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Church’s Chicken Reveals 5-Year Strategic Plan With Ambitious Goals

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Church's Chicken

Church’s Chicken announced a 5-Year Strategic Plan, setting ambitious goals for 2021. During the Conversation Tour held just weeks ago for Church’s Chicken, the brand came together with franchisees. The company recapped achievements for the past year and set the tone on the next five years. Strong communications and teamwork have been essential to Church Chicken’s impressive upward trend since 2016. Now, the brand is looking to leverage the power of its franchise network to reach even higher benchmarks for 2021 through 2026.

Church’s Chicken Recent Success

“Every year has been better than the last for us – in sales and in average check – and that’s in spite of a global pandemic and while we have been rolling out various operational changes and improvements. That success is 100% rooted in the determination and hard work we have put into our franchisee-franchisor relationships,” said Church Chicken’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Christina. “It’s time to apply that strength towards optimizing our operations, ensuring common vision in working towards measurable results, and remaining flexible in the face of an ever-changing restaurant landscape. That is our plan for becoming the Global Franchisor of Choice.”

The brand lived up to its Franchisor of Choice promise in multiple ways in 2020. Church’s Chicken’s continued its positive year-over-year sales numbers for the fourth straight year. Church’s also reappeared on the national media landscape with a more innovative media utilization plan. The brand considered all available platforms and optimized budgets to allow for national TV for the second year in a row. That same spirit of maximizing return on investment for franchisees was also a cornerstone element in the all-new Church’s Chicken Sandwich. The new product line required a modest acquisition of new kitchen equipment in restaurants. The sandwich, however, has quickly yielded sensational sales results. According to Church’s sales have more than recouped the cost of that equipment for almost all operators.

Quantifiable Results for Church’s Chicken

Church’s Chicken notes that these successes yielded yet another profitable year for its franchise system. Christina explained that these results are even more meaningful when considered as part of a longer-term trend. “We got big lifts from our family meals and delivery during the pandemic. We also had a blockbuster success with our Chicken Sandwich. However, when we looked at the sales figures – we realized that these were shining stars in an already bright universe. By working closely with our franchisees, vendors, and restaurant teams to build momentum throughout the year we were able to outperform 2019, one of our best years in a decade.”

Church’s Chicken Doubling Down in 2021

For 2021, Church’s Chicken is prepared to double down on those kinds of wins. “Take nothing for granted,” Christina told team members. “We enter 2021 with great momentum, but we’re not slowing down. We’re a different brand today than ever before, we are well on our way to next-level growth.”

Some of the specific goals include:

  • Opening 100 new restaurants globally by year’s end.
  • Rolling out new Point of Sale (POS) systems in Q1 2021 and beyond.
  • Activating the new and differentiated brand position both domestically and internationally to accelerate growth and drive profitability.
  • Enhancing the global guest experience with forward-thinking restaurant design, evolved menu offerings, and innovative packaging options.
  • Maximizing off-premise services to further improve restaurant profitability.
  • Expanding brand awareness and guest acquisition and increasing preference among existing consumers.

Marketing

Brian Gies, EVP and Global CMO also addressed the brand’s future outlook for marketing. “Our two-year comps during national media weeks have produced a +8.1% increase in average same store sales,” he explained. “It proves the effectiveness of our evolved marketing approach, earning more market share even against brands that spend far more on media yearly. Going forward, we’re going to expand our marketing presence across the most relevant media channels with a broader reach, integrated analytics, and including as many as 25 weeks of total on-air broadcast time nationally and locally.”

Human Resources

In terms of guest experience, SVP and Global CPO, Karen Viera, outlined new team member development and training initiatives. The initiatives include the brand’s new Our Texas Way brand experience handbook. The purpose of the new HR plan is to build lasting relationships with guests which are rooted in pride for the brand and all it stands for – big hearts, family, strong values, bold tastes, great value, and authentic hospitality. “The vision is to take the core of our branding and marketing messages and brings it to life across all HR functions and restaurant operations,” shared Viera. “We’re inviting franchisees, team members, restaurant staff, and even guests deeper into the Church’s experience and making them part of what comes next.”

Church’s Chicken’s Outlook

Pete Servold, EVP, Franchise & Company Operations, discussed a number of operational enhancements coming in 2021. “We had 50% growth in delivery and we quadrupled Order Ahead/Pay Ahead in 2020,” he said. “The next few years we will be exploring all opportunities for leveraging those kinds of results.” Incorporation of contactless pickup, enhanced delivery options, increased speed of service across all consumer touchpoints. Focus will also shift to system-wide technology upgrades, advanced restaurant design, and streamlining of kitchen and drive-through environments.

