Latest news with #InternationalFranchiseAssociation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Blueprint For Success: 3 Top Things To Know Before Opening A Franchise Restaurant
If you've ever wanted to be your boss and start a business, becoming a franchisee within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry might be right for you. With customers increasingly focused on value, compelling menu items, and convenience, QSR franchises are poised for growth in 2025, according to industry data. Wendy's shares three key things to keep in mind if you've ever thought about opening your restaurant. More than 204,000 QSR franchise-operated locations are projected to open this year alone. That's an increase of 2.2%, according to the International Franchise Association's 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook. What's driving the opportunity? Consumers are becoming increasingly selective in their spending, prioritizing perceived value and personalization over discounted prices. According to the IFA, QSRs and fast-casual brands offering superior quality-to-price ratios are expected to outperform in 2025, maintaining their appeal to cost-conscious consumers. Aspiring QSR franchise operators have numerous choices when deciding to grow within the industry, including evaluating brand potential, location availability, building type, and incentives as part of an overall business opportunity. Industry experts advise exploring all options to find the right growth opportunity for each entrepreneur, including the brand itself, as well as considering rural versus urban locations and analyzing the benefits of different restaurant asset types, whether opening traditional standalone locations or non-traditional locations, such as airports or travel centers. Several restaurant brands also offer incentives such as build-to-suit mechanisms, which can reduce the upfront cost of opening a restaurant. Mike Zak, a 30-year veteran franchise operator and president of Wenzak, a Wendy's franchise organization, shares some advice to consider when opening a QSR: The Menu: Does the menu include craveable items? Is the brand innovating and providing exceptional customer experiences to build repeat visits? Is it delivering relevant value? Do the teams ensure fresh, hot food every visit to keep customers coming back? Restaurant Design: Good restaurant design sets the stage for better returns. Designs should feature a simplified construction process that reduces capital expenditure and operating costs. In the digital age, the brand must offer designs that include streamlined ordering, increased digital capacity and dedicated mobile pickup and delivery windows. It's also essential to have a fresh, clean-looking design that employees love to work in and customers love to visit. Technology: Does the brand lead through innovation to help restaurant operators deliver a quick and seamless experience to customers? Voice AI in the drive-thru, combined with a user-friendly app, can elevate and help the crew focus on providing fast, friendly services and customer experiences. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to benefit from industry growth, Zak provides some final advice: 'Being a QSR operator is a high-contact sport and requires the right coach to keep your team scoring big wins with strong returns on your investment. It's important to evaluate the team's performance today and understand the playbook for future success.' This is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for information purposes only. This story was produced by The Wendy's Company and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. RELATED CONTENT: The Enduring Fire: Revisiting Malcolm X's Vision For Black Liberation On What Would Have Been His 100th Birthday
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Top three things to know if you want to open a franchise restaurant
Top three things to know if you want to open a franchise restaurant If you've ever wanted to be your own boss and start a business, becoming a franchisee within the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry might be right for you. With customers focused increasingly on value, compelling menu items and convenience, QSR franchises are set to grow in 2025 according to industry data. Wendy's shares three key things to keep in mind if you've ever thought about opening your own restaurant. 1. Quick Service Restaurant Franchises are Expected to Grow More than 204,000 QSR franchise-operated locations are projected to open this year alone. That's an increase of 2.2%, according to the International Franchise Association's 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook. What's driving the opportunity? Consumers are increasingly more selective in spending, focused on the perceived value and personalization over simply discounted prices. According to the IFA, QSRs and fast-casual brands offering superior quality-to-price ratios have been expected to outperform in 2025, maintaining their appeal to cost-conscious consumers. 2. Restaurant Brands are Offering Support and Incentives Aspiring QSR franchise operators have many choices when choosing to grow with the industry, including evaluating brand potential, location availability, building type and incentives as part of an overall business opportunity. Industry experts advise exploring all options to find the right growth opportunity for each entrepreneur, including the brand itself, considering rural versus urban locations and analyzing the benefits of different restaurant asset types, whether opening traditional standalone locations to non-traditional locations, such as an airport or a travel center. Several restaurant brands also offer incentives such as build-to-suit mechanisms, which can reduce the upfront cost of opening a restaurant. 