Small Business Franchising News - Franchise News

This is your one-stop source for small business franchising news. When there's important franchise news, you'll find it here before you'll see it anywhere else.

What Are the Barriers to Franchising in Cuba? - 7/7/2016 - In 2014, President Obama announced that the U.S. would chart a course toward normalizing relations with Cuba. The business community saw the move as an opportunity to expand into a market that has been untapped for more than half a century.

The Risks and Rewards of Having Multiple Franchise Locations - 2/8/2016 - Multi-unit franchising is more appealing than ever. But entrepreneurs are discovering that there's a big difference between operating a single unit and multiple locations.
Why the Franchise Sector Continues to Hold the Lead in Job Growth - 12/10/2015 - The franchises sector again outpaced the U.S. economy for job growth in November. What are franchises doing right and what does it mean for your small business?
Communities Banning Franchises on the Decline - 11/6/2015 - Many communities have taken steps to keep Starbucks, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts are others out of their towns. But some are changing their minds.
California Passes Groundbreaking Franchise Protection Law - 10/19/2015 - New law protects franchisees from arbitrary nonrenewal by franchisors and doles out consequences for improper termination.
McDonald's Hopes Breakfast Eaters Will Boost Sales - 9/1/2015 - Starting in October, McDonald's is launching all-day breakfast nationwide, with hopes that the move reverses its declining sales.
As Trade and Travel Restrictions Lift, Franchisors Eye Cuba for Opportunity - 8/19/2015 - With relations between the U.S. and Cuba on the mend, franchisors are looking to Cuba as their next frontier for expansion and franchising business opportunities.
Franchises Finally Starting to Embrace New Technologies - 7/27/2015 - Historically, the franchising sector has been slow to adopt innovative, new technologies. But that's changing as franchisees and some franchisors see technology as a critical resource for operational and financial improvement.
Are Franchisors Employers? - 7/17/2015 - If franchisors are considered employers, the franchising model is in jeopardy. A high-stakes battle is underway in this heated debate.
Restaurant Brands Seek Growth with New Franchising Strategies - 6/30/2015 - In an effort to expand, more and more brands are entrusting franchises to multi-unit operators.
Dubai Embraces Franchises, and Franchisors Says It's Mutual - 6/9/2015 - Dubai appears to be a growing hotspot destination for franchisors, as evidenced by this past month's opening of franchises by Edublox from South Africa and FASTSIGNS International and 7-Eleven from the United States.
McDonald's Looks to Turnaround Profit Struggles by Refranchising Restaurants - 5/26/2015 - Amid declining sales, the fast food giant looks to increase the number of franchise-owned locations by 2018.
Franchises Setting Aside More Dollars for Digital Advertising - 4/22/2015 - In response to the digital preferences of today's consumers, small-to-medium sized franchises are allocating more of their ad budgets toward digital media.
Big Name Franchises Command Top Dollar from Franchisees - 4/15/2015 - As multiples for large, well-known franchises approach eight times cash flow, potential buyers need to evaluate whether they're making a solid financial investment.
Franchisors Develop New Programs to Help Franchisees Get Started - 4/6/2015 - With commercial lending still difficult for new business owners to secure, franchisors are devising creative strategies to help fund aspiring franchisees.
Seattle Franchisees Take on Minimum Wage Fight - 3/27/2015 - International Franchise Association files lawsuit that would give Seattle franchisees more time to prepare for wage hike.
Millennials Increasingly Turning to Franchising - 3/24/2015 - Wary of corporate America and the slowly recovering job market, more and more Millennials are opting for franchise business opportunities. Here's why.
Franchises Warm Up to Mobile Pay Options - 3/3/2015 - Franchise Times reports that more franchisees have started to embrace mobile payment methods, creating new opportunities to engage younger generations of consumers.
New Model of Franchising Allows for More Independent Owners - 2/26/2015 - Wall Street Journal reports that 'quasi-franchising' could replace the traditional model of franchise ownership.
Why Franchisees Were the Big Winners at This Year's Super Bowl - 2/20/2015 - BlueMauMau reports that franchisors purchased more than half of the ads for Super Bowl XLIX, giving franchisees exposure that would otherwise be way beyond their budgets.
Wendy's Will Sell Another 500 Stores to Franchisees - 2/16/2015 - By transferring ownership of hundreds of franchise locations, the burger chain plans to reduce capital expenditures and ultimately limit store ownership to five percent.
Last Year's Winners and Losers in Fast Food Franchising - 2/5/2015 - Demand for burgers was up, while demand for chicken and sandwiches was down in food service and restaurant chains in 2014.
Supplier Concerns Force Chipotle to Halt Pork Product Sales - 1/26/2015 - The popular Mexican food chain temporarily suspends the sale of pork-based menu items after an audit shows that one of its pork suppliers isn't complying with animal welfare standards.
