by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
Franchising is an excellent choice for the business owner who wants to join an established brand that enjoys widespread name recognition, has built customer loyalty and offers reliable, time-tested systems and processes.
have been in franchising since 1986, and I see 2025 as a year of great potential for everyone in the industry. It’ll be a year where we’ll see a more business-friendly country with more growth and acquisitions and less focus on taxes and regulation. If gas prices can be dropped and inflation can be tamed, I’m positive about 2025. The growth in the stock market was a pleasant surprise last year, and we’re seeing additional opportunities going forward in 2025.
The momentum has been building for several years. In 2024, according to the International Franchise Association (IFA), the U.S. franchising sector surpassed 800,000 outlets, recording $850 billion in sales – 5% better than in 2023, a respectable increase given the uncertain state of the economy. The IFA says more than three-quarters of the revenue came from quick-serve restaurants, which rang up $250 billion even as food costs rose 29% in the last four years.
If you’re a current business owner looking to franchise your company, connect with an expert such as Accurate Franchising, a franchise consulting service that will help you every step of the way. Franchising as a whole has an encouraging outlook, but specific sectors are worth an extra look, based on industry research and our own experience.
Best Bets for first time investment
If you’re looking to get into franchising, these sectors are some of the most promising:
- Business and Financial Services
The drive toward entrepreneurship is creating high demand for business brokerages, investment analysts and, of course, franchising consultants.
Fast-casual brands offering health-conscious menus and delivery options are attractive to consumers for convenience and quality.
- Sustainability-Focused Brands
Eco-conscious consumers are driving a strong push toward sustainability in franchising, and companies that prioritize sustainability are likely to win customer loyalty and stay ahead of regulatory changes. Green initiatives like using eco-friendly packaging and materials as well as energy-efficient operations are becoming standard practices.
Challenges and Considerations
While the outlook is generally positive, franchise investment requires thorough research to find your best-match brand and determine if franchising is right for you. There are a few potential setbacks to be ready for:
All companies must navigate potential economic fluctuations. Restaurants can bring in healthy revenue, for instance, especially with the popularity of meal delivery services. But margins are razor-thin, even without the inflation we’ve all been suffering through. Franchises, especially in the food service sector, must be prepared for potential cost pressures and adapt their pricing strategies accordingly.
- Changing Consumer Preferences
Consumer tastes are evolving rapidly. Franchises must stay agile and responsive to shifting preferences, particularly regarding sustainability, health-consciousness, and convenience. Any successful business must be open to change when necessary and willing to adapt or risk losing market share to more innovative competitors.
- Talent Acquisition and Development
As the industry grows, finding and retaining skilled talent becomes crucial. Franchises must invest in leadership development and training programs to ensure franchisors and franchisees have the expertise to drive expansion.
Tips for Successful Franchising
I’ve always been a big believer in technology, and in 2025, we’ll see franchises embracing it more than ever before. Artificial intelligence will become more integral to franchise operations. Customer service, automated inventory systems and mobile apps are becoming essential tools for streamlining operations and enhancing user experiences. This tech integration is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating personalized experiences that meet evolving customer expectations.
Customers in 2025 expect tailored experiences. Franchises should leverage data to offer personalized services, from customized meal plans to curated product recommendations.
- Develop a Strong Online Presence
New franchises must establish a robust online presence to reach and engage customers effectively.
- Invest in Training and Development
Industries evolve, customer needs change, and competition gets more challenging. Training must be ongoing and involve franchisees and their staff to maintain consistency and quality across locations.
Transformation ahead
Our industry is poised for significant growth and transformation in 2025, with several key trends and developments shaping its landscape. As we look ahead, exciting opportunities and potential challenges emerge for franchisors and franchisees alike.
This article was originally published by Entrepreneur Media
by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
Restaurant operators will learn how to improve profits through the guest experience at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina March 11-13.
Restaurant owners and operators looking to boost the bottom line can learn proven strategies for creating exceptional guest experiences at the Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit being held in Myrtle Beach March 11-13.