3. A Partnership with Potential is Key Mike Zak, a 30-year veteran franchise operator and president of Wenzak, a Wendy's franchise organization, shares some advice to consider when opening a QSR: The Menu: Does the menu include craveable menu items, is the brand innovating and providing exceptional customer experiences to build repeat visits, is it delivering relevant value and do the teams ensure fresh, hot food every visit to keep customers coming back?Restaurant Design: Good restaurant design sets the stage for better returns. Designs should feature a simplified construction process that reduces capital expenditure and operating costs. In the digital age, it is important that the brand offers designs that include streamlined ordering, increased digital capacity and dedicated mobile pickup and delivery windows. It's also important to have a fresh, clean-looking design that employees love to work in, and customers love to Does the brand lead through innovation to help restaurant operators deliver a quick and seamless experience to customers? Voice AI in the drive-thru and a user-friendly app can elevate, and help the crew focus on fast, friendly services and customer experiences. For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to benefit from industry growth, Zak provides some final advice: "Being a QSR operator is a high-contact sport and requires the right coach to keep your team scoring big wins with strong returns on your investment. It's important to evaluate the team's performance today and understand the playbook for future success." This is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. It is for information purposes only. This story was produced by The Wendy's Company and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
Entrepreneur
13-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why Franchising Will Outpace the U.S. Economy in 2025
This year, the franchise industry is on pace to outperform the U.S. economy. Here's why. This story appears in the May 2025 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe » Entrepreneurship has long been the backbone of the American Dream, and at its core lies the transformative power of franchising. In 2025, franchising continues to shine as a dominant force in the U.S. economy — offering aspiring entrepreneurs a pathway to going into business for themselves, but not by themselves. The organization I lead, the International Franchise Association (IFA), projects that franchising is set to grow 2.4% this year, outpacing the broader U.S. economy's expected 1.9% GDP growth, with projections of over 210,000 jobs created. We expect the number of franchise establishments to increase by more than 20,000 units this year, or 2.5%, to 851,000 total units across the country. That's a testament to its resilience and potential, even in the face of uneasiness in the economy due to wavering consumer confidence, geopolitical and policy uncertainty in the U.S., and lingering high interest rates for small businesses. Related: 8 Reasons Why We Need Entrepreneurs Now More Than Ever A catalyst for economic growth Franchising's strength lies in its unique ability to pair entrepreneurial ambition with the stability and name recognition of an established brand. While not all franchise brands are created equal, the winning formula is clear: When potential franchise investors choose to partner with brands that uphold responsible franchising practices, they benefit from an existing business playbook, a network of other franchisees, and support from the brand. From quick-service restaurants to retail stores to residential services, franchises span nearly every industry imaginable at a wide range of investment costs. The IFA anticipates the greatest growth to come in the personal services and retail food, products, and services categories — but there's growth to be found throughout the system. Before you buy a franchise, of course, the IFA recommends that potential franchise investors conduct significant due diligence when researching a franchise opportunity, talk to existing and former franchisees in those systems, and hire their own legal counsel that has experience reviewing franchise agreements. Related: The Basics of Making Money in Franchising Overcoming challenges and misconceptions Despite its many advantages, franchising has faced hurdles in recent years, such as shifting policy environments and misconceptions about its business model at the federal and state levels. However, these challenges have been largely overcome due to franchise brands and franchisees banding together through advocacy efforts — which we've been proud to lead. Through proactive engagement with lawmakers and regulators, and federal court decisions striking down rules like the joint employer standard that struck at the heart of the franchise model, the IFA is ensuring that franchising remains a robust pathway to entrepreneurship and that the door to opportunity can be opened through franchising for generations to come. The franchise industry can't just talk to lawmakers, of course: We also must talk to the public, and invite them to learn more about this great industry. That's why we host events like our inaugural IFA World Franchise Show, from May 9 to 10 in Miami Beach, Florida, where prospective buyers can find hundreds of franchises across all investment levels to explore. A bright future for franchising Franchising is more than a business model — it's a pathway to success for countless entrepreneurs looking to own their own business and make an impact in their community. As we witness continued growth in 2025, marked by projections of $936.4 billion in franchise output nationwide, the IFA remains steadfast in advocating for franchisees and franchisors alike. By fostering collaboration across all stakeholders, from business owners to suppliers, franchising continues to strengthen its role as a cornerstone of economic growth. Related: How to Become an Entrepreneur - 8 Tips to Get Your Business Going, Even if You Don't Know Where to Start
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ziebart Builds Early 2025 Success with Strong Q1 Growth, Expanding in Key U.S. and International Markets
