8th Annual Franchise Innovation Awards: From AI to Operations, 2026 Winners Set New Standards for Franchising

This year’s Franchise Update Media Innovation Award winners turned technological innovations and strategies into cost-cutting and time-saving efficiencies. They also developed new and creative ways to increase customer engagement. More than 100 entries were submitted by legacy and emerging brands.

The contest recognized overall winners in two categories: Primrose Schools won the Franchise Marketing Leadership Award, and Little Caesars took home the Operations & Technology Leadership Award. New this year was an Overall Winner among all categories. Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa took top honors by scoring high in several categories, winning two, and becoming a finalist in the Operations & Technology category.

A panel of expert judges evaluated each entry’s objective, the problem it solved, and the innovations required to achieve the stated goals. Winners in each of the five main categories and 26 subcategories are highlighted in the following pages. The main categories are:

• Marketing & Branding. This category asked brands what innovative solutions they employed to grow consumer awareness, engagement, and loyalty. It includes everything from traditional advertising and PR campaigns to social media, rewards programs, new product launches, and local store marketing campaigns.
• Operations & Technology. Repeatable and scalable systems and processes are essential for franchising success. Judges reviewed the most forward-thinking operations teams and how they improved and streamlined their processes and practices.
• Human Resources. Growing a great brand requires the best people at every level. This category examined how brands employed new strategies and tactics to attract, hire, train, and retain employees who suit their vision and culture.
• Products & Services. Franchise systems must evolve to provide the products and services that customers want. Brands are also changing their delivery methods to reach consumers in the ways they prefer. For many entrants, advances in technology change the way customers order, pay for, and receive their products or services.
• Franchise Development. Winners in this category will be announced at the Franchise Leadership and Development Conference in October.

MARKETING & BRANDING

Best PR Campaign: Clean Juice

Objective: Clean Juice set out to capitalize on one of the biggest cultural moments of the year, the day after the Super Bowl. By offering a free Berry Açaí Bowl, the brand aimed to increase awareness, drive traffic to participating locations, and introduce new customers to its organic menu.

Overview: Instead of competing for attention on Super Bowl Sunday, Clean Juice focused on the recovery narrative the following day. The nationwide promotion gave guests a free Berry Açaí Bowl while introducing five new functional bowl offerings. The campaign generated buzz around the expanded menu, attracted new and returning customers, and leveraged the Super Bowl’s massive audience without the cost of a traditional advertising campaign.

Results: The campaign reached an estimated audience of more than 530 million, generated 105 media mentions, and averaged 111 free Berry Açaí Bowls distributed per participating location. First-quarter sales also increased 7.8% over Q4 2025.

Best Digital Campaign: Primrose Schools

Objective: Primrose Schools launched the Primrose Friends YouTube channel on Oct. 1, 2025, featuring original songs, classic children’s music, and educational videos designed for parents and young children to enjoy together. Inspired by the first Primrose school, the channel aimed to increase national brand awareness, strengthen enrollment consideration among prospective families, and deepen engagement with current families.

Overview: Recognizing YouTube as a key platform for reaching families, Primrose launched a national integrated campaign featuring weekly curriculum-based videos with tactile characters that encourage learning and imaginative play. Each episode connected to PrimroseFriends.com, where families could access videos, printable activities, and character content. Paid media placed episodes within trusted family programming while earned media, influencers, social media, email, and in-school launch kits extended the campaign’s reach and encouraged participation.

Results: During its first 12 weeks, the campaign generated 17.8 million video views, 65.3 million impressions, and more than 13,000 YouTube subscribers. A brand lift study showed increased brand favorability and enrollment intent among parents of children ages 2–6. Among parents exposed to the campaign, 71% said they were likely to schedule a tour, and 76% wanted more information about Primrose.

Best Social Media Campaign: The Red Chickz

Objective: The Red Chickz used social media as its primary growth engine, creating bold, entertaining content designed to capture attention, spark conversation, and drive organic sharing. Rather than rely on traditional advertising, the brand focused on personality- driven campaigns that could generate viral reach and build brand awareness.

Overview: The brand’s “CEO of Wasting Sauce” campaign featured a customer repeatedly dunking chicken tenders into a cup of sauce until it splashed everywhere. The video quickly went viral, inspiring similar content from other hot chicken brands. Another campaign showcased a giant hot chicken sandwich made with an oversized bun, about 40 chicken tenders, one pound of pickles, five pounds of coleslaw, and two gallons of sauce. The over-the-top creation generated widespread attention and earned television and other media coverage.

