Bucking the restaurant franchise trend
Restaurant franchising is bucking the trend when it comes to the economic downturn, especially for those who have always sold themselves as giving value for money. Certainly customers are more value conscious of late and the budget menus continue to be overwhelmingly popular. Despite predictions that jobs in franchise businesses could fall by 2.1 per cent (around 207,000 positions), restaurant franchising is still seen as one of the strongest sectors and lesser known brands are starting to pick off prime spots.
According to market research, restaurant industry traffic overall dipped two per cent in the last quarter of 2008, although quick-service restaurant franchises are faring better than full-service stores. The slowdown has opened up opportunities for some in the restaurant franchising business, who see less competition for prime locations and more willingness to negotiate on the part of land owners. Still, for many restaurant franchisees, access to money is what could make a difference in how many new sites start serving up food or how various operators weather the downturn.
A recent success story in the restaurant franchising business is the concept of “healthy fast-casual” dining, which is expanding throughout America. These restaurant franchises provide a healthy and tasty alternative to the traditional burger and bun, such as an array of quick and nutritious options including salads, wraps, rice bowls and soups in a “build your own” format. Food is typically served in a fast, fun, hip and environmentally sustainable atmosphere. Such chains are actively seeking restaurant franchise partners who have a passion for promoting healthy living in a fast paced world.
Meanwhile, other restaurant owners have decided to franchise their businesses. There are some tremendous deals in real estate right now and a lot of smart, qualified people who have been downsized from their jobs are looking to start their own business. This could be risky, however, as the legal and administrative costs associated with restaurant franchising can present a burden during a time when consumers are eating in. But with fast-casual and quick-service establishments seeing increases in business and with breakfast food being the fastest growing segment in the fast-food industry during the last two years, restaurant franchising may be the best move.
While most of the restaurant franchise fee goes toward development, a sizeable revenue fee will be received from each location. In addition, a small business footprint and simple menu make for low start-up costs. That, it has to be said, is an attractive selling point for those looking to run their own restaurant franchise.
About the Author
Janet Newton writes articles on franchising. In this artoi cles she discusses the problems in opening your own restaurant
Business Franchise – Italian Ice
Risk and excitement are involved when you start your own business. Many factors will determine your success. However, there are business designs that do not cost you much and are more likely to be successful. An opportunity such as this is something anybody should never miss. You just need to know the key. It can be any business of any field. One thing is for sure – you would always succeed if you have the right attitude. In whatever field there is, franchising is always an attractive business prospect. And one good example is Italian Ice franchising.
The first thing that you need to know is what Italian ice franchising is and how you can be able to make it work. This kind of business is about flavored ice and ice cream. The flavors are usually Italian or at least those that are marketed as an Italian product. Today, there are many businesses like this. The key is understanding the whole concept so that you can be up and running to start yours.
What are the products you will be selling and what is the level of support will you can expect from a company that sells franchises for its product or products? These are generally two questions you need to answer before considering a franchiser.
For Italian Ice franchising, basic support should include furnishing you with a complete manual on business operations and training for your staff. This way, you have streamlined policies and regulations for your staff to abide by.
Furthermore, the equipment to be used for operations. Your franchiser should sit down with you and talk about your business plan and other important things for you to do to increase your chances of success in this business. Before signing any contracts, it is good to review everything in order to make sure the terms are mutually agreeable and all conditions are fair for both parties.
When you get into business as a franchisee, the tasks of building your name is usually lighter because you don’t really have to start from the bottom in order to be known to people. In fact, businesses that run on franchises are designed for the entrepreneur’s success. The main issue here is your business strategy and your enthusiasm.
Italian Ice is a lucrative business especially for those who live in tropical countries. These are great treats and can allow you to develop a connection with people gradually as you begin. All the possibilities are limitless. If your franchise succeeds in a certain area, you can always branch out into other places you can explore. In other words, work for growth and don’t let your business be stagnant.
