Takin' It to 'Em Franchises help consumers too busy to cook, too tired to drive--and sick of pizza.

Move over, Domino's-home meal delivery isn't justabout pizza anymore. According to food consulting firm TechnomicInc., home meal replacement (HMR) sales will hit $67 billion byyear-end, with an annual growth rate of 8 percent. An ACNielsenreport states that fewer than four out of 10 meals served include ahome-cooked item, and one-quarter of all households dine in ontakeout at least once per week. Franchises have been quick to jumpon the trend.

"It's difficult for people in two-income familiesnowadays to come home and cook a meal and even to go out to get ameal," explains Paul Gooden, managing partner of the Steaks To Gofranchise.

Marked for their convenience, HMR delivery franchises arestriving to provide fast, hot and tasty meals for offices andhouseholds alike. While pizza still remains an HMR staple after allthese years, many HMR franchises offer grilled entrees thattypically include a salad, a baked potato and a roll with thepurchase of a dinner. "We give customers an alternative topizza delivery by offering a full menu of steak and chicken dinnersthat range from $9 to $17," says Gooden.