THE
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F F R A N C H I S E B U S I N E S S S E R V I C E S | 2024 ISSUE 1
The Election Issue
The Election Issue
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FBS Board of Directors
James Bitzonis
Chairman
Roz Mallet
Vice Chairman
Ed Lynn
Secretary/Treasurer
Wray Hutchinson
Chairman Emeritus
Jenny Beaudoin
Director
Brian Carmody
Director
Steve Grube
Director
Mark Jones
Director
Bobby Pancake
Director
Larry Podlogar
Director
Chris Olexa
Director
Christy Williams
Executive Director
FBS Editorial Board
Rachel Jackson
Editor-in-Chief
rachelj@myfbsonline.org
Jared Johnsen
Communications Specialist
jaredj@myfbsonline.org
Tyler Ryan
Communications Copywriter
tylerr@elevanta.com
Advertising Sales
Jeff Reynolds
Director of Business Partner Relations
jeffr@myfbsonline.org
678-797-5163
Design and Layout
Kristen Thomas
KT Graphic Design
ktgraphicdesign@gmail.com
Headquarters
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Suite 180
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Phone: 678-797-5161
Fax: 678-797-5171
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Copyright© 2024
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ON THE COVER
The 2024 election cycle has the potential to bring waves
of change to our Buffalo Wild Wings® business, and it’s up
to small-business owners and franchisees across the U.S.
to use their votes to achieve positive legislative outcomes
for all. Turn to page 20 to learn more about top races in
the coming election and the candidates.
COLUMNS
2
Chairman’s Column
DEPARTMENTS
4
FBS Member News
6
Franchisee Spotlight
7
Calendar of Events
10 Look, Listen, Read
12 One Topic: 10 Facts
13 Congressional Spotlight: Don Davis (D-NC-1)
FEATURES
14 Twenty Years of the FBS Annual Summit
by Allison McCallum, FBS managing editor
20 Top Races of the 2024 Elections
24 Navigating the 2024 Election and Its Impacts on Sports Bar Franchises
by Jared Johnsen, FBS communications specialist
26 Thank You for a Great Year!
contributed by the Buffalo Wild Wings FoundationSM
28 Corporate Transparency Act: What You Need To Know
contributed by Mize CPAs
30 Sustaining a Customer Service Initiative: The Need for Long-Term
Commitment
by Dennis Snow, Snow & Associates Inc.
33 We Don’t Just Sell Printers!
contributed by Retail Tech Inc.
34 The Anatomy of EPLI for Franchises
contributed by Lockton Cos.
36 Elements of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Series: Element No. 4:
You Represent the Brand Every Day
by Dan Coughlin, The Coughlin Co.
38 Managing Expectations: Five Ways To Ensure Co-workers Follow Through
by Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro®
DIRECTORIES
8
Associate Member Listing
40 Advertisers Guide and Editorial Calendar
2024 Issue 1
2024 Issue 1
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THESCORE
his was a milestone event, and I
hope that all association members
in attendance enjoyed the oppor-
tunity to come together with fellow
franchisees, learn from industry experts
and refect on the wonderful work we’ve
done for the Bufalo Wild Wings® brand
and franchisee community.
Over the years, FBS has remained
dedicated to its core mission: to improve,
preserve and ensure the economic success
of all members. It has been the pleasure
of FBS and the FBS Board of Directors
to serve you and our community. We
will maintain our spirit of cooperation,
teamwork and mutual success for years
(decades, hopefully!) to come.
In addition to being a platform for
knowledge-sharing and problem-solving,
this year’s FBS Annual Summit was also a
much-deserved time of fun and relaxation,
so I hope everyone took advantage of the
many activities and amenities that were
at our disposal. I enjoyed myself the most
playing golf – the course was fantastic!
I thought all of our speakers this year
were excellent. Mike Saltsman, Rocky
Sickmann, Jay Glazer, Eric Stites – they
all did a great job, to name a few.
Te Summit was the only confer-
ence in 2024 with a majority of our
vendor partners in attendance, so we will
all beneft from taking this opportunity
to have discussions regarding all facets
of our BWW® businesses. I was very
pleased by how intense and interesting
those discussions were. Tere is much
work to be done to keep the brand
running satisfactorily, and we will need
all hands-on deck. I hope everyone took
part in our recent survey, as that gives
us a roadmap of specifc issues that
require all our focus to solve – together.
As I refect on my time as chairman, I
believe we all communicate well as a
group, and the entire board of directors
enjoys engaging with everyone. We have
so much talent on our board, and Roz
Mallet is a restaurant industry rockstar!