About the Author
An Italian Ice business can be a very simple yet bankable means to earn extra income with a great potential for business growth. Marketing Italian Ice will even be simpler. Needless to say, everyone just loves these delights!
Häagen-Dazs Bedazzles Ice Cream Lovers with ‘Midnight’ Dream Made of Cookies and Cream
Minneapolis, Minn. – Häagen-Dazs is celebrating the launch of the Midnight Dazzler™, the newest addition to the shop’s line of innovative and indulgent frozen desserts, by offering customers a chance to receive a coupon for a free treat.
Through March 31, customers who visit the Häagen-Dazs Shops Facebook page can sign up to receive a coupon for the new Dazzler, a rich, dark and divine treat that combines Häagen-Dazs Midnight Cookies and Cream ice cream with layers of hot fudge and cookie pieces.
To make it even easier, customers with smart phones will be able to scan an in-store quick response code that will instantly link them to the Häagen-Dazs Facebook page.
“Customers have fallen in love with our famous line of Dazzler desserts,” said Dawn Uremovich, president of Häagen-Dazs Shops. “We’re deeply committed to offering our guests high-quality, innovative treats, and we’re sure they’ll add the Midnight Dazzler to their list of dessert favorites.”
Häagen-Dazs’ Dazzler desserts are made from all-natural, fresh ingredients. In addition to the new Midnight Dazzler, the line includes:
o Banana Split Dazzler – This old-fashioned Banana Split is layered with three scoops of ice cream between bananas, warm caramel and whipped cream.
o Mint Chip Dazzler – A combination of mint-chip ice cream, hot fudge and chocolate sandwich cookie pieces, the Mint Chip Dazzler dessert is topped off with whipped cream and chocolate candy pieces.
o Dulce Split Dazzler – Made with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, this creamy frozen dessert is topped with bananas and warm caramel, served with whipped cream.
o Rocky Road Dazzler – Blending three layers of ice cream with hot fudge and cookie pieces, the Rocky Road Dazzler dessert hits the spot with its whipped cream topping and more cookie crumbles.
About Häagen-Dazs Shops
The first Häagen-Dazs Shop opened in 1976, giving consumers a new outlet for Häagen-Dazs all-natural super-premium ice cream. Today the Häagen-Dazs Shop system in the United States is made up of more than 250 Häagen-Dazs Shops, franchised by The Häagen-Dazs Shoppe Company, Inc., which proudly offer top quality indulgent desserts that start with Häagen-Dazs products. For more information, please visit haagendazs.com/shops/, join the company’s fan page at facebook.com/haagendazsshops, follow the brand at twitter.com/haagendazsshops,e -mail ownashop@icecream.com or call 1-800-793-6872.
About the Author
The Häagen-Dazs Shop system in the United States is made up of more than 250 Häagen-Dazs Shops, franchised by The Häagen-Dazs Shoppe Company, Inc.
Should I Utilize a Franchise Consultant?
If you’ve recently begun the process of finding a franchise business that is in alignment with your values, and if you’re conducting this search alone, it’s fair to say that you are at least partially, if not completely, overwhelmed.
Utilizing the internet in your search for the right opportunity can be a great place to find information on franchises. The downside to this approach, however, shows itself almost immediately. You’ll quickly become frustrated with the incredible massive amount of information and franchise companies that you find, many whom you’ve never even heard of, and often times this results in more questions than answers. In addition, you may only be exposing yourself to possibilities that are listed on the first page or two of a Google search. Doing this could block you from many franchise “golden nuggets”. Taking this approach is similar to attempting to buy or sell a home without the services of a realtor. It can work, but it will take much more time, effort, and research on your part, but even then, you are likely to never find the franchise business that is the best for you.
