As we round out the end of 2025 we look back on what went well and what can be even better in the future. In early 2026, I have to celebrate those emerging brands I hold near and dear to my heart. This past year, they focused and worked to adopt best practices early in their brand development. This allowed them to compete with established brands – in their unique industry – while also competing with others in the larger universe of franchises. By Dawn Abbamondi
From Emerging Brands to Emerging Practices – Cheers to the Future!
As we round out the end of 2025 we look back on what went well and what can be even better in the future. In early 2026, I have to celebrate those emerging brands I hold near and dear to my heart. This past year, they focused and worked to adopt best practices early in their brand development. This allowed them to compete with established brands – in their unique industry – while also competing with others in the larger universe of franchises.
Of course, ALL brand developers are doing everything they can in these last days of the year to prepare to hit the ground running January 1. They know this is needed to accomplish goals and meet sales targets while supporting franchise owners to be successful.
Here are my predictions and my thoughts, hopes and dreams for franchising next year.
Brands offering even more options in fitness, personal care and beauty.
Unique products and services, fresh perspectives, and a strong culture that reflects founders and franchisees alike.
Watch for:
- Pilates and personal training
- Concierge medical and recovery care
- Luxury skin care and hair services
Food brands focused on fresh ideas in dining – from AM to brunch and mid-day through evening meals and drinks.
Presented well even when delivered (hot and ready) to eat around the table with family, or when taken out to enjoy at work.
Trending:
- Craveable, healthy and delicious meals
- Gourmet soda, mocktails and coffee served in relaxing community spaces
- Full-service dining that is family friendly and great for date night
Service brands expanding and innovating in home, auto and professional support.
Anticipating needs of people at home and at work with those sought after services that meet our fast-paced schedules.
Potential in:
- Home and personal organizing
- Concierge services
- On-site auto care
- In-person dating and meet ups
I have advice for all brands in franchising. Like many emerging concepts did in the last few years, more systems need to lean into artificial intelligence in 2026.
Adopting AI is an advantage to improve training and education, help protect brand standards and bring new owners to break-even quickly. Make the decision to recapture more time for each person, no matter their role: founder, brand leader, franchise owner and front-line employee.
Use AI tools and seek to:
- Reduce the “time crunch” to do things franchise leaders believe are possible.
- Improve the human touch with tools that help people to do more in less time.
- Offer real-time follow up and service scheduling.
Always remember, at the heart of franchising success are the brand founders and leaders who come together and bring ambitious, dedicated, driven, and local franchise owners into their own business. People who are ready to serve their community and the surrounding region with their new business.
Now, more than ever franchise brands and first time franchise owners have a massive opportunity. If you have been waiting for years to enter the industry, this is your year.
Reach out to one of the brands in this magazine to choose your success. This opportunity is right in front of you.
Happiest of New Years and best wishes to all.
Dawn Abbamondi
Dawn Abbamondi, chief marketing officer at SMB Franchise Advisors, has over 20 years of extensive franchising experience in the coffee, food, convenience, gift and floral industries. Abbamondi leads the areas of marketing, social media, public relations, web development and lead generation. SMBFranchising.com, 215-370-7998, Dawn@SMBFranchising.com