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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-jackson-868aa624/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=longtime-restaurateur-grows-with-newks-eatery-a-legacy-of-leadership-and-success-2728408" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Todd Jackson</a> has been around the restaurant industry for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Missouri, his family’s restaurants sparked a passion for hospitality that led him to earn a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Missouri. After spending a decade with Chili’s under Brinker International, Jackson decided to pursue franchising as a way to build something of his own.In 2006, Jackson became one of the first franchisees of&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=longtime-restaurateur-grows-with-newks-eatery-a-legacy-of-leadership-and-success-2728408" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Newk’s Eatery</a>, a fast-casual concept that immediately impressed him with its fresh, high-quality menu and supportive leadership team. Over the years, Jackson, alongside a team of partners, has grown his portfolio to 11 locations across Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. His success is fueled by a focus on strong partnerships, a commitment to his team and a deep belief in the Newk’s brand.Now, Jackson is looking ahead to continued growth, excited about the opportunities to bring Newk’s signature dining experience to even more communities.1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Todd Jackson: I’m originally from Missouri, and my family has been in the restaurant business for generations — starting with my great-grandparents, grandparents and parents. Even some of my cousins are in the industry, so it’s always been a part of my life. When I went to college, I earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Missouri. Initially, I intended to go into the hotel side of the business, but when I graduated, I realized that hotel positions paid about $10,000 less than restaurant jobs. That pretty much sealed my decision, and I’ve been in the restaurant industry ever since.My wife and I met at Mizzou, where she also studied hotel and restaurant management. After graduation, she went to work for Panera, while I joined Chili’s, working for Brinker International. I stayed with Brinker for about 10 years before transitioning to Newk’s.When Chili’s started going through some changes in the early to mid-2000s, the industry itself was evolving. Around that time, Newk’s had just been founded in 2004. I joined the company in 2006, making us one of the first franchisees — possibly the third or fourth. While leaving Chili’s, I was figuring out my next step when someone suggested I check out the Newk’s concept. Initially, I was skeptical. At the time, Newk’s only had three locations and I was coming from a company with 1,800. But I decided to visit, and from the moment I walked in, I could see its potential.Everything about Newk’s stood out — the systems and controls were well-structured, the menu was great, the food quality was excellent and it was clearly duplicatable. My wife and I met with one of the founders and an original GM, and it was obvious they knew what they were doing. The founders of Newk’s had also created McAlister’s Deli, which gave them significant industry experience. We were impressed and decided to commit to the brand.At the time, I had two partners who were looking for an operator. I became the operations person in our group, and we opened our first Newk’s location in Birmingham, Alabama. Simultaneously, one of the same partners opened another location in Cypress, Texas (near Houston). However, that operator didn’t work out, so we merged the companies and have been growing in both areas ever since.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Jackson:&nbsp;I’ll tell you, my initial perception of franchising was that there wasn’t much interaction between the franchisor and the franchisee. I thought the franchisor would do their thing, and the franchisee would do theirs. While there is some of that, I found it to be much more collaborative than I expected.My wife worked for another company at their corporate office before we got married. When she moved and ended up in a franchise territory, the experience was vastly different. The franchisee for that company was far behind the corporate stores. Processes and practices that she had been doing for one or two years at the corporate level were completely unfamiliar to the franchisees. That experience gave me a somewhat negative impression of franchising, especially since I had been on the company side for so long. It took me some time to overcome that mindset.What helped us get past it was staying very involved. I’m determined to ensure we’re not out of the loop or left behind. Like anything in life, what you put into it is what you get out of it. By dedicating time and effort to being collaborative with the franchisor, we’ve managed to stay up-to-date and truly be partners in building the brand.I’ve been on the Franchise Advisory Council for several years, and while we don’t make decisions, we serve as an advisory board. The franchisor does a great job of listening to us, bringing ideas to the table and asking for feedback. Additionally, we operate stores in test markets, so we’re often part of piloting new initiatives.Looking back, my initial impression of franchising was shaped by both positives and negatives. The clear advantage is the proven product. The stats are staggering — starting a restaurant independently has about a 90% chance of failure and only a 10% chance of success. With a franchise, those odds nearly reverse, which was something I was excited about. As we got deeper into franchising, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a collaborative relationship with the franchisor is not only possible but incredibly beneficial — if you’re willing to put in the effort.