Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit

Speaker Spotlight: Jeff Todd, Launch Entertainment

Jeff Todd, chief development officer for Launch Entertainment, shares a look at his career, his achievements and industry trends ahead of his appearance at Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2025.

Image: Willie Lawless/ Networld Media Group

January 17, 2025

Today we're shining a spotlight on Jeff Todd, chief development officer for Launch Entertainment. Ciancio will be a speaker at the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, which takes place on March 11-13, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He will be a panelist on a breakout session titled "Diversifying Your Restaurant's Revenue Stream."

We thought it would be fun to get to know Todd a bit better ahead of his appearance at RFIS.

Describe your current role.

Jeff Todd is the chief development officer at Launch Entertainment, where he oversees all aspects of franchising development, real estate site selection and site construction. Since joining the company in June 2022, Jeff has driven strategic initiatives to expand Launch's footprint, solidifying its presence in the family entertainment market.

Prior to Launch, Jeff managed development for Maaco and Meineke, two prominent portfolio companies under Driven Brands, where he refined his expertise in franchise growth, multi-location operations, and market strategy. He brings a passion for scaling businesses and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, making him a key leader in Launch Entertainment's continued success.

What was your first-ever career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?

My first career role was as an investment banker at institutions like PNC, Harris Williams & Co. and Wells Fargo, where I worked closely with private equity firms on leveraged buyouts and advisory assignments. Through that experience, I learned how critical it is to see the bigger picture of a company's value — from operational and financial health to its strategic positioning. By performing detailed due diligence and aligning all stakeholders' interests, I discovered that successful transactions aren't just about closing deals — they're about creating lasting value for everyone involved.

What inspired you to work in your industry?

I was initially drawn to franchising because it's the perfect balance between entrepreneurship and a proven operating model. Having worked in finance and seen so many businesses struggle to scale efficiently, I realized that franchising offers a structured path for growth — both for the franchisor and franchisees. Franchising not only gives ambitious individuals the opportunity to run their own business under a recognized brand, but it also allows the franchisor to replicate successes across multiple markets. Seeing how this model can create value on both sides of the table is what truly inspired me to build my career in franchising

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

What I enjoy most about my current role is seeing how franchising can truly change people's lives. Whether it's helping someone transition from corporate America to owning multiple franchise locations, or guiding them on the path to financial freedom, it's incredibly rewarding to watch new franchisees realize their entrepreneurial dreams. There's a sense of empowerment in knowing that through franchising — and with the right support — people can build something meaningful for themselves and their families.

What do you do to have fun outside of work?

Outside of work, I love to stay active and explore new places. I've taken up whitewater kayaking, which is a great rush and gets me out in nature. I also enjoy golfing — though my game still needs some work! I spend as much time as I can with my family, and we love traveling together. We recently returned from an incredible trip to Scotland and England, where we had a wonderful chance to immerse ourselves in the region's rich history and culture.

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