1851

Founded in 1999, <a href="https://hotdishad.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-evolution-of-hot-dish-agency-2704040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hot Dish Advertising</a> has seen the world of marketing evolve into a new digitally-driven age. However, as the agency has integrated new technology and trends into their marketing plans to stay ahead of the curve, one aspect has stayed constant throughout the years: the story behind the brand.

The Minneapolis-based full-service agency prides itself on delving into the core values of each client and creating a marketing plan that is tailored to their particular needs.

Rewinding back to the founding of Hot Dish nearly 18 years ago, the agency started as a marketing firm and had acquired a franchise as one of its first clients. They soon discovered an open market for franchise advertising where they had the niche knowledge required to succeed in a sector that was still evolving. The firm was a pioneer in the industry, having developed franchise marketing plans that embodied a brand&rsquo;s values and nationwide goals but was also tailored to local data and demographics.

&ldquo;We wanted to be knowledgeable on the franchising side, so we could not only be of help on the consumer-facing side, but also in lead generation to grow a client,&rdquo; says Dawn Kane, CEO and co-founder of Hot Dish Advertising. &ldquo;Looking at the data and executing market research is key to finding those nuances that ultimately lead to brand growth.&rdquo;

In 2012, Hot Dish rebranded with a more modern logo and renewed its focus on franchising by generating the tagline, &ldquo;We speak Franch&rdquo;. The slogan essentially embodies the agency&rsquo;s concerted effort to learn every aspect of franchising, from website optimization to local consumer campaigns, with the goal of increasing consumer traffic and driving lead generation for clients. Kane points to the transformation of Tropical Smoothie Cafe over the last four years as a prime example of how the agency has mastered the language and nuances of franchising.

&ldquo;When we started with the brand, they were undergoing a transition and growing at a steady rate. They came to us really wanting to take it to the next level and were open to trying out new strategies and ideas,&rdquo; said Kane. &ldquo;Having that trust, we were able to help them increase the number of quality leads through a more focused media plan that raised sales at operating locations.&rdquo;

Hot Dish used their data to figure out the key franchisee demographics and create a slogan that embodied the brand&rsquo;s core values: &ldquo;Feed people well. Treat people well. Do well.&rdquo; Through the efficacy of several marketing mediums and sales tools driven by this campaign, <a href="https://tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-evolution-of-hot-dish-agency-2704040" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tropical Smoothie Cafe</a> has gained greater recognition in annual franchise awards leading to new franchisee prospects.

As Hot Dish looks ahead, Kane says the focus is on building out their digital team and learning how to best incorporate their strategies into a campaign that is carefully tailored to each market.

&ldquo;Staying on top of trends and continuing to have a holistic eye is key. If you change one part of the strategy, always thinking about how that impacts the overall business is vital,&rdquo; said Kane.

&nbsp;

The Evolution of Hot Dish Agency

1851 Franchise

1851 Speaks with CEO & Co-Founder Dawn Kane to get the scoop on ‘We Speak Franch’

the-evolution-of-hot-dish-agency

Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in Rocky Mount, North Carolina

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-rocky-mount-north-carolina

The Growth Coach

Building a Business and a Life With The Growth Coach

building-a-business-and-a-life-with-the-growth-coach

Dillas Quesadillas

The Top 7 Reasons To Buy a Dillas Primo Quesadillas Franchise

the-top-7-reasons-to-buy-a-dillas-primo-quesadillas-franchise

KLA Schools

A Day in the Life of KLA Schools Franchisee Sital Patel

a-day-in-the-life-of-a-kla-schools-franchisee

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

image of keke's breakfast cafe franchise Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard

Jon Ahrendt and John Ehrhard To Share Insights on Franchise Growth and Work-Life Balance With Keke’s Breakfast Cafe in Upcoming Webinar

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-ahrendt-ehrhard-webinar

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

How a Steady Economy Could Help Franchisors Plan Their Next Move

how-a-steady-economy-could-help-franchisors-plan-their-next-move

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Barb Volk and KidStrong logo

Why This Orangetheory Fitness Franchise Owner Is Developing KidStrong Franchises

kidstrong-franchise-owner-barb-volk-2025

The Evolution of Hot Dish Agency

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS