GF Issue 54

5 WIENERSCHNITZEL Serving the hottest dogs in Latin America 4 JARS BY FABIO VIVIANI Dodging the painpoints in quick service “2023 was a fantastic year for Wienerschnitzel, and there was no better way to wrap it up than opening the first of many international locations,” said Doug Koegeboehn, chief marketing officer for Galardi Group, Wienerschnitzel’s parent company. The iconic 60-year legacy hot dog brand marked its international presence with two locations in Chile and Ecuador, but these are just the first scheduled to launch across Latin America over a five-year period. Partner Andres Sotomayor is charged with leading the expansion in Ecuador with a 15-unit development deal. With nearly 350 franchised Wienerschnitzel locations in operation throughout 10 states, and more than 50 U.S. units in various stages of development, the ‘World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain’ serves more than 120 million hot dogs annually – fuelled by a mission of “Serving Food to Serve Others,” which includes giving back a percentage of profits to charity. “Much of our growth has been driven by operators who really see the value in what we offer – a simple low-cost business model and virtually no competition in our segment,” added Koegeboehn. “We’re thrilled that this continues to resonate with entrepreneurs, especially on a global scale.” For a company that’s only been franchising for under two years, JARS by Fabio Viviani has hit the ground running with over 100 units in development in the U.S. and internationally. Why focus on an emerging brand? Because this high-volume, fast-casual dessert concept leverages modern technology to trade in high foot-traffic areas without the need for a commercial kitchen. Offering one of the simplest models in the QSR space along with exceptional ROI, JARS has created a blueprint that involves no baking, no cooking, easy-to-train staff, and faster buildouts. Co-packing and easy assembly drastically reduce ticket times and cut out kitchen labor, making JARS an appealingly scalable opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs and a lucrative investment in a sector often overburdened by high running costs and narrow margins. JARS is working with Fransmart, a global leader in franchise development, to pursue the goal of becoming the next big thing in dessert franchising. Currently in the process of opening its franchisees’ first locations, the brand is firmly focused on finding qualified partners who are looking to expand into new markets, including in the U.K. 3 MBE WORLDWIDE Showing how international expansion and a focus on local can work together MBEWorldwide (MBE) is a leading commerce enablement platform operating under different brands – PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc., PostNet, PACK & SEND, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, GEL Proximity and World Options – providing e-commerce, fulfilment, shipping, marketing and print solutions to both businesses and consumers. In a bid to provide both international reach and maintain a vital physical proximity to local businesses, MBE is combining its worldwide network of more than 3,190 Business Solution Centers, 1,831 of which are Mail Boxes Etc stores, with PrestaShop, one of the most successful e-commerce platforms on the market, enabling it to expand its geographical footprint far and wide. To achieve this strategic goal within the next two years, increased investment is now being directed towards technology advancement to support the MBE network and its business partners in navigating and overcoming business challenges. MARKETVIEW: SECTORS ONTHE RISE According to top franchise development company Franchise Fast Lane, industries and business sectors expected to remain popular among franchisee candidates in 2024 include: Home improvement franchises (like Bloomin’ Blinds, Koala Insulation, WallabyWindows, Best Choice Roofing, The Brothers That Just Do Gutters, Five Star Bath Solutions, Spray- Net, Canopy Lawn Care and AnchoredTiny Homes) Mobile-based franchises (like Shrunk 3D, DonutNV, Zoom Drain, All Dry Services, EverLine Coatings and Services, Bar-B-Clean, and Hallmark Homecare) Mind/Body/Health/Wellness franchises (like The Tox, The Exercise Coach, and Gameday Men’s Health) Educational and/or youth- oriented franchises (like Soccer Stars, M14Hoops, andTippi Toes) GLOBAL FRANCHISE.COM 21