Franchise Brief

Krystal is leaning all the way into Fourth of July nostalgia this year with a giveaway that feels tailor-made for fireworks, road trips, and sticky fingers. On July 4th, guests can receive a free Bomb Pop ice pop with any in-store purchase, while supplies last. The giveaway arrives as Krystal celebrates summer with its Bomb Pop ICEE, a frozen drink inspired by the original red, white and blue treat.

More than eight years ago, I was enjoying a steady and successful career in Corporate America, working as a sales rep for Tenant Turner, a proptech company that offers a variety of turnkey property management solutions for single-family rental units. But even from a young age, I always felt as if I were more or less destined to own a business of my own. At the time, it really hadn’t occurred to me that property management was where I would eventually end up.

Experience is becoming a powerful driver in hospitality, and Choice Hotels International is putting that idea directly on the map with its Great American Detour campaign. This is a summer travel initiative designed to help road trippers discover unexpected stops, scenic communities, and local experiences along the way. At the center of the campaign is the new Detours Worth Taking guide, which pairs road trip-friendly destinations with nearby Choice Hotels properties for convenient stays.

Hardee’s is revving up race season with the launch of Bubba’s Full Throttle Meal, a limited-time collaboration with 23XI Racing and NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace. Available now through the My Rewards app and online while supplies last, the meal combines fan-favorite menu items with exclusive collectibles for racing enthusiasts.

Visiting Angels has promoted longtime executive Scott Parrish to president, marking a leadership transition designed to build on the home care brand’s more than 25 years of serving seniors across the United States. The appointment, announced June 18th, comes after nearly two decades with the company.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is expanding its menu with the launch of Freddy’s Bevies, a new premium beverage lineup featuring five Custard Cream Sodas and a selection of flavored teas and lemonades. Available now through drive-thru, dine-in, pickup, delivery, and the Freddy’s mobile app, the new drinks build on the growing demand for premium beverages and customizable refreshment options.

Burn Boot Camp has found a new rhythm for its next chapter. The Charlotte-based fitness franchise announced that global artist and music producer Marshmello has joined the brand as Equity Partner, Franchise Partner, and Executive Partner for Creative & Music. The partnership brings together Burn Boot Camp’s 45-minute group fitness model with Marshmello’s music-driven brand energy, giving members a new weekly experience built around movement, motivation, and consistency.

As World Cup excitement brings fans together across host cities, la Madeleine is joining the moment with two different croissant-centered celebrations. The Dallas-based French-inspired bakery-café announced on June 23rd that it will offer free butter croissants after eligible victories by the United States and France. Separately, the brand will introduce a limited-time Red, White & Blue Croissant available for purchase from June 30th through July 21st. The distinction is important.

According to the most recent and reliable data compiled by the market research and data analytics firm FRANdata, it’s estimated that between 500-600 franchise brands, representing approximately 12-13% of the sector, are backed by some form of private equity (PE) investment, if not outright ownership.

Running a successful business and running a franchise system are two very different things. Many emerging franchisors discover that gap the hard way. They know their product, their operations, and their customers. What they often don’t have is a clear view into how their own team is functioning as a franchisor, what’s working internally, where communication is breaking down, and what blind spots might quietly be shaping everything downstream in their relationship with their franchisees.