Happy Wednesday! Here's what to expect in today's issue:

• How Zaxbys topped its franchise goals this year
• 5 ways to seek feedback on your leadership
• Hotels can benefit from sensory-inclusive hospitality

Zaxbys has surpassed its 2025 target of signing 100 new franchise commitments, projecting to close the year with 120 agreements, nearly double the previous year's total. The growth is attributed to the brand's strategic initiatives, including smaller prototypes, some of which are drive-thru-only options, the flexible Modern Farmhouse design of its traditional units and strong average unit volumes, which have made it an attractive option for multi-unit operators. Zaxbys is also expanding into non-traditional locations, such as military bases, and plans to open about 50 new restaurants in 2025 and over 60 in 2026.

Kate Trumbull draws from her early experiences in neuro-linguistics and data-driven consumer insights at a consulting firm and Procter & Gamble to blend empathy and analytical rigor in her role as Domino's CMO. Her leadership style emphasizes the importance of owning one's voice, building cross-functional trust and celebrating innovative wins, especially for women in leadership.

"I showed up at Domino's, and suddenly it's not just the consumer that is so critical -- it's the consumer and the franchisee. When you understand the insights and what's important to both, and you align the two, it drives powerful growth." -- Domino's CMO Kate Trumbull

As a leader, it can feel uncomfortable to ask for feedback because it feels personal, but growth requires input, writes leadership coach Dan Rockwell. Get the feedback you need by asking others how you can help them, what worked during meetings and whether your actions are lining up with company or team values, Rockwell recommends.

Instead of giving your team all the answers they seek, formulate good questions that create a sense of safety so they can generate ideas and come up with creative solutions, writes executive coach Kelly Meerbott, who offers five "turn-key ready" questions you can ask today. "Each of these questions is deceptively simple. But paired with active listening and genuine curiosity, they can completely change the trajectory of a conversation," Meerbott writes.

Sensory-informed hospitality is becoming increasingly important as hotels seek to serve guests with diverse neurological and sensory needs, such as autism, PTSD and anxiety disorders. While common in health care and educational settings, sensory-inclusive practices are still rare in the lodging industry. By adopting strategies like offering low-sensory spaces, adjusting lighting and acoustics, and providing clear signage, hotels can create more welcoming environments and set themselves apart in a market that increasingly values inclusivity and accessibility.

The employment cost index was up 0.8% in third quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below the estimate of 0.9% in a Reuters survey of economists. Costs gained 3.5% in the 12 months through September, the report shows.