The 8 | August 11, 2017

1. Frantastic: Papa John’s has officially launched its gluten-free pizza crust at over 3,000 locations after testing out the product earlier this year. The move comes as more restaurants are figuring out new and creative ways to accommodate different dietary restrictions and preferences, which we think makes this a Frantastic decision for the brand. But there’s still a little confusion surrounding what exactly gluten is. So, to get a little clarity, check out this week’s edition of “The 8.”

2. Franlebrity: The Franchise Legal Player Awards issue is still live on 1851, including a feature on this week’s Franlebrity: Amy Cheng of Cheng Cohen. In her Q&A, she explains that one of the reasons she’s stayed in franchise law for 20 years is because of the high level of support across the industry. “The franchise community is also like no other. It is a community filled with people who are truly generous with their time and knowledge. The support that I have received throughout my career from clients, colleagues and even competitors is incredible,” Cohen said.

3. Frash Money: We talk a lot about how franchisors—and their franchisees—are in business to make Frash Money on “The 8.” But Wireless Zone just took the idea of earning Frash Money to the next level by using it to give back to the local communities that it calls home. The brand hosted its largest ever annual golf outing this summer to support charities across the country, raising a total of $70,000.

4. Frant of the Week: In his latest Frant, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills explains how the fact that everyone’s problems are the same is actually an opportunity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a start-up, emerging or established brand—at the end of the day, leadership teams want more leads. And even though there isn’t a simple answer to solving lead generation problems, there are steps that brands can take to further their growth efforts, including having great validation, a strong website and solid positioning.

5. Franch Forward: Backed by six successful corporate locations and one licensed airport unit that’s opening this month, Coolgreens is launching its new franchising opportunity. And to jump start its growth efforts, the brand is targeting San Antonio, Texas for development. The market is an ideal location for Coolgreens because of its warm weather and a consumer base that’s interested in living a healthy lifestyle. With most of its menu items coming in at under 600 calories, Coolgreens is planning to capitalize on that trend in the area.

6. Fran Funny: What do you call a singing computer? Adele.

7. Franspiration Misquote: “I shut my eyes in order to see. I franchise my business in order to thrive.” – Paul Gauguin

8. Franemies vs. Frands: We’re calling out a new-found Franemie this week: ESPN. On August 8th, the networked turned ESPNU into ESPN8: “The Ocho.” Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? In all seriousness, “The Ocho” was a nod to Dodgeball, and showcased under the radar sports for 24 hours, including darts, cornhole and arm wrestling. And even though the network’s fake title might be stepping on our turf, we’d love to have ESPN visit our office in Chicago to catch one of our many dart and ping pong tournaments if they ever decide to bring it back.