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 […]
In 2022, the industry saw a huge jump in the number of brands entering franchising to 414 brands with 2023 looking to finish at a similarly high number. Before Covid, the industry averaged some 322 new brands a year. Since then, there has been an average of 383 new brands. That is a growth of […]