Results: With just five locations, The Red Chickz grew its TikTok following to more than 1.2 million followers and 40 million likes. The viral campaigns increased brand awareness, drove traffic to stores, and boosted revenue. They also accelerated franchise development by attracting prospective franchisees and raising the brand’s profile in the competitive hot chicken category.

Best Local Marketing Leadership: Snap Fitness

Objective: Snap Fitness launched the Grassroots to Greatness athlete grant program across the United Kingdom and Ireland to strengthen community engagement while supporting emerging athletes and local sports clubs. The initiative aimed to provide financial assistance to athletes, give clubs a meaningful community outreach program, and share recipients’ stories through digital and social media.

Overview: The Grassroots to Greatness program recognized athletes who demonstrated perseverance, ambition, and dedication to their sport. Snap Fitness awarded £25,000 in grants to 12 athletes to help cover coaching, equipment, training, travel, and facility costs. Clubs promoted the program locally, encouraged applications, and celebrated recipients within their communities. Snap Fitness shared their stories across its digital and social channels.

Results: In its first year, the program provided direct financial support to 12 athletes across a variety of sports and age groups. It also strengthened connections between Snap Fitness clubs and their local communities by highlighting emerging athletes and demonstrating franchisees’ commitment to supporting local talent.

Cause Marketing Champion: Penn Station Sandwiches

Objective: Penn Station Sandwiches launched Deals for Down Syndrome to transform its long-running charitable fundraising efforts into a more engaging, value-driven campaign. The goals were to increase customer participation, expand fundraising across its 320-plus locations, strengthen franchisee involvement, and generate greater awareness of Down syndrome organizations through earned media.

Overview: Launched during Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October 2025, the monthlong campaign invited customers to donate $5 in exchange for a coupon booklet offering more than $20 in savings. Penn Station donated 100% of proceeds to Down syndrome associations in the communities it serves. Replacing the traditional round-up program with a value-based offer increased customer engagement while helping raise funds for family support, education, advocacy, camps, and other community programs. The campaign also gave the brand, which rarely offers discounts, an effective way to drive guest visits.

Results: The inaugural campaign raised $348,820 through participation from franchisees and customers at more than 320 locations. The funds supported education, advocacy, camps, and family services for individuals with Down syndrome. The promotion also helped drive fourth-quarter traffic and generated an estimated 2.4 million earned media impressions, expanding awareness of both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and Penn Station’s longstanding community commitment.

Best Loyalty App: Cicis Pizza

Objective: Cicis launched its first loyalty program to modernize guest engagement and create a scalable digital marketing platform across nearly 300 franchise locations. The goals were to increase app downloads, build a robust email and SMS database, and generate immediate traffic and sales while creating a long-term customer engagement platform.

Overview: Cicis Rewards debuted in November 2025 with a limited-time promotion that revived the original 1985 adult buffet price of $2.99. The offer drove app downloads and loyalty enrollments through an integrated national digital campaign. Consumer demand exceeded expectations, prompting the brand to end paid promotion after just five days with a 98% redemption rate. The program now serves as the foundation for Cicis’ ongoing loyalty strategy, combining everyday engagement with targeted promotional offers.

Results: The launch propelled the Cicis app to the No. 1 spot in the Food & Drink category in both major app stores. Search interest increased 25% while traffic to the rewards page grew from 601 visits in October to 39,000 in November. Nearly 450,000 members enrolled during the first month, including more than 327,000 new email and SMS subscribers, giving the brand a significantly larger audience for future marketing efforts.

Best Limited Budget Campaign (Less Than $1 million): Goldfish Swim School

Objective: After winning the 2025 Franchise Innovation Award for its 2024 Holiday Campaign, Goldfish Swim School set out to build on that success with a larger, repeatable holiday marketing program. The goals were to increase holiday package sales, attract new families by appealing to gift givers, and encourage existing members to commit to longer-term packages.

Overview: The 2025 Holiday Campaign expanded on the previous year’s award-winning strategy by positioning swim lessons as a meaningful gift that builds confidence, creates lasting memories, and teaches life-saving skills. Through consistent messaging, multiple customer touchpoints, and a mix of package options, the campaign drove sustained demand rather than short-term promotional spikes. The strategy attracted new families while encouraging existing members to choose longer-duration packages.

Results: The campaign significantly outperformed the previous year. Holiday revenue increased 103% while holiday package sales rose 56% year over year. Landing page traffic grew 26% with first-time visitors increasing 98%. Social media engagement increased more than 10-fold, and six- and 12-month packages more than doubled their share of total holiday revenue, demonstrating stronger long-term customer commitment.

