A Complete Guide to Restaurant SMS Marketing
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
The transition of Pizza Hut's CEO, Aaron Powell, marks a pivotal moment for the chain and offers valuable leadership lessons for restaurant owners. Here’s what this executive change could mean for your business.
Aug 17, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn how to manage cash flow in your restaurant by tracking finances, controlling costs, forecasting needs, and building cash reserves.
Aug 14, 2026
Increase online orders by simplifying checkout, optimizing menus, improving Google visibility, promoting ordering channels, and encouraging customers to order again.
Aug 12, 2026
Streamline restaurant back office operations by standardizing workflows, automating repetitive tasks, integrating systems, centralizing data, and improving accountability and efficiency.
Aug 12, 2026
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
McDonald’s USA has appointed Patrick Gerber as chief restaurant officer, leveraging his decades of global experience to boost operations, food quality, and customer satisfaction in the U.S. market.
Aug 11, 2026
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes partners with Great USA Foods LLC to launch a master franchise in the UAE, accelerating international expansion into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Learn the impact for restaurant owners and growth lessons.
Aug 12, 2026
Avoiding hiring mistakes helps restaurant owners reduce turnover, control labor costs, improve staffing decisions, and build stronger, more reliable teams.
Aug 10, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
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.