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

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

father-son-home-inspection-franchise-florida

KLA Schools

KLA Schools of Beachwalk Hosts Admissions Kick-Off Celebration

kla-schools-of-beachwalk-hosts-admissions-kick-off-celebration

Good Day Columbus: Home Insurance Expert Reveals Why Central Ohio Premiums Are Rising and How to Combat Costs

rising-home-insurance-costs-ohio

CapitalSpring

Primetime Fitness Expands Crunch Portfolio With CapitalSpring’s Backing

primetime-fitness-expands-crunch-portfolio-with-capitalsprings-backing

Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees Scale to Multiple Locations

how-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-scale-to-multiple-locations

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

Potbelly to be Acquired by RaceTrac in $566 Million Deal 

racetrac-acquires-potbelly-in-566-million-deal

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Caribou Coffee Names Scott Kennedy CEO, Eyes Continued Growth

caribou-coffee-names-scott-kennedy-ceo-eyes-continued-growth

McDonald’s Launches New Extra Value Meals as Consumer Demand for Value Continues to Climb

mcdonalds-launches-extra-value-meals

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

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

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

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Design with school-aged child standing on pencil with text "Education Franchises" and "<$500K"

Top Education Franchises Under $500K To Explore in 2025

top-education-franchises-under-500k

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

Sparkle Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-sparkle-squad-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Evolution of Hot Dish Agency

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS