Chicago Sam's Franchise GPS

Hosted by Sam Stanovich

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Building a successful franchise requires a map, but scaling one requires a GPS. Whether you just signed your first agreement or you’re managing a growing multi-unit portfolio, Franchise GPS is your bi-weekly roadmap to operational excellence. Hosted by industry veteran Sam Stanovich, this podcast drops twice a month to deliver raw, unscripted conversations with real-world operators, multi-unit owners, and industry innovators who are actively in the trenches. We bypass corporate fluff to bring you actionable playbooks on what it actually takes to run a profitable business—from mastering local marketing and managing food costs to building high-performing teams and leveraging data. Hit subscribe to get the real strategies, hard-learned lessons, and operational nuggets you need to navigate your business toward long-term growth. New episodes release every other Monday.

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August 10, 202623 min

The 2026 Restaurant Marketing Blueprint | Franchise GPS | Ep 7

"Chicago Sam" Stanovich sits down with Donovan McAdams , President of Vendita Digital , to deliver a tactical, unfiltered masterclass on modern franchise go-to-market (GTM) strategies, local store marketing, and customer acquisition. Donovan leverages over ten years of commercial construction experience and digital strategy expertise to break down why so many franchise operators plateau—and how to build a scalable, repeatable marketing engine that converts digital scrollers into loyal, repeat customers. Key Takeaways Moving Beyond AI Hype: While AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are transforming content workflows, relying strictly on automated images and generic graphic posts causes brand engagement to plateau. Today’s consumers buy into authentic human stories, relatable founder backgrounds, and brand trust—not synthetic AI claims. The "Circulatory System" of Marketing: Marketing fails when touchpoints are disjointed. A successful franchise funnel operates like a human circulatory system, seamlessly connecting your website, social media, local SEO, paid ad engine, and physical brick-and-mortar customer experience. Why Influencers Are Not a Strategy: Chasing viral 5-million-view influencer posts provides short-lived equity and often targets the wrong audience. Sustainable growth requires an evergreen, data-backed marketing engine designed specifically for your local Ideal Customer Profile (ICP). Bridging Real Estate Data with Local Marketing: Site selection data—including heat maps, traffic drivers, local sports complexes, and co-tenancy metrics—should directly inform your local SEO, keyword strategy, and geofenced ad campaigns. The Media Consumption Era: Social media has shifted from personal social networking to short-form media consumption. Franchises must publish face-to-camera thought leadership, short-form video content, and clear value propositions across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Google Business Profiles. Episode Links Learn More About Vendita Digital: Visit Vendit a to discover marketing solutions for your restaurant franchise. Learn More About the Software: Visit Baizel.AI to explore trials and predictive tools designed for real estate operators. Corporate Umbrella: Learn about enterprise solutions at Vendita . Learn More About Franchising: Craveworthy Brands Official Website Subscribe on Audio Platforms: Franchise GPS on Apple Podcasts Franchise GPS on Spotify Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Connect with the Speakers on LinkedIn: Series Host: Sam Stanovich Featured Guest: Donovan McAdams

July 27, 202617 min

Franchise Real Estate Strategies & AI Site Selection | Franchise GPS | Ep 6

"Chicago Sam" Stanovich sits down with Brandy McAdams , Chief Revenue Officer at Vendita AI I, for an in-depth masterclass on navigating commercial real estate, site selection, and lease negotiations for franchise operators. Commercial leases are a 5-to-10-year commitment—akin to a business marriage. Brandy reveals how modern franchise brands are abandoning manual site tours in favor of AI-powered market mapping and data analytics. Whether you are a first-time franchisee or scaling a multi-unit portfolio, this episode provides actionable tactics to protect your financial downside and secure prime fast-casual locations. Key Takeaways AI-Powered Site Selection vs. Traditional Hunting: How machine learning, virtual site mapping, and traffic data replace days of driving markets and collecting paper broker fliers. Post-COVID Fast Casual Real Estate Trends: Why grocer-anchored centers and daily commute routes outweigh ghost kitchens, and how dedicated pickup/delivery parking impacts top-line revenue. Structuring the Letter of Intent (LOI): Alignment of rent structures with brand Average Unit Volume (AUV), leveraging Tenant Improvement Allowances (TI), and gray shell vs. second-generation site deliveries. Mitigating Personal Guarantee Exposure: Strategies for negotiating rolling or burning guarantees, capping landlord liability, and substituting higher upfront deposits to avoid passing lifetime lease liabilities to heirs. Critical Lease "What-If" Clauses: Essential protections regarding assignment/subletting rights, HVAC/AC maintenance thresholds, grease trap installation requirements, and storefront casualty liabilities. Episode Links Learn More About the Software: Visit Baizel.AI to explore trials and predictive tools designed for real estate operators. Corporate Umbrella: Learn about enterprise solutions at Vendita . Learn More About Franchising: Craveworthy Brands Official Website Subscribe on Audio Platforms: Franchise GPS on Apple Podcasts Franchise GPS on Spotify Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Connect with the Speakers on LinkedIn: Series Host: Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn Featured Guest: Brandy McAdams on LinkedIn

