franchising

McDonald’s faces another discrimination lawsuit

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 16, 2021

Herb Washington, one of the company’s most prominent Black franchise owners, is accusing the company of forcing him to sell stores to White operators.

Financing

McDonald’s franchisees end their pause, but big disputes remain

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 12, 2021

The company and its owner-operators are still at odds over $70 million worth of technology fees.

Financing

Franchisees are behind some iconic menu items

By Jonathan Maze on Feb. 05, 2021

In franchised brands, operators have created some of the industry’s most well-known products and promotions, from the bacon cheeseburger to fast-food breakfast.

Financing

McDonald’s U.S. president urges franchisees to start talking again

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 21, 2021

Joe Erlinger said operators' “pause” on non-essential communications was “not in the system’s best interest” as the chain’s franchise relations remain strained.

Financing

McDonald’s wants its latest discrimination lawsuit dismissed

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 06, 2021

The burger giant says that claims made by existing operators are “without merit,” and says it wants every franchisee to “thrive.”

Financing

McDonald’s U.S. president vows to improve communication with franchisees

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 22, 2020

Joe Erlinger told the system that the company needs to “provide greater transparency and visibility to the entire system” amid a dispute over fees with its operators.

Financing

McDonald’s fight highlights a common source of franchise conflict

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2020

Franchisors benefit from higher sales, while franchisees need to make a profit. The difference frequently causes controversy, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Leadership