Franchises
Your Franchise Could Be Here
BY Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Aiming to fill vacancies, shopping centers partner with franchise companies to pre-approve space for new chain locations. The Danger of Being Franchisee No. 1
BY Jeff Elgin
Sure, it's a thrill to get in on the ground floor of a hot new concept. But it's risky to invest in an unproven business model. Here are questions to ask. This Franchise Is a Flying Success
BY Jason Daley
A Seattle couple makes the jump into franchising with iFly. Baristas, the Hooters of Coffee, Tries Reality TV
BY Dinah Wisenberg Brin
The Seattle coffee chain is holdings auditions to cast "hot young girls as servers" for a new reality show. A recent Tampa casting call, however, came up short. Game On for Pizza Franchises
BY Sarah Max
Forget football. Sales of America's favorite food will skyrocket on Super Bowl Sunday. That's good news for these pizza franchises.Play Video Using an iPad to Boost Productivity (Video)
BY Colleen DeBaise
Jaime and Mark Van Wye, owners of dog-training franchise Zoom Room, say they're running a more efficient business thanks to tablet technology. Here are their iPad tips. McDonald's Social-Media Lesson: Critics Tweet Back
BY Dinah Wisenberg Brin
The hamburger chain admits that its new Twitter campaign, designed to promote the farmers who supply its meat, didn't go exactly as planned. What to Consider Before Buying a Franchise
BY Dinah Wisenberg Brin
Franchise ownership isn't for everyone, nor is every opportunity a gold mine. Here's a shortlist of what you need to know. How to Avoid a Franchise Fad
BY Sarah Max
Before sinking your money into a hot franchise concept, make sure it's the real deal -- not a dead duck. Is Franchising the Best Option?
BY Mark Siebert
A growing company looking to bulk up its distribution channels has other options besides franchising. Here's a list. Fitness Franchises Muscle Up
BY Sarah Max
January is when Americans migrate from the bottomless eggnog bowl to the gym. Not surprisingly, fitness clubs win at least a third of all new memberships at the start of the year. Will Burgers and Big Gulps Save the Economy?
Consider this look at the impact franchised businesses have on the U.S. economy -- and how doughnuts may be just what we need to rebound from the recession. A Franchise Breathes Life Into the Casket Business
BY Jason Daley
A Kansas businessman takes on the staid funeral industry and creates a new franchise sector in the process. Three Survival Stories From the Franchise World
BY Gwen Moran
Fires, credit problems, medical emergencies--there's no end to the obstacles overcome by intrepid franchisees. Here's how three spirited entrepreneurs found success in the face of adversity. How a Franchise Can Play the Real Estate Market
BY Jason Daley
For some franchises, the depressed real estate market is an opportunity to renegotiate leases and focus on newly available sites. How to Read a Franchise Disclosure Document
BY Julie Bennett
Let's face it: A Franchise Disclosure Document, with its piles of legalese, can be daunting. We help you read between the lines. How Tasti D-Lite Finds Success with Social Media
BY Kara Ohngren
The frozen dessert franchise, in business since 1987, has become the poster child for online engagement in the franchise world. Lime Fresh, a Slower Alternative to the Fast-Casual Franchise
BY Jason Daley
At Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, customers are encouraged to linger. And the concept caught the eye of Ruby Tuesday, now a licensee. For Restaurant Chains, A Homespun Challenge
BY Jason Daley
Many restaurant franchises begin as small-town favorites. But when regional expansion calls, keeping that local flavor is difficult. How three chains have managed it. What's Hot (or Not) for Franchises in 2012
BY Michelle Juergen
Burgers, hotels, frozen treats -- it's all looking (and tasting) great. Fancy hams and tanning salons? Outlook not so good. And the No. 1 Franchise Is. . . Hampton Hotels
BY Jason Daley
Hampton Hotels continues to dominate the U.S. franchising landscape, holding the No. 1 spot on this year's Franchise 500 List. The chain aims to bring value -- and a hot breakfast -- to travelers worldwide. How Pizza Hut Made a Comeback
BY Jason Daley
Lower prices and a new restaurant design propel Pizza Hut back into the top 10 on this year's Franchise 500 List. Three Franchise Industries to Watch
BY Tracy Stapp
Here's a look at three of the most popular industries in this year's Franchise 500 and the trends that are shaping their future. Will the Economy Make You a Franchise Owner?
BY Dinah Wisenberg Brin
The current economic climate has led some folks to explore investing in franchise businesses, and significant numbers of them are willing to dip into personal or retirement savings to make the move. 