I am very pleased that she will be taking
over as the new chairman of FBS.
Tank you for another great
year — and a legendary two decades of
the Summit. Wishing you all the best.
Sincerely,
Safe travels,
Jim Bitzonis
It was wonderful to see everyone at
the 20th anniversary of the Franchise
Business Services (FBS) Annual Summit!
Jim Bitzonis
FBS Chairman
Letter From the Chairman
2024 Issue 1
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THESCORE
MEMBER NEWS
he Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
(DSAMH) presented the Gold Restaurant Accolade Program
Award to High 5 Hospitality on Jan. 30, at its new Bufalo Wild
Wings® restaurant in Milford.
Te Restaurant Accolade Program has successfully trained
124 restaurants to recognize and respond to an overdose, making
these restaurants Bronze level awardees. Tirty-three restaurants
have identifed staf members who are willing to link staf to
local treatment and harm reduction resources in Delaware,
making them Silver level awardees. High 5 Hospitality is the
frst restaurant group to achieve the Gold level award by putting
into place policies and procedures to support staf who struggle
with substance use, training staf to recognize and respond to an
overdose and providing local resources to those who may need
them.
“We are proud of our leaders and team members for being
the frst hospitality group to achieve the Gold level status,” said
Lori Ewald, High 5 Hospitality director of human resources and
marketing. “Tis training has helped our team members gain an
increased awareness of the opioid crisis and provided them with
tools to save a life. When people ask why we participate in this
program, my response is simple: why wouldn't we?”
Restaurants are one of the industries whose workforce has
historically had a high incidence of overdose. In Delaware, 549
restaurant staf members have been trained to recognize and
respond to an opioid overdose. Staf and restaurants were given
Narcan kits to use and keep on site.
“We congratulate High 5 Hospitality on being the frst
group to reach our Gold status,” said Frances Marti, DSAMH
deputy director. “It is vital to meet individuals in the communi-
ties and spaces where they live, work and play, and we appreciate
all the restaurants that have partnered with us in this program.
Tis program is very important to providing support to restau-
rants and their patrons and staf in our fght to combat overdoses
and addiction.” S
High 5 Hospitality Presented
Restaurant Accolade Award
ufalo Wild Wings® franchisee, Aspire2B Hospitality,
concluded the remodel of its Beaumont, Texas, location, and
the renovations have proved to be a fruitful venture.
Te sports bar has been a favored spot for sports enthusiasts,
families and friends seeking a lively atmosphere to enjoy delicious
food and catch the latest games. Now, with the completion of the
remodeling project, guests can expect an even more dynamic and
inviting space to gather and celebrate their passion for sports.
Te renovation encompasses a wide range of enhancements
designed to elevate every aspect of the sports bar experience.
With new furniture, an updated color scheme and upgraded
AV systems, every detail has been crafted to ensure maximum
enjoyment for patrons.
“I feel the new center stage layout and color scheme provide
a more relaxed dining experience,” Aspire2B CEO Chris Olexa
said. “It is such a refreshing look compared to what we had
previously.”
One of the most notable improvements is the addition of a
climate-controlled indoor patio, which the business plans to utilize
for meetings and events. A separate entrance for take-out patrons
was also installed, increasing efciency and speed of service.
The remodeling
project reflects
Buffalo Wild Wings’
ongoing commitment
to innovation and
customer satisfaction,
ensuring that guests
continue to enjoy
the ultimate sports
bar experience for
years to come. With
sales up 20% since
renovations have
occurred, Olexa looks
forward to more
opportunities his
improved sports bar
could bring. S
Beaumont B-Dubs Gets an Upgrade
The sign displayed on the front doors of the Beaumont Buffalo Wild
Wings® while it was being remodeled.
High 5 Hospitality employees standing proud with their Gold
Restaurant Accolade Program Awards.
THESCORE |
2024 Issue 1
MEMBER NEWS
ufalo Wild Wings® Rehoboth, Delaware, operated by High
5 Hospitality (H5H), joined together to embrace freezing
temperatures, all for a great cause.
Participating in the 2024 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, BWW®
Rehoboth showed its support by wading through Delaware's
frigid beaches. Sponsored by Special Olympics Delaware, the
event saw a record-breaking turnout with 4,380 participants
raising over $1.5 million.
Despite favorable conditions, recent storms resulted in
choppy waters, prompting safety measures by the Delaware
State Police Dive Team. Participants were restricted to knee-deep
wading, a precaution not seen since 2010.
