SmartPulse — our weekly reader poll in SmartBrief on Restaurants — tracks feedback from restaurant owners and managers about current trends and issues.
Last week’s poll question: Does your restaurant franchise?
- I am a franchisee. — 13.04%
- I work for a company that franchises, but I am not a franchisee. — 35.87%
- My restaurant is not involved with franchising. — 43.48%
- Currently my restaurant is not involved in franchising, but it’s something I am considering. — 7.61%
For many entrepreneurs, franchising is a way to own and operate a small business with a tried-and-true concept and corporate backup. Particularly during a recession, franchising is an affordable way to go for many would-be small-business owners. “Even in this economic environment, the franchising industry is projected to post 36,000 new jobs in 2010,” said International Franchise Association President and CEO Stephen J. Caldeira. Many restaurant companies, including Dunkin’ Brands, are offering more flexible franchise options and reducing fees.
If you were in the market for a franchise, what kind of concept would you choose to invest in?