The 8 | November 16, 2019

1. Frantastic: ‘Tis the season to shop. With the biggest shopping holiday of the year coming up on Black Friday, both franchise and non-franchise brands alike are preparing for a mad rush of customers. Walmart is going to be getting a head start on Black Friday sales — the brand is offering deals in stores beginning at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The brand’s online sales are also expected to begin at 10 p.m. next Wednesday.

2. Franlebrity: Dunkin’ Executive Chairman Nigel Travis is back as this week’s Franlebrity. In the third installment of our four-part interview series, Travis discusses his experience with Blockbuster. Before working for Dunkin’ or Papa John’s, Travis served as the President and COO of Blockbuster. And while Travis left the company the same year it experienced its highest revenue on record, he says there was one major missed opportunity — acquiring Netflix. You can check out the full interview on 1851 now to learn more.

3. Frash Money: There’s Frash Money to be made in the travel segment of the franchising industry, and the 10 brands we named in this category of our annual list issue are taking advantage of it. From hotels to travel agencies, there’s no shortage of concepts with 50 or more units making a name for themselves in the industry. To see the brands that made our list, head to 1851.

4. Frant of the Week: Progress in franchise development is often only measured by the successes or failures of the marketing tactics used to drive leads. However, as No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills points out in his latest Frant for 1851, franchise development should be looked at through a wider lens. The lead generation process doesn’t begin with an inquiry form submission — candidates research days, weeks and even months before reaching out to a brand. By taking a look at that real data, there’s a lot that franchisors can learn.

5. Franch Forward: Franching Forward can be made easier with the help of six-second video ads. According to a recent study conducted by the media platform Teads in conjunction with researcher Realeyes, short-form video ads are making a large impact. This data is especially relevant in today’s mobile-centric society, as mobile video advertising has increased by 145 percent — with $4.2 billion spent — in 2018.

6. Fran Funny: My family told me to stop telling Thanksgiving jokes, but I told them I couldn’t quit cold turkey.

7. Franspiration: “The only way to bring about real and long-lasting improvement is to be helpful, is to be honest and is to be human in these conversations.” - Restaurant HR Group CEO Carrie Luxem on speaking with underperforming employees.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Are you stumped on where to throw your holiday party this year? Taco Bell may be your new best Frand. The brand announced that fans will be able to rent out party rooms at select locations through December 22. This program, which is called “Party by Taco Bell,” can accommodate up to 10 guests. Each reservation costs $25 and includes a Taco Bell Party Decor Kit. Food, however, is sold separately.