December Reflections: Growth, Lessons and Gratitude

December always feels like its own little universe. It is the month where we look back at everything we have built, plan ahead for what is coming, and somehow juggle the busiest catering season of the year. Right now, it is catering, catering, catering

Ghost Taco

This is the time of year when local offices are celebrating, and we really lean into that. Our catering campaigns have been some of my favourites to date. If you have seen the ad, you know exactly what I mean. It feels like us. It is sharp, self-aware and memorable. Catering gives us the chance to turn a group of 50 to 100 people into long-term Ghost Taco fans in one afternoon. It is a huge opportunity to stand out from the predictable office lunch routine and make a real impression.

We also launched our Holiday Leftover Taco, which might be one of the best LTOs we have ever created. It hits that comforting holiday vibe in a way that still feels very Ghost Taco. Our teams were genuinely hyped about it during launch weekend, and we are already seeing strong interest at the store level. We are excited to see how guests respond as more people try it through December.

This month also brought reflection. One of the test concepts we were part of wrapped recently. While it did not unfold as we had originally hoped, it gave us a lot of clarity on the environments that set Ghost Taco up for success. Not every experiment becomes a permanent part of the business, and that is okay. Each one teaches us something important about how and where we grow.

We are also preparing to finish Q4 strong and are deep in planning for our first AGM in January. I am genuinely excited for this. It will be our chance to bring our legacy franchisees together, zoom out from the day-to-day, and map out the year ahead with intention. The goal is to make 2026 as smooth, profitable and aligned as possible for every location. I want everyone to leave that day feeling grounded in the plan and energized about where we are heading.

Last week I attended the Let’s Grow Franchise Assembly, and even though we were only there for Day 1, it delivered in every way. Jess Parker’s session on storytelling and building visibility resonated with me. Victor Turcanu’s talk on US expansion could not have been more relevant for where Ghost Taco is heading next. And the AI workshop with Ingrid Schneider from Stay in Your Lane and Train in Your Lane was hands-on, practical and refreshingly human. It made technology feel accessible rather than intimidating.

It was also great connecting with people I genuinely admire. Scott English from Elite Franchise Canada, Kirk Allen from Reshift Media, the Cadence Franchising team, Brian Bazely, just to name a few and so many fellow franchisors who understand the highs, lows and curveballs that come with growing a brand. It was the perfect way to kick off the final month of the year, and I left with a renewed sense of clarity, momentum and gratitude.

As we wrap 2025, I feel incredibly grateful. For our team. For our franchisees who believe in the long-term vision. For our vendor partners who show up for us every day. And for the communities that continue to welcome Ghost Taco with so much excitement. We are closing out this year with a full heart and a clear direction. Next up is Barrie, our first opening of 2026, and we cannot wait to bring the Ghost Taco energy to another incredible community.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Samantha Buckley
Samantha Buckley
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