Laura Michaels

Minneapolis

Editor in Chief at Franchise Times Magazine

Editor in chief of @FranTimes, reader of books, Hawkeye for life (even in Minnesota)

Featured in: Favicon

franchisetimes.com Favicon

thetaxadviser.com Favicon

trendcentral.com Favicon

foodondemandnews.com Favicon

foodservicenews.net Favicon

foodondemand.com Favicon

greatlakesbaymag.com Favicon

ourcommunitynow.com

Articles

Behind the Scenes With DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub

4 days ago | foodondemand.com | Laura Michaels |Third-Party Delivery

May 6 might just go down in history for DoorDash. On the same day it shared first quarter financial results—it reported profit of $193 million, a reversal of its loss of $23 million a year ago and announced two major acquisitions. In a move aimed at increasing its global presence, San Francisco-based DoorDash announced a formal offer to acquire British food-delivery company Deliveroo for around 2.9 billion pounds, or $3.86 billion.
Tom Brady, Speed and Why Restaurant Operators Need to Understand AI

1 week ago | foodondemand.com | Laura Michaels

Who better to explain artificial intelligence to hundreds of restaurant operators than Tom Brady? “I knew Kansas City’s defense better than they knew themselves. I knew their body movements, the way their linebackers moved, the way their safeties moved. I knew everything they were doing…I had the answers to the test,” said Brady. “That’s where I was great, that’s where my magic superpower was. It wasn’t how fast I could run; it was how fast I could diagnose what they were doing.
After Sale to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Owner, Newk’s Eatery Ready for Growth Push

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

In the nearly 18 months since FSC Franchise Co. acquired Newk’s Eatery, the brand has taken steps to boost store-level margins and is finding ways to drive top-line sales. On the development front, a new franchisee in Georgia is preparing for his first Newk’s as part of a three-unit commitment. Frank Paci’s energy was evident as he talked about the future of fast-casual sandwich and salad franchise Newk’s Eatery.
Jack in the Box Closing Stores as It Looks to Offload Struggling Del Taco

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

“Nearly 100 percent” of the Jack in the Box closures will be franchise locations, said CEO Lance Tucker. And with the hiring of a strategic adviser, the company will explore alternatives for Del Taco, the 600-unit Mexican chain it bought just three years ago. Through what the company called a “block closure program,” Jack in the Box plans to shutter between 150 and 200 underperforming restaurants and may look for a buyer for the Del Taco business.
M&A Advisers Share Key Dealmaking Tactics

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

As part of its Dealmakers project, Franchise Times recognizes those in the adviser category. These winners are investment bankers, consultants, M&A experts, attorneys, CPAs, lenders and similar professionals facilitating multiple deals in franchising. This year, Unbridled Capital and Harrington Park Advisors earn the spotlight. Check out more winners as we recognize the top players driving M&A in franchising. It’s not just about the price.
Flurry of Deals Adds to CMG’s Counts in Sonic, Little Caesars, Ace

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

This story is part of the 13th annual Franchise Times Dealmakers project. Check out more winners as we recognize the top players driving M&A in franchising. Fourteen transactions across three brands totaling 118 locations. That’s the dizzying M&A pace for CMG Companies in 2024 as the multi-brand franchisee added to its portfolios of Sonic Drive-In, Little Caesars and Ace Hardware units. “It was a sprint,” said Cory Posey, director of M&A for Plano, Texas-based CMG.
Little Caesars Extends Global Reach With Franchisee Worldbridge in Cambodia

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

Putting a “Salmon Extreme” pizza on the menu or one topped with crab meat might not fly at a chain restaurant in the United States, but at Little Caesars in Cambodia, they’re two popular options. The unique items also illustrate the inventive nature of Little Caesars’ culinary team and its ability to adapt to the tastes of local consumers, said Carlos Vidal, vice president of international development for the company.
Scenthound CEO Talks Sweet Tooth Favs and Reading Minds

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

In her monthly "Grab Bag" column, Editor in Chief Laura Michaels asks the tough questions—What superhero power would you most like to have? What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?—to show a side of franchising execs you don’t normally see. Who is an actor you would watch in anything? Timothée Chalamet is very intriguing to me. I think he’s a captivating actor. ‘Dune’ parts one and two were probably my favorite recent movies.
Major Crunch Franchisee Buys 24 Hour Fitness Units to Grow in Florida

3 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

CR Fitness Holdings, already the largest Crunch Fitness franchisee, will convert several 24 Hour Fitness locations in Orlando and Miami. The group’s CEO, Tony Scrimale, says CR Fitness is “just getting started,” and expects to open at least a dozen more clubs this year. In Tony Scrimale’s view, it’s better to take a competitor out of a territory whenever possible rather than fight for market share.
Workout Anytime’s Largest Franchisee Buys the 200-Unit Brand

4 weeks ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

In a deal that includes two private equity firms as minority owners, franchisee Jerry Pugh acquired Workout Anytime from its founders and moved into the CEO role. He sees ample opportunity to further establish the 24/7 gym concept as a strong regional brand in the Southeast, in part by attracting multi-brand franchisees.