Franchise Growth Forecasted to Outpace Other Businesses in 2015 - 1/14/2015 - International Franchise Association predicts that the franchising sector will experience 5.1% GDP growth this year, but serious legal challenges loom on the horizon.
Jimmy John's No Compete Agreement Under Fire - 1/7/2015 - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman investigates the franchise's non-compete agreement for unfairly prohibiting low-wage workers from finding new jobs.
The Most Secure Franchise Hotel Brands - 12/31/2014 - Franchise terminations are relatively common in hotel franchising. To avoid an early exit, here is BlueMauMau's list of the four safest hotel brands for franchisees.
Franchising Posts Big Job Gain in November - 12/17/2014 - The franchise industry added 25,000 jobs in November, posting the largest hiring increase in months--thanks to a significant rebound in the auto parts and dealers sector.
Consumers Want More Food Transparency from Fast Casual Franchises - 12/15/2014 - More than half of all diners expect restaurants to offer healthy menu items and provide greater visibility to menu ingredients.
New Small Business Lending Platform Connects Franchisees with Investors - 11/20/2014 - ApplePie Capital will launch the first franchise loan marketplace where aspiring franchisees can secure funding from family, friends, communities and investors.
Military Veterans Find Ripe Opportunities as Franchisees - 11/14/2014 - A new report by the Franchise Business Review explores the top 100 franchisors with highest owner satisfaction among military veteran franchisees.
Debate Continues On Whether Franchisors Are Joint Employers - 11/6/2014 - The National Labor Relations Board and International Franchise Association disagree when it comes to how to deal with recent labor complaints against franchisors and franchisees.
McDonald's Aims to Turn Brand, Profits Around - 10/30/2014 - McDonald's is revamping several key areas of its business in an effort to improve food quality perception and drive foot traffic.
Dunkin' Brands Wants to Increase Franchisee Diversity - 10/17/2014 - Dunkin' Brands Group is partnering with the NAACP to increase African-American franchise ownership and diversity.
Fostering Sustainable Restaurant Growth in Sluggish Times - 10/14/2014 - Although the Great Recession officially ended in 2010, restaurant franchises are still facing hard times.
Restaurant Industry Shows Positive Growth, But Caution Still Key - 10/7/2014 - The latest Restaurant Performance Index monthly benchmarking analysis demonstrated positive gains and optimistic outlook for restaurant owners, but other reports highlight potential risks.
Major Franchise Restaurants Announce Move to Adopt Apple Pay - 9/26/2014 - National franchise brands including Panera, Starbucks and McDonald's plan to accept Apple Pay in their restaurants in October.
The Best Children's Services Franchises of 2014 - 9/15/2014 - FranchiseGrade.com releases its list of this year's top 10 children's services franchise systems, reports that the children's services franchising sector has experienced double-digit growth since 2010.
Chipotle Location Temporarily Shuts Down When Employees Quit - 9/12/2014 - A Chipotle franchise location in State College, PA, was forced to temporarily close after several management and crew workers resigned due to "borderline sweatshop conditions."
Top 7 Franchise Food Chains by Store Revenue - 9/5/2014 - QSR Magazine reports that only seven of the nation's top 50 fast food chains earn $2 million or more per location--and some of the biggest names in food franchising are missing from the list.
Burger King Heads North of the Border - 8/28/2014 - Fast food giant Burger King acquires Tim Hortons and becomes the world's third largest quick service restaurant franchisor-- and announces that it is leaving the U.S. for new Canadian headquarters.
Why Smart Franchises Are Embracing Digital Menu Boards - 8/20/2014 - Experts predict digital signage will reach critical mass in food franchises within three to five years. Here's why.
NLRB Rules McDonald's Is A Joint Employer with Franchisees - 8/5/2014 - Will the ruling disrupt a longtime model for not only McDonald's, but franchise fast-food restaurants across the nation? Many are wondering if this will lead to unionization of franchisees.
McDonalds Franchisees Report Pessimistic Outlook - 7/25/2014 - Fast food franchisor continues its slide with the gloomiest franchisee outlook ever recorded in Janney Capital Markets' quarterly McDonald's Franchisee Survey.
Flies, Cockroaches and Food Safety at Franchised Restaurants - 7/15/2014 - Study shows that flies are twice as unhealthy as cockroaches, but customers at the nation's independent and franchised restaurants aren't concerned.
Food Quality Trumps Convenience in Fast Food Franchising - 7/8/2014 - Consumer Reports study shows that consumers are willing to drive further to patronize fast food restaurants with higher quality food items.
Minimum Wage Increases Will Affect Franchisees - 6/30/2014 - Cities across the nation are voting to increase the minimum wage to as much as $15 an hour. How will this affect franchisees?
