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Franchised businesses have proven more resilient against the pandemic-induced economic downturn than their independent counterparts, but after months of lockdowns, many big brands are seeing franchisees in revolt, according to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-franchise-relationship-that-powers-small-business-is-fraying-11606750990?mod=hp_lead_pos5&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-brand-franchisors-franchisees-publicly-fight-as-covid-19-creates-industry-chaos-2714393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">a new report at the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;</a>A sprawling, 2,000-word article at the Journal delved into a series of franchisor vs. franchisee fights across multiple industries&nbsp; that have ended in lawsuits and public bickering.&nbsp;Subway franchisees, for example, bristled at the corporate office’s plan to sell two foot-long subs for $10, saying it was unprofitable.&nbsp;“I get that franchising isn’t a democracy, but at the same time, it’s not a dictatorship,” a Subway franchisee told the journal.&nbsp;Elsewhere, a yawning gap has opened up between the priorities of franchisees, many of whom are struggling to keep their businesses open, and franchisors, who tend to look at more macroeconomic trends.&nbsp;McDonald’s franchisees say the brand didn’t do enough to cut rent or defer royalty payments. The brand countered that it had taken “unprecedented action” by spending $100 million on marketing, according to the journal.<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-franchise-relationship-that-powers-small-business-is-fraying-11606750990?mod=hp_lead_pos5&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=big-brand-franchisors-franchisees-publicly-fight-as-covid-19-creates-industry-chaos-2714393" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Read the full report here.</a>

Big Brand Franchisors, Franchisees Publicly Fight As COVID-19 Creates Industry Chaos

1851 Franchise

In-fighting at big-name, national franchises has spilled over from private quarrels to a Wall Street Journal report. 

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Melting Pot

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Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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Comfort Keepers

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

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Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

Texas Layne’s Franchisee Secures Real Estate in Austin, Set To Open Early Next Year

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Big Brand Franchisors, Franchisees Publicly Fight As COVID-19 Creates Industry Chaos

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