Best Big Budget Campaign: Floor Coverings International

Objective: Floor Coverings International (FCI) set out to become the most recognized flooring brand in the markets it serves. To achieve that goal, the company developed a scalable brand strategy that increased local awareness, respected its franchise co-op model, and encouraged voluntary franchisee participation while delivering measurable value.

Overview: In March 2024, FCI launched a corporate-led, co-op-funded Brand Plan focused on the markets where its franchisees operate rather than broad national advertising. The campaign combined display ads, online video, Meta, streaming audio, and Connected TV to build awareness among homeowners most likely to purchase flooring. Branded search and retargeting captured demand generated by the campaign and connected brand awareness to measurable business results.

Results: The Brand Plan increased brand media investment by 89% year over year and raised co-op participation from 80 to 97.5%. Twenty-one co-ops increased their budgets and expanded into new marketing channels while nine launched Brand Plan campaigns for the first time. Since the program began, branded search volume has increased 73%, providing a strong foundation for continued brand growth.

OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Most Innovative Operations Team: ClusterTruck

Objective: ClusterTruck developed its proprietary technology platform to eliminate the heat-lamp problem common in third-party food delivery while improving kitchen efficiency and profitability. The goal was to synchronize food preparation with driver arrival so that orders move directly from the kitchen to the courier, reducing wait times, improving food quality, eliminating third-party delivery fees, and increasing throughput.

Overview: ClusterTruck built an integrated software platform that combines order management, kitchen operations, and courier dispatch. When an order is placed, the system calculates preparation time, tracks driver GPS locations, and releases the order to the kitchen only when a driver is the correct distance away. The platform eliminates the need to manage multiple third-party delivery apps, keeps kitchen production flowing efficiently, and ensures drivers spend little or no time waiting for orders, allowing restaurant teams to focus on food quality and operations.

Results: The technology transformed both operations and unit economics. Average delivery time remains under 30 minutes from order placement with food spending less than 10 minutes in transit. By eliminating third-party delivery commissions of 20 to 30%, ClusterTruck retains higher profit margins. Drivers complete more deliveries per hour because they rarely wait for orders, improving earnings and retention, and the elimination of the heat-lamp stage has reduced remakes, refunds, and complaints about cold food.

Most Innovative Use of Technology: Little Caesars

Objective: Little Caesars set out to improve delivery by reducing costs, minimizing driver-related delays, and delivering hotter food more consistently. To achieve that, the brand tested autonomous sidewalk robots as an alternative fulfillment model designed to improve speed, efficiency, and the guest experience.

Overview: Little Caesars partnered with Coco Robotics and DoorDash to pilot autonomous sidewalk delivery in Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Coco’s electric robots delivered orders directly to customers, providing a contactless experience without driver shortages or surge pricing. Each robot can carry up to four large pizzas, two two-liter sodas, and sides, making it well suited for typical Little Caesars orders. Restaurant employees load the robot outside the store, minimizing operational disruption. The system performs best within a five-mile radius, where it consistently achieved delivery times of less than 12 minutes.

Results: The pilot delivered strong early results in guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Customers rated the service a 4.9 out of 5, citing food quality upon arrival. The curbside loading process integrated smoothly into restaurant operations and required minimal employee training. Based on delivery performance, guest feedback, and operational results, Little Caesars is evaluating expansion of the autonomous delivery program into additional markets.

Most Innovative Use of Data: Sport Clips

Objective: Sport Clips developed Pro Stats to replace fragmented reporting with a centralized performance-management platform. The goal was to give franchisees, store managers, and leadership consistent access to standardized dashboards covering profitability, recruiting, training, and customer experience, enabling them to set goals, track progress, and benchmark results.

Overview: Launched as the franchise’s primary reporting platform, Pro Stats replaced manual reports with standardized dashboards and a consistent 10-metric scorecard across every location. Franchisees and managers can enter goals directly into the system, which automatically updates reporting dashboards. The platform also includes training videos and a centralized FAQ where users can submit questions and feedback.

Results: Since launching in September 2024, average weekly unique users increased from 103 in Q4 2024 to 1,221 in Q1 2026, an increase of more than 1,085%. Average session duration rose 9% to 8.5 minutes, indicating increased adoption and engagement. The platform has improved transparency across the franchise system while bringing planning, performance tracking, and benchmarking together in a single, data-driven platform.

Most Innovative Franchisee Support: SafeSplash Swim School

Objective: SafeSplash launched the S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise on Jan. 1, 2026, to help children master essential water survival skills while creating greater accountability and consistency across its franchise system. The program combines measurable safety outcomes, technology, and operational standards to strengthen parent confidence and improve instruction.