Forbes' Best and Worst Franchises in America - 6/25/2014 - As the franchise industry continues to grow, Forbes recently released its first-ever list of the best and worst franchises in America.
Franchising Wars: Besieged Franchisor Fights Back Against Disgruntled Franchisees - 6/12/2014 - More than a dozen franchisees are suing 7-Eleven, alleging that the franchisor overstepped its legal bounds and unfairly terminated their franchise contracts. 7-Eleven says it had the legal grounds to terminate the franchise contracts.
Big Opportunity Comes at a Cost for Senior Care Franchisees - 6/3/2014 - Senior care is one of the most affordable and fastest growing industries in franchising. But a report by the Franchise Business Review shows that senior care franchisees pay a non-financial cost for success.
Courts Address "No Social Media Disparagement" Clauses - 5/22/2014 - A recent legal ruling doesn't bode well for non-disparagement clauses, but franchisees probably can't rely on non-disparagement clauses to protect their right to free speech with franchisors.
UPS Store Franchisees Launch Claims of Fraudulent Business Practices Against Franchisor - 5/14/2014 - Former Manhattan UPS Store franchisees allege deceptive practices, could result in collapse of the UPS Store franchise system and loss of market share to shipping competitors like FedEx and USPS.
Subway Tops the List of Franchises Accused of Underpaying Workers - 5/7/2014 - Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division data shows that Subway outpaced other franchises in racking up violations for underpayment of employees.
U.S. Consumers Indulge at Food Franchises - 4/25/2014 - New research shows that while half of all consumers choose healthy meal options at home, less than a quarter eat healthy when they dine out and see restaurant meals as opportunities to indulge in bad dietary behaviors.
South Africa's Franchising Boom - 4/18/2014 - As franchising expands across the African continent, South Africa is leading the way with more than a half million people currently employed in franchised businesses.
Do Franchisees Really Outperform Corporate Stores? - 4/3/2014 - Recent study tests the belief that privately owned franchises are more successful than locations that are owned and operated by franchisors themselves.
Franchises Benefit from Increased Business Spending - 3/28/2014 - Rising corporate expenditures on food and services are good news for franchises and other establishments, with businesses across the nation increasing their travel spending budgets.
NYC McDonald's Franchisee Forced to Pay $500K to Workers for Wage Theft - 3/20/2014 - Owner of seven New York City-based McDonald's franchises settles with New York's attorney general, agrees to pay $500K to more than 1,600 workers for unpaid wages and benefits.
Quiznos Files for Bankruptcy - 3/14/2014 - Well-known sandwich franchise files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Franchise locations will continue to operate as the organization pursues debt restructuring.
Why Leveraging Your 401(k) to Buy a Franchise Might Make Sense - 3/10/2014 - Not sure how to fund your franchise? There may be benefits to using your retirement account to fund your dream of franchise ownership.
The Gender Gap: Why Men and Women Buy Small Businesses - 3/4/2014 - BizBuySell.com report reveals the differences in why men and women enter small business ownership--and the answers may surprise you.
Franchising Industry Wrestles with Sexual Harassment Charges - 2/26/2014 - Recent allegations of sexual harassment at high profile franchises spark renewed concerns about sexual discrimination in franchise work environments.
Maine Moves Forward with Franchise Protection Legislation - 2/10/2014 - If passed, the Small Business Protection Investment Act will help protect the state's franchisees from unfair actions by franchisors.
New IRS Rule Affects Tipping and Gratuities at Restaurants - 1/30/2014 - With many small restaurants already considering changes to their tipping policies, a new IRS rule will make it more difficult for restaurateurs to apply automatic gratuities.
Beef Production Slated to Drop Significantly in 2014 - 1/28/2014 - USDA forecasts steep decline in beef production this year, impact likely to trickle down to restaurants, groceries and various other small businesses.
Bad News for Brick and Mortar - 1/24/2014 - Retail analysts expect fewer brick-and-mortar stores in the next few years as consumers choose online shopping over a trip to the mall.
Franchises Expected to Drive Job Growth in 2014 - 1/14/2014 - IHS Global Insight report says that franchises in the business services, restaurant and real estate industries will create more jobs than the overall private sector this year.
Best Franchise Opportunities for 2014 - 1/9/2014 - Interested in franchising? Franchising insiders identify five of the hottest franchise opportunities for 2014.
Starbucks On Track for Record Gift Card Sales - 12/24/2013 - The popular coffee franchise expects to set a new record for gift card sales and activations this holiday retail season.
Restaurant Trends for 2014 - 12/20/2013 - Industry experts point to several emerging trends that will shape the restaurant and food service industry in 2014, including ongoing innovation in fast food and sit down dining menus.
Need a Quick Bump in Sales? Try Holiday Lights - 12/17/2013 - Franchise Times report discusses the sales impact of Christmas lights for franchises and other highly visible retail businesses.