On the other hand, a professional franchise consultant can save you all of this aggravation by finding the perfect opportunity for you (at no charge) based on your interests, talents, and goals. Did you know that there are several thousand (at least) registered franchise businesses out there? Try researching even 1% of those options and see how long it takes to complete that exercise. A franchise consultant not only has already done this extensive research for you, but he also has key connections with hundreds of the best franchises available today that have been pre-screened and analyzed. The key advantage is that the agreements they do have are with solid, up and coming, or established franchise concepts that will meet the specific requirements of a potential franchise buyer.
In a nutshell, once you have a keen interest in a particular franchise shown to you, your consultant “takes you by the hand to the head of the class” and makes the proper introduction between you, the candidate, and the franchisor. You will be valued and respected by the franchisor immediately, not only based on the strong relationship between the franchisor and the consultant, but also because the consultant has pre-qualified and pre-screened you, deeming you a strong potential franchisee.
One of the most annoying and frustrating task the franchisor undertakes is the whirlwind of under-qualified, less-than-serious potential franchisees that they deal with. Imagine, if you will, the monumental task it would be to answer the phone several times each day from people who say “I want to buy a McDonalds. How much is it?” Not to mention the time involved in having to send out information packets to anyone that raises an eyebrow. A franchisor would need to create a full-time position just to handle this tedious job.
This is why the franchise consultant is so valued and respected by the franchisor. Only pre-qualified, serious candidates will be brought to the table. The franchisor is saved the time and money of having to undertake this task, and, therefore, he is willing to pay the consultant a fee if the candidate buys a franchise. A true win, win, win for all three parties. So, why wouldn’t you utilize a franchise consultant?
About the Author
Cory Barber is a professional franchise consultant affiliated with the world’s top franchise broker network. His free, confidential consulting services help guide you through the entire process of purchasing a franchise based on your background, skillset, lifestyle, and financial goals. For more information about his free Franchise Consulting Service contact Cory at his office: 877-271-4305.
Inform, Engage & Entice Your Audience
Communicating with your customers and prospective customers is probably one of the most important staples of good business…next to retaining and managing excellent staff. While there are more than enough ‘gurus’ out there to tell you everything you need to know about customer service and communication, I have to admit that for me…it is really simple: be just as genuine in your communicative transactions as you are with any other relationship in your life. (Unless of course you are about to spend time in jail for white collar crime…this article is not for you.)
My 3 Rules for Business Customer Communication are as follows:
Rule 1: Inform
Your customers and/or audience (your mailing list, attendees to your functions, social media networks, etc) listen to you for a reason – they value what you have to say. Do not take that for granted. There is nothing more annoying than being ‘spammed’ with over eager salespeople who think that you want everything they have to sell. In fact…you can learn from spammers – they certainly do NOT know their audience. (Example: I keep receiving invitations to try new drugs that will enhance a part of the anatomy I simply do not have – hence…I will not buy their product.)
When I say ‘Inform’ – I mean take the time to educate your audience on a subject they know little about (which may well be your specialism) or, if you have learnt something that made a big difference about the way you see or do something, share it!
By sharing you are displaying value instantly and you are not asking for anything in return other than their continued loyalty in being your audience. From time to time you can also inform them about any client successes you have had. By sharing these in a very specific way, you are saying (a) I’ve just completed a fantastic project for a client, (b) this is how I did it, and (c) this is what they have to say about me.
Rule 2: Engage
Now this is a term a lot of people don’t really GET – engage means you are not only informing as I’ve discussed above, but you are also asking your audience to TAKE PART. The more you get your audience to TAKE PART or to give feedback, the more you will learn about what they need, want, desire and most of all – what their pains and frustrations are. What do you do with this information? You try to help solve those pains and frustrations by creating a product or service that they wouldn’t think twice about buying – because 1) they respect your knowledge and 2) you have hit the nail on the head about what it is that they need.
Within the context of Social Media, it is ever so easy to get your audience to actively engage with you, however as with most things in life there needs to be a ‘what’s in it for me’ plug filled. This is where rule 3 comes in.
