franchising

Tim Hortons takes aim, again, at one of its prominent franchisees

By Jonathan Maze on Oct. 09, 2020

The company wouldn’t give the U.S. franchisee association's president an extension on a remodel requirement unless the group dropped its lawsuit against the franchisor. The location is now closed.

Financing

Calls grow for tighter franchise regulations

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 27, 2020

As stories of problems at franchise brands mount, advocates and some regulators call for more enforcement at the federal level.

Financing

NLRB refuses to reopen McDonald's joint-employer complaint

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 17, 2020

The move comes as the franchise community is awaiting action to overturn last week's bombshell court decision.

Financing

Burgerim is sued over deceptive sales practices

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 11, 2020

A Florida operator sued the fast-casual franchise and its Florida developer, saying they routinely broke franchise rules in selling stores to franchisees.

Operations

The long and complicated history of joint employer

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 09, 2020

A detailed look at efforts to change the joint-employer standard, and why the debate just won’t go away.

Operations

'Joint employer' threat to franchising is back

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 09, 2020

A federal court has overturned the definition favored by restaurant franchisors and franchisees, effectively reinstating the standard they bitterly opposed.

Financing

Black former franchisees sue McDonald’s over discrimination

By Jonathan Maze on Sep. 01, 2020

More than 50 former operators accused the chain of a longtime pattern of bias that drove many of them out of the system.

Financing

Why 2021 could be a huge year for restaurant franchising

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 30, 2020

High unemployment, low rent and cheap financing could make it a big year for franchise sales. But there are risks for both the franchisor and the operators.

Financing