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The fourth annual Franchise Innovation Awards have been wrapped up. This year’s contest generated more than 100 entries in four main categories and 22 subcategories. Franchise innovators, game-changers, and disruptors were evaluated on their efforts to create and implement the most original and successful campaigns in four categories: Marketing & Branding, Operations & Technology, Products & Services, and Human Resources. A team of judges evaluated each entry independently based on a brand’s stated objective, the problem or improvement targeted, and the metrics they provided about the results. The winners were announced at the Franchise Customer Experience Conference.
Best Big Budget Campaign: Uberrito Fresh Mex
Best Digital Campaign: Wild Birds Unlimited
Best Limited Budget Campaign (under $1 million): Wild Birds Unlimited
Best Loyalty App: Blaze Pizza
Best PR Campaign: Goldfish Swim School
Best Social Media Campaign: Camp Bow Wow
Cause Marketing Champion: Kiddie Academy
Local Marketing Leadership: Handyman Connection
Most Innovative Building Design, Remodel, or Prototype: Inspire Brands
Most Innovative Consumer Self-Service Tools: Pillar To Post
Most Innovative Franchisee Support: Wild Birds Unlimited
Most Innovative Operations Team: Smoothie King
Most Innovative Supply Chain Improvements: Shawarma Press
Most Innovative Use of Data: Blaze Pizza
Most Innovative Use of Technology: Checkers & Rally’s
Most Innovative Product Introduction: Hand & Stone
Most Innovative Service Introduction: Plumbing Paramedics and Heating + Air Paramedics
Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools: School of Rock
Most Innovative Use of Technology—Products: Xponential Fitness
Most Innovative Use of Technology—Services: Checkers & Rally’s
Most Innovative Employee Hiring: Goldfish Swim School
Most Innovative Employee Retention: Handyman Connection