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Jackson: I think this ties into what I just mentioned. The leadership — whether it’s the CEO, the chairman of the board or upper management — is a key strength. It’s a relatively small company, so there aren’t a lot of people at the top, but the leaders are genuinely willing to listen and understand what franchisees are experiencing. They operate their own restaurants, ranging from high-volume to low-volume locations, so they share many of the same challenges we face — whether it’s competition from catering giants, labor concerns or other pressures. They feel those same stresses and are open to hearing feedback, which excites me about the future.Another thing that can’t be overlooked is our food. It truly stands out in the industry. Our service model is closer to full-service dining than fast food, whereas some fast-casual concepts lean more toward fast food. We sit in that sweet spot, offering a level of service that includes delivering food, cleaning up after guests and checking in with them — things typically associated with full-service restaurants. That sets us apart from many competitors.As I said, our food is exceptional. While every brand might think that, the quality of our ingredients, the freshness of our products and the variety of offerings back it up. From pizzas and salads to soups, we offer something for everyone in a group. That eliminates the veto vote. For instance, if someone in a group doesn’t want chicken fingers or doesn’t like salads, it can rule out certain restaurants. We solve that problem by catering to different preferences and demographics.What also excites me is our broad appeal. Older people love us, younger people love us and middle-aged people love us. We’re not limited to one demographic — it’s not just men or women, old or young. We fit into everyone’s preferences, which gives us a significant advantage. It’s that universal appeal that helps us succeed.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Jackson:&nbsp;Yes, we are actively looking for new locations. Recently, we expanded our search to include three additional cities in the Mississippi market. We’ve also looked at several locations in Alabama, so our current focus is primarily on the Alabama-Mississippi area. We already have more restaurants in Texas than in Alabama and Mississippi, so we’d like to balance that out. Our plan is to open at least one location next year and another the following year.We’re also always on the lookout for acquisitions. Our growth to 11 locations has been a mix of building new restaurants and acquiring existing ones. For example, we acquired the Coleman location within the past year, Fort Worth about a year and a half ago, and College Station and Waco around three or four years ago. We enjoy acquisitions just as much as building new locations, and we’re very focused on growth.Our goal is to add another five units over the next three years. We’re excited about what’s ahead and remain committed to expanding strategically in the right markets.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Jackson:&nbsp;You know, I think there are two key things that make our story stand out. First, my partnership group is fantastic. We get along very well, work together effectively and even socialize together, which is pretty rare. It didn’t start out that way, but over time, we’ve built a strong dynamic that has been crucial to our success. Having great partners makes all the difference in maintaining and growing the business. I’ve had partnerships that didn’t work out, and those “divorces” were anything but fun. The group we have now has been through challenges like COVID, and we came out of it stronger than ever. That resilience is a testament to the strength of our partnership.The second thing is the incredible tenure among our employees. We opened our first location in 2007, and just yesterday, I celebrated the 17th anniversary with two of our hourly partners who have been with us since day one. And that’s just the beginning — across our 11 locations, we have general managers with tenures of 14 years, 12 years and so on. Our least-tenured GM has been with us for two years, while our longest-tenured has been here for about 15 years.This long-term commitment from our team is, I believe, the foundation of our success. The relationships they’ve built — with us and with their own hourly team members — are invaluable. When you have people who’ve been with you for 17 years, it speaks volumes about the culture and stability we’ve created. That’s what I think is the best thing about our story.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?Jackson:&nbsp;I think the advice I’d give is to really understand what you’re getting into when it comes to the restaurant business. It’s not easy and it’s not a high-margin industry. Success comes from doing things correctly, day in and day out. A lot of people who are new to franchising walk into a restaurant, see a line of customers and assume the owners must be making money hand-over-fist. That’s not the reality.It’s critical to know what you’re getting into. Do your due diligence. Understand the brand and make sure it aligns with who you are and what you believe in. If you don’t believe in the brand, you can’t change it to fit your vision. You need to buy into what the brand is, not try to mold it into something it’s not.Those are the two biggest pieces of advice I’d give: know what you’re doing and make sure the brand is the right fit. Over the years, we’ve explored other concepts and gotten very close with a couple, but they didn’t align with us. While we loved the food, the locations and other aspects, the upper leadership didn’t match our values or vision. It wasn’t going to work, so we walked away.The bottom line is to make sure you’re a good fit with the brand and its leadership. That alignment is crucial for long-term success.About Newk’s EateryBased in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual chain that operates and franchises just under 100 units in 12 states. Founded in 2004 and named after Co-Founder Chris “Newk” Newcomb, Newk’s offers salads, sandwiches, soups and pizzas, all made in-house without fryers or microwaves. Fresh grab-and-go options are also available, and Newk’s new mobile app, now available on Google Play and the App Store, offers mobile ordering for curbside, in-store pickup or delivery. In 2020, Newk’s ranked in Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Top 200 Countdown” and Restaurant Business’ Top 250 Chains. Newk’s has also been selected as a Top Food Franchise by Entrepreneur. In 2021, Newk’s was recognized in Nation’s Restaurant News as a “Top Scorer in Takeout Food Quality” and ranked among the highest “True Loyalty” scores – the percentages of respondents who said they visit because of a real desire to experience the brand, as opposed to convenience. For more information, visit Newks.com, join Newk’s Rewards or follow Newk’s on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. For franchise information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=longtime-restaurateur-grows-with-newks-eatery-a-legacy-of-leadership-and-success-2728408" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://newks.com/franchise/</a>.&nbsp;

