Best Proactive Move
IFA Launches MinorityFran
The International Franchisee Association (ifa) launched its MinorityFran
program in February 2006 with the intention
of increasing minority involvement in
franchising. The program acts as a resource
for
minorities interested in franchising and franchise companies interested
in diversifying their operator base. Tools and contacts are offered to
help both groups along their way. And there are incentives for anyone
willing to open a store in an under-served community. Still the most
important aspect of MinorityFran is awareness. According to IFA Diversity
Institute Chairman Ronald Harrison, one of the program’s main goals is to “send the message to
all communities that franchising is a smart and affordable way to realize
the American Dream of small business ownership.”
To date, more than 100 franchising companies
have signed up, including 35 in the quick-service segment.
Best Leap for a Little Guy
Barb-B-Cutie in Spain
Longtime Nashville favorite Barb-B-Cutie is going international.
The family-owned, eight-unit chain signed a 20-store, master-franchise
deal with Spanish operator Family
& Friends, S.L. in August. The first unit under the agreement opened
inside a Valencia shopping center in November. A second is scheduled to
open by year’s end. Barb-B-Cutie attributes the speed at which it
has been able to open its Spanish stores, in part, to its master franchisee’s
family connections. Fran Baena leads Family & Friends, and came across
Barb-B-Cutie while researching American quick-serve brands online. He
considered 42 concepts before approaching choosing the Music City icon.
Barb-B-Cutie’s agreement with Baena calls for Family & Friends
to develop a mix of company stores and single-store franchisees. The goal
is 20 stores by 2016. Madrid and Barcelona will also be targeted.
Best Helping Hand
El Pollo Loco’s Support Program
The introduction of a new prototype and a new focus
on expanding beyond its West Coast core markets drove El Pollo Loco to
debut its Franchise Restaurant Opening Group (frog) in 2006. The cross-functional
team is dedicated solely to helping franchisees navigate through the planning
and paperwork associated with opening a new store. Assistance begins with
a signed development agreement and ends once things are rolling along
smoothly. El Pollo Loco credits FROG with streamlining the opening process
and improving communication between corporate and franchisees. A December
2005 opening in Chicago, El Pollo Loco’s first east of the Mississippi,
was used as a testing ground for the FROG concept. Success in that venture
convinced the brand to make FROG a permanent part of El Pollo Loco operations.
Best Import to Watch
ADIR Franchises Pollo Campero
Guatemalan-based Pollo Campero made a big splash in
2002 when its debut U.S. store took in $1 million in its first seven weeks.
Almost five years later, the brand is continuing its steady growth across
the States. At last count there were 11. ADIR Restaurants Corp. is Pollo
Campero’s sole U.S. master franchisor and holds the rights for six
western states, After three years of internal growth, ADIR signed its
first area agreement in September with Richard Anderson, CEO and owner
of Southern Foods PC, LLC. Anderson is an experienced franchisee who spent
several years with the Quiznos and Wienerschnitzel systems. ADIR’S
deal with Southern Foods is a multi-million dollar one that includes five
restaurants—four in California and one in Arizona. The first is
scheduled to open in Spring 2007.
Best News for Small Companies
IdeaFarm Recognizes
‘Undiscovered’ Brands
IdeaFarm is a brand development and marketing services
firm that specializes in franchise growth. In 2004, its team set out to
remind would-be franchisees that smaller chains can also provide profitable
opportunities. An e-book featuring the brands was compiled. An updated
version,
Best Undiscovered Franchises, Vol. 2, was released in January
2006. Six quick-serves were included: We’re Rolling Pretzels, Manny &
Olga’s Pizza, Newk’s Express Café, Parrot Pizza, Sheridan’s
Lattes & Frozen Custard, and Zantigo Mexican. Featured companies were
chosen based on operational systems, consumer appeal, growth potential,
corporate culture, and management philosophy. The downloadable e-book
is available free online at www.IdeaFarm.net.
Growth >
