We’re only as bad as today. We’re always getting better tomorrow.

We kicked off IFE 2025 speaking with one of my favorite franchisors and restauranteurs, Sam Stanovich of Craveworthy Brands. Sam is always up for sharing ideas about new innovations in both the board room and the kitchen at Big Chicken, Taffer’s Tavern, and more.

Next we chat with another Craveworthy Brand leader, Justin Egan of Wing It On who is true “wingnut!”

We were also thrilled to see the return of McDonald’s to the IFE and had a chance to sit down with Edit Dolce to discuss what makes a great McDonald’s operator and the brand’s openness to innovation.

Gabriel Cruz of Honest Art chats about membership models and recurring revenues to help new franchisees become successful early.

FranchiseWire’s Editor-In-Chief Jill Abrahamson shares the hottest trends she’s seeing in franchising and what readers are searching for in 2025.

And we wrap up part up 1 with Dr John Hayes, who is in his 33rd year of presenting “The A to Zs of Buying a Franchising” at IFE, reflects on some of the changes he’s seen and reveals some BIG changes for his plans for the future at the Titus Center

Thanks to Northeast Color, Franzy, Hughes, and Furry Frans.

Special Guest: Sam Stanovich.