July 13, 202620 min

The Truth About AI, Master Data and Commercial Real Estate | Franchise GPS | Ep 5

Are you blindly trusting ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to map out your next franchise location? In this episode of Franchise GPS, host "Chicago Sam" Stanovich sits down with Doug Sullinger , tech veteran and founder of Vendita AI , to break down why open-source AI tools are actually costing you time, money, and valuable real estate deals. Doug pulls back the curtain on how open models are only about 60% accurate and discusses the absolute danger of "garbage in, garbage out" data. Together, Sam and Doug explore how Vendita AI's tailored site analysis platform, Baizel AI , is drastically speeding up the timeline for multi-unit operators—taking an eight-month selection process down to mere minutes using highly validated, investor-quality data sets. If you are a restaurant owner, franchisee, or commercial real estate investor trying to navigate the massive wave of AI buzzwords without losing your "gut instinct," this masterclass in data validation and predictive scoring is exactly what you need. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Critical Danger of Open-Source Data: Open-source AI models like ChatGPT and Claude are only about 60% accurate when it comes to real estate, creating massive operational risks because "garbage data in" inevitably leads to "garbage decisions out". The Speed-to-Deal Competitive Advantage: In competitive commercial real estate markets with multiple competing offers, utilizing predictive software like Baizel AI can compress an arduous eight-month site selection process down to mere minutes. The Power of Master Data Management & Validation: High-quality site selection requires aggregating data from multiple credible, third-party, and government sources to validate scraped web information and build an accurate, holistic data credibility score. Synthesizing Hard Data with Gut Instinct: True success in restaurant and franchise real estate comes from capturing a veteran operator's intuition and utilizing custom AI models to back up that "gut instinct" with predictive, investor-quality analytics. Software Agility in the AI Era: Specialized technology platforms built by industry experts can implement nationwide data updates—such as mapping out every brownfield site in the United States—in a matter of days rather than years. Episode Links Learn More About the Software: Visit Baizel.AI to explore trials and predictive tools designed for real estate operators. Corporate Umbrella: Learn about enterprise solutions at Vendita . Learn More About Franchising: Craveworthy Brands Official Website Subscribe on Audio Platforms: Franchise GPS on Apple Podcasts Franchise GPS on Spotify Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Connect with the Speakers on LinkedIn: Series Host: Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn Featured Guest: Doug Sullinger on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share Franchise GPS with someone in the hospitality or franchise world.

