[SpotOn Series] Mastering Franchise Success With Ken Rice, COO of Pickleman’s Franchising

Top Business Leaders Show

Ken Rice is the Chief Operating Officer at Pickleman's Franchising, a company specializing in upscale, fast-casual sandwich shops known for their fresh, high-quality food. Under his leadership, Pickleman's has achieved 14.57% same-store year-over-year growth and expanded to 28 locations, with plans to add 20 to 25 additional units in the coming years. Ken is a US Army veteran honored with two Army Commendation Medals and is passionate about building strong franchisee-franchisor relationships through effective communication and strategic growth.

In this episode…

The restaurant industry offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs, from fast-casual concepts to upscale dining experiences. What insights can a seasoned executive provide about the franchising landscape in this sector?

According to Ken Rice, successful franchising requires a strong focus on communication and relationship-building between franchisors and franchisees. He emphasizes the importance of listening to franchisees' concerns, providing them with the necessary tools and training, and fostering a collaborative environment where both parties work together to improve the brand. Ken also highlights the value of having franchisees participate in decision-making processes, such as marketing strategies, to ensure their voices are heard and their experiences are leveraged.

On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Rise25's Chad Franzen welcomes Ken Rice, COO of Pickleman’s Franchising, to chat about his journey in the restaurant industry, the importance of franchisee-franchisor relationships, and the unique positioning of Pickleman's in the market. Ken shares insights on effective franchise management, the role of technology in operations, and what makes a successful franchisee in today's competitive landscape.