Rule 3: Entice
In order to effectively engage your audience and ensure that you capitalise on the time you have taken to inform your audience, you need to think what will entice your customers or prospects to engage with you and indeed to continue to listen to you. This rule is a crucial part to communicating with your audience. You can only entice your audience if you are authentic about your history of ‘informing’ and ‘engaging’ them. I know it sounds like a circle…and it is…they all work together.
You really have to think about how you entice your audience because it is the important element that will be of commercial interest to you. The enticement (is that a word?) is what will bring the money in at the end of the day. Let’s face it – although we need to enjoy what we do – we are not running businesses just for the sheer joy of it!
Business communication and customer relationship management is an important topic. Make sure you are getting on top of what the burning subjects or pains are of your customer audience.
About the Author
Get Shelley’s FREE report that outlines ‘The 7 Critical Realities You Need to Know Before You Buy a Franchise’ by clicking here and going to ‘Want to Start a Business’, or
Get your copy of her e-book ‘Buying a Franchise: A Route to Entrepreneurship’ by clicking here.
Worlds Number Internet Franchise WSI, Salutes the Memory of Pearl Harbor on December 7
-WSI The Really Best in Internet Franchising, shows humble gratitude to all Veterans and Salutes the American Courage
For Immediate Release
Toronto Ontario, December 7, 2010â• ¦..WSI would like to take a second and show gratitude to all Veterans today on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. It truly is difficult to re-imagine the tragedy of that awful day and its consequences.
To take a moment and realize the brutality of that day and realize that whilst in 2010 we’re organizing for a completely happy Christmas time, 69 years ago the U.S was arranging to officially enter the war.
WSI would like to take time out on this vital day to step away from Holiday gift wrapping and officially salute the courage of the American community and their veterans. We also pay specific reverence towards the brave veterans who didn’t return home to their families and loved ones right after the Pacific and European theater. We give a hushed thank you to their families and say a secret prayer.
To all veterans, who’re a part of the WSI household, we offer our hands in reverent realization and are proud to have you part of our organization. The ongoing initiatives of all troops past and present, is something WSI gives humble thanks for. The valor of the American men and women and their soldiers is something to fully acknowledge when Christmas morning does arrive in 2010, and we’re all safe and sound in our dwellings and celebrating with our loved ones.
About WSI – we simplify the Internet:
WSI will be the world’s #1 franchise offering internet marketing services to suit the requirements of numerous industries. The firm has the world’s biggest Internet Marketing Consultants’ network along with a powerful head office in Toronto, Canada. In 2009, WSI was the proud recipient of five Standard of Excellence Awards at the Annual WebAwards Competition organized by the Web Marketing Association (WMA). WSI has been ranked the #1 Internet Services Franchise in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 listing for 10 years in a row. Entrepreneur Magazine also ranks WSI at #13 amongst the Top Home Based Franchises and #49 in America’s Top Global Franchises. In 2010 WSI launched, Investing in America, a program aimed towards American Veterans looking to start a franchise at half the costs. If you’re an American veteran and would like additional details on this promotion please contact Elizabeth Monaghan at emonaghan@wsicorporate.com or please see
http://www.wsicorporate.com/investinginamerica2.asp
About the Author
WSI Corporate Media Buyer
mdurkin@wsicorporate.com
9053641222
Guided Steps for Franchising Your Business
If you have set your mind for franchising your business then you have taken right decision as franchising the existing business is the fastest way of expansion. It is a natural and fast method for growing business. The next thing that you want is to do it properly as small mistakes can lead you in big trouble in future. Try to counsel it with experts before deciding anything.
Franchising a unique way of business expansion as here you partner your existing business with someone else. You sell your business and strategies to new business owner. This requires utmost care and discipline. You should be clear on everything whether it’s your expansion plan, business strategies or future plans. You should be clear at every point. An experienced franchise consultant can help you and show you the right way to do the things. They can assist you in many ways like creating operations and other franchise manuals, solving different questions that generally come on when you go for franchising, making your attorney and planning franchise system and many more.
