Franchise Update Media Reveals 2023 Franchise Innovation Award Winners

The goal of these annual awards is to identify and recognize the franchise brands creating and implementing the most original and successful innovation strategies and tactics. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges, who evaluated the objectives and results of more than 150 entrants.

Franchise innovators, game-changers, and disruptors competed in four categories: Marketing & Branding, Products & Services, Operations & Technology, and Human Resources.

The annual competition also celebrates a "Best of the Best" overall winner in marketing with the Franchise Marketing Leadership Award. This award is given to the brand that created the most innovative – and successful – marketing campaign. This year's winner, Denny's, rolled to the rescue with its Mobile Relief Diner that serves meals to those affected by natural disasters. It topped the list of several excellent marketing submissions.

A Franchise Operations & Technology Leadership Award was presented to the "Best of the Best" submission in the operations and technology categories. This year's winner, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, launched a manufacturing and distribution plant to provide proprietary barbecue meats and control the costs of goods for Dickey's franchisees.

• Denny's - Marketing

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit - Operations & Technology

• Dogtopia Canada

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe

• Budget Blinds / Home Franchise Concepts

• Denny's

• Kona Ice

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit

• MassageLuXe

• BrightStar Care

• Kumon North America - Best Big Budget Campaign

• Dogtopia Canada - Best Digital Campaign

• RNR Tire Express - Best Limited Budget Campaign (under $1 million)

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Best Loyalty App

• Denny's - Best PR Campaign

• Budget Blinds/Home Franchise Concepts - Best Social Media Campaign

• Denny's - Cause Marketing Champion

• Cicis® Pizza - Local Marketing Leadership

• Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa - Most Innovative Product Introduction

• Assisted Living Locators - Most Innovative Service Introduction

• Twin Peaks - Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools

• BrightStar Care - Most Innovative Use of Data

• Cruise Planners - Most Innovative Use of Technology: Products

• Kona Ice - Most Innovative Building Design, Remodel, or Prototype

• Wireless Zone® - Most Innovative Franchisee Support

• Re-Bath - Most Innovative Operations Team

• Dickey's Barbecue Pit - Most Innovative Supply Chain Improvements

• Camp Bow Wow - Most Innovative Use of Data

• MassageLuXe - Most Innovative Use of Technology

• MassageLuXe - Most Innovative Use of Technology: Services

• America's Swimming Pool Co., The Cleaning Authority, & Woofie's Pet Care - Most Innovative Employee Recruiting

• Homewatch CareGivers/Authority Brands - Most Innovative Employee Retention

• ManageMowed - Most Innovative Employee Training

The winners will be celebrated in Franchise Update Magazine, available later this year at franchising.com/magazine.

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for more than 35 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunity and educational websites, two quarterly print magazines, eleven newsletters, three annual conferences, independent research, and books, 100% focused on franchising. Serving franchise audiences online, in print, and in person, Franchise Update Media delivers a unique combination of educational and lead generation sources to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, opportunity seekers, and suppliers achieve their growth objectives.

Franchise Update Media (FUM) is the trusted resource for the franchise industry. For 30+ years, FUM has been the leader in providing valuable conferences, print publications and digital properties for Franchisors, Franchisees and Franchise Prospects.