FT Undercover: Hotworx, YogaSix, Barre3 in Twin Cities
FT Undercover tests Hotworx, YogaSix and Barre3 in the Twin Cities, highlighting heat, coaching, pricing, and the FTC action involving Xponential Fitness.
Jun 4, 2026
FT Undercover tests Hotworx, YogaSix and Barre3 in the Twin Cities, highlighting heat, coaching, pricing, and the FTC action involving Xponential Fitness.
Jun 4, 2026
Qdoba secures $435M via whole business securitization to refinance debt, fund remodels and digital makelines, and fuel its push to ~2,000 units.
Jun 4, 2026
To file a clean, on-deadline restaurant trade piece, I need structured facts: names, dates, quotes, numbers, locations, timing, metrics, constraints, and verification.
Jun 4, 2026
Arts-first preschool chain Building Kidz continues U.S. expansion while facing a wrongful death suit and appealing a California penalty.
Jun 4, 2026
How to choose and configure equipment for consistent, scalable restaurant operations, with market data, AI trends, and energy-efficiency considerations.
Jun 4, 2026
Ice cream brand Salt & Straw explores a sale valuing it at $200M, tapping Piper Sandler as advisor while emphasizing culture, growth, and majority ownership.
Jun 4, 2026
Five Iron Golf launches cash simulator tournaments with a live app leaderboard, varied formats, and a $20,000 prize pool, backed by a Series E as national rollout accelerates.
Jun 4, 2026
Indoor golf franchises scale as Callaway trims Topgolf, automation boosts margins, and demand accelerates across U.S. simulator chains.
Jun 4, 2026
Big chains blend global flavors with familiar formats to drive traffic. Case studies from Shake Shack, Bobby’s, and Rōti, plus trend and performance data.
Jun 4, 2026
Shake Shack lowered Q2 and full-year guidance amid a value war and macro headwinds; shares fell 9% as analysts cut targets and the company tightened openings.
Jun 4, 2026
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Explore key insights into restaurant franchising, leadership, and operational strategies for success in the industry.
Photo by Louis Hansel
Photo by Louis Hansel
In the competitive landscape of restaurant franchising, experience plays a pivotal role in driving growth and success. Leaders like Betsy Schmandt, with over 15 years of experience in the industry, bring a wealth of knowledge and strategic acumen to the table. Their ability to navigate the complexities of franchising, retail development, and brand-building sets the foundation for sustainable expansion.
Photo by Louis Hansel
One of the critical aspects of successful restaurant franchising is the ability to build high-performing teams and maintain strong relationships with key partners. Leaders like Schmandt excel in fostering collaboration, setting clear goals, and empowering their teams to execute brand-building strategies effectively. By cultivating a culture of excellence and trust, they ensure operational success and brand consistency.
Effective leaders in restaurant franchising prioritize operational excellence and strategic alignment with long-term goals. As observed in Schmandt's role as COO at A&W, daily operations are streamlined for efficiency and productivity, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the overarching strategic vision. This focus on operational rigor and adherence to strategic objectives leads to sustained growth and competitive advantage.
Innovation is a driving force behind successful restaurant franchising. Leaders like Schmandt bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, propelling brands forward in a dynamic market. By staying abreast of technological advancements and consumer trends, they steer brand development in the right direction, creating engaging experiences that resonate with customers and drive loyalty.