The 8 | September 7, 2018

1. Frantastic: We’re kicking this week off with some Frantastic news for Twitter fans. The social media platform is testing out new features that are designed to make it more conversational. One of those tests is an online indicator to make users aware when someone is active on the platform. Another test that’s currently in the works is a threading option for responses.

2. Franlebrity: We kicked off a new issue on 1851 Franchise this week highlighting franchise development leaders. This week’s Franlebrity — and this month’s cover star — is Carrie Sams, Vice President of Franchising for Blaze Pizza. In an interview with 1851, Sams explains what she loves about the industry as well as what she wishes she could change. When it comes to the latter, Sams said, “Enhanced transparency for franchisees and franchisors.”

3. Frash Money: Tim Hortons has found itself at the center of an argument with franchisees that could potentially cost the brand Frash Money. A group of the brand’s franchisees is claiming that the coffee pots they’re required to use are breaking easily and injuring employees. Restaurant Brands International, Tim Hortons’ parent company, says the accusations are false and that the franchisee group “makes frequent and false accusations.”

4. Frant of the Week: What would your life be like if you decided to switch “no” with “yes?” That’s the question that No Limit Agency* CEO Nick Powills is asking in this week’s Frant. By looking at your choices and answers differently, you have the ability to view your glass as half empty or half full. And in business, saying “yes” instead of “no” — and building a team of optimistic people who tend to take a half-full viewpoint — has the potential to separate great companies from the not so great ones.

5. Franch Forward: It’s becoming increasingly difficult for brands to Franch Forward without having a strong set of values. That’s why major brands like Nike are making their messages clear to consumers — Nike’s recently courted controversy with its latest ad that features Colin Kaepernick, who initiated the kneeling protest that has consumed the NFL for the past two years. While Kaepernick critics are destroying their Nike products and fans are applauding the campaign, it’s clear that the brand’s message — and name — is being seen.

6. Fran Funny: What started out as a Fran Funny ad campaign for Domino’s is becoming more serious. The brand’s “Paving for Pizza” program was first introduced to fix around 20 potholes so carry-out pizzas could arrive home safely. But now, after the ad went viral, Domino’s is taking the campaign a step further by seeking city governments to partner with in all 50 states.

7. Franspiration: “People see crowds and they see demand. That’s what sells a franchise.” - Chef Andrew Gruel, Founder of Slapfish

8. Franemies vs. Frands: Freshii is being a good Frand to school-aged kids. The brand has launched a school lunch program at locations across the country. The program is designed to help students develop healthy eating habits at a young age, which is why the menu features nutritious wraps, salads and bowls. Freshii’s school lunch program also aims to keep costs low for families.