FranchiseU!

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser explores the exceptional journey of 

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser takes a deep dive into the rise of Layne’s Chicken Fingers, (https://www.layneschickenfingers.com/) one of the fastest-growing brands in the QSR space. Kathy sits down with Garrett Reed (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-reed-5a724a152/), CEO of Layne’s, and Eli Cohen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elimcohen/), a rapidly expanding multi-unit franchisee, to explore their journeys, their philosophies, and the culture that makes Layne’s Chicken Fingers stand out. Garrett shares how his roots in College Station and his extensive career in commercial real estate development with Starbucks, Corner Bakery, Dunkin’ Donuts, Radio Shack, and Zale’s prepared him to steward Layne’s into its next era. After co-founding Main & Main Capital Group and developing more than 200 franchise units across 37 states, he purchased the iconic College Station chicken shack in 2016. Since then, he has elevated operations, opened multiple corporate locations across DFW, and set an ambitious goal: 100 Layne’s Chicken Fingers restaurants in the next five years. Garrett also explains the beloved Astro Chicken concept and how it embodies the brand’s values, quality, and guest experience. Eli brings a franchisee’s perspective to the conversation. As Founder and Operator of C5 Restaurants, he leads one of the country’s strongest Fazoli’s platforms and is actively developing Smalls Sliders and Layne’s Chicken Fingers across West Texas. With a background in real estate investment banking at Citigroup, private-sector development at the World Bank, and more than $600 million in real estate acquired through Cohen Rojas Capital Partners, Eli describes his transition into franchising and why Layne’s culture, support, and product made it the perfect fit. Together, Garrett and Eli unpack what makes a successful franchisee, the role culture plays in brand growth, and why Layne’s Chicken Fingers is poised to become a national favorite. Their enthusiasm for the food, the franchise partners, and the future is unmistakable. Topics Covered:·     The Challenges and Learnings of Franchising·     Layne's Unique Brand and Culture·     The Complexity of Space Travel·     Balancing Technical and Laid-Back Approaches·     Franchising as a Growth Strategy·     Qualities of a Successful Franchisee Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows. Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:Website: FranchiseU! (https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/)Instagram:

In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser sits down with Brian Goldstein (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-goldstein-513a3a245/), President and Owner of Fulenwider Enterprises (https://fulenwider.net/), to explore one of the most remarkable career journeys in the restaurant industry. Brian started at Taco Bell at just 16½ years old and worked his way up through nearly every leadership position imaginable, ultimately serving as COO of KFC and leading its national operations turnaround. After 32 years in corporate leadership, Brian switched to the franchisee side, where he now is partial owner of Fulenwider Enterprises, which operates nearly 160 Taco Bell and KFC locations across the Southeast. He shares how he built a winning culture rooted in respect, people development, and operational excellence. Brian also breaks down the keys to a high-performing franchise system, the value of strong franchisor relationships, and what it truly takes to grow a thriving multi-unit organization. Listeners will hear Brian’s insights on:* Brian's Journey from Taco Bell employee to being a KFC Corporate Success* Balancing Family and Business* The ‘Best On Block’ Philosophy* What Makes a Great Franchisor* Serving on Franchisee Boards* Advice for Aspiring Franchisees* Challenges of Franchise Ownership Beyond business, Brian shares a look into his life in Belmont, NC, where he enjoys time outdoors with his wife Barbara, their three children, and four grandchildren. From gardening and ATV riding to supporting military families, St. Jude, Boys & Girls Clubs, and hunger relief efforts, Brian’s commitment to service extends far beyond the restaurants he leads. This episode is packed with leadership lessons, heartfelt stories, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in franchising—or inspire their teams to greatness. Click below to listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows. Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:Website: FranchiseU! (https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/)Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast (https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/)Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743)Twitter: @franchiseupod (https://x.com/FranchiseUPod)TikTok: @franchiseupod (https://x.com/FranchiseUPod) Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/) via LinkedIn. This episode proudly brought to you by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence (https://business.louisville.edu/about/learning-at-cob/yumcgfe/) at the 

