Why PR Is Your Franchise’s Secret Weapon

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Franchise success depends on more than systems; it depends on stories that scale.

Public relations (PR) is how those stories move from one outlet to the next, shaping perception and fueling growth across regions.

Whether you’re managing one outlet or dozens, you’ve probably noticed this already; your brand’s reputation travels faster than your operations manual. Systems create consistency. PR creates connection. And in franchising, perception isn’t standardised -- it’s earned.

The Myth of One-Size-Fits-All Branding

Franchising thrives on replication: logos, menus, uniforms, and service protocols. But when communication is copy-pasted, it loses meaning.

Customers in Penang don’t respond the same way as those in Perth. And a campaign that resonates in Bangkok might fall flat in Bandung. PR helps bridge that gap by localising your message without diluting your brand. It translates corporate strategy into community relevance.

PR as a Growth Engine

PR is more than media coverage -- it’s your credibility engine. It builds trust, visibility, and emotional resonance at scale.

Here’s how strategic PR drives franchise growth:

  • Earned Media Credibility: A local feature often builds more lasting trust than weeks of paid ads.

  • Community Engagement: Local sponsorships, cause partnerships, and team spotlights turn outlets into neighbourhood brands.

  • Franchisee Attraction: Strong media presence and social proof make your brand a magnet for future partners.


Case Study 1: Bungkus Kaw Kaw -- Local Flavor, National Impact

Malaysian F&B brand Bungkus Kaw Kaw didn’t just replicate its menu -- it replicated its soul. By anchoring its narrative in nostalgic breakfast culture and community storytelling, it became more than a franchise; it became a movement.

  • Community-Centric Positioning: Every outlet felt like a local favourite, not a corporate transplant.

  • Media Recognition: Coverage in ASEAN Eye Media positioned it as an “Outstanding Franchise,” boosting franchisee demand.

  • Emotional Resonance: Customers returned for the experience as much as the food.

This is the essence of franchise PR: local heart, national reach.
We’ve seen this play out time and again. The strongest franchise brands aren’t the loudest; they’re the ones that sound local everywhere they go.


Case Study 2: Grab’s “Food Heroes” -- Local Stories on a Global Stage

In 2023, Grab partnered with Nasdaq to celebrate 75 small F&B merchants i.e., hawkers, family eateries, and local legends, by featuring them on digital billboards in Times Square, New York.

  • Hyperlocal Storytelling: Each merchant’s story was rooted in their community.

  • Global Visibility: Times Square placement turned local pride into international recognition.

  • Strategic Impact: Grab reinforced its brand as a growth enabler and community champion, proving storytelling’s power to scale trust.

Grab didn’t just showcase merchants; it elevated them. That emotional lift is what customers remember long after the campaign ends. That’s what great PR does: it turns authenticity into influence.

Three PR Moves Every Franchise Owner Should Make

  1. Audit Local Relevance
    Are your outlets engaging with communities or just operating in them? Check your media mentions, partnerships, and customer stories.

  2. Empower Franchisees with PR Tools
    Provide adaptable media kits, press templates, and storytelling guides. Let them localise your narrative, not reinvent it.

  3. Build a Crisis Response Framework
    One bad review can ripple across your network. Train your teams to respond fast, consistently, and with empathy.

Final Thought

Franchising builds systems. PR builds stories. But when you combine both, you don’t just grow... you connect.

Systems make you scalable. Stories make you unforgettable.

Ready to future-proof your franchise?
Let’s turn your brand into a story worth sharing.

changenow@orchan.asia /  +603-7972 6377

Orchan Consulting Asia — Architects of Change.





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