Franchisee spotlight graphic with a photo of Todd Jackson and Newk's eatery logo on blue background

Todd Jackson’s Success as a Newk’s Franchisee: 11 Locations Strong

1851 Franchise

Todd Jackson’s journey from growing up in a family of restaurateurs to managing 11 Newk’s Eatery locations highlights his dedication, teamwork and drive for success.

Longtime Restaurateur Grows With Newk’s Eatery: A Legacy of Leadership and Success

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Why This Couple Left Corporate America to Build a Community-Focused TruBlue Business in the Town Where They Raised Their Sons

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For 10 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcosentino/">Giovanni Cosentino</a> built a corporate career as an executive assistant and project manager in various industries, including electric vehicles, blockchain, finance and adtech. Then, after a 2024 end-of-year layoff, Cosentino saw an opportunity to take control of his career path. Rather than jumping back into the corporate job market, he decided to apply his robust background in management and leadership to a new adventure, business ownership, recognizing that his background in organizing complex projects would serve as the perfect foundation for running a small business.Motivated to become his own boss, Cosentino turned to franchising. He liked the stability of service-based businesses and the demand for reliable home improvement. From here, he began narrowing down the opportunities. This led him to&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise. He's now getting ready for his official grand opening and excited to begin serving the Westchester community.Cosentino took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Giovanni Cosentino:&nbsp;My father was a dentist for almost 45 years in the Hudson Valley, and I admired his work ethic and his ability to make people smile with his sense of humor and skill. I grew up locally and earned my degree at Purchase College here in Westchester County. I’ve always wanted to be helpful to others, doing something similar to what my father was able to achieve, but in my own way.&nbsp;I’ve always been an independent person and a leader, managing people and projects really well. If something has my name on it, it will be good work. That's how I live my life: doing the best I can at whatever I put my hands to.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Cosentino:&nbsp;I spent nearly 10 years in my career as an executive assistant and project manager, but unfortunately, layoffs impacted my position at the end of 2024.Following that, the job search felt different from any other time. I looked at my skill set and knew my experience would translate well into business ownership. I realized this was an opportune time to bet on myself.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Cosentino:&nbsp;I explored over a dozen franchises, but I was being very selective as I didn’t like what their FDD stats were or the niche element of their business model. I was almost ready to move on and figure something else out, but then I spoke with&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> as my last franchise for consideration. It was the only one that felt like I could make it work. Having navigated multiple economic challenges, I’ve learned that blue-collar trades are always in demand. Painting, in particular, is a recession-resistant industry that tends to thrive even in uncertain times.Fresh Coat allows owners the flexibility to operate their business how they see fit while providing essential guidance and support, like an onboarding coach and a business coach. I also really appreciate the community of other franchisees; experienced members have been exceptionally helpful. Having this network resolves issues of not knowing where to turn or encountering challenges for the first time.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Cosentino:&nbsp;My plan is to bring a new level of professionalism to the industry. I want to be known as someone who can deliver outstanding results, managing a crew of well-trained and vetted painters using the highest quality products. We want to transform client spaces into a personal retreat, an oasis of atmosphere, or a comfortable abode.&nbsp;Over time, we will expand to provide full interior and exterior house painting, eventually lending our services and ethos to improving commercial spaces. We are also considering expanding to decks, cabinet painting, power washing and removing or adding popcorn ceiling and wallpapering.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Cosentino:&nbsp;Just like any other kind of business, make sure you have the appropriate amount of funds available for your venture. The initial franchise fee is not the only cost; you need additional capital for the “runway” before you actually generate revenue.&nbsp;Understand that it will take a large amount of your time, energy and resources to bring it all to life. But in the end, I genuinely believe it could be one of the most worthwhile endeavors anyone can do, with results that can sustain a family and bring great value to your clients and community.ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 190 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.&nbsp;