“Church’s is energized like never before to capitalize on new opportunities and become a powerhouse restaurant brand,” added Christina. “We’ve followed through – and are continuing to follow through – on being the Global Franchisor of Choice. We’re firing on all cylinders in terms of a unified franchisee network. We’ve reached and surpassed financial benchmarks. We can do this, because in all we do, we believe we can. That is what has always, and will always, set Church’s apart.”

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The 10 Best Cleaning Franchises to Buy

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Best Cleaning Franchise

The COVID-19 pandemic may have instilled a bleak perspective on the economy. However, as several countries start to flatten the curve, many business opportunities are trudging to get back up. And if there’s one industry that will emerge amidst this pandemic, it’s the cleaning business. 

Regardless of what the economic situation is, a cleaning service will continue to thrive in the market. In fact, the cleaning business market size is estimated at around $74,299 million in 2022. And if you want to gain traction in this industry, a cleaning franchise would be an excellent idea. 

Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best cleaning franchises to buy this year. 

1. ServiceMaster

As with any other business, ServiceMaster aims to provide exceptional customer service. Their core responsibilities are floor, carpet, janitorial, and upholstery cleaning services. ServiceMaster’s franchising system comes with extensive research, comprehensive training programs, specially developed products, ongoing support, and more. ServiceMaster offers three different franchise models: Disaster Restoration Services, Janitorial Services, and Recovery Management Services. Each model varies in startup costs.

Estimated Initial Investment: $76,500 – $86,500 (Janitorial Services; $144,500 – $189,500 (Disaster Restoration Services); and $165,150 – $274,150 (Recovery Management Services)
Royalty: 5% (not applicable for Recovery Management Services)

2. Jan-Pro

Jan-Pro offers various franchise options. But whatever you choose, the esteemed company boasts of the Jan-Pro Guarantee. Jan-Pro believes that for a cleaning service to thrive, it must have a seamless system in place. The Jan-Pro Guarantee includes three systems that they consider as the core of their business:

  • Signature Clean
  • Technics
  • Tracker

Franchisees may also choose from three options: International Master Franchise, Executive Business, and Home-Based Franchise. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $127,500 – $768,000
Royalty: 4%

3. Molly Maid

When choosing a cleaning franchise, opt for a company that has a decades-long experience. Molly Maid has been servicing clients for over 30 years. Molly Maid provides home cleaning services on a weekly schedule. The company never fails to adhere to the CDC sanitization guidelines as well. In fact, their professional-grade products are EPA-approved against the Coronavirus. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $110,200 – $155,200
Royalty: 3 – 6.5%

4. Vanguard Cleaning Systems

Vanguard Cleaning Systems takes pride in its unparalleled service, which centers on integrity, trust, execution, and quality. Since 1984, Vanguard Cleaning Systems has been providing commercial cleaning services to businesses and corporate clients in North America. You can depend on their customer support staff, and account liaison for a seamless partnership.

Estimated Initial Investment: $147,375 to $460,750
Royalty: 5%

5. College Hunks Hauling Junk 

College Hunks Hauling Junk is the cleaning franchise for you if you find gold in moving and hauling junk. They are a tech-enabled, purpose-driven, values-based, and a socially conscious team of junk haulers. Plus, the company promises an enthusiastic and fun culture for franchisees and clients alike. Join a team of HUNKS, which means Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service.

Estimated Initial Investment: $95,700- $231,200
Royalty: 7%

6. Maid Simple

Maid Simple boast of cleaning services that are “made simple.” By letting clients customize their cleaning services, they ensure all needs and preferences are met. The company offers cleaning services to both residential and commercial clients. Here are the services they provide:

  • General maid services
  • Home or residential cleaning
  • Apartment and condo cleaning
  • Small office cleaning
  • Green cleaning

Estimated Initial Investment:
Royalty:

7. Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning

If you want to focus on carpet cleaning solely, this company is an excellent choice. You can tell from over the 125,000 world-class reviews on their website alone. Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning takes pride in oxygen-powered products, an hour of dry time, and sustainability. Their commitment to the environment means the company supports Water.org to resolve the global water crisis. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $45,465 – $75,690
Royalty: N/A

8. Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning

Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning has over 35,000 franchises in more than 53 countries. It’s deemed as the biggest cleaning franchise the world over. Moreover, Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning is the best upholstery and carpet cleaning franchise in more than 30 decades. In fact, the company’s bottom line is experiencing a fast growth of three percent year on year. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $67,645 – $185,757
Royalty: N/A

