Franchise News: IFA Launches Tools, Brands Push AI

IFA Unveils Dot and Hub as Little Caesars, Dairy Queen and Other Brands Make Moves in AI, Growth and Closures

Franchise news this week spans technology, growth, closures and community giving. The International Franchise Association presents two new perks, Dot and Hub, to help its members more efficiently mine the organization’s vast information, ranging from best practices advice to research to changing laws and more. Dot and Hub can be accessed through the IFA website, www.franchise.org. 

Dot is IFA’s artificial intelligence-based assistant, or chatbot, that helps association members quickly reach and interact with relevant information on the website. The IFA Member Resource Hub is a centralized, searchable library organized by topic, role and business need. 

Little Caesars, Dairy Queen Expand AI Ordering

Two longtime quick-service restaurant brands are embracing artificial intelligence for placement of food and beverage orders.

The Little Caesars app allows customers to order with ChatGPT functionality. This new AI capability is rolling out in all U.S. markets and many restaurants in Canada and Mexico, too, according to a news release from Detroit-based Little Caesars, a 67-year-old brand.

At least 25 Dairy Queen franchisees will soon have access to Presto voice AI technology for drive-thru ordering after a test program delivered positive results at company-owned stores. The new technology will be available to at least 25 franchisees in 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, according to a Thursday APRIL 16 news release. Dairy Queen, which launched in 1940, has headquarters in Minnesota.

7-Eleven Plans Store Closures, Delays IPO

7-Eleven’s North American operator has disclosed plans to shutter 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year while opening only 205 locations, according to CBS News. 

The franchise’s Japan-based parent, Seven & i Holdings Co., has delayed its initial public offering, previously planned for this year, until March 2027 at the earliest – a decision attributed to rising gasoline prices and economic worries, Restaurant Business reported.

In filings, Seven & i also said it expects its revenue to fall 9.4% for the current fiscal year, about $59.5 billion. In exploring growth opportunities, the company is investing in more fresh food offerings and expanding its 7NOW delivery service.

Five Star Franchising Adds Five Star Flooring

Five Star Franchising, an umbrella franchisor focused on home services, welcomes Five Star Flooring to its portfolio. Franchisees enjoy an inventory-light business model, according to a news release. Customers receive transparent pricing upfront on an array of indoor and outdoor flooring products; Five Star Flooring also provides zero-down financing and a lifetime 100% guarantee on labor, the news release stated.

“Homeowners want turnkey improvement solutions, and floor remodeling is no different,” said Scott Abbott, CEO and co-founder of Five Star Franchising. Consumers are weary of big-box showrooms, unclear pricing and uneven service, and for entrepreneurs, it’s “a low-overhead, high-margin opportunity,” he said.

Utah-based Five Star Franchising has 1,700-plus locations. Its older brands are Bio-One, Card My Yard, Decorate With Lights, Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Mosquito Shield and 1-800-Packouts.

Crux Capital Invests in Ivybrook Academy

Dallas-based Crux Capital, a private equity firm that partners with family- and founder-owned businesses across the Sunbelt, has invested in Ivybrook Academy. North Carolina-based Ivybrook is a half-day preschool franchise with 70-plus sites open or in development; 40 additional franchises have been awarded. 

Ivybrook was founded in 2007 and began franchising in 2017. A news release said founders Jennifer and Drew McWilliams “will retain a meaningful ownership stake and continue leading the company alongside the existing Ivybrook leadership team.” Crux’s partnership will facilitate Ivybrook’s growth via investments in franchisee support, curriculum development and technology, the news release noted.

McDonald’s, KFC Add New Beverage and Menu News

McDonald’s will expand its crafted drinks – among them Dirty Dr Pepper and Mango Pineapple Refresher – starting in May, according to QSR Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.  In August, McDonald’s will start selling new energy drinks such as the Red Bull Dragonberry Energizer.

KFC’s Saucy restaurant concept, currently operating only 10 Florida locations, will expand to Frisco, Texas, later this year, Nation’s Restaurant News reported. Saucy’s menu is known for chicken tenders accompanied by the customer’s choice of 11 sauces as well as its sammies, which are tenders on a King’s Hawaiian roll. Saucy’s also features Pepsi Drips beverages with add-ins such as fruit syrups, boba and creams, NRN said. Customers can opt for a Tropicana Rainbow Splash Lemonade and Pepsi Zero Sugar Salted Almond Caramel, for example.

Chick-fil-A, HomeVestors, RNR Tire Express Give Back

Hat tips to three franchises: 

• Chick-fil-A Inc.’s Remarkable Futures Scholarships Program has awarded more than $29 million in scholarships to more than 16,000 restaurant team members this year, as announced in a company news release. Chick-fil-A also awarded $325,000 to 13 community members through its Community Scholars initiative, which aids service-minded students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
• HomeVestors made a $20,000 contribution to Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity in honor of a Boise home winning The Ugliest House of the Year 2025. The national contest highlights the most dramatic makeovers of houses bought and renovated by HomeVestors of America franchises, according to a company news release.
• RNR Tire Express will mark its 10^th annual Mother’s Day promotion, giving away a 2026 Buick Envista Preferred to one mom. Communities nationwide are invited to nominate a deserving mother through May 10. Details: https://rnrtires.com/marketing/mom/.