Former Project Manager and Executive Assistant Swaps Corporate Life for Fresh Coat Painters Ownership

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Family has always been at the heart of everything for sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor-2730454">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor,</a> so when they began looking for a new business venture, it only made sense that they’d do it together. Today, the pair are proud&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> franchisees, combining their complementary skills and shared compassion to make a difference in the lives of seniors and&nbsp; families in their community. For Zirn-Kashoor and Landis, the decision to go into business together was as natural as their lifelong connection.“The short answer,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “is that it’s always the right time as a family to be together. We were both in the right place to start that one.”Though life had taken them in different directions — with families, careers and homes of their own — the sisters never lost touch. “We were always in contact,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Almost every year we saw each other. So when the idea of the business came, it was only natural that we were both ready for it and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”That shared readiness made the decision simple: it was time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-home-care-provided-a-more-meaningful-career-for-these-franchisees-amid-the-pandemic-2715838">build something meaningful together</a>.<h2>From Sisters to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from family members to business partners came smoothly for the pair. “Because we know each other quite well, it came very naturally,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We recognized my strength, her strength, where we can complement each other — and it’s working so far.”The two sisters developed a natural division of responsibilities, allowing each to focus on what she does best. That balance has only strengthened their bond. “It brought us even closer to each other,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Usually, when you have family, each one goes to their business or work and then maybe you meet at dinner or on weekends. Now we are combining all this — we see each other even more now. It added positively to the dynamic.”<h2>Why Griswold?</h2>When it came time to choose a brand, Landis led the research — and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> quickly stood out. “She asked around, looked into different franchises, and it was the reputation of Griswold,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “From the first moment we spoke with them, it felt like we were joining a family.”That sense of belonging only deepened as they met other franchisees. “They are very professional, but there is also a warm environment,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “When we met other franchisees at a couple of events, it felt like family. It just enhanced our feeling that this is the right company we want to join.”<h2>A Family-Owned Business With a Human Mission</h2>As sisters and co-owners, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis believe their family connection adds real value to how they lead their business and care for their clients. “It’s an added value to be family working together,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We know how to divide the work, who’s responsible for what, and sometimes we combine our efforts on certain areas where we can bring an even better outcome.”That collaboration is rooted in shared purpose. For the sisters, Griswold’s mission resonated deeply. “The story of Jean Griswold is very touching and impressive,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “It’s not money-oriented — it’s very human and people-oriented. That’s what really drove us. Otherwise, any business you can start somewhere and think about profit. This is not the easiest one, but we chose it on purpose because we can relate to it … When you think about it, we are helping vulnerable people — people in need — and that’s something we are already proud of.”<h2>Building a Legacy of Care and Connection</h2>More than just a business, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis see their Griswold franchise as a legacy — one rooted in compassion and community. “We are certain that our hard work will bring very fruitful income,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “and we hope that this is the legacy we can keep as a name for us, for our children and for our family later on. There cannot be a better legacy than helping people in need and caring for the community.”Even amid the challenges of launching a business, the sisters have found unexpected joy in the journey. “The most surprising part is how much fun we are having,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We knew we would enjoy it, but we didn’t know it would start from day one. We keep reminding each other not to forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.”

