Alyssa Huglen, Franchise Times Magazine Journalist Profile

Articles

Where Are They Now? Hammer & Nails Builds Excitement Around Men’s Grooming With 50-Plus Units

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

This article is part of "Where Are They Now?"—an ongoing series in which Franchise Times Managing Editor Emilee Wentland and Reporter Alyssa Huglen catch up with emerging brands. Aaron Meyers knows self-care hasn’t historically been a priority for men. But the tides are starting to change with the expansion of men’s grooming concept Hammer & Nails, hitting the 50-unit milestone next week.
Husband-and-Wife Franchisees Grow Saladworks’ Reach With 10-Unit Deal

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

A North Carolina couple is bringing fast-casual salad concept Saladworks to their home state after signing a 10-unit franchise agreement this year. Zack and Crystal Mixon signed their development deal with the brand in April. While they initially planned to acquire one unit, the Mixons and Saladworks shared a desire to grow the concept’s presence in North Carolina, a state with only one Saladworks location.
Biscuit Belly Franchisee Embraces Diversity of Charlotte Market

2 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Biscuit Belly franchisee Neesh Patel operates two units in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. Identifying and playing to each store's unique strengths has translated to success as the 14-unit southern breakfast and brunch concept expands its franchise presence. With 14 locations, Kentucky-based Biscuit Belly is focused on sustainable growth as it grows among an ever-competitive breakfast and brunch segment.
GymGuyz’s Youngest Franchisee Strengthens Brand Presence in San Antonio

2 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Guy Creamer said he’s always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Combine that with a longtime athletic career, and his decision to enter the fitness segment seems like a no-brainer. “I wanted to go with something where I could have a proven business model, have the franchise backing and mentorship, and know I have people behind me to help me along,” Creamer said.
Shift Arcade’s Franchise Launch Drives Sim Racing Into Mainstream

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Simulation racing—better known as sim racing—has risen in popularity in tandem with that of motorsports. Shift Arcade, a California-based sim racing concept, believes this surging interest makes now the perfect time to launch its franchise system. Co-founders Paul Baillie and Greg Tucker opened their first Shift Arcade in 2023 in Concord, California. The concept grew its presence in a residential mall for nearly two years, bringing in about 1,000 reservations per month.
Gen Z Turns to Franchising for Business Ownership, Leadership Roles

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

In her mid-20s, Grace Kitchen already has a long-standing relationship with franchising. Though she officially took on marketing and social media roles in 2019 for her mom’s franchise, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sonoma County, Kitchen recalls a much earlier start. “I often say since birth because I grew up in it,” Kitchen said of her start date.
Where Are They Now? Keke’s Café Expands National Reach With Help From Denny’s

4 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

It’s been nearly three years since Denny’s acquired breakfast and brunch concept Keke’s Café for $82.5 million. Keke’s president David Schmidt said the reaped benefits are driving the brand to the next level. “They’ve been great partners with us. When you’re presenting with a brand that’s been around for 70 years and is obviously a huge presence in the franchise world, they’ve got the franchising playbook, which has been fantastic,” Schmidt said.
Franchisees Help Guide Menu Innovation at Broken Yolk

1 month ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Ed Powers familiarized himself with Broken Yolk Café’s menu long before joining as the brand’s director of operations. In his 20s, Powers lived down the street from the breakfast-focused concept’s original location in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. “That was the place to go,” he said. “The reason why was the energy … and what really always stood out was the variety of the menu, even back then, the quality of the food and the portion sizes.
First Chief Brand Officer at Retro Fitness Emphasizes Holistic Focus on Health

1 month ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Kim Gouch has strong emotions about her goals for Retro Fitness as its first-ever chief brand officer. “We’re making a difference in franchisees’ lives by giving them a strong brand and a strong support model to let them live the best life they can live,” said Gouch, who got choked up before continuing.
Always Best Care Exec Aims to Fill ‘Insatiable Need for Senior Care’

1 month ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Todd Hillman began his franchising journey at an unforgettable time. “I decided it was time to do something for myself,” Hillman said. “It was time that entrepreneur spirit needed to come out. I was going to take a chance in my late 20s, so I bought into a franchise in 2001. Oddly enough after training, my opening day was 9/11.”Hillman said timing of his franchise entry taught him the importance of a solid franchisee-franchisor relationship.