Your daily franchise briefing, covering all the biggest updates and news from the world of franchising.
Subway donates over a quarter of a million subs to frontline workers
Subway stores throughout the U.K. and Ireland have been helping to keep NHS, emergency service, and care home staff fed during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating subs, salads, and wraps to these key workers. Since the temporary closure of Subway stores in the U.K., franchise owners have donated over 250,000 items of food.
“The response from our franchise owners during this extremely difficult time has been nothing but incredible,” said Colin Hughes, country director for Subway U.K. and Ireland. “At a time when communities need to pull together and support each other more than ever, it is a credit to our franchise owners that they are doing just that by going above and beyond to look after our frontline health workers and society’s vulnerable people.”
Over the coming weeks, many stores will be continuing to offer food donations via weekly food drops to local charities, organizations, and NHS staff. This includes in areas such as Greater Manchester and Greater Yorkshire, where 191 stores have donated all of their fresh and chilled produce in the form of 10,000 subs and salads.
“The guidance provided by leadership right now will make a material difference for years to come”
Justin Mink, senior vice president of sales, franchise brands, for Scorpion, has shared local marketing tips with Global Franchise, and the five ways in which brands should be adapting their marketing during a time of crisis.
“How can a local business owner take advantage of these market conditions and turn them into an unexpected boon for business?” writes Justin. “Right now, a business owner’s ability to engage customers and capture attention costs pennies on the dollar. History shows that in a post-recession economy, the minute doors re-open for business, so too do the marketing floodgates.”
Make sure to read Justin’s full article here to stay up-to-date on the latest marketing methods your brand should be prioritizing.
Paris Baguette seeking multi-unit owners and area developers
Despite the ongoing pandemic disrupting employment and day-to-day life more than any event in recent memory, Paris Baguette, the bakery-cafe franchisor with more than 3,500 units internationally, is pushing optimism and is still seeking multi-unit franchisees to drive the organization’s growth into brand-new markets.
“Though the restaurant industry is facing unique challenges, we’re seeing positive steps being taken to support our industry and business owners,” says Gregg Koffler, vice president of franchise sales and development. “Specifically, we’re seeing a more open and collaborative real estate market right now, which presents the potential for greater selection and better lease terms for our franchisees.”
Celebree School signs a new franchisee
Celebree School, the early childhood education franchise, has managed to sign a new franchisee despite the ongoing international challenges faced by the franchise industry. The agreement was signed with Kate and Brian Mulcahy – newcomers to franchising, who have a lot of passion for their new project.
“Opening a Celebree School presents a real opportunity for us to make an impact by helping children and families in a very direct way,” said Kate Mulcahy. “Programs in place at Celebree locations can really support families because of their flexible nature and we look forward to serving the members of our community.”
The new school will open in Arlington, and joins the 39 Celebree Schools either open or under development across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Build-A-Bear introduces Workshop Wednesdays for families at home
Every Wednesday, Build-A-Bear will be hosting Workshop Wednesdays as an online resource for families. Each week, Build-A-Bear will provide new activities for the families, including recipes for easy-to-make snacks, DIY-craft ideas, coloring sheets, storytime, and games.
“Families around the world are adjusting to extended time at home and are looking for ways to stay active, connected and entertained,” said Sharon Price John, Build-A-Bear president and CEO. “With Workshop Wednesdays, we hope to continue to deliver what families have come to expect from Build-A-Bear, starting with our innovative online resources and continuing with unique in-store activities when we are able to reopen our physical stores.”
