, and we handle distribution from our fulfillment center in New York City.<h3>Powills: What is the investment, and how do you address franchisee profitability?</h3>Woodruff: The total investment starts around $125,000, with a requirement of $50,000 liquid capital for our kiosk model, which is ideal for malls and transportation hubs.Our average unit volume (AUV) is around $290,000 - $300,000, with some locations exceeding $600,000. Profitability is key, and we encourage franchisees to leverage all revenue streams, including corporate gifting and pop-up events, to maximize their return.<h3>Powills: What’s your vision for the future of WOOPS!?</h3>Woodruff: Our vision is to continue evolving into a lifestyle brand that’s fun, approachable and innovative. We’re rolling out the macaron trailer and expanding our holiday market presence, which has been a big success.We’re also launching new programs, like a B2B lead generation initiative and an internal real estate team to help franchisees identify opportunities for pop-ups and events. Our goal is to make the brand accessible and scalable while maintaining the premium quality of our product.<h3>Powills: Any final thoughts for prospective franchisees?</h3>Woodruff: Transparency is at the heart of what we do. We’re not perfect, but we always strive to do what’s right for our franchisees. If you’re looking for a brand that’s honest, supportive and innovative, WOOPS! could be a great fit.What is WOOPS! Macarons &amp; Gifting?WOOPS! Macarons &amp; Gifts is the largest French macaron brand in the US, by volume at retail. We were founded by four friends in 2012 when they opened a hobby kiosk for 9 weeks and sold over $250,000 worth of macarons in that time period. "WOOPS!" there was a business. WOOPS! is a premiere gifting company that brings delight to consumers and businesses of all types with its array of pastries, flavors, color and quality. WOOPS! is a fast growing retail and digital brand primarily focused on gifting with over 5,350 locations using two retail formats: full-service, inline cafés and boutique kiosks. WOOPS! has a fantastic website where consumers and businesses can buy macarons and gifts for all occasions! Learn more about WOOPS! Macarons &amp; Gifting:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp%3Bredir_token=QUFFLUhqbDFKTTRsRzNwUVNvVUJNTXVrMDNvVnVPRUdsQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSk9SeFkyZHRxSFc2R1JCT1RFSWdFbTU3c1ZJdXQyVWNkZVY0dGpSUXdUYVdzc2F4NXQtWVc3Z3hkYXlaQ2U4c0NvVHJ1NHN1WUZNN2V4RlZVRGxrRWdQZFZDRXozNEdDaEgzLWc0OTlMclVMcGRtdw&amp%3Bq=https%3A%2F%2Fwoopsfranchise.com%2F&amp%3Bv=sbXgT-n4pc8&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://woopsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-benjamin-woodruff-is-leading-woops-macarons-gifting-through-innovation-and-resilience-2727997" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://woopsfranchise.com/</a>.

Benjamin Woodruff: Leading WOOPS! Macarons & Gifting Through Innovation and Resilience

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sbXgT-n4pc8

Woodruff discusses his journey from managing high-volume restaurants to leading a thriving franchising concept, sharing insights into the future of the brand.

How Benjamin Woodruff Is Leading WOOPS! Macarons & Gifting Through Innovation and Resilience

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Jollibee

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HomeTeam Inspection Service

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Top 5 Reasons to Buy a HomeTeam Inspection Service Franchise in 2026

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America's Swimming Pool

America's Swimming Pool Franchise - Justin and Kimberly Retzlaff - 1851 Franchise

How Justin and Kimberly Retzlaff Built an America’s Swimming Pool Co. Franchise and a Routine That Works

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Mathnasium

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How Pi Day Drives Mathnasium Learning Centers' Brand Awareness While Engaging Locally

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/gym-fitness-franchises/5599/">over $7 billion</a> in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown&nbsp;<a href="https://athletechnews.com/fitness-franchising-by-the-numbers-10-key-stats/">membership growth</a>, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Big Box Gyms</h3>When it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand.&nbsp;Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness Concepts</h3>On the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.<h3>Finding The Right Fit</h3>As potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial.&nbsp;Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment.&nbsp;When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-franchises-2025-trends-opportunities-2729600">The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to Expect</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-health-and-wellness-franchises-2729821">Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-wellness-franchise-guide-2729443">How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You</a></li></ul>

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

As the fitness industry continues to grow fast, the decision for potential franchisees lies in whether to invest in big box or boutique gym franchise opportunities.

How Benjamin Woodruff Is Leading WOOPS! Macarons & Gifting Through Innovation and Resilience

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