Applebees Goes High Tech - 12/4/2013 - Applebees announces that customers will soon be able to place orders, pay bills and perform other activities using tableside tablet devices.
Burger King's Franchising Strategy Delivers Big Returns in Q3 - 11/28/2013 - Refranchising effort enables the struggling burger giant to achieve a tenfold, year-over-year increase in net income.
Franchise Hiring Sees Big Jump in October - 11/23/2013 - ADP payroll report shows dramatic increase in franchise jobs during October, with restaurant and automotive franchises leading the push for new hires.
U.S. Seafood Consumption Decreasing for Past Seven Years - 11/20/2013 - NOAA and National Fisheries Institute report that Americans' consumption of seafood has steadily declined since 2006; impact on restaurant and franchise industry appears limited.
Funding Business Emergencies - 11/11/2013 - Fast Casual discusses how franchise owners should develop a plan for funding the most common types of small business emergencies.
Franchise Industry Fights Obamacare's Definition of a Full Week of Work - 10/14/2013 - Hoping to ease the impact of the Affordable Care Act on franchisees and small business owners, the franchise industry calls for the definition of full-time work to be 40 hours per week, not 30 hours per week.
It's Not Your Imagination: The Fast Food Drive Thru Is Getting Slower - 10/8/2013 - Industry performance study shows that expanded menu items and other factors are causing service delays at fast food restaurants' drive-thru windows.
Steak 'n Shake Franchisee Battles Franchisor Over Price Control - 8/29/2013 - Denver franchisees engage in legal clash with Steak 'n Shake over the franchisor's ability to impose price controls on independent franchise locations.
Gallup: 40% of U.S. Consumers Eat Fast Food Every Week - 8/22/2013 - Recent Gallup poll shows a strong market for fast food; consistent demand bodes well for the QSR franchising industry.
Fast Fashion, Apparel and Specialty Grocery Dominate the List of Rapidly Growing Retailers - 8/12/2013 - Annual STORES Hot 100 Retailers List shows that personalized shopping experiences and lifestyle products are becoming increasingly important to consumers.
Managing Risk in Food Service - 8/2/2013 - Fast Casual serves up several strategies to help small restaurants manage risk and mitigate the threat of lawsuits or other costly consequences.
Franchising Takes Aim at Massachusetts Statuory Worker Classification - 7/30/2013 - Industry stakeholders insist that current Massachusetts law is prohibitive to franchisees and is driving franchisors away from adding new franchise locations in the state.
India's Franchising Industry on Track to Reach $50 Billion by 2017 - 7/23/2013 - KPMG reports that franchising in India is predicted to nearly quadruple over the next several years, underscoring the explosive growth of the Indian economy and franchise marketplace.
McDonald's Dumps Halal Menu Items in the U.S. - 7/10/2013 - Fracas over Islamic dietary options underscores the importance of truth in advertising for franchises and small businesses.
Closing the Lending Gap in Franchising - 7/2/2013 - New report shows that SBA lending to franchises has increased by a dramatic 60 percent over the past year.
World's Largest Fast Food Franchise Is Getting Even Bigger - 6/27/2013 - Subway, the world's largest fast food chain, announces plans to add 10,000 new locations by 2017.
Franchise Growth Levels Off for Second Half of 2013 - 6/20/2013 - IFA predicts franchises will continue to outperform other sectors of the economy, but growth and additional employment opportunities will not reach full potential for the remainder of the year.
May Consumer Confidence Statistics Bodes Well for Small Business - 6/12/2013 - In May, consumer confidence reached the highest point in nearly six years. But what does that mean for franchises and independent small businesses?
Debunking the Marketing Myth of Healthy Fast Food - 6/3/2013 - A new study shows that Subway and McDonald's are essentially the same when it comes to healthy menus.
Beef Shortage Taking a Bite Out of Franchise Restaurant Menus - 5/23/2013 - McDonalds and other fast food chains are scrambling to adapt their menus to rising beef prices and other factors.
Best Summer Menu Items for Small Restaurant Businesses - 5/20/2013 - Latest research shows that high carb, high fat foods may not be popular menu items with this summer's diners.
Franchises Hire One in Four Veterans and Spouses Since 2011 - 5/8/2013 - IFA partnership with the White House Joining Forces Initiative has netted 65,000 jobs for military vets during its first year.
Franchises Using Mobile Apps to Connect with Customers - 5/1/2013 - More and more franchises are leveraging mobile applications to encourage customers to act on key messaging.
When Franchisor Demands Collide with Franchisee Goals - 4/23/2013 - New survey shows that many McDonalds franchisees are unhappy about the franchisor's insistence on pushing the Dollar Menu.
