March/April 2018Publisher's Message

Publisher’s Message: A Fresh Start Through Franchising

Looking for a fresh start as a new business owner this spring? Franchising is a great path to small business ownership, and this Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) issue is a great place to start. In this issue, we give you an in-depth look at the food service category, a glimpse into unique franchise concepts, plus franchisee success stories, expert advice, and more!

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2839″ align=”left” padding”0 0 15 15″] Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters is off to its own fresh start in 2018. The Newfoundland born and bred quick service chicken franchise is undergoing a major rebrand, as it continues its expansion throughout the country. In the cover story, we share the reasons behind and goals for this rebrand, and provide a taste of what it will mean for both the franchise and its franchisees.

QSR franchises across the country are stepping up to meet customer demands for convenience and value, and we shine the spotlight on four of these franchise systems. We also take you on a tour of Asian restaurants in our Asian Cuisine Across Canada article, highlighting authentic Asian flavours from coast to coast.

Franchisees across the food service category are taking their businesses to great heights, and are bringing their franchise systems with them. In our Iconic Brand article, we feature four McDonald’s franchisees, who provide an inside look at the franchise efforts that have helped propel the brand to its success today.

If you’re looking outside the food service category for an unconventional franchise concept, we have the details on four unique franchises, including concrete mixing, independent divorce resolution, mobile airbrush spray tanning, and eyewear finishing.

Females are a force in franchising, with more women looking to get involved as franchisees and franchisors. We share the stories of four such women who have carved out successful careers in franchising, along with their advice to help you get started. For more inspiration, check out the profile on Mary Kennedy Thompson, who transitioned from the military world to franchising, and is thriving in her position as COO of The Dwyer Group.

Along with profiles of flourishing franchisees and a range of franchise opportunities, this issue also offers advice from franchise experts to help you get started on the right franchising foot. Before you get too far into your franchise research, however, you should carry out a self-evaluation to ensure you have what it takes to make it as a franchisee. We have just the article to help, as we share the top 10 traits of best-in-class franchisees. Want even more franchising how-to articles? Head to the Franchising 101 section for a range of franchising guides and resource articles.

Whether you’re focusing on the food service category or one of the many other established and emerging categories, we hope that you use the tools, information, and franchisee insights in this issue to help you make your fresh franchising start a reality this spring.