In a session titled “3 Secrets to Improving Profits Through the Guest Experience,” experts will delve into the three critical “c’s” of customer success — convenience, consistency and connection — offering insights on streamlining the guest journey, delivering reliable service and building meaningful customer relationships.
Session speakers include Bob Andersen, president of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Kenny Hom, SVP of strategic operations and development for Bushfire Kitchen and Yasaman Stewart, director of marketing for Friendly’s Restaurants. Zack Oates, founder and CEO of Ovation, will serve as moderator, with Ovation sponsoring the session.
Stewart said restaurants personalize the guest experience well today.
“Putting it into the guests’ hands to be driving the experience based off their preferences. Many top restaurants go beyond just great food and service — they use guest preferences, past orders, and special occasions to tailor experiences. Whether it’s remembering a returning guest’s favorite dish, offering customized recommendations, or acknowledging a birthday or anniversary, this level of attention makes the guest feel valued, important and creates lasting loyalty,” she said in an email interview.
Hom said a big focus for his team this year is training and coaching staff on how to recognize opportunities to accommodate guest needs and special requests.
We live in an era of customization and dietary restrictions so our teams must be knowledgeable with our products,” Hom said. “Many training programs are very specific when it comes to steps of service and that can sometimes translate into scenarios where a cashier or server just says ‘no’ or ‘we can’t do that.” I try and promote and teach ‘the answer is yes, what’s the question?’ and to do everything possible to go out of our way to show the guest we truly care about them and that they’re not just another transaction. We do our best to create an environment that empowers and allows our team to make decisions that will assist in creating a unique and memorable guest experience.”
Stewart added anticipations of guests’ needs are often overlooked.
“If not careful, it will make the experience very transactional,” she said. “It is important to respond to a guest request, but it is even better to anticipate what the guest might need before they even ask.”
Stewart recommends restaurant employees believe in what they are delivering and be consistent.
“Enthusiasm and positive consistency are contagious and attracts loyalty,” she said.
Hom suggests hiring friendly and outgoing team members who have the ability to communicate and care about the guest experience.
My advice would be two things towards your team: One, connect your people to a purpose. At all levels, help them understand what their role is in accomplishing your goals and how they impact those goals on a daily basis. If everyone on your team is aligned on what the mission is and what winning looks like, the greater the chance you have to be successful. Make the time to recognize and celebrate the wins; and two, teach and coach your FoH teams to make connections and engage with each of their guests. Don’t be order takers! If they have a first time guest to your restaurant, ensure they go out of their way to assist them with a menu tour and offer suggestions. Compliment something they like about their appearance or clothing. If they recognize them as a previous guest, thank them and welcome them back, and if they remember, call them by their name. Although we’re a fast casual concept, we focus on “continued service” so we ensure we check back for satisfaction and pre-bus tables as other opportunities to engage with guests as well as elevate the dining experience. These small touches can help increase the value perception of their visit. ”
The Restaurant Franchising and Innovation Summit will be held at the Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort and Spa at Grand Dunes. Register here for the event. It is a Networld Media Group event, which also owns the Fast Casual Executive Summit and the Pizza Leadership Virtual Summit.
This article was originally published by Fast Casual
by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
Outdoor signage is transforming, thanks to advancements in materials and technology. Sign shop owners who embrace these innovations will have a competitive edge as businesses increasingly demand signage that enhances brand visibility and customer engagement. From LED displays to sustainable materials, the latest trends present exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Here’s what you need to know to create durable, compliant outdoor fabrications that make a lasting impression.
Technology Is Changing the Game
Businesses now recognize the power of integrating technology into their signage. Digital displays, upgraded LED lighting, and dynamic content capabilities are increasingly in demand, enabling real-time updates and heightened interactivity. To stay competitive, owners must understand how to design and install these modern solutions effectively.
Choosing the Right Materials
Material selection is one of the most critical aspects of outdoor signage. Your customers may not understand the nuances of durability, weather resistance, and maintenance, so it’s up to you to guide them.