Automotive Aftermarket Brand's Franchise Development Gains Momentum with New Locations, International Expansion, and Industry Recognition Ziebart announces entrance into Utah with signed franchise agreement Existing franchise owner plans to expand Ziebart's Pennsylvania footprint with new store coming to Whitehall Ziebart solidifies international relationships with master license renewal in Canada and new deal in Mexico TROY, Mich., April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ziebart, the global leader in vehicle appearance and protection services, is driving strong momentum in 2025 with multiple franchise agreements signed, new locations secured, and international expansion efforts underway. With a growing footprint in both the U.S. and abroad, Ziebart continues to reinforce its reputation as a premier provider of vehicle protection services. Domestic DevelopmentsZiebart's first store in Utah comes at the hands of local entrepreneur Mohammed Giravi, who is targeting Bluffdale for the development of his location. Out East, longtime franchise owner Paul Shur is relocating his Ziebart business from Texas to Whitehall, Pennsylvania, while also acquiring two existing Ziebart stores in the state – one in Scranton and one in Quakertown – leveraging his experience to strengthen the brand's presence in the region. His investment comes at a prime time. The International Franchise Association (IFA) recently released its annual Franchising Economic Outlook, projecting that Pennsylvania will add 948 new franchise businesses in 2025, making it the 6th fastest-growing state for franchise development in the nation this year. Further building on 2024's momentum, additional franchise developments include: Canonsburg, PA: Nick Lambie and his brother, Mark, have signed a lease at 2599 Washington Rd. for their second Ziebart location. Paducah, KY: Franchising group Hygia Automotive LLC has secured a lease at 3525 Park Avenue for their Ziebart store. "Our continued franchise growth demonstrates the increasing demand for Ziebart's premium vehicle protection services," said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. "Expanding in Utah, strengthening our footprint in Pennsylvania, and seeing franchisees move forward with their new locations reinforces the strength of our business model." International Growth and ExpansionBeyond domestic expansion, Ziebart is accelerating international growth with the renewal of its 60-year-old master franchise license with Uniban Canada, maintaining its strong market presence with 91 stores across the country. The company is also entering Mexico with a new master franchise license agreement for its first 10 locations in the country while also expanding into approximately 40 car dealerships, solidifying the brand's position as a global leader in automotive appearance and protection. Achievements and AccoladesZiebart's success continues to be recognized within the franchise and business communities. Recent accolades include: 2025 Top Franchise by the Franchise Business Review #180 and 10+ Club for 16 consecutive years in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 #71 Small Michigan Top Workplaces by Detroit Free Press For more information on franchise opportunities with Ziebart, please visit To find a Ziebart near you, visit About ZiebartFounded in 1959, Ziebart International Corporation is the worldwide leader in premium automotive appearance and protection services that extend the life of vehicles. Ziebart operates over 400 locations, with 1,300 service centers, in 37 countries. Ziebart continues to grow and offers domestic and international franchising opportunities, a best-in-class investment for qualified prospects. For more information about Ziebart including franchise opportunities, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ziebart Sign in to access your portfolio
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Restaurant Franchising - An Era Of Expansion, Tech, And Consumer Focus
BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 01: The sun shines on the Golden Arches and Drive Thru logo of the ... More fast food restaurant McDonald's, on October 01, 2023 in Bristol, England. Founded in 1940, American multinational fast food chain McDonald's Corporation, best known for its Big Mac hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries, is the world's largest fast food restaurant chain. (Photo by) As we start the second quarter of 2025, the restaurant franchising landscape is not just evolving—it's entering a bold, dynamic, and defining new chapter. After years of economic volatility, labor market disruptions, and shifting consumer habits, the industry has emerged more agile, data-driven, and future-focused than ever before. The intersection of three powerful forces, economic realignment, changing consumer demands, and rapid technological innovation is rewriting the playbook for how franchises launch, scale, and sustain success. What was once a cautious rebound in the post-pandemic era has now transformed into a full-fledged reinvention. Franchise operators who once struggled to adapt to digital platforms, rising costs, and unpredictable supply chains have not only stabilized, they've pivoted with purpose. They're now leveraging technology to streamline operations, reengineering menus to meet health-conscious and eco-aware consumers, and expanding strategically into growth markets with precision. This is no longer about recovery. It's about reinvention at scale and the brands that embrace this momentum are tapping into a new era of franchising defined by multi-unit development, consumer engagement, operational efficiency, and entrepreneurial opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time franchisee, this moment in time offers an unprecedented window to align with high-growth brands that are engineered for the realities, and rewards of the modern market. The U.S. franchise sector is expected to grow substantially in 2025, building on the momentum of 2024. According to recent figures from the International Franchise Association, the number of franchised units nationwide will surpass 821,000 locations, creating nearly a quarter-million jobs. This expansion is anticipated to push total employment in franchising to close to 9 million, generating an economic impact of almost $900 billion. The surge is particularly noticeable in food service franchises, as aspiring entrepreneurs look for proven business models, brand equity, and scalability, which are critical components in today's competitive market. In 2025, technology is no longer an advantage; it's the standard. Restaurants that embrace automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making are dominating. Tools like AI-driven kitchen assistants, predictive ordering systems, and cloud-based franchise management platforms are minimizing human error, cutting labor costs, and personalized customer experiences. Self-service kiosks, QR-code menus, and mobile ordering apps have become expected by consumers. They are now fully integrated into many franchise operations. These