Why Two Sisters Chose Now to Build a Purpose-Driven Home Care Business With Griswold

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://lawnsquadfranchise.com/">Lawn Squad</a> franchisees John and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-martinez-b11464179">Jessica Martinez</a>, entrepreneurship was always about starting a new family chapter. After years of building successful careers in corporate America, the couple decided it was time to trade in their desks for something that brought them closer to each other, their children and their community.&nbsp; Before franchising, Jessica spent 14 years in the financial services industry, with a primary focus on real estate and home services, while her husband, John, spent over a decade in big tech. However, the corporate ladder felt increasingly at odds with their vision for their family. Driven by a desire for greater stability, more flexibility, and the long-term goal of building generational wealth for their children, they decided to make the entrepreneurial leap into franchising.“I’ve always been very well-versed in the customer experience world,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want to end my career in corporate America. My husband, John, spent a little over a decade in big tech and always had an itch to be outside with our kids. That is when we decided to pursue other opportunities.”<h2>Entrepreneurship Is a Family Tradition</h2>The couple began&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-buy-a-franchise-first-time-guide-2729728">saving and planning with intention</a>. “We tried to be very conservative financially so we could either acquire or start a new business from scratch,” Jessica said. “He helped my 19-year-old son start a landscaping business a little over 18 months ago, and that’s when we decided to pursue Lawn Squad ourselves.”The Martinez family’s entrepreneurial drive runs deep. “Entrepreneurship is in our blood — both of our parents owned and operated their own businesses,” Jessica said. “When our son got a little bit older, we knew it’d be a good time to make a decision. John worked for his dad while he was going through college, and I worked for my parents starting in high school when we started our family.”Their oldest son, now a freshman in college studying business, has already stepped into the family operation. “He’s always known that he wanted to start something of his own, and this gives him firsthand experience,” Jessica said. “It’s teaching him what it takes to build something from the ground up.”<h2>Why Lawn Squad?</h2>When it came time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step-2729118">choose the right business</a>, the family was strategic. “We loved the idea of recurring revenue from the residential side,” Jessica said. “Because my son and husband had started their own landscaping service already, this really checked all the boxes for us.”The culture and support behind Lawn Squad sealed the deal. “It was definitely a good culture fit for us,” she said. “The team was very patient and open-minded and welcomed all of our questions. It made us feel very comfortable. We liked that it’s an emerging brand, which means you have a little more autonomy as opposed to a franchise that has been in business for 30 years. We got on board and thought we could really make a difference, while also having the backing of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a> behind us. It gave us that extra confidence that we weren’t doing it completely alone.”<h2>Building Something Together</h2>The Martinezes officially opened&nbsp;<a href="https://lawnsquad.com/locations/north-san-antonio-tx/">Lawn Squad of North San Antonio</a> in late April 2025. From the start, they made it a true family affair by including their 10-year-old daughter. “Both the residential and commercial aspect is relationship-heavy,” Jessica said. “So we bounce off each other’s strengths — I am the personality, my husband is technical, and my son can play both sides.”Their youngest is also finding her place in the business. “She helps us on the weekends at the shop,” Jessica said. “She’ll help John check off the inventory. It’s a family affair, literally. Our kids are able to see the sacrifice it takes in the beginning. It’s not all glory — you have to roll up your sleeves and take risks. You have to be willing to make sacrifices. It’s a great firsthand experience.”<h2>Lessons Learned and Rewards Earned</h2>Like any new business, the road hasn’t been without challenges. “The hardest part is that you have to be ready to make lifestyle changes and you have to be able to be flexible and go all in,” Jessica said. “We are already reaping the rewards of locking in and doing what it takes. We can all see our own contributions, which has been fun.”The joy of seeing their collective effort come to life outweighs the challenges. “We can look at something tangible and say, ‘We built this together,’” Jessica said. “That’s what makes it worth it. They say when you run a business, you work 24/7 — and that’s true. But it doesn’t feel like that because we’re doing it all together. It sounds cliché, but it’s very true.”<h2>Building a Multi-Generational Legacy</h2>Looking to the future, the Martinezes see Lawn Squad not just as a business, but as a foundation for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/family-franchising-winning-combination-2727664">a long-term family legacy</a>.&nbsp;“Long-term, we intend for this to be a rewarding, multi-generational brand,” Jessica said. “After my son graduates from college, he will likely take on more responsibility, and John and I will be able to step back and maybe acquire additional businesses or keep growing. The opportunities are really endless.”