There are many franchise consultant out in the market but do go for anyone offering you to open your franchise. There are many people who just managed to add the company name in their client list to as they have done franchise work for them but have little knowledge. So decide your consultant wisely. Always try to cross check his knowledge by asking few questions and give your contact to him once you are satisfied.
Franchise Disclosure Document is one of the most important agreements for franchising as is quite lengthy. You need to make it very carefully and must take help from the experts. Don’t think of making it by downloading the sample and making one for you. A qualified franchise attorney can help you best in this as he know the current laws and company acts in the FTC. There are many clauses in it that you will find difficult answering. Once you are done with the franchise agreement and made all clauses very clear right from your expectations from the franchise owner to the level of service that you want him to maintain, the royalties and the code of conduct. You should mention the things like training programs, franchise fees and the facilities that you will provide the franchiser in that fee.
Franchising is a nice option for business expansion but you need to be careful while going through the legal documents involved in it.
About the Author
Anurag Nair works as an online marketer for a British based firm and writes regularly on different topics. Here he is sharing some steps for franchising your business.
Kinderdance Franchise Teaches Children through Developmental Movement Program
Kinderdance® is a nationwide dance, motor development, gymnastics and fitness program that teaches academic readiness skills to young children with an emphasis on building self confidence and self esteem. The program focuses on preparing children to enter the mainstream educational system by blending dance and gross motor development with academic readiness skills to teach the “total child”.
Kinderdance was developed by Carol Kay Harsell in 1979 that realized the importance of developmental movement activities, such as age appropriate dance and music, and wanted to reach as many children as possible. Today, the program remains focused on preparing children physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for mainstream education but has also expanded into fighting childhood obesity.
According to Richard Maltese, Vice President of Franchise Development for Kinderdance International, the program is more relevant today than when it was developed 30 years ago due to the way children’s lifestyles have changed. “We believe even more so today that children need to have successful movement programs available to them for a much healthier and happier life,” said Maltese.
As a franchise system, Maltese considers Kinderdance a recession proof concept because it fills a need for day care centers, pre-schools and other viable locations that are constantly searching for year-round, high quality, moderately priced programs. “There are more children than ever enrolled in childcare centers and caring parents are creating an even greater demand for the Kinderdance programs,” explained Maltese.
Kinderdance franchisees receive five different educational movement and dance programs for children ages 2 to 12 with the franchise fee. In addition, the system offers a secondary profit center for dancewear and movement attire that franchisees sell to parents. “Our concept is proven for more than 30 years. We are a low cost, low overhead system and our franchisees can work from home,” said Maltese.
Maltese maintains that Kinderdance franchisees do not have to be dancers. “We only have two qualifications for potential franchisees: high energy and a love for children. We will teach you our unique method of movement education for young children.”
Kinderdance continues to expand across the United States and internationally with a goal of doubling the number of domestic franchises and increasing international growth by three times within the next five to 10 years. The franchise offers both Exclusive and Area Developer territories and can provide in-house financing covering 75% of the initial franchise fee to qualified applicants.
For more information visit http://www.franchisegator.com/Kinderdance-franchise/
About the Author
Public Relations/Marketing Associate
Franchise Gator
www.franchisegator.com
The Worlds Top Rated Internet Marketing Consulting Franchise WSI, attends Digital Conference in Belgium
- World’s Finest Marketing Consulting Online Firm WSI, attends 5th Edition Marketing Conference -
Toronto, Ontario, November 10, 2010… WSI, the world’s #1 digital advertising and marketing consulting firm, participated in the 5th edition of the Digital Marketing First Conference, arranged by Best of Publishing, owner of the magazine Inside Digital Media and the #1 e-news website in Belgium.
