Global Franchise 9.3

Tara Charters’ people-first approach, combined with solid franchisor support, has driven her success with Little Caesars Canada, showing how strong community connections and meaningful relationships are key to sustainable business growth Buildingbonds: howfranchisors and franchisees succeed together Tara Charters’ 14 years as a Little Caesars franchisee showcases the value of building strong relationships and her journey has been built on a foundation of values that resonate across the franchise system. One of the key reasons Tara has been so successful is her ability to connect with her team. Rather than relying on traditional incentives, Tara takes a personalized approach, tailoring rewards to each employee’s unique interests. For example, when one teammember reached a goal, Tara rewarded her with a family season pass to a local park – a gesture that held special meaning for the employee. Clear communication is another hallmark of Tara’s leadership.Whether she’s working with her team, corporate, or other franchisees, Tara ensures that expectations are well understood and that challenges are addressed together. Her open-door policy creates a culture of trust and collaboration, making it easier to solve problems, share ideas, and keep operations running smoothly. Tara is also deeply invested in her community. She understands that a successful business goes beyond just serving pizza; it’s about building relationships with local guests. Tara has sponsored several grassroots initiatives, including the local school district’s IDEA Center and the Dragon Boat Festival. These efforts have strengthened her stores’ ties to the community, ensuring that her brand is not just a business but a trusted local partner. Franchise systems depend on franchisees like Tara – leaders who not only understand the operational side but also value the importance of people and community. Tara’s milestone is a good example of how dedication, communication, and a personal touch can lead to long-term success. She proves that the heart of a successful franchise lies in its people – both the team that runs it and the community that supports it. I recently celebrated my 14th anniversary with Little Caesars. Opening four stores in five years was a steep learning curve, but a rewarding journey.When I first became a franchisee, one of the things I appreciated most was how accommodating Little Caesars was during the onboarding process. For example, when corporate found out I was staying in St. Catharine’s with my family, they moved me to a store in nearby Welland to cut down on my travel time. Once I opened my Moncton location, Little Caesars sent two people to stay with me for the first 10 days. This support made all the difference as I was getting started. During the pandemic, I made the decision to sell my Fredericton locations. This came about because an interested buyer approached me, and my partners in that city were leaving the business, making it the right time to sell. It was a testament to the strength of the Little Caesars brand that we were able to close the deal during such uncertain times. Having support from your franchisor is essential, but strong leadership and communication skills are just as crucial. I’m very intentional about having daily, meaningful conversations with my team to ensure we’re all aligned on our goals. Knowing what motivates your employees helps create an environment where they feel valued and are eager to contribute to the store’s success. A network of fellow franchisees is also vital when challenges arise – whether it’s dealing with a broken piece of equipment or a technical issue. The relationships within this community have provided a sense of camaraderie that has helped me during tough times. I’m optimistic and excited about the growth potential in the Atlantic region. My focus now is on growing my business after the challenges of the pandemic, and ultimately, I’d love to see my region expand. I’m looking forward to the continued success that lies ahead. Chloe Battalia As managing director of Little Caesars Canada, Chloe highlights the qualities that makeTara an outstanding Little Caesars franchisee and a model for franchising success. Tara Charters Tara operates two locations inMoncton and St. John, Canada. Recognized for her exceptional ability to build strong relationships, her leadership is marked by inclusivity and support to her diverse team. “Franchise systems depend on franchisees likeTara, who not only understand the operational side of the business but also value the importance of people and community” “The relationships within this community have provided a sense of camaraderie that has helped me during tough times.” 82 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 9.3 Interview | FEATURE