Hooters Sued for Forcing Out Waitress Following Brain Surgery - 4/16/2013 - Lawsuit alleges that the restaurant franchise reduced employee's hours to force her to leave the business voluntarily.
Global Retail Fails to Prevent Vast Majority of Shoplifting Thefts - 4/9/2013 - New report details the impact of retail theft, shows that retailers currently apprehend less than 3 percent of thieves.
Restaurant Kids Menus Get a Thumbs Down Rating from Consumer Advocacy Group - 4/3/2013 - Study points to excessive amounts of calories, salt and fat in children's menus at some of the most popular restaurant franchises.
Franchise Growth Outpaces Other Businesses - 4/1/2013 - Real estate, restaurant and service franchises drive expansion in the franchise sector, despite obstacles to growth.
Why Are Franchises Flocking to the Middle East? - 3/14/2013 - Franchise Herald explains why the Middle East has become a hotbed for growth and expansion in the franchising sector.
Franchise Restaurants a Popular Target for Cyber Fraud - 3/11/2013 - High volumes of credit card data and lax security measures are making restaurant franchisees an irresistible target for data theft.
Immigration Reform and the U.S. Restaurant Industry - 3/8/2013 - Federal immigration reform emerges as a key issue in the restaurant and food service industry.
Domino's Leverages Transparency to Achieve Pizza Franchising's Highest Loyalty Ranking - 3/3/2013 - Recent Brand Keys study shows that Domino's leads all other pizza franchises when it comes to customer loyalty.
Ohio Passes Law to Curb Abusive Franchise Practices - 2/21/2013 - The Ohio Business Opportunity Law guards franchisees' right to sue franchisors over false or faulty disclosures.
Franchises Dominate Super Bowl Ads - 2/14/2013 - BlueMauMau reports that franchises accounted for a whopping 74 percent of all commercials shown during this year's Super Bowl.
Engaged Employees Deliver Measurably Higher Customer Satisfaction in Franchise Food Service - 1/29/2013 - Study shows that restaurants at the top of their employee engagement game experience a 300% increase in guest satisfaction ratings over a one-year period.
December Franchise Growth Falls Victim to the Fiscal Cliff Fiasco - 1/23/2013 - Franchise Business Index takes a tumble in December due to the threat of tax hikes and lingering uncertainty about the so-called "fiscal cliff".
National Jobs Data Reflects Franchising Employment Trends - 1/10/2013 - The Department of Labor's December jobs report indicates growth in many of the same employment sectors that have been forecasted for franchising growth in 2013.
NFL Launches Franchising Boot Camp for Players - 12/27/2012 - The National Football League and the International Franchise Association are teaming up in an effort to introduce current and former players to the benefits of franchising.
Franchisees Tie Expansion Plans to Current Tax Rates - 12/17/2012 - If current tax rates expire at the end of the year, it could prohibit growth and expansion in 8 out of 10 U.S. franchises.
Franchise Trade Missions Target Economic Growth in Afghanistan and Other Critical Regions - 12/11/2012 - International franchising initiative is designed to spur private investment and franchising in under-developed countries.
Dunkin' Donuts Not the "Best Coffee In America", Says U.S. Patent & Trademark Office - 11/29/2012 - Popular donut franchise loses its bid to claim exclusive rights to the phrase "Best Coffee in America".
Survey: Most Franchise Business Owners Skeptical About Growth - 11/21/2012 - International Franchise Association reports that the majority of U.S. franchise owners believe they won't experience business growth in the wake of the election.
Home Inspection Franchising Gains Momentum with Veterans - 11/14/2012 - Pillar to Post, the nation's largest home inspection franchise, is named to the list of top 100 franchises for veteran entrepreneurs.
Why Hispanics Are Less Active in the Franchising Sector - 11/5/2012 - BlueMauMau identifies the key factor that restricts many Hispanic entrepreneurs from entering the franchise industry.
Second Career Entrepreneurs Driving Current Boom in Franchising - 10/29/2012 - The franchising industry is reporting the largest year-over-year gain since the start of the recession as boomers, retirees and others embrace the franchise business concept.
Big Box Retailers Prepare Price Matching Strategies for Black Friday 2012 - 10/26/2012 - Major retail chains are rolling out new price matching policies to combat showrooming during this year's holiday shopping season.
The Growth of Franchising in the Middle East - 10/12/2012 - Francorp reports that franchising is positioned for explosive growth in countries scattered throughout the Middle East.
Same Store Restaurant Sales Up for 15th Straight Month - 10/8/2012 - NRA reports brisk restaurant sales during August; restaurant owners more optimistic about the economy than other business owners.
Chain Restaurants Are Shifting to Franchise Growth Model - 10/3/2012 - Report indicates that multi-site restaurants are moving away from a company-owned expansion model and aggressively pursuing franchising as a strategy for growth.
