The 8 | January 27, 2017

1. Frantastic: There’s been a lot of talk about alternative facts lately in the world of politics. But it might surprise you to discover that the franchising industry is plagued with alternative facts of its own. For example, it’s been said that the franchising business model doesn’t make an impact on the American economy and workforce, when in reality the IFA’s annual Franchise Business Economic Outlook report expects franchise employment to expand by 3.3 percent this year. Another common alternative fact is that 1851 Franchise isn’t recognized by Cision, even though it is. Check out this week’s edition of “The 8” to watch us play detective and debunk other alternative franchising facts.

2. Franlebrity: IFA president and CEO Robert Cresanti is one of the franchising industry’s A-list stars, and it shows. He was named one of the most powerful individuals in the foodservice industry by Nation’s Restaurant News, and is featured on the publication’s 2017 Power List. Considering Cresanti’s work lobbying against the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer ruling, we can’t say we’re surprised.

3. Frash Money: FranNet is kicking off the new year on a strong note. Last year, the brand’s franchising consultants helped open nearly two franchises every single day. And that momentum isn’t going to stop in 2017. The brand’s gearing up to work with more women and millennials as they open their own businesses, with segments like fitness, health and salons leading the way when it comes to growth.

4. Frant of the Week: With #IFA2017 set to kick off this weekend in Las Vegas, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills explains how to score a big client at the convention in his column this week. It ultimately comes down to timing, nailing your elevator speech, staying away from shots and of course, using actual facts instead of alternative ones.

5. Franch Forward: As it turns out, there are kids in Colorado and they want to learn, too. That’s why Sylvan Learning* is targeting the area for development. With successful centers already operating in Denver and Colorado Springs, there are multiple opportunities for growth across the state.

6. FranFunny: In honor of the late Mitch Hedberg’s birthday, we present to you one of his best jokes: “I like escalators, because an escalator can never break; it can only become stairs. There would never be an “Escalator Temporarily Out of Order” sign. Only “Escalator Temporarily Stairs… Sorry for the Convenience.”

7. Franspiration Misquote: “Often those that criticize others reveal what he himself lacks.” – Literally every person who has ever been the subject of rumors.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Since a lot of us are headed to Las Vegas this weekend, we’re throwing all the shade at our first ever Franemie that we all have in common: that one rude guy on your flight. You know, the one who’s hogging space in the overhead compartment, getting up from his window seat every five minutes due to his tiny bladder and taking off his socks for no apparent reason. Don’t be that guy.