Franchisors with expanding concepts always have been road warriors, but a growing number are becoming even more so as the economy has tightened.
COPPELL, TEXAS--CiCi's Pizza this year will open a day of its franchise gathering, which it calls a Restaurant Business Conference, to the public on March 5.1 teaspoon kosher salt2 tablespoons brown sugar1 teaspoon dried oregano1 cup diced uncooked salt pork or baconCraig Moore, president and chief executive of CiCi's, said the company's road shows last year were highly effective.He said the advantages for the franchisee are reducing the cost of traveling to and attending a convention as well as covering with staff in their absence. Rotondo said the tour also affords personal face time between the franchisees and the corporate staff that a large convention doesn't offer.To test the temperature hold your hand at the level of the grate, then count the seconds and move it when the heat becomes too much. At high heat, you should be able to stand it for about 2 seconds; 4 seconds for low heat.The 35-day tour will start April 18 in Panama City, Fla., and end the bus tour part of the trek in Memphis, Tenn., after passing through Florida, North Carolina and up into Detroit and Chicago.Use high heat for seared steaks, grilled vegetables and pizzas. Use low to bake a cake or sear slices of pineapple."Last year as everything seemed to be coming unglued with the economy, we were out with our guys explaining the outlook and calming nerves instead of hiding behind desks and [offering] 'Thanks for calling but I am out of the office' messages," he said.CiCi's to host public confabHeather Ronnow, a noted speaker, attorney and expert in employee relations
and change management in both manufacturing and service environments, joins
Little Lady from Rexam Beverage Can where she oversaw HR functions across
19 plants. Prior to that, Ronnow held senior positions at Aramark Uniform
Services and the Keebler Company."We feel that it's so important right now not to just build morale but to build the brand and get out to franchisees," Rotondo said.Little Lady Foods is a leading manufacturer of custom-made specialty foods
to the foodservice and retail industries. The Company makes premium pizzas
(including kid-sized pizzas), and gourmet sandwiches that include breakfast
sandwiches, paninis, and wrap-style sandwiches, for restaurants, and retail
operators. Little Lady Foods also provides custom product design, creation,
and marketing services for private-label customers. Founded in 1961,
privately-held Little Lady Foods has a deep foundation in developing and
bringing to market innovative on-trend products."They are providing the place where the meeting will be held," he said. "It doesn't work in every city, but we will be meeting in their training facility. Vendors like to have their customers come see their facility.""I am a firm believer that we don't de enough to strengthen our industry since we are all working so hard on our own brands," said Craig Moore, president and chief executive of CiCi's Pizza. "This open conference gives the opportunity for independents to get the benefit of a large company's resources.... It's time to work together to ensure that we don't allow that to happen."Drain the beans and place them in a Dutch oven or deep pot. Add enough water to cover the beans by 3 inches. Place the pot on the grate and cook at a low boil until the beans are just tender, about 1 hour, covered during the final 30 minutes.Cold Stone's Town Hall Tour "was very rewarding," said Dan Beem, president of the company. "It provides a free-flowing conversation, and we really learned where we need to deliver. In this business climate, we can leave no rock unturned."Rotondo said the road shows are attracting several employees from each cafe, including the franchise owner, manager, team leader and key hourly employees.Servings: 8 to 10Cold Stone Creamery, the 1,350-unit division of Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Kahala Corp., in January finished a 16-city "Town Hall Meeting Tour," mostly by bus, featuring four people from the corporate staff. The 650-unit CiCi's Pizza chain of Coppell, Texas, last year produced two separate road shows, one for manager motivation and another for franchise owners.The event at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Nevada will feature presentations by industry experts Denny Deutsch of CNBC's "The Big Idea" and Scott Young, a senior vice president of the Coca-Cola Co. Other sessions arc planned on "Obamanomics," Small Business Administration lending, commodities and loss prevention.CAMPFIRE PORK AND BEANS2 tablespoons tomato paste"It's hard to communicate with e-mail and voice messages," he said. "Nothing beats being there so they can see your passion and your genuineness.... The events have moved quality scores, sales and people development."Demos, a veteran of ConAgra Foods and Armour Swift-Eckrich, brings a wealth
of culinary, technical and operational experience to Little Lady Foods and
will play a key role in assuring the Company's continued reputation for
manufacturing the highest quality, safest and most innovative food
products.As for wood type, hardwood works best. And while firewood can be purchased, it's easier and cheaper to forage for dry thick branches and logs."Now," he added, "instead of touching just one person from that franchise entity, they are bringing anyone they want."Contact: Susan Zerin Phone: 847.363.6346 www.littleladyfoods.com
rruggles@nrn.com
Author: Ron Ruggless
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