Small Business Franchising News

A McDonald's franchisor in Florida earlier this month agreed to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

As Congress remains stonewalled on a coronavirus relief package, and President Trump politicizes the issue, many franchisors are worried that relief may come too late.

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.

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.

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?

Many communities have taken steps to keep Starbucks, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts are others out of their towns. But some are changing their minds.

New law protects franchisees from arbitrary nonrenewal by franchisors and doles out consequences for improper termination.

Starting in October, McDonald's is launching all-day breakfast nationwide, with hopes that the move reverses its declining sales.

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.

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.

If franchisors are considered employers, the franchising model is in jeopardy. A high-stakes battle is underway in this heated debate.

In an effort to expand, more and more brands are entrusting franchises to multi-unit operators.

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.

Amid declining sales, the fast food giant looks to increase the number of franchise-owned locations by 2018.

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.

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.

With commercial lending still difficult for new business owners to secure, franchisors are devising creative strategies to help fund aspiring franchisees.

International Franchise Association files lawsuit that would give Seattle franchisees more time to prepare for wage hike.

Wary of corporate America and the slowly recovering job market, more and more Millennials are opting for franchise business opportunities. Here's why.

Franchise Times reports that more franchisees have started to embrace mobile payment methods, creating new opportunities to engage younger generations of consumers.

Wall Street Journal reports that 'quasi-franchising' could replace the traditional model of franchise ownership.

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.

By transferring ownership of hundreds of franchise locations, the burger chain plans to reduce capital expenditures and ultimately limit store ownership to five percent.

Demand for burgers was up, while demand for chicken and sandwiches was down in food service and restaurant chains in 2014.

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.

International Franchise Association predicts that the franchising sector will experience 5.1% GDP growth this year, but serious legal challenges loom on the horizon.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman investigates the franchise's non-compete agreement for unfairly prohibiting low-wage workers from finding new jobs.

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.

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.

More than half of all diners expect restaurants to offer healthy menu items and provide greater visibility to menu ingredients.

ApplePie Capital will launch the first franchise loan marketplace where aspiring franchisees can secure funding from family, friends, communities and investors.

A new report by the Franchise Business Review explores the top 100 franchisors with highest owner satisfaction among military veteran franchisees.

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 is revamping several key areas of its business in an effort to improve food quality perception and drive foot traffic.

Dunkin' Brands Group is partnering with the NAACP to increase African-American franchise ownership and diversity.

Although the Great Recession officially ended in 2010, restaurant franchises are still facing hard times.

The latest Restaurant Performance Index monthly benchmarking analysis demonstrated positive gains and optimistic outlook for restaurant owners, but other reports highlight potential risks.

National franchise brands including Panera, Starbucks and McDonald's plan to accept Apple Pay in their restaurants in October.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Experts predict digital signage will reach critical mass in food franchises within three to five years. Here's why.

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.

Fast food franchisor continues its slide with the gloomiest franchisee outlook ever recorded in Janney Capital Markets' quarterly McDonald's Franchisee Survey.

Study shows that flies are twice as unhealthy as cockroaches, but customers at the nation's independent and franchised restaurants aren't concerned.

Consumer Reports study shows that consumers are willing to drive further to patronize fast food restaurants with higher quality food items.

Cities across the nation are voting to increase the minimum wage to as much as $15 an hour. How will this affect franchisees?

As the franchise industry continues to grow, Forbes recently released its first-ever list of the best and worst franchises in America.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division data shows that Subway outpaced other franchises in racking up violations for underpayment of employees.

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.

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.

Recent study tests the belief that privately owned franchises are more successful than locations that are owned and operated by franchisors themselves.

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.

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.

Well-known sandwich franchise files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Franchise locations will continue to operate as the organization pursues debt restructuring.

Not sure how to fund your franchise? There may be benefits to using your retirement account to fund your dream of franchise ownership.

BizBuySell.com report reveals the differences in why men and women enter small business ownership--and the answers may surprise you.

Recent allegations of sexual harassment at high profile franchises spark renewed concerns about sexual discrimination in franchise work environments.

If passed, the Small Business Protection Investment Act will help protect the state's franchisees from unfair actions by franchisors.

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.

USDA forecasts steep decline in beef production this year, impact likely to trickle down to restaurants, groceries and various other small businesses.

Retail analysts expect fewer brick-and-mortar stores in the next few years as consumers choose online shopping over a trip to the mall.

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.

Interested in franchising? Franchising insiders identify five of the hottest franchise opportunities for 2014.

The popular coffee franchise expects to set a new record for gift card sales and activations this holiday retail season.

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.

Franchise Times report discusses the sales impact of Christmas lights for franchises and other highly visible retail businesses.

Applebees announces that customers will soon be able to place orders, pay bills and perform other activities using tableside tablet devices.

Refranchising effort enables the struggling burger giant to achieve a tenfold, year-over-year increase in net income.

ADP payroll report shows dramatic increase in franchise jobs during October, with restaurant and automotive franchises leading the push for new hires.

NOAA and National Fisheries Institute report that Americans' consumption of seafood has steadily declined since 2006; impact on restaurant and franchise industry appears limited.