Even more than 3,000 marketing specialists met for the exhibition, quite a few of whom attended WSI’s consultation services to acquire a healthier idea of digital media and web statistics and the value of establishing these practices into an web based promoting approach.
Ron McArthur, President of WSI, says, “According to ZenithOptimedia, in 2010 online advertisements investing in Belgium improved 10% over last calendar year, and by 2011 it will leap by 25%. It is apparent that digital advertising is escalating at a fast speed.”
Since its beginning, Digital Marketing First has turn into the biggest seminar of the marketing and advertising industry and new media in Belgium. An affair specifically created for experts, Digital Marketing First showcased 100 participants, more than 75 courses and 8 keynote speakers.
Elizabeth Monaghan, Vice President of Marketing for WSI stated, “WSI is a happy participator at these functions, we are honored to be in attendance and expect occurrences like these draw in executives looking for a franchise like WSI.”
For more details about WSI and the prospect to become a franchisee you should call Elizabeth Monaghan at 416-418-8751 or email at emonaghan@wsicorporate.com <mailto:emonaghan@wsicorporate.com>
About WSI – we simplify the Internet:
WSI is the world’s #1 business giving internet advertising solutions to suit the requirements of numerous sectors. In 2009, WSI was the proud beneficiary of 5 Standard of Excellence Awards at the Annual WebAwards Competition structured by the Web Marketing Association (WMA). WSI has been ranked the #1 Internet Services Operation in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 listing for 10 years in a row. Entrepreneur Magazine also ranks WSI at #13 among the Top Home Based Franchises and #49 in America’s Top Global Franchises.
WSI
WSI Corporate
WSI marketing
WSI Consultants
Franchise
WSI internet
World’s number internet franchise
internet franchise
We Simply the Internet
About WSI
WSI Internet Consultant
WSI franchise
Own WSI
WSI world leader
WSI business
WSI We Simply the Internet
Internet industry
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Elizabeth Monaghan
emonaghan@wsicorporate.com
Ask Elizabeth
Ask Elizabeth Monaghan
WSI Elizabeth Monaghan
Contact Elizabeth
Contact Elizabeth Monaghan
416-418-8751
About the Author
Media buyer for WSI Corporate
Elbow Grease And Night Owls Contribute To Restaurant Cleaning
Restaurants are known not only for the quality of their cuisine but the ambiance of their environment. Part of that ambiance is the level of cleanliness in evidence, which is not only desired but also required in the food service industry. The kitchens staff cleans constantly as they prepare food. The restaurant cleaning service comes late at night to finish the deep cleaning required to keep a restaurant in tiptop shape.
Developing a restaurant cleaning service provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who are self-motivated and want to start their own business. The first step to take is to study local health ordinances, insurance and fire regulations and requirements that relate to cleaning and maintenance services. Learn about cleaning products, especially green or environmentally safe and food industry safe products. Check out commercial cleaning franchises such as Jani-King for information on the kinds of services restaurant cleaning companies provide.
Companies contract with restaurants to perform specific tasks according to a time schedule. Daily tasks are things like cleaning out grease traps and running hood filters through the dishwasher. Weekly lists may include emptying, washing and sanitizing walk-in coolers, cleaning ovens and using drain cleaners on floor drains. Fire suppression systems may be checked monthly. Hoods must be cleaned twice a year and there are restaurant cleaning companies who strictly specialize in hood cleaning. The company may only be responsible for the kitchen area or may be hired to clean the dining room and restrooms also.
Basic equipment needed for a restaurant cleaning business includes a vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, dustpan, bucket, cleaning rags, all purpose (green) cleaner, grease cleaner, rubber gloves and strong muscles. It helps to hire night owls as staff so they will not mind the typical work hours of 1:00 a.m. until 5 or 6 a.m. If a company cares and cleans as though it owns the restaurant, it will satisfy its customers.
For more information about restaurant cleaning, please visit Jani-King corporate website.
About the Author
Jennifer