As one of the top 10 fastest growing franchises in the U.S. as named by Entrepreneur Magazine, 7-Eleven is making headway in revamping its inventory process, introducing targeted products and expanding its physical operations. The convenience store chain is the most widely recognized according to an EquiTrend study and as such the company is seeing some of its locations grow. In Florida, The Sun Sentinel reported that 7-Eleven will be building 15 stores by the end of the year and an additional 25 in 2013. On top of that, the chain grabbed up 183 Exxon Mobil locations in the Sunshine State and converted many to convenience chain locations since their acquisition in 2010. Franchisees looking to get franchise loans to help build up their current locations should try an online marketplace like … [Read more...]

As the corporate face of Applebee's and IHOP, DineEquity recently earned a 'B' credit rating from Fitch Ratings despite a mixed first quarter, a good sign for the franchise's financing. The Wall Street Journal reported that the company is making a turnaround as it focuses on revamping its Applebees locations and menus. Shareholders saw increases in stock values and gross margin, but revenue dropped almost 20 percent thanks thanks to a massive sell-off in March. These targeted restaurants now will only pay royalties and fees instead of submitting all takings from each site. The Fitch press release also stated the company is looking to overhaul an additional four percent of its existing locations so that 99 percent will be franchised as opposed to the current 95 … [Read more...]

In its annual review of the top 100 global franchises Subway was named at the top of Franchise Direct's rankings. The rankings backed by the International Franchise Association are measured by size of the business infrastructure versus number of individual units, as well as stability, growth and market expansion. Subway was given top marks for possessing a "clear business plan, a commitment to training and support, an ability to innovate and sensitivity to environmental issues" according to a press release from the Franchise Ranking group. The company intends to continue its hiring methods and will expand its international footprint over the next few years. In India alone Subway intends to have at least 1,000 stores open and operating no later than 2015. This comes despite … [Read more...]

Where do I start? The best exit strategy is one that has unfolded over the course of years.  It is never too early to begin an exit strategy.  You should have had one on the day you signed your franchise agreement. In addition, you should review your goals annually.   Part of the review should focus on your exit timing.   If you think now is the time to exit then you must honestly ask yourself how motivated you really are to sell. Like any   big   project, you   will   need  to devote time, money and effort to do it properly. Most small business owners, however, worry more about building their business than selling it and never plan  their  exit.    Be  assured, it’s never too late to develop a plan.  After making the decision that now is the time to exit you … [Read more...]

The Dollar General chain renegotiated its long-term franchise loans after a year of solid sales figures, earning it another three years of repayment without having to struggle with a higher premium. Matt Nemer, a security analyst at Wells Fargo, said that the company has seen nothing but revenue improvement, as the demand for low-cost products has been the same while consumers struggled with low income and unemployment. This is good news for franchise loan seekers who might want to get invested in Dollar General, especially during a troubling economic climate. If you're trying to find franchise financing, a loan marketplace like Boefly can get you started with a number of competitive lending options right online with only a few easy questions. Other highly competitive franchises like … [Read more...]

Restaurants and personal services franchises are seeing an increase in physical presence, profit and output from last year this time. A recent study shows consistent positive changes in the franchise market since 2009 and this trend is expected to continue in the coming year. The Franchise Business Report has projected that 2012 will see a 2.1 percent increase in GDP across the board for franchises, with almost the same amount of increase in consumer spending. Lending is also up 5 percent among business franchises so if you're looking for startup funds to get in on the franchise industry, a lending marketplace like Boefly may help you find the franchise loan that's right for you. Restaurant financing may be a new bright spot for lenders and investors alike, with current reports … [Read more...]

Last month, I attended the 15th Annual Franchise Times Franchise Finance Conference, sponsored by our friends at Franchise Times Magazine. It was a wonderful experience and my first time as a panelist/speaker at a franchising conference. While I was anxious about speaking to a group of fellow franchisors and bankers/reps from lending institutions, I was amazed at the warm reception.  … [Read more...]

Pizza is my favorite food. A thin crust folded, with double mozzarella, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and tangy tomato sauce gets my mouth doing summersaults. But I never tasted pizza until I was eight. Instead, American and Sweet Munchee cheeses were staples in the tiny Bronx tenement apartment where I was born in 1940. What’s more, the only flatbread I knew was matzo; plain, egg or salted --- not exactly taste-teaser toppings like pepperoni, pesto or mushroom. So when my neighbor and childhood friend Jules Puglese yelled out, “the pizza truck is outside,” he grabbed my arm and we bolted down the several flights of stairs. Jules gave me a bite of his pizza and I was hooked for life. So much so that I immediately told my mother about this new taste sensation I … [Read more...]

There’s no way to sugar coat it: It’s gotten harder to get a small business loan, even for highly qualified borrowers. Thankfully, Planet Beach Contempo Spa is making it much easier to find a banker who is ready to say “yes.” http://myplanetbeachfranchise.com/franchise-news/planet-beach-can-help-new-business-owners-find-small-business-loans/ … [Read more...]