The 8 | November 10, 2017

1. Frantastic: Starbucks may have missed the mark with its Zombie Frappuccino (at least in our book), but it’s continuing its innovative streak. The brand is preparing to open up its first stand-alone Italian restaurant with the help of Princi, a small chain of bakeries in Milan and London. The new partnership officially made its debut on Tuesday with the opening of its Princi bakery in its Reserve Roastery in Seattle. Starbucks is planning to build on that momentum with Italian restaurants set to open at other Starbucks Reserve locations in New York, Chicago and Seattle next year.

2. Franlebrity: Franchise brands are only as strong as the people behind them. That’s why Franchise Business Review and 1851 teamed up to shine a spotlight on some of the best leaders in the industry. Earlier this year, Franchise Business Review released its list of the Top Franchise Leaders for 2017, using data from approximately 30,000 franchisees. One of those leaders who ranked the highest is Richard Nonelle, Founder and President of Window Genie. In our interview with him, Nonelle explains why he believes honesty and loyalty are the most important traits to establish in a franchise system.

3. Frash Money: Securing a loan is often one of the biggest concerns for prospective franchisees. That’s why Christian Brothers Automotive helps its candidates find the financing option that’s right for them with the help of the Small Business Administration. Even though the SBA is selective in awarding loans, Christian Brothers Automotive has a perfect record of repayment that’s earned the brand’s franchisees generous financing options.

4. Frant of the Week: Would you rather be bamboo that bends or oak that resists? In his latest Frant for 1851, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills makes a case for behaving like bamboo. Flexibility is important in business given that risk and change seem to go hand-in-hand. Even though people are more likely to resist change, taking that leap and embracing something new has the potential to lead to a greater outcome.

5. Franch Forward: Miracle Method is proving that there’s a lot of room to Franch Forward in the home refinishing industry. The brand, which broke into new markets like Birmingham, Savannah and Augusta this year, also has its sights set on expanding in larger metropolitan markets like Chicago. And between its simple business model and low initial investment, Miracle Method is anticipating continued growth in the months to come.

6. Fran Funny: How did the hipster burn his mouth? He ate the pizza before it was cool.

7. Franspiration: In honor of the Awesome Restaurant Franchise Issue that just kicked off on 1851, this week’s Franspiration celebrates the universal love of food. Virginia Woolf said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

8. Franemies vs. Frands: This week’s Franemy—or Frand—is a bit of a toss-up depending on your tastes. Whole Foods just released its list of the foods and beverages that it expects to be big sellers in 2018, and the list is—unique—to say the least. One trend that caught our eye is mushroom-infused products like coffee, chocolate, broths, teas and soaps. Would you be willing to try any of those items out? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.