How a Couple from Finance and Big Tech Turned Career Burnout into a Scalable Family Legacy with Lawn Squad

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Callaway has agreed to sell a 60% stake in its Topgolf and Toptracer divisions to private equity firm Leonard Green &amp; Partners (LGP)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">in a deal that values the Topgolf business at roughly $1.1 billion</a>. The transaction will bring in about $770 million in net proceeds for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/">Topgolf Callaway Brands</a>, according to regulatory filings. The move is part of a broader restructuring plan the company had been pursuing since same-venue sales softened and former Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs stepped down in August.Callaway and Topgolf originally merged in 2021 to accelerate the growth of the eatertainment brand, but separating the businesses is now seen as a way to sharpen strategic focus, streamline operations and better allocate capital. While the company initially explored selling as much as 80% of Topgolf, it ultimately selected LGP as a buyer because of the firm’s strong track record with high-growth consumer brands. The private equity group has backed chains such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise">Zaxby’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.velvettaco.com/international-partner/">Velvet Taco</a> and previously&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shake-shacks-unusual-international-business-strategy-2710292">Shake Shack</a>.Despite earlier declines, Topgolf’s performance has begun to rebound. The company posted slightly positive same-venue sales in the third quarter of 2025, driven primarily by its core guest segment — players who use one or two hitting bays — which accounts for 80% of annual revenue. Traffic in that category returned to strong double-digit growth, aided by value promotions like Sunday Funday and weekday discounts. Operational upgrades, including improvements to the digital channel and the rollout of Toast’s point-of-sale system, have also increased efficiency and boosted spending per visit.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. After the transaction, Topgolf Callaway Brands will rebrand as Callaway Golf Company and continue operating its core portfolio, which includes Callaway, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio, while LGP guides Topgolf into its next phase of expansion.Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">here</a>.&nbsp;

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

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LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareradianceholdings.com/">Radiance Holdings</a>, the parent company of both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a>, the 750-unit salon suites franchise, and&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the over-90-unit luxury day spa franchise, has appointed franchise veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-sizemore-85992074/">Keith Sizemore</a> as its new chief development officer. With extensive experience in the franchise industry, Sizemore will support Radiance Holdings in its next phase of strategic expansion.In his new role, Sizemore will oversee the franchise development strategy for both brands, focusing on filling in key markets for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> and accelerating growth for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> as it approaches the 100-unit milestone. With consistent momentum in the beauty and wellness sectors and both brands seeing steady growth over recent years, Sizemore joins the brand at a pivotal time for growth.“I’m excited to join Radiance Holdings at such a momentous time in the company’s journey,” Sizemore said. “Sola Salons has built an incredible foundation with 750 locations, and now, we have the opportunity to identify key markets where we can continue strategic growth. At the same time, Woodhouse is perfectly positioned to expand and bring its one-of-a-kind model to new territories nationwide.”Prior to joining Radiance Holdings, Sizemore held leadership roles at Marco’s Pizza and Shipley Do-Nuts, where he identified high-potential markets and supported franchisee growth and success from day one.&nbsp;“Keith’s career trajectory has been impressive, and his expertise in franchise development will be invaluable as we enter this next stage of growth,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonessola/">Ben Jones</a>, CEO of Radiance Holdings. “His ability to identify the right markets, attract quality franchisees and drive sustainable growth will be instrumental in achieving our goals.”As Sizemore steps into his new role, the team is focused on key markets for both brands. Sola Salons is targeting expansion in high-potential markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, while Woodhouse is prioritizing development in major metropolitan areas like Seattle, New York City, Phoenix and Boston. Within these key markets, Radiance is looking to partner with driven, passionate franchisees who are committed to providing an exceptional experience to beauty professionals and guests in their markets and building thriving businesses in the beauty and wellness sectors.ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with 750 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 22,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/.">https://www.woodhousespas.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

