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 […]
Can Wendy’s Rein In Delinquent Franchises?
Rich Duprey of The Motley Fool reports that the third largest fast-food chain Wendy’s (NASDAQ: WEN ) wants to strip one of its biggest restaurant operators of its franchise agreement for failing to upgrade its restaurants and install a point-of-sale system. While it could result in the franchisee being forced to close or sell its restaurants, it also brings […]
Maine ‘crowd investing’ bill becomes law
The measure is designed to help Maine start-ups raise funds from small investors. J. Craig Anderson at the Portland Press Herald reports that a measure allowing Maine businesses to raise up to $1 million through “crowd investing” became law Monday. The bill, L.D. 1512, “An Act To Increase Funding for Start-ups,” was approved overwhelmingly in […]
The IFA Has No Risk by Claiming “the Sky is Falling” in Maine
Recently the International Franchise Association (IFA) sent out its IFA Insider Newsletter (Vol. 19, Issue No. 47 ) with the following wake-up call to franchisors “next month the Maine legislature will address LD 1458 (Maine Small Business Investment Protection Act), the most far-reaching and harmful franchise relationship legislation in any state in the country”. They […]
First Annual Maine Franchise Owners Franchise Business Day and Legislators Meet & Greet set for January 29th
The Maine franchise owner community is invited to attend the First Annual Maine Franchise Owners Franchise Business Day and Legislators Forum on January 29, 2014. The event will begin at 1 p.m with the “Franchise Business Day” forum to share timely information, best practices and resources for Maine franchise owners. A Franchise Owner and Legislators […]
What Franchisees Could Lose If the Minimum Wage Is Raised
Fast-food workers in about 100 cities will strike on Thursday, leaving franchisees caught between a rock and a hard place. Protesters are calling for $15 an hour — a huge increase from the current federal minimum wage of $7.25, or a full-time salary of about $15,000 a year. The upcoming strikes follow the protests that […]
GAO Report of SBA Franchise Lending Reveals Program Failures
GOA Report Findings: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report identifying that loans to certain franchise companies failed at a higher rate. From 2003 to 2012, the SBA guaranteed loans for more than $10.6 billion to franchise businesses and was forced to make payments on about 28 percent of those loans. Analysis of guaranteed […]
The Need for Voiding Out State Venue Clauses for Franchise Owners
Peter Lagarias posted at BlueMauMau a very compelling argument as why it’s important to pass legislation in each state to void litigation forum/venue clauses and allow litigation or dispute resolution in occur in the State the franchise owner has his/her business. Here are is an excerpt: Most franchise agreements provide for venue of franchise lawsuits […]
Maine Franchise Owners Association Holds Open House in Portland
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2013 at the offices of the Maine Franchise Owners Association (MFOA), various franchise owners, vendors, and government officials attended the MFOA open house in Portland. MFOA is an independent organization of franchise owners in Maine that is committed to helping franchise owners grow, expand, and create more jobs for the citizens […]
Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Owner Opens New Shop in Farmingdale, Maine
Normand and Joline Boulay, the owners of Farmindale’s newest business, Dunkin Donuts, welcomed friends and neighbors to celebrate with them and win some fabulous prizes. The Farmingdale Dunkin Donuts is the fourth one for the Boulays — two others located in Lewiston and one in Gardiner. Normand and Joline Boulay, expressed their excitement and satisfaction […]