Tankfully, the event concluded without incident, main-
taining its fawless safety record. Special Olympics Delaware has
now raised over $17.2 million, supporting over 4,000 athletes
who participate in events free of charge, distinguishing Delaware
as the only state with such accessibility.
High 5 Hospitality will continue to spread its positive
infuence at charitable events, committed to the excellence of not
only its business and employees but also the communities where
its sports bars are located. S
High 5 Hospitality Takes a
Dive for Special Olympics
Buffalo Wild Wings® Rehoboth chilled together as they supported
Special Olympics Delaware.
2024 Issue 1
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THESCORE
What drew you to the brand?
Since arriving in Houston, my frst visit to Bufalo Wild
Wings® left an indelible impression on me. Te ambiance and
overall atmosphere transported me into the heart of a live game.
Te palpable energy, excitement and sense of community within
the restaurant were exhilarating. As a devoted fan of Houston’s
sports teams, Bufalo Wild Wings quickly became my preferred
spot for not only watching but also actively cheering on my
favorite teams in a spirited and lively environment.
What is your favorite thing about the brand?
Te environment is distinctively unique, fostering a deep
connection with community sports and local teams. Tis
ambiance is further enhanced by our recent innovative approach
to the menu, particularly our signature wings and wide variety
of sauces. Additionally, the simplicity of our full-service concept
adds to the overall appeal, creating an inviting and efcient
dining experience for all our guests.
What other concepts do you own? We also have an addi-
tional 68 Wendy’s in San Antonio, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.
What are your current top three business goals?
1. Persist in leading a dynamic environment that emphasizes
leadership development, recognition and an energetic culture.
2. With the emergence of numerous sports bars like Walk
Ons, Pluckers, 54th Street and Bombshells, our market share
is facing signifcant challenges. To counter this, a concentrated
efort on fostering local store loyalty and marketing is crucial.
We must deepen our engagement with the community to boost
repeat business and heighten interest in Bufalo Wild Wings
amidst a fercely competitive landscape.
3. Continue to ofer a menu that strikes a balance between
providing value to our guests and fostering loyalty, while also
ensuring the fnancial health and proftability of our business.
Describe your best recent business decision:
We’re ahead of schedule with our remodeling eforts and
take great pride in our Bufalo Wild Wings restaurants in
Houston. Boasting the most attractive Bufalo Wild Wings
locations in the Houston area, we recognize the importance
of staying ahead of the competition, which is increasingly
presenting top-notch facilities and fresh, vibrant audio/visual
experiences. It’s essential that we don’t fall behind as an aged
brand; instead, we aim to embody energy and excitement, which
are crucial elements for captivating sports fans!
What is the best business advice you have received?
Investing in your team and facilities is crucial. Te restaurant
industry is rapidly evolving, moving faster than ever before. It’s
important to be deliberate and creative in the development of
your staf. Strive to make sure your restaurants stand out as the
premier venues in each community, akin to shining stadiums that
attract fans.
Describe the biggest industry change since you started:
Markets Share intrusion, price sensitivity with consumers
and rising cost of goods and services.
Describe your current biggest challenge as a franchisee:
Te risks arising from external factors such as COVID-19,
consumer economic status and fuctuations in commodity prices
can rapidly impact margins and pose signifcant challenges
to proftability. It’s vital for a brand to play a pivotal role in
safeguarding a proftable franchise economic model, particularly
in light of challenges that can swiftly diminish margins and
signifcantly impact proftability. Te brand must be strategically
positioned to proactively equip franchisees with the tools, part-
nerships and strategies needed to efectively face these challenges.
Tis proactive approach is key to ensuring the long-term success
and fnancial health of the franchisees under its umbrella.
What is your favorite BWW wing sauce?
Mango Habanero!
If I weren’t a franchisee, I would be …
What I was in the past: a business entrepreneur working in
the retail industry, or maybe a Bollywood Star. S
FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT
Sanjay Mehra
Sanjay Mehra
Year Became a BWW® Franchisee: 2018
Total Number of BWW Locations: 8;
74 Total Restaraunts
Total Number of Employees: 1450
THESCORE |
2024 Issue 1
EVENT CALENDAR
design, engineering and manufacturing specifications of this p
Mr. Boston Premium Spirits in the
Well give guests the quality and value
they deserve in their cocktails.
Offering a complete line of spirits,
Mr. Boston is the least expensive
well for every category, every day.
Please Drink Responsibly.