Overview: The S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise guarantees that swimmers ages 4 and older enrolled in beginner classes will master 10 essential self-rescue skills within one year, or SafeSplash will provide up to two additional months of lessons at no cost. Instead of measuring progress by lesson completion alone, the program evaluates demonstrated skills such as floating, breath control, rollover transitions, directional movement, and safe exits. A centralized dashboard allows franchisees and instructors to monitor swimmer progress, readiness, and test completion in real time, improving coaching, accountability, and instructional consistency across the system.

Results: Since piloting the program in 2025 and expanding it across the system in 2026, more than 8,500 swimmers have passed the S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise Test. Franchisees report improved accountability and more consistent instruction through the dashboard and real-time reporting tools. By tying measurable safety outcomes to daily operations, the program has strengthened both the customer experience and franchise performance.

Most Innovative Building Design, Remodel, or Prototype: Anytime Fitness

Objective: As consumers increasingly seek personalized coaching, measurable progress, and a more holistic approach to fitness, Anytime Fitness launched its new club design and remodel program. The initiative reimagines the traditional gym by integrating training, nutrition, recovery, and technology to improve the member experience and drive franchisee performance.

Overview: The new club design features updated layouts, expanded turf areas, dedicated recovery spaces, upgraded lighting and flooring, and technology for body composition scanning. Private coaching rooms allow trainers to review goals, track biometrics, and create personalized fitness plans. Heart rate monitors and body composition scans provide data that supports coaching and member engagement. Anytime Fitness completed 380 remodels in 2025, plans 500 more this year, and expects to modernize its entire system over the next four to six years.

Results: Remodeled clubs outperformed the system average, increasing member growth by 3% while reducing attrition by 2%. Member satisfaction rose 16%, and willingness to recommend the brand increased 19%. The redesigned clubs also generated a 6% increase in personal training purchases, boosting franchisee profitability while reinforcing Anytime Fitness’ focus on personalized coaching and long-term member success.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Most Innovative Employee Recruiting: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Objective: Operating in a competitive, labor-intensive industry, Hand & Stone set out to modernize recruiting with conversational AI and automation. The goals were to help franchisees hire qualified employees faster, eliminate recruitment bottlenecks, reduce administrative work, and shorten time to hire through immediate applicant engagement and automated interview scheduling.

Overview: Hand & Stone integrated conversational AI into its existing applicant tracking systems to automate the early stages of recruiting. Applicants receive outreach within minutes of applying, complete automated prescreening questions, and, if qualified, can immediately schedule interviews through calendar integration. By replacing manual follow-up with real-time engagement, the system significantly reduced delays between application, screening, and interviews.

Results: Locations using conversational AI converted 69% of applicants into interviews, which is four times the rate of locations relying on manual outreach. The system cut time to first contact from 6.0 days to 1.17 days, time to interview from 5.15 days to 1.38 days, and time to hire from 26.28 days to 12.71 days. Nearly 300 locations have adopted the platform, delivering measurable improvements in hiring speed across the franchise system.

Most Innovative Employee Training: Homewatch CareGivers

Objective: Homewatch CareGivers developed its Certified Person-Centered Dementia Care Program to transform how dementia care is delivered in the home. Rather than focusing on disease progression, the program emphasizes well-being, dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement. Its goal is to equip caregivers with the skills to help people living with dementia safely remain in their homes.

Overview: The Certified Person-Centered Dementia Care Program trains caregivers to move beyond traditional, deficit-focused approaches and better understand the lived experience of dementia. Caregivers learn to identify unmet well-being needs, use advanced communication techniques, and apply practical strategies that support daily living. Training emphasizes preserving personal routines, gaining consent during care, creating meaningful rituals, and tailoring activities to each client’s preferences.

Results: Since the program launched, more than 100 caregivers have enrolled with about 50% completing the training and providing enhanced dementia care in clients’ homes. Caregivers report greater confidence delivering relationship-based care, and clients benefit from personalized support that promotes independence, dignity, and aging in place. The program also provides families with a cost-effective alternative to institutional care while reducing emotional and physical stress for individuals living with dementia.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Most Innovative Product Introduction: BNI

Objective: BNI developed BNI+ to modernize chapter meetings with a standardized platform that delivers a consistent member experience worldwide. The goals were to keep meetings on brand, simplify leadership transitions, reduce administrative work, and provide a scalable platform for its global network.

Overview: BNI+ is a browser-based meeting platform that guides chapter leaders through every stage of the weekly meeting. Integrated with BNI’s core data system, it automatically displays current member information, leadership roles, and chapter details, eliminating the need for locally maintained materials. Leaders can focus on networking and member engagement rather than managing presentations and logistics. A comprehensive training and change management program supported adoption across the network.

