Small Firms' Health-Law Pains
Restaurants and retailers face some of the toughest changes now that the Supreme Court has kept the health-care overhaul in place.
View ArticleVirgin Rail Loses U.K. Route
Richard Branson reacted furiously as his Virgin Rail Group joint venture lost control of its only rail route after the U.K. government awarded the franchise to rival transport company FirstGroup.
View ArticleNot a Barber Shop: A Salon for Men
Gordon Logan has built a hair-care company that today spans 41 states. And Sport Clips, his hair-cutting franchise based in Georgetown, Texas, is poised to open its 1,000th store before year's end.
View ArticleFinancing for Franchisees
A number of corporate franchisers are providing financing arrangements and other aid to potential franchisees, but terms can be strict.
View ArticleFranchisers Focus on Loans
Some U.S. franchisers are taking steps to help franchisees secure financing amid concerns that a credit crunch is still stifling new store openings.
View ArticleChained to the Road
Over the past several years, there's been a rising interest in mobile franchises, whose owners work out of a van, truck or trailer. The appeal: low start-up costs.
View ArticleMany Outlets, One Voice
When it comes to social media, franchisers are making sure their franchisees speak with one voice, implementing systemwide strategies and policies on what to post and how to react to company-related...
View ArticleSmaller Franchisers Expand Their Horizons
Economic uncertainty at home has prompted a growing number of small businesses to turn to markets in the developing world where credit continues to flow and there's a growing appetite for American...
View ArticleFranchises, on a Smaller Scale
Franchisers are offering more options at different price points—from mall kiosks to mobile food trucks—to woo franchisees reluctant to spend too much.
View ArticleTough Times for Franchising
Two closely watched disputes now playing out in the courts are shining a spotlight on tensions between franchise owners and management.
View ArticleHardship Inspired Franchise
Family hardship gave 41-year-old Shelly Sun the impetus to start a home-care franchising business.
View ArticleIs a Franchise the Right Business for You?
It's tempting to pick a franchise based on personal experiences or love of the product. But the fact that you're smitten with the business or what it sells doesn't mean it fits your lifestyle,...
View ArticleRestaurants Look for Ways to Cut Costs
Franchise restaurants are aggressively searching for alternative ways to slash costs, unable to pass on the higher costs to customers without losing business.
View ArticleBurger Chain's Health-Care Recipe
Four years ago, restaurant chain Burgerville agreed to pay at least 90% of health-care premiums for employees. Executives say the unusual move has saved money by cutting turnover, boosting sales and...
View ArticleIn With the New Franchisees
Usually, franchisers don't want to gamble on young entrepreneurs—they prefer seasoned managers who have built up lots of savings to plow into the venture. Now a host of companies are rethinking that...
View ArticleWant to Buy a Franchise? See What Survey Says
Discerning investors who want unvarnished information about a franchise before buying have another item to consult: the franchisee-satisfaction survey.
View ArticleMogul Applied Franchising to Real Estate
Art Bartlett wasn't the first to apply to home sales a franchise model more often associated with selling hamburgers, but he was the most successful.
View ArticleIKEA Saudi Catalog Removed Women
IKEA apologized for removing images of some women in the version of its catalog circulated in Saudi Arabia.
View ArticlePizza Hut Scales Down to Boost Delivery
Pizza Hut says downsizing and remodeling will allow it to open more restaurants and turn a profit faster for franchisees.
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