Franchise Times Magazine

Franchise Times is a specialized magazine that focuses on the franchise industry, but its readers often say it's more than just a typical trade publication. Published ten times a year, the magazine features expert columns, thorough analyses, investigative reports, and a variety of articles aimed at helping franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, and suppliers enhance their operations. In addition to serious topics, it also offers lighter content, including profiles and stories about the individuals and companies that thrive in various sectors using the franchise model to expand their businesses. Located in Minneapolis, Franchise Times was acquired from Crain Communications in Chicago in 1998. The first issue under the new ownership of Restaurant Finance Corporation came out in 1999. The parent company has now rebranded itself as Franchise Times Corp.

National, Trade/B2B

English

Magazine

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Global

#758975

United States

#208409

News and Media

#6693

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Articles

Shift Arcade’s Franchise Launch Drives Sim Racing Into Mainstream

2 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

Simulation racing—better known as sim racing—has risen in popularity in tandem with that of motorsports. Shift Arcade, a California-based sim racing concept, believes this surging interest makes now the perfect time to launch its franchise system. Co-founders Paul Baillie and Greg Tucker opened their first Shift Arcade in 2023 in Concord, California. The concept grew its presence in a residential mall for nearly two years, bringing in about 1,000 reservations per month.
More Closures Hit Hooters Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings

2 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

Hooters, which since the beginning of 2024 closed 48 underperforming company restaurants, added another 30 to the list this week. It now has about 200 corporate and franchised locations in the United States; franchisees operate an additional 60 international units. The casual dining chain that helped popularize the "breastaurant" concept is working to emerge from bankruptcy after filing for Chapter 11 protection in late March.
Fitness Franchisor D1 Training Faces Fraud Allegations as Franchisees Say They Were Misled

3 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

• D1 Training franchisees are seeking damages related to what they say are fraudulent claims of profitability and, citing violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, asked a court to prohibit D1 from selling franchises. • Owners say the brand misrepresented the involvement of well-known athletes such as Peyton Manning and Chris Paul in order to sell franchises.
Gen Z Turns to Franchising for Business Ownership, Leadership Roles

4 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

In her mid-20s, Grace Kitchen already has a long-standing relationship with franchising. Though she officially took on marketing and social media roles in 2019 for her mom’s franchise, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Sonoma County, Kitchen recalls a much earlier start. “I often say since birth because I grew up in it,” Kitchen said of her start date.
Former HomeVestors Franchisee Pleads Guilty to Bilking Investors

4 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Joe Halpern

Charles Carrier, who was terminated by the house flipping franchise in October, faces a 20-year prison sentence after admitting to felony wire fraud involving $200,000. Federal prosecutors in Texas said his Ponzi-like scheme cost investors nearly $40 million. HomeVestors of America said it’s pleased to see justice play out after one of its former franchisees pleaded guilty to bilking investors in Texas out of tens of millions of dollars.
Roark Adds to Massive Franchise Portfolio With Dave’s Hot Chicken Buyout

6 days ago | franchisetimes.com | Laura Michaels

It’s a 10-digit sale for the fast-casual hot chicken chain that five years ago had just seven restaurants. Bill Phelps, the CEO of Dave’s, says major international expansion is on the way as the brand closes in on $1 billion in systemwide sales. Roark Capital beat out multiple private equity firms to acquire Dave’s Hot Chicken in a deal valued at $1 billion.
Taco Bell Franchisee Thinks Inside the Bun With Bobby’s Burgers Deal

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Matthew Liedke

After initial success with a Bobby’s Burgers restaurant in Utah, multi-brand franchisee Joe Sample is doubling down on the partnership with a deal for multiple units in Arizona. The development builds on Bobby’s Burgers’ presence in the state, as it has one airport location. Joe Sample knows what it takes to build up a concept in an untapped market. As a Taco Bell franchisee, he assisted the Mexican QSR with developing stores in Montana.
Where Are They Now? Keke’s Café Expands National Reach With Help From Denny’s

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Alyssa Huglen

It’s been nearly three years since Denny’s acquired breakfast and brunch concept Keke’s Café for $82.5 million. Keke’s president David Schmidt said the reaped benefits are driving the brand to the next level. “They’ve been great partners with us. When you’re presenting with a brand that’s been around for 70 years and is obviously a huge presence in the franchise world, they’ve got the franchising playbook, which has been fantastic,” Schmidt said.
Large Dunkin’ Franchisee Inks 12-unit Agreement with Slim Chickens

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Joe Halpern

Family-owned Vigario Management plans to develop the southern-style chicken brand in its core markets of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Vigario Management Corp., a large Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins franchisee based in Virginia, is back in the chicken business and CEO Andy Cabral said his family selected the right brand to grow their restaurant portfolio.
Large Multi-Unit Franchisee Fitness Ventures Powers Toward Top Within Crunch

1 week ago | franchisetimes.com | Joe Halpern

The second largest Crunch franchisee is harnessing the power of the brand and making its own intensive membership push as it seeks dominance in the high-value, low-price gym segment. "We really hit the ground running from the start and have never looked back," said the group's CEO.