Global Franchise 9.3

and perseverance. A resilient partner approaches challenges with determination and a positive attitude, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. This perseverance ensures not only the individual’s success but also the stability and reputation of the brand. Strong communication skills are the third vital trait we look for. Franchise systems thrive on effective communication, and successful franchisees are approachable, articulate, and adept at listening to feedback. This ensures cohesive operations and fosters a positive work environment, as well as directly impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, a great franchisee must balance entrepreneurial drive with a willingness to collaborate. At Sweet Paris, we call this Unified Thinking – the ability of franchisees, managers, employees, and the corporate team to work in harmony toward shared goals. This balance ensures fresh ideas are integrated without compromising brand consistency. While strong potential is found in many guises, personality is the foundation of performance. By focusing on these traits in the selection process, brands can ensure their partners are aligned with their mission, values, and vision. Ultimately, franchising isn’t just about financial opportunity – it’s about building enduring partnerships that drive collective success. KevinWinters , franchise development manager for Little Caesars Canada, reveals why expansion into nontraditional venues is crucial for the brand’s growth and success in North America, driving efficiency and convenience in this highly competitive sector. As Little Caesars celebrates 55 years of franchising in Canada, we’re more focused than ever on finding innovativeways to make our iconic food products more accessible to consumers. Expanding into non-traditional spaces, like gas stations and convenience stores, has been a strategic step forward for us. These locations allowus to meet consumers where they are, fitting seamlessly into their busy lives. Today’s consumers value convenience and speed, and our goal is to address these needs in a variety of ways – including by branching out into non-traditional venues. The Little Caesars prototype we recently opened in Mississauga debuted inside a Mobil fuel station. This express model provides consumers greater access to Little Caesars signature items like HOT-N-READY® pizza, CaesarWings™, and Crazy Bread®, all great food options capable of satisfying the cravings of people with busy lifestyles. By setting up in non-traditional locations, we make it simpler for Canadians to enjoy Little Caesars without needing to go out of their way. We understand that people want high-quality food that fits into their routines, whether they’re fueling up or picking up essentials. This model lets us serve our guests better and ensures they can rely on us as part of their daily lives. For franchise owners, Little Caesars express model in non-traditional spaces offers unique advantages. These locations require minimal space – just 450 square feet – and can operate with only two employees at a time. This efficiency helps franchisees keep operating costs low and margins high while benefiting from being front and center in a high foot traffic area. Additionally, Little Caesars express locations can capitalize on the host facility’s point-of-sale systems, further reducing overhead costs and streamlining operations. This format is ideal for franchisees seeking a low-cost entry point into franchising while benefiting from a steady flow of guests. As we strengthen our position as a leading brand in the pizza space, we’re excited about creating new opportunities for franchisees to join Little Caesars with a flexible prototype that works in a variety of settings. Our presence in non-traditional venues isn’t just about convenience – it’s about growth. At Little Caesars, we’re actively seeking to increase our footprint across high-traffic areas in Canada, including gas stations and convenience stores in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec. Expanding into these spaces allows us to reach new consumers and provide greater accessibility across the country. The response so far in Mississauga specifically has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re confident that our growth efforts will continue to solidify in 2025 and beyond as more entrepreneurs and franchise groups realize the benefits of including such model in their business portfolio. For franchisees and guests alike, this model offers a win-win solution and a promising path for growth in Canada. BRANCHING OUT INTO NON-TRAD SPACES can end up helping you in business. Always look to help them first. Never ask them for anything; instead find out what they need and how you can help them obtain it. I don’t just mean helping them find new customers. Are they visiting your hometown? Give them a great restaurant suggestion. Better yet, take them to the restaurant and get to know them. You’ll probably end up talking business, but try to steer the conversation to other topics, too. Remember, the goal is to build a relationship that leads to continuing business in the future, not to make money today. Once the foundation is laid, you have to nurture that relationship. Invite them to events during the year, such as charity benefits or school events you think they’d enjoy. Periodically reach out to see how they’re doing and if you can do anything for them. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through decades in business is that the goodwill you offer today will come back to you in the future. As you mix and mingle with fellow attendees this week, don’t look for business. Look for ways to make a difference for the people you meet. Help them succeed and down the road they will help you. 51 GLOBAL-FRANCHISE.COM Ins ight