Food Franchising Industry Sees Solid Increase in Profits - 9/24/2012 - Franchise Business Review reports that the food franchise industry increased profitability and franchisee satisfaction over the past twelve months.
Top 5 Fitness Franchise Opportunities - 9/12/2012 - Consumer demand for healthier lifestyles is driving the $25 billion fitness industry and creating promising franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Is the McDonald's Franchise Going Mobile? - 8/29/2012 - McDonald's franchise reportedly testing mobile payment app that will enable customers to pay for fast food purchases with PayPal.
Former Red Robin Franchisee in Legal Trouble for Violating Franchise Agreement - 8/23/2012 - After failing to make royalty payments, a Red Robin franchise in Texas is being sued for continuing to use branded logos and goods inside the store.
Millennial Spending Habits Set to Benefit Food Franchises - 8/17/2012 - Shifts in Millennial spending patterns create opportunities for restaurant chains and other food-based small businesses.
Franchise Business Index Suffers First Decrease in 10 Months - 8/1/2012 - Franchise industry outlook prompts International Franchise Association CEO Steve Caldeira to petition President Obama to reconsider tax increases that would affect many of the nation's franchisees.
Brand Strength Is a Primary Draw for New Franchisees, Says New Study - 7/24/2012 - Canadian report shows that brand recognition and support resources are the determining factors for entrepreneurs who choose franchise opportunities over traditional small business startups.
Dunkin' Donuts Canadian Franchisees Awarded C$16.4 Million - 7/2/2012 - Legal decision based on the franchisor's failure to adequately maintain the brand in contested territories.
25 Franchises with the Worst Failure Rates - 6/18/2012 - BlueMauMau publishes its 2012 list of the worst franchises based on SBA loan failure rates.
Franchise Program Gives Back to Local Communities - 6/14/2012 - Window Genie franchise targets local communities in Windows 4 Wishes, a campaign designed to promote engagement and giving back at the grassroots level.
New Franchising Trends in the Spotlight at This Year's International Franchise Expo - 6/7/2012 - Slated for June 15-17 in New York City, the International Franchise Expo will feature more than 300 franchisors and highlight the latest trends in franchising.
Value Pricing Delivers Dismal Sales for Several Major Restaurant Franchises - 6/1/2012 - BlueMauMau reports that a combination of slow store traffic and low-priced menu items delivered poor sales and earnings for major restaurant franchises in May.
Military Friendly Franchises List Highlights Business Opportunities for Veterans - 5/21/2012 - Military-friendly franchise label reflects a growing awareness of the value veterans can bring to the franchisee role.
High Tech for Restaurant Franchises at the National Restaurant Association Show - 5/8/2012 - This year's NRA show in Chicago features a variety of high tech equipment to help independent and chain restaurants increase productivity -- and profits.
Senior Care Franchising Continues to Outperform Other Market Sectors - 5/2/2012 - New report identifies senior home care as one of the fastest growing franchise industries in the nation.
Franchise Restaurants Roll Out Tax Day Promotions - 4/17/2012 - A growing number of restaurants chains are offering Tax Day specials, deals and promotions to drive traffic and hopefully, increase sales.
Georgia passes law clarifying franchises as contractual business relationships - 4/4/2012 - The International Franchise Association (IFA) cites the new law as a model for franchise legislation in other states.
Southern burger franchisor, Krystal, sold to private investment firm - 3/27/2012 - Sale is completed during a period of high growth as the company continues to add new quick-serve restaurant locations.
Top restaurant chains report significant growth - 3/23/2012 - In 2011, the top 500 restaurant chains doubled previous year growth figures as limited-service restaurants take a leadership role.
New bill extends protections for California franchisees - 3/7/2012 - Legislation in the California State Assembly would offer the state's franchisees a slate of new protections and expand their rights under state law.
Batteries Plus Hits 500 Franchise Mark - 2/24/2012 - Battery franchisor rides a diverse business model and a carefully crafted franchise structure to achieve a significant brand milestone.
Franchising experts stress the importance of franchise royalties - 2/21/2012 - Franchising consultants remind owners that royalties -- not franchise fees -- are the key to becoming highly profitable as a franchisor.
Tools franchise tops the list of best franchises for 2012 - 2/17/2012 - Tool franchise Snap-On is rated as the Best Franchise to Start for the Buck by Forbes.
Franchisors embrace soup and salad dining trend - 2/13/2012 - Demand for healthier fare is driving menu changes in small eateries and restaurant franchises.
Quiznos debt restructuring provides relief for struggling franchise - 2/2/2012 - Financial restructuring helps Quiznos shed massive debt and helps clear the way for a revitalized franchise model.
Smaller chains report happier, more satisfied franchise owners - 1/24/2012 - Survey shows that the nation's largest franchises lag behind smaller chains in franchisee satisfaction.