innovations optimize workflow, reduce wait times, and improve service consistency, which is key to customer retention and franchise profitability. Miami, FL, USA - August 6, 2022: Photo of Sweetgreen organic salads and bowls Consumer behavior continues to evolve, and restaurant franchises are listening. Demand for clean eating, plant-based options, and eco-conscious practices has sparked a menu revolution. Brands that once thrived on traditional fast food pivoted toward bowls, salads, and functional beverages. Sustainability is no longer a marketing tactic; it's a requirement. Successful franchisors embed wellness and environmental consciousness into their operations by sourcing local ingredients, offering gluten-free and vegan menu items, or eliminating single-use plastics. In 2025, restaurant franchisors and operators face a perfect storm of economic pressure points, rising food costs, ongoing labor shortages, and global supply chain instability. Inflation has pushed ingredient prices to multi-year highs, wage expectations have soared due to increased competition for talent, and delivery delays for equipment and materials remain an operational headache for many brands. Yet, instead of stalling growth, the smartest franchisors are engineering resilience into their systems and turning what were once threats into competitive advantages. Franchise brands that succeed in this environment are those that act with strategic intent. Labor shortages, for example, have catalyzed the accelerated adoption of automation, AI-assisted prep stations, and contactless service models, dramatically reducing reliance on front-line staff and minimizing human error. Meanwhile, centralized training platforms, video-based onboarding, and modular job roles allow for faster ramp-up times and lower turnover, ensuring franchisees can operate effectively even with lean teams. On the supply chain side, franchisors are negotiating national and regional contracts with preferred vendors, enabling franchisees to tap into volume-based discounts that independent operators can't access. Many are developing proprietary distribution hubs or aligning with third-party logistics networks to ensure product consistency and delivery reliability, especially for high-volume locations and multi-unit franchisees. These bulk purchasing programs and inventory optimization systems are proving vital to keeping food costs in check and shelves stocked, even amid global uncertainty. Financially, menu engineering and margin-focused innovation are now the norm. Franchises are leveraging data analytics to track item performance, strategically retiring low-margin offerings, and doubling down on high-profit, high-velocity items. Innovative pricing strategies, such as bundling, premium upsells, and dynamic digital menu boards, are deployed to optimize average ticket sizes without alienating value-conscious consumers. In staffing, the old model of fixed shifts and full-time-only hiring has given way to flexible labor ecosystems. Franchises are integrating cloud-based scheduling tools, shift-swapping apps, and gig-economy-style platforms that empower employees while ensuring adequate shift coverage. Some brands are even adopting hybrid staffing models that combine core team members with on-demand workers during peak hours. Together, these strategic pivots are reshaping how restaurant franchises maintain profitability and operational excellence in a high-pressure environment. It's no longer about simply surviving inflation and disruption, it's about reengineering the business model to be nimble, data-driven, and economically defensible in any market condition. If you want to invest, watch the Southern U.S., especially states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia. These regions are experiencing massive population growth, increased consumer spending, and favorable tax climates. It's no coincidence that they top the list for new franchise development in both quick-service and fast-casual sectors. Real estate availability, workforce accessibility, and lower operating costs make these states ideal for multi-unit expansion. Franchisors targeting suburban communities with drive-thru, delivery, and pickup-focused designs are seeing the highest returns. At the 2024 FLDC, one theme dominated the agenda: adaptation is the new strategy. Franchise executives emphasized the importance of culture, franchisee engagement, and leadership transparency in driving sustainable growth. Emerging franchise brands were encouraged to adopt localized marketing, agile operational playbooks, and scalable training systems. With Gen Z entering the franchise world as both employees and owners, brands must modernize their systems and speak to new values like purpose, inclusion, and innovation. Restaurant franchising in 2025 is not just a business model; it's a high-performance growth engine built for resilience, adaptability, and scale. The convergence of cutting-edge technology, shifting consumer priorities, and favorable economic indicators is creating one of the most promising environments the franchise industry has seen in years. We're entering a marketplace that rewards speed, strategy, and systemization. Entrepreneurs who can harness the power of franchising, especially those who choose brands with strong leadership, defined operational models, and a focus on customer experience, find themselves in a unique position to build wealth, create jobs, and impact communities across the country. From coast to coast, whether it's a tech-enabled fast-casual concept, a plant-based QSR brand, or a sustainable café tapping into health and wellness trends, franchising offers a blueprint to replicate success with clarity and confidence. And it's no longer just about opening one location; it's about leveraging multi-unit development, mastering territory growth, and scaling with strategic partners who share your vision. Whether you're exploring your first franchise opportunity or adding to a growing portfolio, 2025 presents a rare alignment of market readiness, innovation, and investor interest. This isn't the time to wait and watch from the sidelines. This is the time to act decisively. The entrepreneurs who take action today, who recognize franchising as more than a trend but a long-term strategic asset, will define the next decade of restaurant innovation, ownership, and success.