Results: Chapters using BNI+ reported smoother meetings, less preparation time, and fewer problems caused by outdated or missing materials. Net Promoter Scores among chapter leaders increased 10 points. The platform also improved leadership onboarding, created a more consistent experience for members and visitors, and gave both the franchisor and franchisees a direct communication channel during chapter meetings.

Most Innovative Service Introduction: MassageLuXe

Objective: MassageLuXe created the 30-minute Express Refresh Facial to remove the common barriers of time, cost, and uncertainty that keep guests from trying skincare services. The goal was to introduce massage members to aesthetic treatments, increase facial adoption among existing members, and attract new guests seeking a convenient, results-driven service.

Overview: The Express Refresh Facial was designed as an entry point into MassageLuXe’s aesthetics offerings while maintaining professional treatment standards. The service aimed to bring more clients into the skincare pipeline, create new promotional opportunities without discounting core services, and improve treatment room utilization through a shorter appointment that fits more schedules. The strategy focused on converting first-time facial guests into long-term skincare clients.

Results: The Express Refresh Facial quickly gained traction across the system. Total facial services increased from 10,538 in January to 12,678 in March, a 20% increase in three months. Within two months of launch, the new service accounted for 27% of all facials performed. The program generated 782 new memberships through Express Refresh consultations during its first four months. The share of nonmember appointments that included a facial increased from 16% to 21%, and retail sales tied to the service grew from $759 in January to more than $6,600 per month in February and March.

Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Objective: Hand & Stone set out to modernize the guest booking experience by moving more appointments to digital channels while improving conversion, personalization, and operational efficiency. The goals were to replace fragmented booking experiences with a unified digital platform, reduce front-desk workload, and create more personalized customer engagement.

Overview: Hand & Stone built a proprietary booking platform on top of its existing systems and paired it with behavior-based email marketing. The brand consolidated individual location microsites into a single website with standardized pages that improved search visibility. A centralized CRM directs guests into personalized booking journeys based on their behavior and preferences, creating a seamless path from online discovery to booking and ongoing engagement.

Results: Since launching the new booking platform in July 2025, Hand & Stone has increased revenue per user entering the booking flow by 25% and overall revenue per user by 9%. Personalized email campaigns introduced in March 2025 generated a 16% increase in digital appointment sales. Direct monthly traffic to the centralized website also climbed steadily year over year, reaching 190% growth in November 2025.

Most Innovative Use of Data: Twinkle Star Dance Academy

Objective: Twinkle Star Dance Academy developed a system to measure student engagement during classes and turn that data into practical tools for franchisees. The goal was to help studios improve coaching, retention, and operational performance by tracking engagement without disrupting the classroom experience.

Overview: Before and after each class, students answer a single question on a tablet: “How do you feel right now?” using a seven-point scale. The responses are linked to factors such as studio, instructor, class size, age group, date, and class time. They are displayed on dashboards that help franchisees identify trends and make informed coaching and training decisions. The data provides actionable insights into student engagement and supports efforts to improve retention.

Results: Since launching in 2025, Twinkle Star has collected more than 20,000 paired pre- and post-class mood assessments. Students who begin class in a lower mood consistently show the greatest improvement, demonstrating the program’s impact when engagement matters most. The data also shows that frequent participants tend to arrive with higher baseline moods, reinforcing the connection between positive experiences and long-term retention. Franchisees can compare results across instructors and class settings, using the insights to refine coaching, strengthen engagement, and improve studio performance.

Most Innovative Use of Technology - Products: Orangetheory Fitness

Objective: As consumers increasingly expect personalized, connected fitness experiences, Orangetheory enhanced its proprietary OTconnect platform with the launch of OTconnect Beat in December 2025. The new performance monitor was designed to improve connectivity, comfort, and charging while delivering more accurate real-time biometric data. The goal was to strengthen personalization, improve member retention, reduce operational friction, and create a scalable platform for future technology enhancements.

Overview: OTconnect combines the OTconnect Beat wearable with connected treadmills and rowers to deliver live performance data throughout each workout. Members can view heart rate, calories burned, and personalized training zones in real time, helping them adjust effort during class. Coaches use the same data to provide individualized guidance, creating a connected system that delivers personalized coaching at scale across the franchise network.

Results: During the first two months after launch, U.S. performance monitor revenue increased 70% compared with the same period the previous year. Internal research also shows that members who regularly use performance monitors retain their memberships two to three months longer than nonusers. Together, these results demonstrate that the OTconnect ecosystem drives higher engagement, stronger retention, incremental revenue, and long-term value for franchisees.