Pet service industry growth creates new opportunities for franchisees and startup entrepreneurs - 1/17/2012 - Steady and sustained growth in the pet services sector is driving demand for startups and franchises interested in non-traditional pet services business concepts.
Franchise industry announces commitment to help veterans transition to civilian careers - 1/6/2012 - Franchise industry organizations launch concerted push to assist returning veterans with entrepreneurial ambitions.
Franchising growth outpaces the overall U.S. economy despite lingering concerns - 1/3/2012 - Franchising continues to experience modest growth, outperforming other sectors of the nation's economy, while some franchisees express concerns.
Court rules against UPS franchisee claims against franchisor, Mail Boxes Etc. - 12/12/2011 - U.S. Court of Appeals decides UPS franchisees failed to prove their case in suit that stretches back to 2006.
Restaurant takeout options do not threaten dining room traffic, say consumers - 12/8/2011 - In a recent survey that should be of interest to restaurant owners and franchisors, the majority of consumers indicate that takeout dining options are not a substitute for dine-in restaurant experiences.
Business owners attempt to skirt franchising laws with licensing - 11/28/2011 - In an effort to reduce costs, some businesses are suffering big consequences for taking shortcuts in franchising.
Fast food franchises with "indulgent" menus can benefit from rough economy - 8/17/2011 - Fast food franchises are doing just fine in the down economy, particularly those who cater to customers who are interested in indulging themselves.
Pizza franchises booming, report says - 8/16/2011 - Looking for a good franchise to buy? Pizza franchises are doing well, as America's appetite for pizza seems to be bottomless.
Franchising 'major avenue' pursued by chains - 8/11/2011 - A new study takes the pulse of franchising and finds that franchisors are still finding a receptive audience with would-be entrepreneurs.
Now may be the time to franchise, CEO says - 8/11/2011 - Franchising a business has often been a good path to business expansion and entrepreneurial success. If you have been thinking about franchising your operation, one expert thinks this may be an excellent time to franchise a business.
McDonald's to open franchise per day in China soon - 8/3/2011 - The world's largest restaurant chain had some big franchising news this week, as McDonald's Corporation announced that it should be opening up an outlet per day in China in the next four years in order to compete with Yum! Brands for fast-food supremacy, according to Bloomberg.
Franchising author said potential franchisees need to watch for warning signs - 7/22/2011 - Franchising may not deliver the benefits many entrepreneurs expect. Experts underscore the need for potential franchisees to look before they make the leap to franchise-based small business.
Subway opens 8,000th non traditional franchise location - 7/14/2011 - With the opening of a store in an Ohio auto plant, Subway hits another milestone in its non-traditional franchising efforts.
California based Mexican restaurants offers new franchise opportunities - 7/12/2011 - A southwest Mexican restaurant chain offers promising franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout the nation.
Franchisers can stick to friends and family at first, story says - 7/6/2011 - In recent SmartMoney article, reporter Angus Loten, a small-business reporter for the Wall Street Journal, wrote some franchising news that could be useful for business owners.
Work from home franchises a growing niche - 5/16/2011 - Cheaper purchase prices make home-based franchise businesses an enticing opportunity.
Vantage Hospitality offers franchisees democratic membership - 4/7/2011 - Vantage Hospitality provides franchisees with a voice in decision-making.
Real Property Management is top opportunity for minority franchisees - 4/5/2011 - The National Minority Franchising Initiative has named the top five franchises for minorities.
Franchisees require more funding to be successful in 2011 - 3/22/2011 - Franchisees predicted to be short on financing in 2011.
Missouri lawmakers seek to reduce corporate finance tax - 1/27/2011 - State lawmakers in Missouri are hoping to freeze the state's corporate franchise tax in lieu of doing away with it entirely.
SBA says small firms unfairly treated by federal regulations - 9/24/2010 - Agency releases "Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms" study
Reid reassures Reno small business owners - 7/6/2010 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pays visit to Reno small businesses, touts recent legislation.
Franchisors becoming another face in small business lending - 6/14/2010 - Many potential frnachise owners are turning to their franchisors for help with getting a loan to start their business.
Questions to ask before starting a home based franchise - 6/9/2010 - Home-based franchises are often legit, but buyers should exercise caution when considering purchasing a home-based franchise opportunity.
Congress considers bill to help veterans own franchises - 3/17/2010 - A new legislative effort backed by the International Franchise Association could make Franchises more affordable for veterans.
Franchise industry to grow - 3/15/2010 - Though some business owners fear the worst, the franchising industry expects growth during 2010.
Franchises offer stability to new businesses - 3/12/2010 - Entrepreneurs seeking an established business model can look to franchising.
Entrepreneurs looking to franchises should check franchisee satisfaction - 3/4/2010 - Franchisee satisfaction rankings help point to the way to profitable ventures.
