Produced by FRANdata in partnership with the International Franchise Association (IFA), the 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook projects continued growth across the U.S. franchise sector despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. The report forecasts that franchised businesses will total approximately 845,000 establishments, employ nearly 8.9 million workers, and generate more than $920 billion in economic output in […]
Attending this year’s FSTEC reinforced one thing: restaurant operators remain an optimistic bunch. Ever since COVID, there’s been a resilient hope that tomorrow will be better, and that mindset continues to fuel innovation across the industry. One of the most striking data points shared at the conference was the 40% increase in restaurant wages between […]
Travel centers have evolved significantly from their humble beginnings as mere fueling stations with basic amenities. Today, they stand as sparkling hospitality hubs, offering an array of services that cater to a wide audience, including truck drivers, families on road trips, and even local residents seeking convenience and leisure. The modern travel center is a […]
The landscape of franchise financing is shifting. New lenders are entering the market, and the characteristics of the average franchisee are changing. The Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to make changes, and the Federal Reserve has been responding to a unique economy. The diversity of sectors and brands in franchising is vast, as is the […]
America’s fastest growing sport – Pickleball! Pickleball is taking America by storm, earning its title as the country’s fastest-growing sport. This dynamic game, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offers something for everyone. It’s played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a court like badminton but with a modified tennis […]