Alyssa Huglen

2 days 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.

5 days 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.

1 week 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.

1 week 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.

1 week 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.