Fast Casual discusses how franchise owners should develop a plan for funding the most common types of small business emergencies.

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.

Industry performance study shows that expanded menu items and other factors are causing service delays at fast food restaurants' drive-thru windows.

Denver franchisees engage in legal clash with Steak 'n Shake over the franchisor's ability to impose price controls on independent franchise locations.

Recent Gallup poll shows a strong market for fast food; consistent demand bodes well for the QSR franchising industry.

Annual STORES Hot 100 Retailers List shows that personalized shopping experiences and lifestyle products are becoming increasingly important to consumers.

Fast Casual serves up several strategies to help small restaurants manage risk and mitigate the threat of lawsuits or other costly consequences.

Industry stakeholders insist that current Massachusetts law is prohibitive to franchisees and is driving franchisors away from adding new franchise locations in the state.

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.

Fracas over Islamic dietary options underscores the importance of truth in advertising for franchises and small businesses.

New report shows that SBA lending to franchises has increased by a dramatic 60 percent over the past year.

Subway, the world's largest fast food chain, announces plans to add 10,000 new locations by 2017.

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.

In May, consumer confidence reached the highest point in nearly six years. But what does that mean for franchises and independent small businesses?

A new study shows that Subway and McDonald's are essentially the same when it comes to healthy menus.

McDonalds and other fast food chains are scrambling to adapt their menus to rising beef prices and other factors.

Latest research shows that high carb, high fat foods may not be popular menu items with this summer's diners.

IFA partnership with the White House Joining Forces Initiative has netted 65,000 jobs for military vets during its first year.

More and more franchises are leveraging mobile applications to encourage customers to act on key messaging.

New survey shows that many McDonalds franchisees are unhappy about the franchisor's insistence on pushing the Dollar Menu.

Lawsuit alleges that the restaurant franchise reduced employee's hours to force her to leave the business voluntarily.

New report details the impact of retail theft, shows that retailers currently apprehend less than 3 percent of thieves.

Study points to excessive amounts of calories, salt and fat in children's menus at some of the most popular restaurant franchises.

Real estate, restaurant and service franchises drive expansion in the franchise sector, despite obstacles to growth.

Franchise Herald explains why the Middle East has become a hotbed for growth and expansion in the franchising sector.

High volumes of credit card data and lax security measures are making restaurant franchisees an irresistible target for data theft.

Federal immigration reform emerges as a key issue in the restaurant and food service industry.

Recent Brand Keys study shows that Domino's leads all other pizza franchises when it comes to customer loyalty.

The Ohio Business Opportunity Law guards franchisees' right to sue franchisors over false or faulty disclosures.

BlueMauMau reports that franchises accounted for a whopping 74 percent of all commercials shown during this year's Super Bowl.

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.

Franchise Business Index takes a tumble in December due to the threat of tax hikes and lingering uncertainty about the so-called "fiscal cliff".

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.

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.

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.

International franchising initiative is designed to spur private investment and franchising in under-developed countries.

Popular donut franchise loses its bid to claim exclusive rights to the phrase "Best Coffee in America".

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.

Pillar to Post, the nation's largest home inspection franchise, is named to the list of top 100 franchises for veteran entrepreneurs.

BlueMauMau identifies the key factor that restricts many Hispanic entrepreneurs from entering the franchise industry.

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.

Major retail chains are rolling out new price matching policies to combat showrooming during this year's holiday shopping season.

Francorp reports that franchising is positioned for explosive growth in countries scattered throughout the Middle East.

NRA reports brisk restaurant sales during August; restaurant owners more optimistic about the economy than other business owners.

Report indicates that multi-site restaurants are moving away from a company-owned expansion model and aggressively pursuing franchising as a strategy for growth.

Franchise Business Review reports that the food franchise industry increased profitability and franchisee satisfaction over the past twelve months.

Consumer demand for healthier lifestyles is driving the $25 billion fitness industry and creating promising franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs.

McDonald's franchise reportedly testing mobile payment app that will enable customers to pay for fast food purchases with PayPal.

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.

Shifts in Millennial spending patterns create opportunities for restaurant chains and other food-based small businesses.

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.

Canadian report shows that brand recognition and support resources are the determining factors for entrepreneurs who choose franchise opportunities over traditional small business startups.

Legal decision based on the franchisor's failure to adequately maintain the brand in contested territories.

BlueMauMau publishes its 2012 list of the worst franchises based on SBA loan failure rates.

Window Genie franchise targets local communities in Windows 4 Wishes, a campaign designed to promote engagement and giving back at the grassroots level.

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.

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 franchise label reflects a growing awareness of the value veterans can bring to the franchisee role.

This year's NRA show in Chicago features a variety of high tech equipment to help independent and chain restaurants increase productivity -- and profits.

New report identifies senior home care as one of the fastest growing franchise industries in the nation.

A growing number of restaurants chains are offering Tax Day specials, deals and promotions to drive traffic and hopefully, increase sales.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) cites the new law as a model for franchise legislation in other states.

Sale is completed during a period of high growth as the company continues to add new quick-serve restaurant locations.