June 29, 202635 min

Why Going It Alone in Franchising Is Your Biggest Risk | Franchise GPS | Ep 4

You don’t have to navigate the complex world of franchising alone—in fact, building a successful brand requires collective strength and proactive protection. In this episode of Franchise GPS, Chicago Sam sits down with Paul Rocchio, the VP of Membership for the International Franchise Association (IFA), to discuss how the organization champions both franchisors and franchisees on a global scale. From fighting critical regulatory battles in Washington, D.C., to offering elite executive education, Paul breaks down why active participation in the franchise community is the ultimate cheat code for protecting your bottom line and accelerating your brand's growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Advocating Against Regulatory Threats: The IFA is actively going on the offensive on Capitol Hill to support the American Franchise Act, a crucial piece of legislation aiming to permanently codify the joint employer standard and protect the integrity of the business format franchise model. The Power of the Pre-Qualified SBA Registry: By working closely with the Small Business Administration, the IFA successfully brought back the franchise registry, allowing franchisors to easily register themselves online to help fast-track SBA loans for potential franchisees. Mastering the Business of Franchising: Transitioning from an independent business operator to a franchisor means entering an entirely new industry; programs like the IFA’s Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and the Frankguard sales compliance class provide the exact roadmap needed for long-term operational and legal success. The Impact of the Local Franchisee Voice: Franchisees are the most influential advocates in politics because they directly generate local tax revenue, establish first-time jobs, and drive major economic development within a representative's district. Unlocking Peer-to-Peer Cross-Industry Networking: With franchising spanning over 300 different verticals, engaging with the IFA allows owners of diverse portfolios to share AI best practices, validate internal operations, and collaborate with peers outside of their immediate market. Ready to protect your investment and scale your system with best-in-class resources? Visit Franchise.org to learn more about joining the IFA, registering your brand, or securing tickets to the upcoming IFA World Franchise Show. Don't forget to subscribe to Chicago Sam's Franchise GPS on your favorite podcast platform, leave us a five-star review, and follow Sam on social media for more insider franchising strategies! Episode Links Learn More About Franchising: Craveworthy Brands Official Website Subscribe on Audio Platforms: Franchise GPS on Apple Podcasts Franchise GPS on Spotify Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Connect with the Speakers on LinkedIn: Series Host: Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn Featured Guest: Paul Rocchio on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share Franchise GPS with someone in the hospitality or franchise world.

June 15, 202649 min

Your Lease Could Destroy Your Franchise Before Day One | Franchise GPS | Ep 3

Everyone talks about franchising like it’s as simple as signing an agreement and opening a restaurant. But the real game begins the exact second you start looking for commercial real estate. One bad lease, an unreliable general contractor, a delayed permit, or a location chosen for the wrong reasons can bleed your dream business dry before you ever open your doors. In this episode of Chicago Sam’s Franchise GPS, guest host Justin Egan of Craveworthy Brands sits down with Nick Waeltz , Senior Vice President of Construction and Real Estate for Craveworthy Brands. With over 25 years of architectural design, restaurant development, and commercial construction experience (including foundational years at Jimmy John's ) , Nick pulls back the curtain on the critical mistakes first-time franchisees make and how to avoid them. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur preparing to sign your first franchise agreement, actively scouting locations, or an experienced multi-unit operator expanding your portfolio , this conversation delivers the exact blueprint needed to safeguard your capital, negotiate ironclad leases, and optimize your build-out timeline. Key Takeaways & Mentions in This Episode Why the Best Sites Are Never "For Lease": Learn why driving around looking for signs in windows is a losing strategy, and why you must leverage plugged-in commercial real estate brokers to find off-market opportunities. The "Don't Fall in Love" Rule: Why emotional attachment to a commercial property destroys your negotiating power and how to know when walking away is your most profitable move. The Value of Killing a Site: Why spending thousands on up-front architectural and engineering due diligence to vet structural integrity can save you hundreds of thousands in unforeseen CapEx. Lease Negotiation Pitfalls: How to negotiate rent commencement dates contingent on receiving permits rather than standard timelines to avoid paying "dead rent". Hidden Occupancy Costs: Why focusing solely on the base rent number is dangerous, and how to accurately calculate CAM (Common Area Maintenance) fees, property taxes, and personal guarantees. The Restaurant Construction Matrix: Navigating the classic industry trade-off between Fast, Cheap, and Good, and how to properly vet three competing general contractor bids. The Hidden Killer of Profitability: Understanding "Lost Sales"—how a delayed opening of just 3 to 4 weeks can secretly cost you $80,000+ in unrecoverable revenue. Episode Links Learn More About Franchising: Craveworthy Brands Official Website Subscribe on Audio Platforms: Franchise GPS on Apple Podcasts Franchise GPS on Spotify Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Connect with the Speakers on LinkedIn: Guest Host: Justin Egan on LinkedIn Featured Guest: Nick Waeltz on LinkedIn Series Host: Sam Stanovich on LinkedIn If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share Franchise GPS with someone in the hospitality or franchise world.