Sign franchise announces three new branches - 2/26/2010 - Along with announcing the opening of three new franchises in Utah, Tennessee and Ohio, FastSigns plans to pursue further franchising options in Ohio.
Atlanta welcomes two new Checkers franchises - 2/26/2010 - Checkers Drive-In announced the opening of two new franchises in Atlanta earlier this week.
Restaurant franchises growing in tough economic times - 2/15/2010 - Looking to buy a franchise and become your own boss? An industry expert believes that food franchises may be your best bet.
Franchises that serve struggling Americans take the lead - 12/17/2009 - Entrepreneur magazine has announced the top ranking franchises of the year.
Nutrition and weight loss franchise ownership booms - 12/10/2009 - Franchise ownerships in the nutrition and weight loss supplement market continue to surpass market expectations.
See what survey says before buying a franchise - 11/30/2009 - Franchise surveys can help entrepreneurs decide where to invest their energy.
Home based franchises are at cutting edge of business opportunities - 10/12/2009 - Faced with economic challenges and layoffs, a new breed of American entrepreneurs are dipping their toes in the waters of work-from-home business opportunities.
Franchising opportunities growing in home healthcare - 10/9/2009 - Home healthcare industry is fragmented and wide open for franchising.
Franchise convention provides leadership for business coaches - 10/5/2009 - A franchise consulting firm says franchise opportunities are a strong growth market for entrepreneurs.
Fast food franchise Sonic met with enthusiastic New England debut - 8/27/2009 - Quick-serve restaurant chain Sonic was met with a positive response when it opened its first New England location this week.
Burger King reports high net restaurant growth, EPS, cash flow for 4Q - 8/25/2009 - Despite a "challenging macro-economic environment," Burger King reported improvements in EPS, net restaurant growth and cash flow for the fourth quarter.
U.S. franchises increase international presence - 8/17/2009 - To combat slower sales and a saturated market in the U.S., many franchises are focusing on expanding their international presence.
Coffee and cold cuts begin to replace burgers and fries in fast food franchises - 8/10/2009 - Consumers may be shifting their preferences from burgers and fries to coffee and healthy sandwiches, as evidenced by the latest QSR quick-serve rankings.
Convenience stores stay afloat through key products - 8/7/2009 - By offering innovative products such as prepared foods, convenience store franchises can stay ahead of the competition.
Edible Arrangements founder built success one floorboard at a time - 7/21/2009 - The multi-billion dollar gift franchise Edible Arrangements was founded with $100,000 and constant attention to detail.
Small business supplies franchise giant - 7/13/2009 - Distant Lands, a small specialty coffee company, was chosen as the lead espresso supplier for McDonald's massive McCafé campaign.
Experts predict the franchising sectors that will weather the recession - 7/10/2009 - Despite the recession, some industries are expected to experience significant growth in future years, making them attractive opportunities for franchising entrepreneurs.
7 Eleven petitions Congress to change credit card transaction fees - 7/9/2009 - The convenience store franchise 7-Eleven is petitioning Congress to change the credit card transaction fees that are crippling store owners and consumers.
Baskin Robbins plans to open franchises in St. Louis - 6/17/2009 - The ice cream chain is looking for entrepreneurs to help open 45 locations in the St. Louis region.
McDonald's see U.S. sales increase - 6/15/2009 - The popular franchise's sales were boosted by its McCafe line of coffees.
New pizza and Italian restaurant to franchise operations in D.C. region - 6/11/2009 - Paisano's hopes to open 10 additional locations in the area by the end of 2010.
Zagat rates top fast food franchises - 6/11/2009 - Wendy's, McDonalds and Subway top the list.
7 Eleven kicks off a second franchising website - 6/4/2009 - The convenience store chain hopes to expand, despite the economic downturn.
Quiznos to offer microloans to some franchisees - 5/19/2009 - The sandwich maker is beginning the initiative after a successful microloan program earlier this year.
Burger King may cost its franchisees millions - 5/13/2009 - Fast-food giant finds itself on the end of a class-action lawsuit.
Franchise Opportunities Network helps businesses - 5/12/2009 - Many business owners understand the importance of networking and chasing down leads.
7 Eleven starts microsite for potential franchisees - 5/11/2009 - A new website from 7-Eleven is designed to help franchisees discover information about owning a store.
A&W listed as a franchise - 5/6/2009 - SBA adds time-honored small business to its franchise registry.
Smashburger scores its eighth franchisee - 5/6/2009 - Burger chain will now be able to expand into a new state.
Denny's expands business with new franchises - 5/6/2009 - The all-day breakfast giant reports positive first-quarter results.
Group lists top 25 franchises for Hispanics - 5/1/2009 - Starting a small business from scratch isn't for everyone. But one organization has released its list of the top franchises for Hispanics.