Press Coverage

Discover the latest news, features, and updates showcasing the power of franchising. Explore stories of innovation, success, and impact as we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Somia Farid

The Atlanta Journal

Sandy Springs-based parent company of Edible Arrangements names new CEO

“My earliest memories are being in the store during the holidays,” Silber said in an exclusive interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I just remember it being like almost pure chaos, just a lot of people, a lot of friends and family, making arrangements.”

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Somia Farid
I’d head to the store on my way home from school and then just hang out at the store until it closed, and then work there on the weekends, too. You just learn so much about the brand and the company, what it does for people, when you’re working front of house.
Somia Farid Silber ’15 CEO of Edible Brands
MC Storefront

Boston Business Journal

So you want to be a franchisee? Here's what you should know.

Ab Igram, the executive director of Babson College's Tariq Farid Franchise Institute, said while one unit closure of a McDonald's may not seem like it impacts the overall state of the entire company, it does make consumers wonder about the company's overall "brand health."

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Ab Igram MBA’96, Executive Director, Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
I would keep my eye on ... what's the traffic impact among brands in California, three months out, six months out, nine months out
Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Somia Headshot

Babson Magazine

The Future of Franchising

“We are seeing a lot of growth with the millennial age group,” Silber says. “They are data driven. They are interested in using new technology that will help them find operational efficiencies and new revenue opportunities. It is a refreshing time.”

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Ab Igram MBA’96, Executive Director, Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
There is resiliency built into the franchising model for those who do it the right way. It has withstood the test of time.
Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Tariq Farid Headshot
Franchising is the best of entrepreneurship. You bring your energy, and we’ll give you something to sell. We build millionaires. We build entrepreneurs. That’s what we do. We are an incubator of entrepreneurs.
Tariq Farid P’15 is the CEO and founder of Edible Brands
Ab and Vini

Entrepreneur

3 Common Myths About Franchising That You Need to Stop Believing

Tackling three myths about franchising and making the argument for why companies should consider the franchising model to scale their businesses and why it can be an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to create economic and social value.

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Kate japson

QSR Magazine

Inspire Brands CFO Kate Jaspon Named Women’s Foodservice Forum Chair-Elect

Inspire Brands is proud to announce Chief Financial Officer Kate Jaspon has been named as Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) Chair-Elect on the Executive Committee of the 2024 Board of Directors. Kate has been a member of the organization for nearly 20 years.

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Kate Jaspon
I’m honored and humbled to take on this leadership position. I’ve been absolutely enamored with what Inspire is building from day one. This is an incredible opportunity and I’m so excited to take this world-class organization and team to the next level.
Kate Jaspon 98'
Firehouse Subs Storefront

Yahoo Finance

Fast food chains are racing to build new franchises in the latest bid for growth

High-tech new kiosks at Burger King? Another Firehouse Subs in your neighborhood? As the tide turns from COVID closures to growth, fast food giants are flipping up incentives to encourage franchisees to expand their businesses amid soaring costs.

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Ab Igram MBA’96, Executive Director, Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Coming out of the pandemic in today's environment, the good operators within brands, and even some of the largest, are being very cautious and smart about development
Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Subway Storefront

Franchise Times

The much-anticipated sale of Subway appears to be a done deal as one of the world’s largest restaurant chains announced it would be acquired by Roark Capital.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Wall Street Journal, which broke the news about Subway being put up for auction at the start of the year, has put the sale price “at around $9.6 billion,” or slightly below the chain’s $10 billion asking price. The deal’s closure “is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions,” Subway said in the announcement.

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Ab Igram MBA’96, Executive Director, Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Private equity deals in franchising can go a lot of different ways, but I do think Roark is one of the best out there in terms of investments and, more specifically, restaurant investments
Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
Subway Image

Restaurant Dive

Under its new owner, Subway could see more rapid expansion, but operators may still be challenged by low store-level profitability.

From closing thousands of units to franchisee troubles and low store-level average unit volumes, Subway has had a tough couple of years. But the chain’s future could look a lot different, especially for operators, now that Roark Capital has agreed to buy it.

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Ab Igram MBA’96, Executive Director, Tariq Farid Franchise Institute
While it’s difficult to determine what exactly this will mean for Subway’s franchisees, on a high level, this could be positive
Ab Igram MBA’96, executive director of the Tariq Farid Franchise Institute