©2023 Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY • Alcohol by Volume Varies by Product
FBS is excited to host members
May 20-23, 2025, for the
2025 FBS Annual Summit!
You won’t want to miss out on
the stellar opportunities for
business and relaxation at
next year’s Summit. We’ll be in
gorgeous Bonita Springs, Florida,
surrounded by stunning beaches
and crystal-clear waters for a week
of networking, fun activities and
serenity.
Hear from industry experts, corporate brand
leaders and our valued vendor partners, all at
the FBS Annual Summit. We look forward to
celebrating our association with you!
2025 FBS Annual Summit
May 20-23, 2025
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Bonita Springs, Florida
2024 Issue 1
|
THESCORE
COMPANY
LEVEL
CONTACT
PHONE
Elevanta Health
Partner
Caroline McShane
memberservices@elevanta.com
678-797-5160
Green Dot Corp./rapid!
Partner
Steve McDonald
smcdonald@rapidpaycard.com
503-206-5144
Hall Financial Advisors
Partner
Kevin Knab
kknab@hallfa.com
866-865-4442
Lockton Afnity
Partner
Reid Robson
elevanta@locktonafnity.com
844-403-4947
Mize Restaurant Group, providing Elevanta
Payroll and Accounting Services
Partner
Stacy Higgins
shiggins@mizecpas.com
800-234-5573
PepsiCo
Diamond
Marc Wolfson
marc.wolfson@pepsico.com
904-588-5401
Retail Tech Inc.
Emerald
Shannon Johnson
sjohnson@retailtechinc.com
952-224-4327
Sazerac
Emerald
Candida Banti
cbanti@sazerac.com
415-302-0202
Ecolab
Sapphire
Paul Martin
paul.martin@ecolab.com
612-750-0759
Georges Inc.
Sapphire
Adam Grifs
adam.grifs@georgesinc.com
479-231-6998
McLane Foodservice Distribution
Sapphire
Lynn Modisette
lynn.modisette@mclanefs.com
972-364-2050
Budderfy
Pearl
Mike Leatherwood
mike.leatherwood@budderfy.com
786-442-5065
Federal Heath
Pearl
Greg Root
groot@federalheath.com
817-685-9075
Heineken
Pearl
Chuck Mathison
cmathison@heinekenusa.com
770-377-6959
Instant
Pearl
Doug Denny
doug.denny@instant.co
689-777-8150
New Belgium Brewing
Pearl
Kari Gladney
kgladney@newbelgium.com
419-280-6015
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Pearl
Nick Bunce
nick@sierranevada.com
520-405-1727
Te Wasserstrom Co.
Pearl
Matt Brown
mattbrown@wasserstrom.com
614-737-8314
UPshow
Pearl
Scott Axonovitz
scott@upshow.tv
419-261-1802
American Beverage Market
Assoc. Mbr.
Beth Borkosky
bborkosky@abmcocktails.com
601-383-8338
Ascentium Capital
Assoc. Mbr.
Jesse Kells
jessekells@ascentiumcapital.com
281-883-5064
Audio Visual Design & Install
Assoc. Mbr.
Jason Abbott
jrabbott@avdiusa.com
260-615-8995
Bixolon
Assoc. Mbr.
Ann Klein
aklein@bixolonusa.com
858-355-9593
Boston Beer Co.
Assoc. Mbr.
Gary Fragle
gary.fragle@bostonbeer.com
770-402-9850
Brew Dog
Assoc. Mbr.
Jef Diem
jef.diem@brewdog.com
317-506-9232
Brown Foreman Corp.
Assoc. Mbr.
Dennis Greenwood
dennis_greenwood@b-f.com
678-602-5996
C&T Design and Equipment
Assoc. Mbr.
James Bales
jbales@c-tdesign.com
317-654-3721
Craft Standard Enterprises
Assoc. Mbr.
Michael Vacek
mvacek@craftstandard.com
515-505-5650
Daltile
Assoc. Mbr.
Terrie Miller
terrie.miller@daltile.com
216-409-3153
DRAS Cases
Assoc. Mbr.
Josh Flattum
josh@drascases.com
507-402-4812
First In Services
Assoc. Mbr.
Jon McKee
jm@facilityintegratedsolutions.com
470-443-8859
Founders Brewing Co.
Assoc. Mbr.
Brendan Romero
romerob@foundersbrewing.com
202-486-6455
Global Payments
Assoc. Mbr.
Marene Harof
marene.harof@globalpay.com
678-642-8311
ITW Food Equipment Group
Assoc. Mbr.
Matthew Alexander
matthew.alexander@itwfeg.com
937-681-2718
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