Sonic Shares How You Can Support Local Communities As a Burger Franchisee

As the owner of a successful burger franchise, you have a chance to go beyond just selling food. You can make a positive difference in your community. Supporting local causes brings benefits all around. That’s why, in this article, we will explore several ways burger franchisees can support their nearby communities, driving goodwill while benefiting their business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Franchisees can host community events like fundraisers and kids’ reading hours at their locations to benefit nearby groups while also driving traffic.
• Giving donations through sales proceeds and food drives supports local nonprofits, strengthening the franchise’s neighborhood presence.
• Prioritizing local ingredients and nearby businesses creates a unique partnership with the community and environment.
• Hiring locally, especially underserved workers, gives back through direct job and skills opportunities for residents.

Host Community Events at Your Store

As a franchise owner, you may consider hosting fundraisers at your store for local charities. You can donate a percentage of sales for one day or one meal period. Also, host free events like homework clubs or reading times for kids. Doing good drives foot traffic and raises awareness. 

Additionally, partner with local schools and nonprofits. You may also want to explore the possibility of letting them use your location as a venue for classes or events after hours. Not only does this build goodwill, but they’ll likely publicize their partnership and drive customers your way.

Support Local Causes Through Donations 

Essentially, look for causes that align with your brand’s values and overall mission as a community stakeholder. For example, donate surplus food to homeless shelters and food banks to reduce waste, or perhaps sponsor local youth sports teams to show your support for area families. Investigate if your franchisor offers formal donation programs you can utilize.

Another idea is to donate a percentage of the proceeds from one menu item to a charity partner. Promote this in-store and on social media. Customers will feel good patronizing your establishment. And nonprofits gain exposure and funding. It’s a win-win.  

Prioritize Local Ingredients and Suppliers

Source local ingredients when possible—to become one with the essence of the farm-to-table movement. Partner with regional food growers and producers. This not only provides fresh components but also reduces the environmental impact of transport.  

Additionally, using hometown partners and suppliers supports local jobs and the community’s economy. And it can become a unique brand differentiator. Make sure to promote menu items that contain local or specialty ingredients. Consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from and have it reflect regional culture.

Hire Locally at Your Franchise Location

Your burger establishment has the power to directly impact locals by providing jobs. Make an effort to hire youth looking for their first jobs. Or those reentering the workforce needing experience and training. If possible, tailor shifts around school schedules.  

Also, consider underserved groups who face employment barriers. Partner with local nonprofits that specialize in workforce training. Bring them on-site for classes geared toward the food service sector. Then transition individuals into roles at your location upon program completion.

Become a Hub for Community Connection

Think outside the box for ways to bring locals together under your roof. Offer free meeting space to local groups like hobby clubs or support circles. Install a community message board customers can post to. Enable patrons to suggest causes for your business to support next. 

Use your location as a communal gathering spot by hosting classes or events like cooking demos or self-care nights. See if there are partnerships to be had with nearby recreation centers, adult education programs, or main street alliances. The ultimate goal is to strengthen bonds within the community.

Lead Green and Sustainability Initiatives   

In addition to sourcing locally, prioritize sustainability more broadly. Reduce waste by using recyclable or compostable containers. Conserve resources with energy and water savings programs in your store operations.  

You can even incentivize customers for green behavior. Provide discounts if they bike, walk, or carpool to your establishment. Educate patrons on how to properly recycle packaging from their meals.

Little changes add up, setting an example other businesses can follow. Sustainable actions appeal to eco-conscious consumers as well. So make sure to promote your efforts on menus and social channels.  

Use Marketing to Spotlight Local Pride

Ultimately, look for opportunities, large and small, to celebrate regional culture. Give a shoutout to hometown partners who provide your ingredients. Sell merchandise featuring symbols of local pride. Enable micro-donations to community funds through your online ordering platform.  

And routinely spotlight area partners and causes on social media. Share how much was raised for the food bank through this month’s donation burger. Post photos from the latest neighborhood art walk you sponsored. Featuring community stories on your channels keeps you engaged locally, both online and offline.

In a Nutshell…

As we’ve explored, burger franchisees have a substantial influence in creating regional goodwill. By giving back and elevating your community, your own business sees benefits too. Everyone—both the establishments and neighborhoods themselves—prospers when small businesses lead with purpose. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Paul Brown

Email: support@sonic.com 

Website: https://sonicfranchising.com/ 

Address: 208 B Johnny Bench Dr., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104