The 8 | November 3, 2017

1. Frantastic: First, it was the Unicorn Frappuccino. Now, Starbucks is back with another creation that nobody asked for. The coffee giant introduced the Zombie Frappuccino this year, and it’s the third Halloween themed drink that the brand has released since 2014. Is it worth the hype? Check out this week’s edition of The 8 to find out.

2. Franlebrity: For Franlebrity Todd Peterson, what makes the franchising industry so unique is the ability to have a direct impact on the creation of brand new businesses in local communities. In an interview with 1851, Twin Peaks’ Vice President of Franchise Development notes that franchising is one of the few industries that creates critical jobs for franchisees and their employees, ultimately allowing Franchise Development Players like himself to help entrepreneurs reach their dreams.

3. Frash Money: Franchisors that overlook insurance compliance run the risk of major ramifications that could end up costing them a lot of Frash Money. That’s why 1851 talked to Doug Groves, Founder and Principal of EZ CERT, to learn more about why this step is essential for brands. Groves says that for franchises to make the most of their insurance policies, they need to hold themselves to the same standards as their franchisees and update their policies on an annual basis.

4. Frant of the Week: Have you ever been too embarrassed to step outside of your comfort zone? It’s more common than you may think, but according to Nick Powills, taking that risk has the potential to set a new threshold for what can embarrass you. He tackles this idea in his latest Frant, detailing the story of his decision to wear wild pants both to the office and to a Cubs game. Even though Powills got his fair share of weird looks, his decision to step outside of his comfort zone ultimately boosted morale and may have contributed to Chicago flying the W.

5. Franch Forward: Lightbridge Academy* is looking to Franch Forward in Pennsylvania. The early education and childcare brand is aiming to triple its presence in the state, which is why it’s going to be in attendance at the upcoming Franchise Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in November. Lightbridge Academy, which is based in New Jersey, first crossed the border into Pennsylvania in 2015 and has been experiencing growth in the state ever since.

6. Fran Funny: What do vegan zombies eat? Graaaains.

7. Franspiration: “Franchising is like marriage. If you don’t take the time to get to know your soon to be in-laws, you are doomed for failure.” – Shemar Pucel, Director of Franchise Marketing and Development for sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt

8. Franemies vs. Frands: As firm believers in Amazon Prime, it pains us to call them out as a Franemy this week. The retail giant recently unveiled a new service called Amazon Key that allows delivery teams to open up your front door and put a package inside. While Amazon isn’t asking for a key to Prime members’ homes, the program will work through a security camera and compatible smart lock that’ll cost you $250. And even though you can watch the entire process from your phone as the camera records everything, it seems like there are so many ways that this can go wrong.