Rob Branca, Dunkin’ Franchisee, Real Estate Dev, and National Franchise Advocate 

"If you don’t have a seat at the table, you’re probably on the menu." 

Rob Branca is more than just a multi-unit Dunkin’ operator — he’s a legal mind, real estate investor, second-generation franchisee, and one of franchising’s most active advocates on Capitol Hill. Rob sits down with Ab and Vini to unpack his journey from law school to leadership, and the critical role franchisees play in shaping the future of the industry. 

With a deep belief in ownership as a tool for economic mobility, Rob shares powerful insights about scaling with control, staying engaged in policy, and building businesses that give back to the communities they serve. 

☕️ In this episode, Rob discusses: 
-Why owning real estate is one of a franchisee’s greatest advantages 
-The laws and politics shaping the future of franchising — and why your voice matters 
-The “death zone” in franchising: the real challenges of scaling from 3 to 10 units 
-How franchising creates generational wealth and opportunity, especially for immigrants and underserved communities 
-The importance of over-communicating and collaborative leadership between ‘Zors and ‘Zees 
-Why every franchisee should understand their franchisor’s incentives — and vice versa 

PLUS: Why Rob believes franchising is America’s best-kept economic secret, and what modern operators must do to both thrive and protect the system.