Taco Bell Franchise Expansion in Midwest
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
Jun 26, 2026
Discover how Cicis Pizza's rewards program skyrocketed to over one million members in under a year, driving customer engagement and retention. See the lessons for restaurant loyalty programs.
Jun 26, 2026
Darden Restaurants surpassed $13 billion in sales, fueled by robust performance at LongHorn Steakhouse and innovative menu changes at Olive Garden. Explore the strategies driving this industry giant’s continued dominance.
Jun 26, 2026
The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
Jun 26, 2026
Founders Table Restaurant Group acquires fast-casual leader Hopdoddy Burger Bar, expanding its reach to over 200 restaurants and accelerating operational growth across the platform.
Jun 25, 2026
LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
Jun 25, 2026
Inspire Brands is preparing for an IPO aiming for a $20B valuation. Discover how giants like Arby’s, Sonic, and Dunkin’ are performing as part of this dynamic portfolio.
Jun 25, 2026
Estepp Energy, known for multi-unit brands like Little Caesars, is adding PJ's Coffee to its Kentucky convenience stores, marking a strategic expansion into specialty coffee.
Jun 24, 2026
Carl's Jr. has launched a "Pass on Jack" marketing campaign rewarding loyalty members with a free Sourdough Star burger for driving past a Jack in the Box to reach a Carl's Jr. location- a direct shot at its California-based burger rival.
Jun 24, 2026
Miso Robotics has acquired Zume Pizza’s technology deck, giving new life to pizza automation and food robotics for forward-thinking restaurant operators.
Jun 24, 2026
Explore the recent actions by the FTC to address unfair and deceptive practices in franchising, highlighting the impact on franchisees and the industry.
Photo by Campaign Creators
Photo by Campaign Creators
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently unveiled a series of measures aimed at curbing unfair and deceptive practices within the franchising industry. One significant aspect of this initiative is the mandate that franchisors must disclose all fees upfront to franchisees to prevent the imposition of undisclosed charges. These undisclosed fees, often referred to as 'junk fees,' can significantly impact a franchisee’s profitability and operational efficiency.
Franchisees have long voiced concerns regarding surprise fees such as payment processing, technology fees, training expenses, and property improvement fees. The FTC's crackdown on these undisclosed costs aims to foster transparency and prevent practices that burden franchisees with unexpected financial burdens. Moreover, the FTC emphasized the illegality of contract clauses that inhibit franchisees from reporting potential legal violations, safeguarding their ability to seek recourse without fear of retribution.
The FTC's 'Franchise Issue Spotlight' highlighted several pressing issues raised by franchisees, shedding light on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced within the franchise business model. From unilateral changes to operating manuals to concerns over high fees, royalties, and vendor kickbacks, franchisees expressed a range of grievances that impact their operational viability and financial stability.
Photo by Campaign Creators
Industry experts, such as Keith Miller of Franchisee Advocacy Consulting, welcomed the FTC's actions as a crucial step towards promoting fair franchising practices. Miller underscored the detrimental impact of undisclosed fees on franchisee margins and overall business operations, emphasizing the importance of protecting the primary investors in franchising. Additionally, the International Franchise Association advocated for responsible franchising policies to enhance transparency and clarify obligations in franchise agreements.
While the FTC's crackdown has garnered support from advocates of franchisee rights, some industry leaders, like Matthew Haller of the International Franchise Association, have raised concerns about potential limitations on innovation and growth within the franchising sector. Haller stressed the need for balanced enforcement that supports both franchisees and franchisors, promoting transparency without stifling industry progress. The call for collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups remains crucial in shaping the future of franchising practices.