The National Federation of Independent Businesses saw its optimism index drop 0.8 points in September, with lower job openings and planned capital spending holding back growth. “Small businesses just can’t seem to get out of second gear,” said NFIB chief economist Bill Dunkelberg. “A decline in job openings and capital spending plans were primarily responsible …
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9 New Pizza Franchises Aim For Fast-Casual Expansion
Pizza is a staple of the fast-food industry, but fast-casual segment is topping the growth charts with brands like Chipotle Mexican Grill, Smashburger and Buffalo Wild Wings. Pizza wants a slice of that pie, so it’s going a little more upscale as well. MSN found 9 new pizza concepts rolling franchise expansion plans – – …
Calif. Vetos Franchise-Dispute Bill, Upholds the Franchise Model
California Governor Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill intended to give franchisees a stronger position in dealings with corporate franchise systems, ending a legislative battle that fostered surprising alliances between the franchising industry and unions. The bill sought to prevent franchisors from using minor infractions to force franchisees out of their businesses, as 7-Eleven store …
Consumer Confidence Up In Sept., So Is Market Confidence In Franchising
Franchise news chalked up two positive points this week, one from a consumer sentiment survey, and the other from stock-market performance of franchise companies: The final September reading on the University of Michigan/Thomson Reuters consumer sentiment index rose to 84.6, up from August final reading of 82.5, and the highest level since July 2013 – MarketWatch The …
Franchisees Go To Washington To Tackle NLRB’s ‘Joint Employer’ Issue
The National Labor Relations Board’s decision to consider McDonald’s a joint employer of its franchisees’ workers was top of mind this month as several hundred gathered for the annual International Franchise Association’s Public Affairs conference in Washington, D.C. “This joint employee-employer thing, if that goes through, that’s a hand grenade in the middle of the [franchising] business …
Should Olive Garden Offer Franchises?
Olive Garden restaurants don’t franchise, although parent company Darden Restaurants does offer other franchises overseas. But a large activist shareholder has been pushing for major changes at Darden, including a proposal to franchise the company’s brands, notably Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, starting in markets where the brands have lower presence. – Read more in Franchise …