In the span of a year, COVID-19 has altered the way many franchises operate – adding new regulations and precautionary measures, and even causing growth in smaller markets outside of big-city borders. By Jessica Jones
In the span of a year, COVID-19 has altered the way many franchises operate – adding new regulations and precautionary measures, and even causing growth in smaller markets outside of big-city borders.
“The pandemic has forced many businesses to consider work-from-home opportunities and the benefits of having headquarters in different cities across the U.S.,” said Berekk Blackwell, president of fast-casual brunch dining experience Daily Jam. Blackwell has an extensive background in the food-service and franchising industries, previously working with brands like Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Auntie Anne’s and Cold Stone Creamery.
“This has led to an influx of businesses moving their headquarters or a significant portion of their operations to new cities, like Phoenix, Denver and Austin,” Blackwell continued. “This movement provides for a healthier restaurant market in these smaller demographic areas and has caused sustainable growth in a variety of smaller-market cities.”
Commenting on the flexibility of real estate within his brand, Blackwell reinforced the fact that Daily Jam’s numbers are currently growing outside of the typical hotbed areas of Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Houston. And even within these smaller markets, Blackwell said his franchise has an edge.
“While many of these smaller metropolitan areas have a significant number of unique competitors who are local favorites, Daily Jam stands out from the original hometown favorite through differentiating factors that include our fast-casual ordering format, our ability to handle increasing off-premises order demand and our creative and innovative menu offerings,” the franchisor said.
Launched in Tempe, Arizona, in 2011 and franchised in 2019, Daily Jam offers an innovative range of omelets, pancakes and French toast, and has been lauded by the Food Network for having the best waffles in Arizona. Revered by students and families as the best breakfast in town, Daily Jam’s reputation has grown rapidly over the past decade, cementing its place on the national food landscape as a fresh take on breakfast and lunch dining.
And according to Blackwell, the brunch concept has proven to be a successful investment over the past several years.
“Brunch restaurants, in general, are appealing to investors because of the efficient margins,” he said. “Specifically, Daily Jam’s fast-casual model provides efficiencies in the labor model for restaurants. With a smaller footprint, patio, and an outdoor window, Daily Jam is adaptable for a variety of markets.”
For more information about Daily Jam franchising opportunities, visit dailyjamfranchising.com, or call 833-447-3232.
– Jessica Jones