What shouldn’t AI handle in your franchise?

SEMI-MONTHLY EDITION · SEPTEMBER 2026

Today at a glance: New Again Houses pairs faster data with a familiar voice. A free guide flags seven relationship warning signs. Plus: two growth investments, Friendly's repeat-visit idea, and local impact from Dogtopia and Walk-On's.

AI handles the data. Chad takes the call.

New Again Houses uses proprietary software and AI tools to move faster. But its franchise inquiry page opens with a person: "Talk to Chad."

The interesting part is what happens after that first call. In our interview, Chad Arnold and Amber Bolton explain how they connect franchise development with an owner's first year, and where they've chosen to keep automation out of the relationship.

Which PR firm would you recommend to another franchisor?

Think of the firm you'd name if another franchise leader asked who to call. September's supplier vote is open for franchise PR firms. Worked with one that's earned your trust? Write it in. You're choosing from experience, not a preselected shortlist.

What happens before franchisees push back?

By the time a franchisee relationship feels strained, what have you already missed?

The Franchise Relationship Blind Spot, a free Executive Guide from WorkHero and Franchise Brief, maps four stages of relationship strain and seven early warning signs. It's a practical starting point for looking at the organization behind the friction.

SMB's next chapter starts with a minority stake

Navigator Partners principals have made a minority investment in SMB Franchise Advisors. The existing leadership stays in place; a new board brings the two teams together.

For franchisors, the useful question is what this changes about the support available to them. The partnership's stated priorities offer a closer look.

Inside Friendly Fire's $4.7M expansion plan

Friendly Fire's September funding announcement put its gaming cafe footprint at 22 locations across six countries. Its signed agreements could add 178 more locations, according to the company.

That makes the $4.7 million round a story about execution, too. Where does the brand plan to put the money as it works to turn that pipeline into open doors?

Dinner's over. The collection isn't.

Friendly's has turned five familiar sundaes into characters kids can collect. Its Conehead Crew pairs meals with trading cards, activities and a reason to keep looking for the next character.

There's also a return-visit offer tucked inside each pack. The combination gives franchise marketers something more useful to study than another kids-meal giveaway.

How local daycares helped raise more than $5.6M

The Dogtopia Foundation says its fundraising has supported more than 820 veteran and service dog teams since 2017.

The $5.6 million-plus total is the headline. The franchise lesson is how local owners, staff and pet parents keep the effort going beyond a single awareness month.

The franchisees behind a $10,000 scholarship

For National Walk-On's Day on September 17, Walk-On's announced a $10,000 scholarship initiative tied to its founders' walk-on story.

Its College Station franchisees brought a personal connection of their own. That's the part worth carrying into your next campaign: how the people behind a location can give a national brand story more meaning.

ONE QUESTION FOR YOUR NEXT LEADERSHIP MEETING

Where is franchisee support having to catch up with growth?

Bring one recent franchisee concern to the table. Is it an isolated problem, or a sign that the team, process or technology behind it needs attention? Name the next step and who owns it.

What would you put on that agenda? Hit reply and tell me. A few words is plenty.

Forward this to the colleague responsible for making your next stage of growth work.

Tim Katsch

Founder, Franchise Brief