Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rohit Chopra was interviewed on CNBC on September 25, 2020, where he discussed his thoughts on the franchise industry. You can find the CBNC interview can be found here.
Schakowsky, Scanlon, Jayapal Send Letter to FTC
United States Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Mary Gay Scanlon, and Pramila Jayapal sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission concerning unfair and deceptive digital delivery food practices that hurt small business restaurants. In addition, and most important to the franchise industry, the letter also called out the franchisor/franchisee relationship for being “underinvestigated” by the FTC. […]
Senator Cortez Masto (NV) Sends Letter to FTC Concerning Covid-19 Issues
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (NV) has once again supported protections for franchisees by sending a letter to the Federal Trade Commission expressing her concerns with disclosure and franchisor behavior in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The press release and letter can be found here.
Keith Miller Testifies in Oregon, House Interim Committee On Business and Labor
On November 18, 2019, Keith Miller testified at an information hearing at the Oregon Capitol on the franchise industry, held by the House Interim Committee On Business and Labor. The entire hearing can be seen here. Mr. Miller’s section starts at 6:00. This is an example of testimony and education needed in every state, including […]
2019 Dickey’s BBQ Update
Despite Churn, Franchises Continue to Sell Once again, I am reporting on the very high churn rate for Dickey’s BBQ, yet the brand continues to sell a high number of franchises. Why? Do prospective franchisees not understand the numbers in the Franchise Disclosure Document? And, why is the government continuing to guarantee loans to a […]
Senator Cortez Masto Introduces SBA Franchise Loan Transparency Act
Today, July 31, 2019, Senator Cortez Masto (NV) introduced S.2383, The Small Business Administration Franchise Loan Transparency Act of 2019. MFOA would like to personally thank the Senator and her staff for their efforts to protect franchisee interests. You can read her press release here. For Keith Miller’s testimony in advance of this legislation being […]
Keith Miller Testifies at United States Senate Banking Subcommittee Hearing
On March 17, 2019, Keith Miller, Principal, Franchisee Advocacy Consulting, testified at the United States Senate Banking, Subcommittee on Economic Policy hearing titled, “Economic Mobility: Is the American Dream in Crisis?” Mr. Miller discussed some of the obstacles in franchising that hamper the efforts to realize the American Dream, concentrating on the lack of financial […]
Liquidated Damages Clauses – Franchising’s Unethical Hammer
The franchise industry is unique in so many ways, but that is not always good. For most, buying a franchise, next to buying their home, is the biggest investment they will make. Unlike all other investments they make, they risk everything in buying a franchise, every asset they own, and then some. You ask, how […]
Franchisee Association Positions Itself as Power Broker of Papa John’s
Blue MauMau – by Don Sniegowski, November 19th, 2018 As large investors and rumors of private equity firms hover over the wounded Papa John’s International Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA), franchisees have decided that they are in a good position to be the gate that investors pass through for a smooth transition to the future of the […]
Franchisee Association Files Complaint with California over New Jack in the Box Leasing Arrangement
Blue MauMau – by Don Sniegowski, November 19th, 2018 The National Jack in the Box Franchisee Association announced today that they have filed a complaint with the state of California over changes to their lease agreements that were made without their consent. The association, whose members own approximately 2,000 franchised restaurants out of 2,200 Jack […]