2015 Top 100 Independents in Washington, D.C.

The Bottom Line: As chains add more and more technology to get customers through the door, they may want to look at the issues at the coffee shop giant.

The form of financing, which allows companies to borrow money at lower interest rates, has caught a lot of attention lately thanks to Subway and TGI Fridays. Here’s an explanation of what it is.

The Bottom Line: Franchisors want their operators to cut prices and run deals. They’d get further along if they delayed remodel requirements or other costs.