Alyssa Huglen is a Reporter at Southwest News Media. She covers a range of topics including business and economics, retail, food and beverages, and sports business, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship, store management, and marketing technology. Alyssa's work has been featured in prominent publications such as Food On Demand, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Franchise Times.
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United States (National)
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Alyssa Huglen's coverage heavily focuses on local news, community events, and construction projects in the United States' state of Minnesota. She emphasizes articles related to family & relationships, culture & society, and entertainment news.
Given her focus on local events and government announcements, Alyssa would likely be interested in pitches covering human-interest stories within the communities she covers. This could include unique cultural initiatives or preservation efforts that showcase a deep connection to small-town values.
Sources with insights into local development projects or those involved in organizing community events may find success reaching out to Alyssa. Additionally, individuals who can provide valuable insight into specific neighborhood issues may also capture her interest due to the localized nature of her coverage.
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By: Alyssa Huglen
Child care has always been personal for Kim Collier and her family. It was the North Star leading Collier's mother, Jody Thompson, to found daycare concept Ducklings Early Learning Center in Pennsylvania in 1994, shortly after the YMCA preschool program she was the director for closed.
By: Alyssa Huglen
by | May 6, 2026 | News As off-premises continues to evolve, restaurant leaders say brands are moving quickly to modernize technology stacks, improve operations and better balance first- and third-party ordering.
By: Alyssa Huglen
by | May 12, 2026 | News When it comes to drive-thru innovation, “the magic happens at the window.”
Smoothie King is evolving. The company announced a brand evolution plan, guided by an in-store redesign, food menu expansion and trendy limited-time offers. Chief Marketing Officer Claudia Schaefer says it's all in the hopes of catering to consumers' evolving view of health and wellness.
By: Alyssa Huglen
Within the fitness category, it's more important than ever to be aware of trends driving consumers toward—or away from—the gym, an expert said at the Franchise Times Fitness Finance & Growth Conference. From holistic wellness and low-impact modalities to the rise in GLP-1s and wearable technology, successful fitness operators are driving revenue gains by optimizing and integrating these trends into their offerings.
With a 25-unit deal for Florida and a 10-unit agreement in Colorado, dirty soda franchise Swig continues to extend its presence and enter new markets. As the brand capitalizes on growing consumer demand and attracts proven operators, President Todd Smith says it's positioned to deliver a better experience—and keep driving sales even as other restaurant companies get in the game.
By: Alyssa Huglen
Executives from three booming fitness brands talked growth strategies at Franchise Times' inaugural Fitness Finance & Growth Conference.
Take a closer look at experiential franchises Larks Entertainment, The Flower Garage, Cork & Candles, and iSmash. Larks Entertainment
By: Alyssa Huglen
After nearly 17 years with hair salon concept Bishops Cuts/Color, franchisee Kitty Foote has picked up a few pointers on how to succeed in the beauty segment and in franchising at large.
By: Alyssa Huglen
Franchisees across the spectrum share helpful advice and lessons they've learned in franchising, from brand alignment to making the leap into multi-unit operations.
