Pizza Hut’s largest franchisee declares bankruptcy

NPC has come to an agreement with its lenders on a restructuring plan to reduce the company's significant debt, which includes plans to sell its 385 Wendy's restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2020

Subway franchisees file FTC complaints over Footlong promotion

The sandwich chain brought back its $5 Footlong promotion on Tuesday despite ongoing pushback from franchisees claiming the offer is unprofitable. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 17, 2020

McDonald’s franchisees want to keep limited menu post-coronavirus

The National Owners Association told members last week the smaller menu helped improve service times and sales.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 8, 2020

Denny’s, IHOP franchisees close restaurants

Feast American Diners shuttered 15 Denny's in New York due to the impact of COVID-19, just weeks after an IHOP franchisee filed for bankruptcy and closed 49 units.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2020

McDonald’s warns franchisees of potential retrenchment from coronavirus crisis

McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger told operators on a call last week that they may have to consider selling locations or downsizing, Bloomberg reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 21, 2020

McDonald’s reopening requirements saddle operators with more costs

The chain's 59-page reopening guide for its U.S. restaurants includes purchasing recommendations for a $718 touchless sink and $310 automatic towel dispenser, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2020

Franchisees struggle alongside independents to ‘keep the lights on’ amid COVID-19

Up to 30,000 franchise businesses will lose all liquidity in the next month as paid sick leave and inflexible business interruption insurance clauses put extra pressure on operations.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 1, 2020

Burger King parent will give operators $70M in cash advancements

Restaurant Brands International is also pausing remodel obligations and deferring rent payments at properties it controls to free up cash for franchisees during the novel coronavirus pandemic. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 31, 2020

Burger King’s biggest franchisee reverses decision to cut staff pay 10%

Hourly reductions will only apply to staff above store-level workers and CEO Dan Accordino will forgo his salary for three months, Carrols told employees in a memo.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 25, 2020

Inspire Brands acquires 22 Buffalo Wild Wings from franchisee

Along with ICV Partners' $130 million acquisition of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, the company sold 22 Buffalo Wild Wings units to the restaurant holding company. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 13, 2020

Report: Subway to offer $5 value menu despite franchisee tension

Operators have previously voiced frustrations over the sandwich chain's discounts, one of many changes rolled out by new CEO John Chidsey in a bid to get the struggling company back on track. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 6, 2020

Jersey Mike’s to spend $150M on franchisee remodels

The sandwich chain plans to cover the $75,000 cost per store for these revamps, which it expects will result in a 10% increase in sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 3, 2020