Why More Owners Are Choosing Franchising

What Can Franchising Do for Your Business? Ask Roni’s Mac Bar

November 04, 20244 min read

Understanding the Exit Strategy of Franchising

From Cult Favorite to Franchise Powerhouse

Roni’s Mac Bar isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a cultural movement. Known for its creative twists on a beloved comfort food, Roni’s has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of mac and cheese lovers everywhere. With its bold flavors, Instagram-worthy dishes, and a deep connection to its fanbase, Roni’s Mac Bar quickly grew from a local favorite to an internet sensation.

But popularity alone doesn’t guarantee long-term success. That’s where FDG stepped in to help Roni’s Mac Bar design a franchise strategy that could scale their brand while maintaining the quality and authenticity that their customers love.

What Makes Roni’s Mac Bar Such A Successful Franchise?

  • A Viral Brand: With over 50 million likes and a cult following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, Roni’s Mac Bar brings instant brand recognition to every new location.

  • A Unique Concept: Combining comfort food with creativity, Roni’s redefines mac and cheese with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a menu that’s as fun as it is delicious.

  • Strong Support Systems: Roni’s franchisees benefit from a “done-FOR-you” approach, with everything from location scouting to marketing handled by the corporate team.

  • Growth Potential: Whether franchisees want to open one location or build a multi-unit empire, Roni’s scalable systems empower them to achieve their goals.

A Franchise Built for the Future

Since launching its franchise program, Roni’s Mac Bar has rapidly expanded, with new locations opening across the country. Franchisees rave about the support they receive from the corporate team and the excitement of being part of a brand that’s constantly trending.

At FDG, we’re thrilled to have played a role in Roni’s Mac Bar’s incredible journey. Their success showcases the power of a strong franchise model combined with a visionary concept—and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.

What Were The Steps That Roni’s Mac Bar Took To Franchise?

When Roni’s Mac Bar approached FDG, they had a winning concept but needed the right structure to expand sustainably. Here’s what we focused on:

1. Creating a Scalable Franchise Model

FDG worked with Roni’s to build a franchise system that was easy to replicate without sacrificing quality. From operational processes to supply chain management, every aspect of the business was optimized for scalability.

2. Streamlining the Franchisee Onboarding Process

To attract franchisees from diverse backgrounds, we designed a step-by-step onboarding system that included comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance. This ensured that franchisees could hit the ground running, even if they had no prior restaurant experience.

3. Developing Marketing Strategies for Growth

With its built-in social media following and viral appeal, Roni’s Mac Bar already had a strong brand presence. FDG helped amplify this through targeted marketing campaigns, local store promotions, and digital strategies to drive traffic to new franchise locations.

4. Ensuring Franchisee Support

We know that franchising isn’t just about selling locations—it’s about building lasting partnerships. FDG helped Roni’s Mac Bar design a robust support system for franchisees, including access to corporate resources, real-time performance monitoring, and ongoing mentorship.


Roni’s Mac Bar: A Winning Combination

What makes Roni’s Mac Bar such a successful franchise?

  • A Viral Brand: With over 50 million likes and a cult following on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, Roni’s Mac Bar brings instant brand recognition to every new location.

  • A Unique Concept: Combining comfort food with creativity, Roni’s redefines mac and cheese with bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a menu that’s as fun as it is delicious.

  • Strong Support Systems: Roni’s franchisees benefit from a “done-FOR-you” approach, with everything from location scouting to marketing handled by the corporate team.

  • Growth Potential: Whether franchisees want to open one location or build a multi-unit empire, Roni’s scalable systems empower them to achieve their goals.

A Franchise Built for the Future

Since launching its franchise program, Roni’s Mac Bar has rapidly expanded, with new locations opening across the country. Franchisees rave about the support they receive from the corporate team and the excitement of being part of a brand that’s constantly trending.

At FDG, we’re thrilled to have played a role in Roni’s Mac Bar’s incredible journey. Their success showcases the power of a strong franchise model combined with a visionary concept—and we can’t wait to see how they continue to grow.

 

 

Interested in Franchising?

If Roni’s Mac Bar’s story inspires you to take your business to the next level, Franchise Development Group is here to help. Whether you’re just starting to explore franchising or need help optimizing your existing system, our team has the expertise to turn your business into a thriving franchise.

At Franchise Development Group (FDG), we’re proud to have helped countless businesses grow and thrive by transforming their visions into scalable franchise opportunities.

To learn more about how FDG can help your business, visit our website or contact us today.

And if you haven’t already, check out Roni’s Mac Bar at ronismacbar.com—because who doesn’t love mac and cheese with a creative twist?


Andy holds an MBA in Finance from University of North Carolina Charlotte and a BS in Business Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has over 20 years experience in franchising including operations, real estate, financing, Area Development and franchise sales. He has helped award over 500 franchises for both emerging and established franchise concepts.

Since 2008, he has been General Manager of Franchise Development Group. FDG consults with start-up franchises guiding them through the entire franchise process and helping them award franchises. FDG has been instrumental in the launching of over 150 new franchise concepts. Andy has also franchised his own business expanding Franchise Development Group’s presence across the United States.

Andy Kile

Andy holds an MBA in Finance from University of North Carolina Charlotte and a BS in Business Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has over 20 years experience in franchising including operations, real estate, financing, Area Development and franchise sales. He has helped award over 500 franchises for both emerging and established franchise concepts. Since 2008, he has been General Manager of Franchise Development Group. FDG consults with start-up franchises guiding them through the entire franchise process and helping them award franchises. FDG has been instrumental in the launching of over 150 new franchise concepts. Andy has also franchised his own business expanding Franchise Development Group’s presence across the United States.

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