June 1, 202649 min

How Crave University Turns Restaurant Employees Into Future Operators | Franchise GPS | Ep. 2

What does it take to grow a franchise brand without hollowing it out? In Episode 2 of Franchise GPS, host Justin Egan sits down with Cassie Miller, Chief Marketing Officer at Craveworthy Brands, for a conversation that cuts to the heart of one of franchising's hardest problems: scaling without losing the soul. Cassie has been in the trenches of building and expanding emerging restaurant concepts — and she's learned that the brands that survive rapid growth aren't just operationally sound. They're culturally intentional. In this episode, she shares the frameworks, leadership principles, and hard-won lessons that separate the brands people remember from the ones they forget. What you'll take away from this episode: Why the strongest franchise systems are built on systems, not personalities — and why that distinction is everything The "flying a plane" framework for restaurant operations: why consistent processes are the only thing standing between chaos and scale How to protect a brand's identity when growth is pulling it in a hundred different directions The real role of marketing in franchise growth — and why it's about far more than ads What most brands get wrong when they try to scale too fast How culture and operations must move together — and what breaks when they don't Practical ways operators can deepen guest connections and build genuine community right now This isn't theory. It's a playbook from someone who has lived it. Whether you're a franchisee, franchisor, restaurant operator, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode will reshape how you think about growth, culture, and what it actually means to build a brand worth believing in. Franchise GPS — Navigate the business of franchising with the people who've already mapped the terrain. Subscribe. Review. Share. If this episode hit home, send it to someone building something worth protecting. Follow & Connect: Connect with Justin Egan https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelstanovich/ Connect with Cassie Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-scholtens/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Website: https://craveworthybrands.com If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share Franchise GPS with someone in the hospitality or franchise world.

May 18, 202645 min

The Mistake Most Franchisees Make Before Opening Day | Franchise GPS | Ep 1

Welcome to Episode 1 of Franchise GPS with Sam Stanovich — the podcast where franchise leaders, operators, and entrepreneurs share real-world strategies for building successful businesses and thriving community brands. In this debut episode, Sam sits down with Nandini Mangroo, multi-unit franchisee of Taffer's Tavern and one of the original operators to join the Jon Taffer franchise family. From opening her first location in Alpharetta to expanding into Midtown Atlanta and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Nandini shares the practical marketing and hospitality strategies that helped turn her restaurants into true community hubs. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for franchisees, restaurant operators, and small business owners looking to grow traffic, build loyal guests, and create unforgettable customer experiences. Inside this episode: • How to successfully launch a restaurant grand opening • Why “you’re not opening a restaurant — you’re launching a community hub” • Building local partnerships with apartments, hotels, and businesses • Using events like the Kentucky Derby and World Cup to drive traffic • Creating emotional connections that turn first-time guests into regulars • Social media strategies for restaurant operators with any budget • How to use limited-time offers and seasonal cocktails to boost engagement • Tips for planning successful community events and promotions • Lessons learned from promotions that didn’t work — and what operators should avoid • Why hospitality, consistency, and intentional marketing still matter most Whether you’re a first-time franchisee, a restaurant owner, or someone passionate about hospitality and entrepreneurship, this episode delivers practical advice you can apply immediately. Follow & Connect: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelstanovich/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicago_sam/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CraveworthyBrands Website: https://craveworthybrands.com Taffer’s Tavern: https://tafferstavern.com/ If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share Franchise GPS with someone in the hospitality or franchise world.

April 20, 202612 min

Digital Signage and Dynamic Pricing Are Taking Over the Restaurant Industry

Recorded live at CraveCon 2025, this episode of Room for Seconds features guest host Josh Halpern in conversation with Brian Smetana of 25/7 Digital Labs and Adam Salinas of LG Electronics USA . Together, they explore the major shifts reshaping the restaurant industry, starting with the evolution of digital signage from a perceived expense into a long-term cost-saving and revenue-driving tool. What once felt like a luxury is quickly becoming essential, giving operators the ability to update menus instantly, reduce ongoing production costs, and create more dynamic, engaging in-store experiences. The conversation also reframes dynamic pricing, challenging the idea that it’s a new or controversial concept. From happy hour specials to grocery store promotions, pricing has always been fluid—what’s changed is the speed and precision enabled by modern technology. With deeper integration between digital systems and point-of-sale platforms, restaurants now have the ability to adjust pricing in real time, reduce waste, and better match demand throughout the day. Looking ahead, Brian and Adam highlight how the future of restaurants will be defined by interactivity, personalization, and mobile-first behavior. From kiosks and digital displays to app-based ordering and immersive experiences, technology is shifting how customers engage with brands—and, more importantly, who is driving those decisions. As younger generations play a larger role in where families choose to eat, creating an experience that is fast, engaging, and relevant has never been more critical. This episode offers a clear look at where restaurant technology is headed and how operators can begin adapting now—without needing to overhaul everything overnight. #RoomForSeconds #CraveworthyBrands #restaurantleadership Episode Links Connect with Josh Halpern on LinkedIn Learn more about 25 7 Digital Labs Follow 25 7 Digital Labs on LinkedIn Follow on Facebook Connect with Gregg / Craveworthy Brands Gregg Majewski Instagram Craveworthy Brands Instagram Visit Craveworthy Online Gregg Majewski LinkedIn CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for Seconds Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts View Past Episodes on Craveworthy Website

April 6, 202612 min

Getting Found Online Is the Biggest Challenge for Restaurants Right Now with Marqii CEO Avi Goren

In this episode of Room for Seconds, guest host Josh Halpern sat down with Avi Goren at CraveCon 2025, co-founder of Marqii , to unpack one of the most overlooked—but critical—drivers of restaurant success: discoverability. As the guest journey becomes more fragmented than ever, Avi explains why simply having great food and service is no longer enough. Restaurants today have to win before the customer even walks in the door—at the moment of search. From Google and Yelp to TikTok, AI tools, and beyond, brands now need to show up accurately and consistently across every digital touchpoint. The conversation dives into why “digital hygiene”—things like accurate hours, menus, and listings—is often ignored, despite being foundational to growth. Avi shares how outdated or inconsistent information doesn’t just hurt SEO—it actively creates negative guest experiences before an order is ever placed. They also explore how AI is changing the landscape, giving operators access to insights and competitive intelligence that were previously out of reach. But even with better tools, the biggest challenge remains execution—building systems that work in the background while operators focus on running their business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in hospitality trying to understand how customers actually find restaurants today—and why getting discovered is becoming the hardest part of the business. Episode Links Connect with Josh Halpern on LinkedIn Connect with Avi on LinkedIn Learn more about Marqii Follow Marqii on LinkedIn Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Connect with Gregg / Craveworthy Brands Gregg Majewski Instagram Craveworthy Brands Instagram Visit Craveworthy Online Gregg Majewski LinkedIn CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for Seconds Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts View Past Episodes on Craveworthy Website

March 18, 20269 min

Why Restaurant Kitchens Are Getting Smaller with Chris McKenty of Edward Don & Company

Filmed live at CraveCon 2025, guest host Josh Halpern sits down with Chris McKenty of Edward Don & Company to explore the hidden systems that make restaurants actually work — from kitchen design to equipment strategy. Chris walks through the critical role that kitchen layout plays in the success of a restaurant. Often designed months before a location opens, the kitchen acts as the operational engine of the business. If workflow, equipment placement, and production lines aren’t built correctly from the start, service speed, food quality, and overall profitability can all suffer. One of the biggest trends Chris is seeing across the industry is the steady shrinking of restaurant kitchens. As lease costs rise and operators look to maximize dining room revenue, more square footage is being allocated to guest-facing areas — leaving designers to do more with less space in the back of house. That shift is driving a wave of innovation from equipment manufacturers, with new multi-functional equipment designed to replace multiple machines while occupying a smaller footprint. Josh and Chris also dive into the economics of restaurant equipment. From high-end “Ferrari” models to more budget-friendly alternatives, operators must constantly balance performance, durability, and cost — especially when building systems that need to scale across multiple locations. The conversation also touches on evolving restaurant formats, the rise of takeout and third-party delivery, and how those trends are influencing kitchen design decisions. As off-premise dining continues to grow, operators are rethinking everything from production flow to pickup stations in order to keep up with changing consumer behavior. Together, Josh and Chris pull back the curtain on the operational decisions happening behind the scenes — and why getting the kitchen right is one of the most important factors in building a successful restaurant. Episode Links Connect with Josh Halpern on LinkedIn Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Learn more about Edward Don & Company Follow Edward Don & Company on LinkedIn Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Connect with Gregg / Craveworthy Brands Gregg Majewski Instagram Craveworthy Brands Instagram Visit Craveworthy Online Gregg Majewski LinkedIn CRAVEWORTHY FRANCHISING CRAVEWORTHY BRANDS INVEST IN CRAVEWORTHY Connect with Room for Seconds Subscribe on YouTube Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts View Past Episodes on Craveworthy Website