Franchise Daily Digest: April 20

“Franchising always punches above its weight and will bounce back stronger than stand-alone enterprises”

We recently caught up with Jason Gehrke, director of the Franchise Advisory Centre, about how the Australian franchise industry is responding to COVID-19, and what he believes the future will look like for franchised businesses across the country.

“Right now, the small business sector in Australia is grinding to a halt as the federal and state governments seek to contain the spread of the virus through self-isolation,” said Gehrke. “While this might be bad news for small business more broadly, franchising always punches above its weight and will bounce back stronger than stand-alone enterprises. As unemployment grows, this too will create an increase in potential franchisees looking to become self-employed.”

IHG launches global effort to feed local communities

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), the international hotel franchisor with a portfolio of more than 5,900 hotels, has announced multiple global partnerships to support food banks and other food provision charities around the world, to support those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Charity partners include ‘No Kid Hungry’ in the U.S., ‘Trussell Trust’ in the U.K., and the ‘European Food Banks Federation’.

“We can all see the impact that coronavirus continues to have around the world on communities, businesses, and our lives,” said Keith Barr, CEO. “Taking care of others is the very essence of who we all are in hospitality and working with our colleagues, owners and charity partners to offer food, supplies and safe accommodation is a natural way for us to be there for our local communities in these difficult times.”

IHG also recently announced its #FirstRespondersFirst initiative, which will see hotels provide free accommodation to frontline first responders across the U.S.

Pizza Hut enacts several measures to combat COVID-19

Pizza Hut will be distributing almost 13 million non-surgical grade medical masks to employees across its entire U.S. network, as part of an ongoing push to support its staff throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Starting this week, the brand will also be introducing tamper-proof safety seals to all of its medium and large pizza boxes, which must be broken by the customer and ensure the safety and security of their food.

“The health and safety of our team members, customers and the communities we serve remains our top priority,” said Nicolas Burquier, chief customer and operations officer. “We understand people trust us to provide safe, fast and reliable food to feed them and their families. We take that responsibility very seriously and these new measures are a reaffirmation of that mentality.”

RISE Education appoints new COO

RISE Education Cayman Ltd (RISE) recently announced the appointment of Ms. Hui Tai as chief operating officer. The junior English language training franchise was founded in 2007, and utilizes a ‘subject-based learning’ philosophy throughout China.

“RISE is a great company with strong brand recognition and an established and proven curriculum,” said Ms. Hui Tai. “I believe my experience in operational excellence and digital transformation will help further drive improvements in efficiency and build a stronger digital platform.”