The 8 | November 9, 2018

1. Frantastic: We’re kicking this week off with some Frantastic news for franchisors — the 2018 Franchise Sales Trends Report is officially here! This report pulls data from FranConnect’s Franchise Sales Index, which is pulled from the platform’s database of 700-plus clients. Some of the key highlights from the Trends Report include lead closure rates rising to 1.6 percent compared to 1.2 percent in 2017 while overall leads per month fell. For the full report, head to 1851.

2. Franlebrity: This week’s Franlebrity is continuing his reign from last week — Nigel Travis, Executive Chairman of Dunkin’. In the second installment of his four-part interview with 1851, Travis dives into his past experience as the President and CEO of Papa John’s. During his time with the company, one of the biggest challenges the brand overcame was a gap in communication between its franchisees and the franchisor. He says they were able to get on the same page by recognizing that the real reason for the gap was the thought that both sides had different economic needs.

3. Frash Money: It’s no secret that there’s Frash Money in the pizza business. That’s why as a part of 1851’s annual list issue, we’re breaking down 10 pizza franchises with over 50 units. From California Pizza Kitchen to Domino’s and beyond, these brands are the ones who are expected to continue dominating the space in 2019. The full list is available now on 1851.

4. Frant of the Week: “I want to be President someday.” Think about how many kids have uttered that phrase. But in a post-Kavanaugh and Cosby world, the reality of those dreams coming true — or even dreams of becoming a professional baseball player or CEO — may be slim because of past actions coming to light. In his latest Frant for 1851, No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills discusses the impact that skeletons in the closet are having on today’s leaders. There is no such thing as erasing your past anymore — who you were is who you are, including any dumb decisions that were made when you were young.

5. Franch Forward: The burger segment of the franchising industry is a crowded one. But that doesn’t mean that emerging brands in the space aren’t Franching Forward — concepts like Good Stuff Eatery and Big Smoke Burger are carving out their own space in the industry. For a full breakdown of the top emerging brands in the burger space, check out this article on 1851.

6. Fran Funny: Why did the cranberry cross the road? To get to the other sides.

7. Franspiration: “If you’re on social media utilizing ads and videos to find talent and you’re not having success, you’re just not executing it well. You can have success on these platforms.” - Carrie Luxem, CEO of Restaurant HR Group.

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Here’s a Frand we can all get behind — beer. There are now more than 7,000 breweries in the U.S., with 2,000 more in development. Right now, it’s looking like smaller breweries with a local feel have an advantage over larger ones. That presents an interesting opportunity for both existing and future franchisors who are thinking about getting into the beer business.