9. Renew Crew

Another specialty cleaning service will gain traction in the next years, and it’s the outdoor cleaning business. Renew Crew is the name to count on when it comes to cleaning, protecting, and sealing the outdoor surfaces. The company caters to both commercial and residential properties. Plus, they use a pressure washer system that provides these three unique services:

  • Exclusive eco-friendly products
  • Unique three-step process
  • Extensive services for every homeowner’s needs

Estimated Initial Investment: $39,175 – $92,625
Royalty: 7% ($1,000 monthly minimum)

10. Buildingstars

Since its inception in 1994, Buildingstars has been providing commercial cleaning services in Houston, Austin, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Charlotte, New York, and more. They offer services such as green cleaning, nightly cleaning, floor care, carpet maintenance, and even consulting services. 

Estimated Initial Investment: $2,200 – $53,200

Wrap Up 

If you want to venture into an industry that will survive amidst any pandemic, try out the cleaning business. Opting for a cleaning franchise means you’ll have a turnkey opportunity to start a lucrative business without the heavy lifting.

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Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour With Fox Sports

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Jersey Mike's Tailgate Tour

Jersey Mike’s Kicks Off College Football Trivia Game and Tailgate Tour with Fox Sports

MANASQUAN, N.J., Aug. 30, 2021 – College football season is here and Jersey Mike’s Subs is teaming up with FOX Sports to celebrate by offering a College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes when it hits the road this fall for the multi-city Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour.

After a year off due to the pandemic, the 14-week, 14-stop mobile tailgate tour is back, kicking off with the Ohio State vs. Minnesota game on Thursday, Sept. 2 in Minneapolis, Minn., which will be aired on FOX.

Partnering with FanHub, Jersey Mike’s will celebrate its return by releasing trivia games for 49 participating NCAA football schools, including five questions for each developed by team insiders. Fans can download Jersey Mike’s app to play. 

Upon completion of the trivia quiz, fans will be automatically entered in a sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP trip for four to Rose Bowl Stadium to celebrate America’s New Year’s Celebration®, which includes game tickets, round trip airfare, hotel, Rose Parade® presented by Honda tickets, pre-game hospitality area and private tour of the FOX Studios in Los Angeles. In addition, trivia players will be rewarded with six Shore Rewards points to redeem in store, in-app or online. 

What the Team Has to Say

“We are looking forward to working with FOX Sports and connecting with hungry college football fans across the county,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Our goal is to deliver a fun, interactive game day experience and introduce fans to our mobile app.” 

FOX Sports will air 30-second commercial spots promoting the sweepstakes. The Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour will also visit local FOX affiliates in tour locations, providing staff members with a free lunch and a chance to participate in the tailgate experience in the days leading up to select games. In-store display signage will remind guests to download the app and play the sweepstakes/trivia game.

“We are thrilled to team up with Jersey Mike’s for what promises to be an exciting college football season,” said Robert Gottlieb, Executive Vice President, Marketing, FOX Sports. “As we welcome fans back into stadiums and tailgates, we are eager to elevate the college football fan experience in unique ways across this multi-city tour.”  

Jersey Mike’s Tailgate Tour

In addition to its first stop at the University of Minnesota, the 14-week college tailgate tour will make stops at Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Florida State, Clemson, Arizona State, Texas, USC and Washington, culminating in the final stop at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 1, 2022.

The fully customized tailgate trailer will give football fans a chance to sample Jersey Mike’s authentic fresh sliced subs, download the app to enter Jersey Mike’s College Football Trivia and Rose Bowl Stadium Sweepstakes, and experience other game day fun including:

·      Outdoor lounge with Adirondack chairs and picnic benches

·      “The Juice” mobile device charging station

·      Corn hole lawn games

·      Interactive kiosk display

·      Giveaways

·      FOX Sports “Cleatus” character appearances and live game action on outdoor TV

The branded trailer will be placed in high traffic locations on each campus near tailgaters and stadium entrances for up to five hours before kickoff.

Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment is the production agency for the tour.

About Jersey Mike’s Subs

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 2,000 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com  or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).

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Choice Hotels Reveals Next Milestone For Flagship Brand: The Comfort® Rise & Shine™ Prototype

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Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. unveiled the new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype as the next milestone for its flagship, upper midscale brand. The prototype celebrates the successes of the iconic brand as Comfort marks its 40 th anniversary this year, and positions the brand for continued performance and system growth. The first new construction Rise & Shine prototype hotels are expected to open in 2023.