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<a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise">Chick-fil-A</a> is one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant industry. With its signature chicken sandwiches, customer-first culture and impressive per-unit sales, the brand is often at the top of the list for entrepreneurs researching restaurant franchises. But if you’re wondering how to buy a franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483#stories">Chick-fil-A</a>, you’ll quickly realize that this opportunity comes with a unique set of requirements — and not everyone qualifies.<h2>Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements</h2>Chick-fil-A is different from most restaurant franchises because it doesn’t take a large amount of money to get started.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278#stories">The franchise fee is $10,000</a>, and applicants don’t need to show a specific net worth or liquid assets. The lower cost, however, comes with a trade-off. The company has one of the toughest application processes in franchising and places strict rules on how the business must be run.To be considered for a Chick-fil-A franchise, applicants need to show that they can legally run a business in the United States and have a solid professional background. The brand generally looks for people with at least five years of work experience and some history of leading teams. A clean financial record is important, too, since anyone with a bankruptcy on file won’t move forward in the process. The $10,000 franchise fee has to come directly from the candidate’s own funds rather than loans or gifts. On top of that, operators are expected to commit to the restaurant full time, which means stepping away from other active business ventures and putting all of their focus into building and leading their Chick-fil-A location.Candidates also need to be fluent in written and spoken English and commit to full-time, hands-on involvement in the restaurant. In fact, Chick-fil-A expects its franchisees to divest from any other active business ventures so that they can focus entirely on operating their location.Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Chick-fil-A receives tens of thousands of applications each year but approves only about one percent, making the opportunity one of the most competitive in franchising.<h2>A Hands-On, Operational Model</h2>One thing that makes Chick-fil-A stand out is how it expects its restaurants to be run. Owners can’t just hire managers and step back like in many other franchises. Instead, operators are expected to be hands-on with the daily business.Chick-fil-A also keeps more control over key parts of the operation than most franchisors. The company chooses the location, builds the restaurant and provides the equipment. The operator’s main role is to deliver excellent service and lead a team that meets the brand’s standards.This is not a passive investment or a multi-unit opportunity. Chick-fil-A intentionally limits each franchisee to a single location, ensuring that operators are deeply engaged in leading their restaurant and contributing to the surrounding community. For many, this model is appealing because it emphasizes leadership and culture-building rather than simply financial investment.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>For people thinking about franchising, Chick-fil-A’s requirements show why the brand is both appealing and difficult to get into. The low cost to start, the strong name recognition and the sales numbers make it one of the most appealing restaurant franchises out there, but the rules and competitive selection process make it a tough opportunity to land.On the other hand, the strict operational structure, high profit-sharing arrangement and extremely competitive application process can make it a tough fit for entrepreneurs who want more flexibility or who prefer to run multiple concepts at once.If you are considering how to buy a franchise with Chick-fil-A, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether you align with the brand’s expectations. The operators who tend to do well are the ones who like being in the restaurant every day, working with their team and serving customers. For people who want to be closely involved in one business, the Chick-fil-A model can be both profitable and satisfying.For more info on Chick-fil-A, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-takes-the-crown-as-the-nations-premier-chicken-chain-2727486#stories">Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown as the Nation’s Premier Chicken Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069#stories">The Pros and Cons of Owning a Chick-fil-A Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-emerges-as-the-leader-in-the-us-chicken-chain-industry-2727457#stories">Chick-fil-A Emerges as the Leader in the U.S. Chicken Chain Industry</a></li></ul>

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

Longtime Restaurateur Grows With Newk’s Eatery: A Legacy of Leadership and Success

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