 From graphic designer to CEO of a national family of franchise brands, Ryan Parsons has built a career defined by creativity and purpose. As the co-founder of the ‘Brothers That Just Do Gutters’ and now CEO of Evive Brands, Ryan shares how he's leading five franchise systems that help people live and thrive from home care to home improvement. From graphic designer to CEO of a national family of franchise brands, Ryan Parsons (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brothersgutters/) has built a career fueled by creativity, purpose, and grit. As the co-founder of The Brothers That Just Do Gutters and current CEO of Evive Brands (http://evivebrands.com/), Ryan leads five franchise systems that help people live better — from home care to home improvement.In this episode of FranchiseU!, Dr. Kathy Gosser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/) talks with Ryan about his incredible journey from a small family business to leading a thriving group of franchise brands with more than 1,000 territories across the country. Together, they discuss how Ryan and his brother turned a local gutter company into a trusted national brand — and how that same passion now drives his leadership at Evive Brands. Ryan opens up about building companies with heart, staying true to your purpose, and leading through transparency. He also shares insights on the power of strong branding, franchise growth, and adapting to new technology like AI. Plus, he explains why understanding unit economics and culture is key when expanding from one franchise brand to many. Ryan Parsons’ story is one of perseverance, vision, and continuous learning — and a great reminder that with purpose and persistence, creativity can grow into something truly life-changing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:·     Ryan Parsons' Amazing Franchising Journey·     Challenges and Growth in Franchising·     Franchise Royalty and Territory Management·     Transparency in Franchise Operations·     Growth Strategies·     Qualities of Successful Franchisees·     Implementing AI in Business·     Parsons’ Proudest Achievements and Business Advice Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:Website: FranchiseU! (https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/)Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast (https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/)Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743)Twitter: @franchiseupod (https://x.com/FranchiseUPod)TikTok:

What does it take to build more than 160 McAlister’s Deli restaurants, lead nearly 8,000 employees, and still live by the motto “Have fun. No regrets.”? In this episode of FranchiseU!, host Dr. Kathy Gosser interviews David Blackburn, founder, former CEO, and current chairman of Southern Rock Restaurants, the largest McAlister’s Deli franchisee in the United States. From his humble start at Bonanza to leading one of America’s top restaurant franchise groups, David shares an inspiring story of growth, leadership, and purpose. With over 45 years of restaurant industry experience, David’s career has taken him from busboy to executive leadership, including serving as vice president of operations and business development for O’Charley’s Restaurants during its peak years. In 2006, he made the leap into restaurant entrepreneurship, launching Southern Rock Restaurants and expanding it into a multi-state powerhouse with 164 locations across 13 states. Along the way, he also owned upscale steak and Italian restaurants, proving his ability to succeed across diverse dining concepts. In this episode, David reveals his franchise leadership strategies, lessons in multi-unit operations, and the guiding principles that fuel sustainable success. He discusses the role of family involvement, the impact of trusted partners like Compel4 Accounting, and why he believes business should be as fun as it is meaningful. Now leading a growing multi-brand restaurant platform pursuing new acquisitions, David reflects on what it means to lead with purpose, grow with vision, and live with no regrets. This episode of FranchiseU! is a must-listen for anyone passionate about franchise growth, restaurant leadership, and entrepreneurial inspiration. Topics discussed include:·     David Blackburn's Career Journey·     Leadership Lessons from O'Charley's·     The meaning of ‘Have Fun, No Regrets’·     Family and Business at Southern Rock·     Managing Multi-Unit Operations·     Multi-Unit Operations Management Tips·     Effective Communication and Daily Routines·     Franchise Advisory Council Insights Don’t miss out on all things FranchiseU!:Website: FranchiseU! (https://business.louisville.edu/learnmore/franchiseu/)Instagram: @franchiseu_podcast (https://www.instagram.com/franchiseu_podcast/)Facebook: @FranchiseU Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568459969743)Twitter: @franchiseupod (https://x.com/FranchiseUPod)TikTok: @franchiseupod (https://x.com/FranchiseUPod) Reach out directly to Dr. Kathy Gosser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-gosser-ph-d-aa971510/) via LinkedIn. This episode proudly brought to you by the