“At Choice, we’re always building, innovating and evolving, with guest satisfaction and owner return at the forefront of what we do,” said Pat Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. “After finishing Comfort’s multi-year, $2.5 billion transformative journey, which resulted in upgraded guest rooms and public spaces, as well as a new logo and signage, the ongoing success of the brand is proof positive that we invest for the long term. Over the last 40 years, our strong franchisee collaboration and guest loyalty has built one of the industry’s leading brands in the upper midscale segment — a brand that has time and again shown its strength and resiliency through dynamic economic climates. Now that the Comfort refresh is complete, we are introducing the next milestone for our flagship brand: an exciting, new prototype that is designed to maximize return on investment.”

The new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype builds on the features that have made the brand a long-time favorite of developers in the upper midscale segment including:

An efficient footprint : With reduced square footage, the Rise & Shine prototype delivers elevated fit and finish while maintaining Comfort’s efficient, cost-effective operating advantage.Innovative functionality : From a welcoming outdoor porch to an innovative new flex room that easily transforms from additional breakfast space to meeting and event space, the new prototype offers versatile spaces that can create additional revenue opportunities.Flexible and fresh design : Backed by extensive consumer research and developer feedback, the Rise & Shine design package comes in three color schemes, allowing developers to customize their choice to fit the needs of their local market, all while retaining the warm and welcoming personality for which Comfort is known. Developers can choose among the following:

City – bold yet approachable with rich wood tones and an energized color palette. Sea – calm and soothing with muted colors and light wood tones. Sun – vibrant and cheerful with a relaxed yet optimistic feel.

“Upper midscale and midscale are Choice Hotels’ sweet spots, and no one knows these segments better than we do,” said David Pepper, chief development officer, Choice Hotels. “More than ever, developers and guests are gravitating towards established brands they know and trust — brands like Comfort. Whether looking to build new construction or convert existing businesses, the Comfort Rise & Shine prototype was flexibly designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of investment opportunities coupled with access to Choice’s industry-leading resources and technology. As owners look to build for tomorrow, they will be well served by building Comfort.”

The new prototype was designed in response to evolving guest needs with tailored spaces for travelers to relax, work, sleep and get ready for their day. New and existing elements of the design combine to maintain connective threads to the best of the current offering, while adapting to meet the changing needs of today’s traveler. Some of these updates include:

Outdoor patios anchored by an indoor/outdoor fireplace, designed to give guests a warm welcome and make them feel at home.Open, airy and active public spaces with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural lighting.A multi-purpose flex room that seamlessly converts to serve a variety of uses.Guestrooms featuring upgraded fixtures and furniture, including semi-open closets and new “on the go” stations at the door.Functional yet uplifting lighting throughout the prototype including the front desk welcome wall, public space millwork shelving, exclusive up-lighting on the guest room headboard wall and media panel and on the prototype exterior.

“As the name ‘Rise & Shine’ suggests, light is integral to the new design, inspired in part by our refreshed brand identity and new signage serving as a beacon for the brand,” said Megan Brumagim, vice president, brand management, design and compliance, Choice Hotels. “The prototype combines the features, design and amenities that guests want, with the efficiency, functionality and flexibility that developers expect. It offers spaces that can transform from day to night and serve a broad range of guest stays, whether business or leisure. The new prototype reinforces the brand’s strong value proposition with guests and owners by blending form and function to help optimize the guest experience and developers’ investment.”

Whether hosting a family on a road trip or a business traveler with an important client meeting, Comfort guests will continue to enjoy the spacious guestrooms, complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 100% smoke-free facilities that they expect from the brand.

Comfort has more than 1,600 hotels coast to coast in the U.S. and a pipeline of nearly 300 properties, about 80% of which are new construction. Choice Hotels listened closely to guests and owners when developing the new Comfort Rise & Shine prototype, and it has already received enthusiastic reviews from existing Comfort franchisees, who are eager to invest in the future of Choice Hotels’ flagship brand.

“It’s not every day you can say that you directly influenced a brand’s new product, but the Comfort prototype is a great example of how Choice Hotels’ collaboration with owners and developers ensures a win for everyone,” said Azim Saju, chief executive officer and president, HDG Hotels, and owner of 10 Choice-branded hotels. “I’m always looking for ways to optimize returns from my investments. I know Choice is too. I’m proud to have been a part of an incredible project that will be a game changer in the market for current and prospective owners as well as our guests.”

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