• Durability Matters: Outdoor signs must endure harsh elements, from UV exposure and extreme temperatures, to heavy rain and wind. Aluminum, stainless steel, acrylic, and high-density urethane are popular due to their resilience.
• Advanced Finishes: New coatings and laminates improve longevity while adding aesthetic appeal. Powder coating, anti-graffiti films, and UV-resistant laminates help protect signs from fading, corrosion, and vandalism.
• Sustainable Solutions: Eco-conscious clients are seeking biodegradable and recycled materials, as well as low-impact manufacturing methods. Consider offering green alternatives such as reclaimed wood, water-based inks, and LED lighting that consumes less energy.
Design Considerations for Maximum Impact
A sign’s effectiveness hinges on thoughtful design. Customers want signage that is eye-catching and harmonizes with their brand and environment. Key factors include:
• Size & Placement: Ensure visibility from key vantage points, avoiding obstructions that reduce effectiveness.
• Color & Contrast: High-contrast color schemes improve legibility, while backlit or halo-lit options add striking visual appeal.
• Architectural Integration: Signs should complement the surrounding building and landscape, enhancing overall aesthetics rather than clashing with them.
Navigating Permitting & Compliance
Signage regulations vary widely by location, and failing to comply can lead to costly delays or forced removals. To streamline approvals:
• Research local zoning laws and permitting requirements before finalizing designs.
• Build relationships with municipal officials to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
• Provide clients with comprehensive documentation to expedite approvals.
• Keep customers informed about potential delays, fees, or restrictions to avoid last-minute surprises.
Installation & Maintenance Best Practices
Even the most well-designed sign will fail if not properly installed. Ensure your team follows best practices for:
• Secure Mounting: Structural integrity is crucial, especially for large or elevated signage. Use robust anchoring techniques suited to the installation site.
• Weather Considerations: Plan for potential weather delays, and ensure materials can withstand local climate conditions.
• Ongoing Maintenance: To prolong the sign’s lifespan, offer clients post-installation support, including routine inspections and cleaning services.
Future-Proofing Your Sign Shop
The signage industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires ongoing education and adaptation. Investing in training, attending industry events, and experimenting with new materials and techniques will keep your shop at the forefront of innovation. By embracing digital integration, sustainable practices, and high-impact design strategies, you can deliver signage that meets and exceeds customer expectations.
Sign shop owners who master these new materials and techniques will be well-positioned for success in a market that increasingly values bold, interactive, and sustainable signage solutions.
This article was originally published by NAPCO Media
by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
Wayfinding signage has always served important navigational functions for visitors, tenants and customers, but the category now is much more than a means of giving directions. As companies increasingly mandate employees to return to onsite work, they’re using it to enhance employee and customer experiences with better–designed environment visuals.
Interior and exterior wayfinding solutions combined contribute to about 15% of our overall business, and we’re seeing growth in industries like technology, corporations, education and property management. Working with numerous companies in these industries, we have seen some noteworthy innovation in this market, giving designers the opportunity to create window graphics that are even more impactful for the user.
Innovation and Advancement
- Eco-friendly materials and printing options enable customers to decrease their environmental impact while leveraging walls and windows to increase their visual communications needs.
- Textured or specialty films can closely mimic the look of natural surfaces like wood, stone or fabric, at a lower cost than the natural versions.
- With digital print vinyl, sign companies can turn customers’ walls into effective visual communication surfaces.
- Anti-microbial coating and PVC-free materials are critical to the hygienic needs of hospitals and medical facilities, and these materials are now extremely popular.
- By using digital technologies like NFC tags, LED illumination and digital displays, sign companies can incorporate interactivity into wall and window signage designs.
Digital technology, in fact, has significantly transformed the design and implementation of wayfinding and environment graphics solutions. The use of interactive digital displays has been gaining momentum. These digital displays come in various dimensions, layouts, (freestanding, wall-mount) and touchscreen options. They offer real–time updates to locations, maps, messaging and location-based navigation that helps customers get to where they need to be efficiently. It’s ideal for environments with information that frequently changes and where real-time communication changes are important (think airports, hospitals and shopping malls).
Wayfinding designers must work with digital and non-digital technology alongside each other for seamless visual integration in the environment. Restricting yourself to only one format is among several common mistakes to avoid.
Cautions Ahead
Watch out for these missteps:
- Ignoring scale, lighting and viewability
It’s important to consider the distance at which visuals will attract attention and can be read and understood. The amount of content and sizing of important text needs to be taken into consideration. Don’t forget to assess the effect daytime or nighttime lighting might have on color rendering and readability.
- Failing to carefully select materials and prepare the wall surface
Do not take shortcuts when it comes to researching and understanding the wall surface type and the paint used (if any), and don’t skimp on surface preparation. Putting in the time and work to prep the wall for vinyl applications is critical for the long–term performance of the graphics, not to mention long-term customer satisfaction.
- Disregarding placement and traffic
Consider where these graphics will be installed. Outdoors, for instance, will the graphic stand up to local weather conditions? Will it be installed in high-traffic areas where risks of vandalism might be an issue? Considering these factors can also impact the material, build and installation decisions.
- Underestimating installation complexity
For younger sign shops, this is an area that is most frequently underestimated. Surveying the location is an important step that can uncover cost and installation issues. Look for the degree of surface smoothness, curved walls/corners, high ceilings, wall fixtures (e.g., fire alarms, power conduits, etc.) that might impact installation time and cost.
- Being unfamiliar with ADA requirements
Compliance with regulations of the American with Disabilities Act is critical to ensuring customer satisfaction and success for this area of the business. Be sure to familiarize your design, production and installation teams with the requirements of an ADA-compliant sign system. Specifically, Section 703 of the ADA Standards for Accessible Design is an important read. Work with customers and stakeholders to identify the appropriate language selection and determine layout considerations, particularly in signage that might be copy heavy. Designers will need to consider and balance compliancy, readability, consistency and overall visual aesthetics of the solution.
Effective signage goes beyond these basic considerations. Sign companies can distinguish themselves and gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to design, quality build and unique material selection.
Beyond the Basics
Design must also incorporate a deep understanding of the customer’s values, culture and the vibes they want to project. This is critical to forming a well-executed design solution, but it means designers must get a sense of the project’s environmental and architectural considerations. Designers should learn about the user experience and the psychology of navigation and decision-making and how signage plays a role in influencing required outcomes.
Window graphics are typically defined by the available surface area and knowing that sign companies should first work with the customer to understand the purpose and audience for the window graphics. Are they intended to inform? To promote? Given the limitation of surface area, simplicity is key; avoid clutter by focusing on a single theme or message. Use bold elements, typography and color choices in the design to grab customers’ attention and as much as possible, reinforce the visual value of the window graphics by leveraging brand colors, logos and elements for a consistent, cohesive look.
As the designs, manufacturing, placements and installation of these systems are put in place, sign companies can help their customers through a series of strategies to evaluate the effectiveness and create opportunities to further improve the use of the system. Customers can conduct surveys to gather insights in their navigational experiences and observe how users are interacting with the wayfinding systems. They can leverage the use of real-time technologies like smart IoT apps and kiosk analytics to identify where there might be design or placement gaps. Finally, don’t forget to incorporate staff feedback. Reception and security staff are important sources of navigational feedback about the experiences users go through.
A New Direction
If you’re not already offering such services or you do so on a limited basis, it’s easy to expand to offer more full-service wayfinding solutions. You’ll find your shop attracting larger, longer-term customers who value a one-stop solution for their environmental branding needs. What’s more, since many of these products require regular updating and maintenance, you could also find yourself with a reliable source of repeat business.
Alex Fong has been the franchise owner of Signarama in Redmond, Washington for more than seven years. His location specializes in integrated marketing, brand, signage and visual marketing strategies for small and midsize businesses.
This article was originally published by Sign Builder Illustrated
by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
After the brand’s first full year of franchising and a strong finish in 2024, Cannoli Kitchen Pizza is poised for even more growth in 2025. The steadily rising pizzeria brand announced its vision to open new restaurants, sell new franchisee licenses and streamline catering and online ordering. The brand has also hired a new executive to manage training and support, part of a leadership expansion to better serve local teams.
“We realized our 2024 growth plans with new franchise deals in four states, and we’re going even bigger in 2025,” said Austin Titus, president of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza. “We’ll be working hard this year to turn these deals into new locations, reaching into new markets where more people can discover the fresh taste of our authentic Italian cuisine.”
Growth was the mindset in 2024 for Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, which sealed eight new franchise agreements: five in Florida (Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando) and three in Alabama, Michigan and Georgia. At the close of 2024, Cannoli Kitchen Pizza had 10 franchise agreements complete and in the pipeline for this year.
Expansion continues to be the overarching goal in 2025, with Florida, Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas the main focus areas. The brand plans to open 23 franchisee-owned restaurants by the end of year and add 50 franchise licenses, primarily focused in the south and southeast. The Cannoli Kitchen Pizza footprint will grow significantly in Florida, with new locations in Boca Raton (end of March), Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and the Orlando area.
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza also expects to have a new location in Marietta, Georgia, by summer. Dallas will have a new restaurant later this year, part of a plan for six developments in north Texas.
To handle the growth and set the new restaurants up for success, the brand’s leadership has beefed up its support team with marketing and operations advisors to guide franchisees. The changes include hiring Jenna Negrin as training and support manager. Negrin graduated from the Florida Culinary Institute in 2001 with a degree in food and beverage management and has been working in operations for over 20 years. She will provide comprehensive operational support and training, ensuring that all systems and processes are effectively in place, and will work closely with teams to assist in managing key platforms for inventory, staffing and scheduling to help the restaurants run smoothly and efficiently.
The brand is also improving its web and social media capabilities. The company has relaunched its website, and each restaurant location will have its own landing page where guests can order meals online or arrange catering.
Growth has been an essential ingredient in the success of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, which originated as a single independent restaurant in Boca Raton in 1996. It grew to six locations and became a franchise concept in the fall of 2023. Today, the brand is part of United Franchise Group (UFG), the global leaders in franchising, and is among the concepts within UFG’s food division, Big Flavor Brands.
This article was originally published by QSR Magazine
by UFG | Apr 25, 2025 | News
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza signed eight franchise agreements in 2024, five in Florida and three in Alabama. Today, the brand has 10 franchise agreements completed and in the pipeline for this year, according to a press release.
“We realized our 2024 growth plans with new franchise deals in four states, and we’re going even bigger in 2025,” Austin Titus, president of Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, said in the release. “We’ll be working hard this year to turn these deals into new locations, reaching into new markets where more people can discover the fresh taste of our authentic Italian cuisine.”
Expansion continues to be the overarching goal in 2025, with Florida, Texas, Georgia and the Carolinas the main-focus areas. The brand plans to open 23 franchisee-owned restaurants by the end of year and add 50 franchise licenses, primarily focused in the south and southeast. The Cannoli Kitchen Pizza footprint will grow significantly in Florida, with new locations in Boca Raton (end of March), Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and the Orlando area.
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza also expects to have a new location in Marietta, Georgia, by summer. Dallas will have a new restaurant later this year, part of a plan for six developments in north Texas.
To support the growth, Cannoli Kitchen Pizza has hired Jenna Negrin as a training and support manager. She will provide operational support and training, ensuring all systems and processes are effectively in place, and will work closely with teams to assist in managing key platforms for inventory, staffing and scheduling to help the restaurants run smoothly and efficiently.
Cannoli Kitchen Pizza is an affiliated brand of United Franchise Group. The brand originated as a single independent restaurant in Boca Raton in 1996. It grew to six locations and became a franchise concept in 2023.
This article was originally published by Pizza Marketplace
