John Palumbo joins as vice president of franchise development, bringing experience across restaurant, education, and service brands as Launch prepares for further expansion.
- John Palumbo appointed VP of Franchise Development at Launch Family Entertainment.
- Palumbo has two decades of franchise development experience.
- Launch targets national expansion with new leadership.
Launch Family Entertainment has appointed John Palumbo as vice president of franchise development, adding an experienced franchising executive to its leadership team as the indoor entertainment brand prepares for further growth. Palumbo brings nearly two decades of franchise development experience, including roles with A&W Restaurants, H&R Block, and Primrose Schools. Most recently, he served as vice president of franchise development at Celebree School.
In his new position, Palumbo will lead the company’s franchise development strategy and help identify opportunities in both established and new markets. Launch is targeting further expansion in 2027, with an emphasis on working with qualified franchise partners and experienced multi-unit operators. His background in franchise sales and development is expected to support the company’s efforts to build relationships with operators suited to its business model.
CEO Craig Erlich said strong leadership and franchisee relationships remain central to the company’s growth strategy. Palumbo’s experience identifying development opportunities and working with multi-unit operators will be relevant as Launch evaluates new markets and seeks partners capable of supporting its long-term plans. Palumbo has also pointed to the flexibility of the brand’s model as a factor that could create opportunities for expansion across different markets.
Launch has continued to develop its national footprint through new park openings, development agreements, and lease signings. The company is also exploring more flexible park formats to accommodate a wider range of real estate opportunities while preserving the core guest experience. With 30 locations across 15 states and additional parks in development, the brand is seeking to balance expansion with the operational requirements of running family entertainment destinations.
As franchise systems grow, making operating guidance accessible across locations can help teams maintain alignment. The Knowledge Base feature available through Gorilla Dash can help businesses organize training resources, procedures, and internal reference materials for franchisees and staff. For Launch, continued expansion will depend on selecting suitable partners, adapting to local market needs, and providing the support required to deliver a consistent experience as the network grows.
Key Facts:
| New Appointment | John Palumbo appointed as Vice President of Franchise Development at Launch Family Entertainment. |
|---|---|
| Leadership Experience | Palumbo has over 20 years of experience in franchise development across various sectors including sports, education, and hospitality. |
| National Expansion Strategy | Palumbo will lead Launch's strategy to expand into new and existing markets by 2027. |
| CEO's Statement | Craig Erlich emphasizes the importance of leadership and strong franchisee relationships for Launch's growth strategy. |
| Franchise Growth Goals | The company aims to open new parks and secure development agreements across the U.S., leveraging flexible park formats. |
| Palumbo's Perspective | He appreciates Launch's model flexibility and alignment in leadership, which facilitate strategic growth. |
| Market Presence | Launch currently operates 30 locations across 15 states with additional parks in development. |
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