1851

For nearly four decades, <a href="https://www.kahalamgmt.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kahala Brands</a>TM has been growing some of the most well-known brands in foodservice franchising. Today, the management group supports 28 franchise brands, which include <a href="https://www.thecounterfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Counter&reg; Custom Built Burgers</a>, <a href="https://www.coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cold Stone Creamery</a>&reg; and <a href="http://bajafreshfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands-2708457" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baja Fresh</a>&reg;.

Nicole Rayborn is Kahala Brands&rsquo; VP of Franchise Development. Rayborn has been with Kahala Brands for more than half of the management group&rsquo;s history, starting in 1995 as a franchise liaison. Rayborn has worked with Kahala Brands through more than 20 business acquisitions and helped each of its businesses expand in markets throughout North America.

We talked to Rayborn to learn more about her work and why she loves Kahala Brands.

What were you doing before you found Kahala Brands?

Before working with Kahala Brands, I was an assistant property manager for GTE Mobilnet in Northern California.

Did that experience prepare you for your work at Kahala Brands?

During my time with GTE, I had a great mentor who taught me the benefits of doing exactly what you say you are going to do; in the timeframe you say you will do it, in a professional and efficient manner. I learned the art of balancing my work with different teams; in that case, property owners and corporate executives, whose agendas and goals often did not align. I learned how to negotiate, find common ground, and work with both parties to strike deals.

How did you learn about Kahala Brands?

In 1995, the day after returning from our honeymoon, my husband and I packed our belongings and drove to Scottsdale for a new adventure. I answered an ad in the paper for a franchise liaison position with a small juice bar company. That was Surf City Squeeze&reg;, which would grow into Kahala Brands.

When did that go from being a job to a career?

I knew the minute I walked in the building that it was the place I wanted to work. At the time, they only had six employees and eight franchised locations. The vibe in the office was all about taking care of the franchisees and growing the brand in a family-friendly, fun and exciting environment. It wasn&rsquo;t long before I was traveling four to five days a week, all throughout the country, and working on the development side of the business. It was a baptism-by-fire mentality, and I loved the energy for growth and expansion throughout the company. Of course, since then, I&rsquo;ve been blessed to work with amazing franchisees and co-workers, and I have seen the company grow through more than 20 acquisitions.

What do you love about franchising?

Since my first day with Kahala Brands, I&rsquo;ve believed in the franchise model. We grew very quickly in the first several years, and I was always so impressed by the franchisees, who work extremely hard and closely follow a proven model. Most of them are just as eager to grow as we are and take on new locations as soon as they&rsquo;re able. Providing franchisees the opportunity to work hard for themselves by doing something they love in a business that they believe in is very rewarding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What has kept you with Kahala Brands for more than twenty years?

During my formative years, I had complete respect for my dad, and I watched him work for one company his entire career until he was forced to retire due to health reasons. I am grateful to have had a similar experience with Kahala Brands throughout my 23-plus years of employment.&nbsp; Throughout the years, Kahala Brands has blessed me with the opportunity to work with fellow employees and a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/thecounter/veteran-restaurateur-focuses-on-quality-service-after-a-decade-in-business-2706947" target="_blank">growing group of franchisees</a> who have a passion for the business, exemplify excellent work ethic and challenge each other daily. The culture at Kahala Brands is one of dedication and commitment to a common goal. Each acquisition has contributed to a strong dynamic within the company with a wide array of franchise options.

&nbsp;

&copy;2018 CB Franchise Systems, LLC.&nbsp; All rights reserved.&nbsp; All other trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise; nor is it directed to the residents of any particular jurisdiction within the U.S. or elsewhere.&nbsp; The following states currently regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, RI, SD, VA, WA, and WI.&nbsp; If you are a resident of one of these states, or of a jurisdiction that has similar requirements, we will not offer you a franchise until we have completed the applicable registration or obtained the exemption from registration, and completed the applicable disclosure requirements.&nbsp; Regardless of what state you reside in, an offering can only be made by a franchise disclosure document.

Interview: Nicole Rayborn, VP of Franchise Development at Kahala Brands

1851 Franchise

Rayborn has been with the foodservice franchise group for more than twenty years.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

interview-nicole-rayborn-vp-of-franchise-development-at-kahala-brands

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service representative giving presentation

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Franchise Growth at HomeTeam Inspection Service

hometeam-inspection-service-franchise-growth-partnerships

Express Employment Professionals

What’s in the 2025 FDD? A Closer Look for Express Employment Professionals Franchise Buyers

whats-in-the-2025-fdd-a-closer-look-for-express-employment-professionals-franchise-buyers

petbar

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Why petbar Wants to Be the “Disney World for Dogs” — and a Dream Business for Franchisees

petbar-franchise-dan-ashley-o-loughlin-qa

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How to Leverage Franchise Expos

how-franchisors-can-leverage-franchise-expos-to-drive-success

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Carol DeNembo — Chief Marketing Officer, Mountain Mike’s Pizza

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-carol-denembo-chief-marketing-officer-mountain-mikes-pizza

Champion: Driving Franchise Growth Through Award-Winning PR and Digital Marketing

champion-franchise-marketing-agency

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ed Holmes and Papa Murphy's logo

Thirty Years of Take ‘n’ Bake: Ed Holmes Reflects on a Lifetime With Papa Murphy’s

papa-murphys-franchise-ed-holmes-30-years

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

From Personal Care to Purpose-Driven Business: Why This Couple Is Bringing Griswold to Houston

from-personal-care-to-purpose-driven-business-why-this-couple-is-bringing-griswold-to-houston

Interview: Nicole Rayborn, VP of Franchise Development at Kahala Brands

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS