2022 Innovation Award Winners

The fourth annual Franchise Innovation Awards have been wrapped up. This year’s contest generated more than 100 entries in four main categories and 22 subcategories. Franchise innovators, game-changers, and disruptors were evaluated on their efforts to create and implement the most original and successful campaigns in four categories: Marketing & Branding, Operations & Technology, Products & Services, and Human Resources. A team of judges evaluated each entry independently based on a brand’s stated objective, the problem or improvement targeted, and the metrics they provided about the results. The winners were announced at the Franchise Customer Experience Conference.

Marketing & Branding (8)

Best Big Budget Campaign: Uberrito Fresh Mex

Best Digital Campaign: Wild Birds Unlimited

Best Limited Budget Campaign (under $1 million): Wild Birds Unlimited

Best Loyalty App: Blaze Pizza

Best PR Campaign: Goldfish Swim School

Best Social Media Campaign: Camp Bow Wow

Cause Marketing Champion: Kiddie Academy

Local Marketing Leadership: Handyman Connection

Operations & Technology (7)

Most Innovative Building Design, Remodel, or Prototype: Inspire Brands

Most Innovative Consumer Self-Service Tools: Pillar To Post

Most Innovative Franchisee Support: Wild Birds Unlimited

Most Innovative Operations Team: Smoothie King

Most Innovative Supply Chain Improvements: Shawarma Press

Most Innovative Use of Data: Blaze Pizza

Most Innovative Use of Technology: Checkers & Rally’s

Products & Services (5)

Most Innovative Product Introduction: Hand & Stone

Most Innovative Service Introduction: Plumbing Paramedics and Heating + Air Paramedics

Most Innovative Use of Customer-Facing Digital Tools: School of Rock

Most Innovative Use of Technology—Products: Xponential Fitness

Most Innovative Use of Technology—Services: Checkers & Rally’s

Human Resources (2)

Most Innovative Employee Hiring: Goldfish Swim School

Most Innovative Employee Retention: Handyman Connection