In 2011, the top 500 restaurant chains doubled previous year growth figures as limited-service restaurants take a leadership role.

Legislation in the California State Assembly would offer the state's franchisees a slate of new protections and expand their rights under state law.

Battery franchisor rides a diverse business model and a carefully crafted franchise structure to achieve a significant brand milestone.

Franchising consultants remind owners that royalties -- not franchise fees -- are the key to becoming highly profitable as a franchisor.

Tool franchise Snap-On is rated as the Best Franchise to Start for the Buck by Forbes.

Demand for healthier fare is driving menu changes in small eateries and restaurant franchises.

Financial restructuring helps Quiznos shed massive debt and helps clear the way for a revitalized franchise model.

Survey shows that the nation's largest franchises lag behind smaller chains in franchisee satisfaction.

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 organizations launch concerted push to assist returning veterans with entrepreneurial ambitions.

Franchising continues to experience modest growth, outperforming other sectors of the nation's economy, while some franchisees express concerns.

U.S. Court of Appeals decides UPS franchisees failed to prove their case in suit that stretches back to 2006.

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.

In an effort to reduce costs, some businesses are suffering big consequences for taking shortcuts in franchising.

Fast food franchises are doing just fine in the down economy, particularly those who cater to customers who are interested in indulging themselves.

Looking for a good franchise to buy? Pizza franchises are doing well, as America's appetite for pizza seems to be bottomless.

A new study takes the pulse of franchising and finds that franchisors are still finding a receptive audience with would-be entrepreneurs.

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.

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 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.

With the opening of a store in an Ohio auto plant, Subway hits another milestone in its non-traditional franchising efforts.

A southwest Mexican restaurant chain offers promising franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs throughout the nation.

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.

Cheaper purchase prices make home-based franchise businesses an enticing opportunity.

Vantage Hospitality provides franchisees with a voice in decision-making.

The National Minority Franchising Initiative has named the top five franchises for minorities.

Franchisees predicted to be short on financing in 2011.

State lawmakers in Missouri are hoping to freeze the state's corporate franchise tax in lieu of doing away with it entirely.

Agency releases "Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms" study

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pays visit to Reno small businesses, touts recent legislation.

Many potential frnachise owners are turning to their franchisors for help with getting a loan to start their business.

Home-based franchises are often legit, but buyers should exercise caution when considering purchasing a home-based franchise opportunity.

A new legislative effort backed by the International Franchise Association could make Franchises more affordable for veterans.

Though some business owners fear the worst, the franchising industry expects growth during 2010.

Entrepreneurs seeking an established business model can look to franchising.

Franchisee satisfaction rankings help point to the way to profitable ventures.

Along with announcing the opening of three new franchises in Utah, Tennessee and Ohio, FastSigns plans to pursue further franchising options in Ohio.

Checkers Drive-In announced the opening of two new franchises in Atlanta earlier this week.

Looking to buy a franchise and become your own boss? An industry expert believes that food franchises may be your best bet.

Entrepreneur magazine has announced the top ranking franchises of the year.

Franchise ownerships in the nutrition and weight loss supplement market continue to surpass market expectations.

Franchise surveys can help entrepreneurs decide where to invest their energy.

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.

Home healthcare industry is fragmented and wide open for franchising.

A franchise consulting firm says franchise opportunities are a strong growth market for entrepreneurs.

Quick-serve restaurant chain Sonic was met with a positive response when it opened its first New England location this week.

Despite a "challenging macro-economic environment," Burger King reported improvements in EPS, net restaurant growth and cash flow for the fourth quarter.

To combat slower sales and a saturated market in the U.S., many franchises are focusing on expanding their international presence.

Consumers may be shifting their preferences from burgers and fries to coffee and healthy sandwiches, as evidenced by the latest QSR quick-serve rankings.

By offering innovative products such as prepared foods, convenience store franchises can stay ahead of the competition.

The multi-billion dollar gift franchise Edible Arrangements was founded with $100,000 and constant attention to detail.

Distant Lands, a small specialty coffee company, was chosen as the lead espresso supplier for McDonald's massive McCafé campaign.

Despite the recession, some industries are expected to experience significant growth in future years, making them attractive opportunities for franchising entrepreneurs.

The convenience store franchise 7-Eleven is petitioning Congress to change the credit card transaction fees that are crippling store owners and consumers.

The ice cream chain is looking for entrepreneurs to help open 45 locations in the St. Louis region.

The popular franchise's sales were boosted by its McCafe line of coffees.

Paisano's hopes to open 10 additional locations in the area by the end of 2010.

Wendy's, McDonalds and Subway top the list.

The convenience store chain hopes to expand, despite the economic downturn.

The sandwich maker is beginning the initiative after a successful microloan program earlier this year.

Fast-food giant finds itself on the end of a class-action lawsuit.

Many business owners understand the importance of networking and chasing down leads.

A new website from 7-Eleven is designed to help franchisees discover information about owning a store.

SBA adds time-honored small business to its franchise registry.

Burger chain will now be able to expand into a new state.

The all-day breakfast giant reports positive first-quarter results.

Starting a small business from scratch isn't for everyone. But one organization has released its list of the top franchises for Hispanics.