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Between increases in minimum wage and same-store sales growth across most segments of the restaurant industry, restaurant operators had a busy 2016.

&ldquo;We&#39;re such a huge part of the U.S. and global economy &mdash; a huge part of the lives of a lot of people who dine with us daily,&rdquo; writes David Cantu, co-founder and chief revenue officer of HotSchedules. &ldquo;As a result, we&#39;re always going to be at the center of change and we&#39;ll always have to deal with a degree of unpredictability. Looking forward to 2017, the technology trend line will be in lock step with the complexity trend line.&rdquo;

For <a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/blogs/tech-trends/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fast-casual-6-ways-technology-can-conquer-2017s-top-challenges-9065" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fast Casual</a>, Cantu laid out how technology can help the restaurant industry manage the challenges ahead, including wage increases, overtime regulations, labor forecasting and brand makeovers.

&ldquo;What we know for sure in 2017, is that technology is no longer a nice-to-have, it&#39;s a competitive edge with your consumers and your employees,&rdquo; writes Cantu. &ldquo;Staying competitive, means restaurants will have to cultivate a culture of technology, engagement and collaboration and then empower their teams to use to navigate, control, optimize, plan or power through and succeed in spite of whatever the market throws your way.&rdquo;

<a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/blogs/tech-trends/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fast-casual-6-ways-technology-can-conquer-2017s-top-challenges-9065" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to read the full article.</a>

Fast Casual: 6 Ways Technology Can Conquer 2017’s Top Challenges 

1851 Franchise

Industry insider shares how technology can help restaurant operators tackle 2017. 

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Fresh Coat

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Keys to Team Retention for Fresh Coat Painters Franchisees

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Pet Wants

3 Keys to Franchise Success with Pet Wants: Passion, Support, and Hard Work

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How This Health Care Professional Turned a Personal Pet Problem Into a Growing Business With Pet Wants

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Lawn Doctor

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Former Lawn Doctor Employees Journey Back to Ownership Led to Succession Success Story

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FSC Franchise Co.

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The Brass Tap: Why This Bar Franchise Thrives with Strong Margins and Evolving Offerings

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Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

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KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

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FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

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Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

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Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

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<a href="https://princestreetpizza.com/">Prince St. Pizza</a> has partnered with a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529">Dave’s Hot Chicken</a> franchisee to support its national expansion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news/prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-expansion/#:~:text=Prince%20St.%20Pizza%2C%20a%20New%20York%2Dbased%20pizzeria,the%20country%2C%20according%20to%20a%20press%20release.">Pizza Marketplace recently reported</a>. The New York-based brand has joined forces with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencekourie/">Lawrence Kourie</a>, founder and largest franchisee of Dave’s Hot Chicken, to grow its footprint across the country. Kourie’s experience opening and operating locations in multiple markets will help the brand as it enters new territories."Lawrence has built and operated one of the fastest-expanding restaurant concepts in the country, but what stands out is his disciplined approach to growth and brand integrity," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-longo-342856/?skipRedirect=true">Lawrence Longo</a>, CEO of Prince St. Pizza. "He understands how to develop a concept without losing what made it special in the first place, which is critical as we enter this next phase."The expansion will use Kourie’s existing infrastructure and operations to introduce Prince St. Pizza into new markets. Each location will aim to reflect the same experience as the brand’s original Nolita shop."I have spent years evaluating restaurant concepts, and it is rare to find one that delivers both a strong product and a clear identity," Kourie said. "What Prince St. has built is difficult to truly replicate. The focus now is on growing the brand in a way that preserves that foundation while introducing it to new communities."Kourie is a key operator within the Dave’s Hot Chicken system,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion-2729557#stories">which Roark Capital acquired in a $1 billion deal in 2025</a>. The partnership connects Prince St. Pizza to an operator with experience scaling a brand that has attracted major private equity investment.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news/prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-expansion/#:~:text=Prince%20St.%20Pizza%2C%20a%20New%20York%2Dbased%20pizzeria,the%20country%2C%20according%20to%20a%20press%20release.">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Prince St. Pizza is teaming up with a leading Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee to expand nationwide, tapping proven operator experience to drive growth.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">recent release</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://rf-partners.com/">RF Investment Partners</a>, a group focused on flexible capital solutions and value-add support to lower-middle-market businesses, has teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burlingtoncp.us/">Burlington Capital Partners</a>, a group focused on family, founder and operator-owned lower-middle-market businesses, to acquire a prominent multi-territory&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.neighborly.com/precision-door">Precision Garage Door Service</a> franchise.The investment marks the seventh platform for RF within the service space. Precision Garage Door Service, which is part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neighborly.com/">Neighborly</a> ecosystem, specializes in the installation, maintenance and repair of garage doors.&nbsp;“We are proud to partner with management and the Burlington team to support continued growth by investing in people and operational excellence,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fidler-6787143">Peter Fidler</a>, managing partner and co-founder of RF Investment Partners, said in the release. “The sector continues to present compelling opportunities given the essential nature of garage door repair, and we look forward to building on Precision’s strong foundation to drive long-term value.”This deal is part of the broader trend toward institutionalized multi-unit and multi-territory operators. Previously, franchising was largely viewed as the place for “mom-and-pop” businesses. And while franchises remain small, local businesses, the aggressive entry of private equity firms focused on operators (franchisees) rather than the brand (franchisor) is bringing new energy to small business ownership.Read the full release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

The strategic investment marks the seventh residential services platform for RF and reflects a growing institutional desire for high-potential, operator-led franchises.

RF Investment Partners and Burlington Capital Join Forces to Acquire Top Precision Garage Door Franchise

rf-burlington-precision-garage-door-acquisition

<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/">Yum! Brands</a> is considering a potential sale of Pizza Hut and plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">recent article on Simply Wall St</a>. For the franchising industry, the significance is less about the stock and more about what it says about how large franchisors are managing brand portfolios in a high-cost operating environment.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pizza-hut-franchise-deep-dive-2722519">Pizza Hut</a> is one of the most recognizable names in franchising. If Yum! decides to sell it, that would be a notable shift for a company built on a multi-brand platform. For years, large brand groups have argued that operating multiple concepts creates advantages, including shared resources, stronger purchasing power and the ability to invest in technology across the system. A sale would suggest Yum! believes those benefits no longer outweigh the effort required to improve Pizza Hut’s performance.The planned closures may have the most immediate impact on franchisees. When a franchisor reduces its footprint, it can change how the brand performs in local markets. Fewer locations can mean less convenience for customers, which can hurt overall traffic. It can also weaken the effect of local advertising when there are fewer restaurants supporting promotions in the same trade area.Closures can also affect store-level economics in ways that go beyond the locations that shut down. In some markets, remaining franchisees may pick up some displaced demand. In others, customers may switch to competitors. The changes can also affect local co-op advertising budgets and, depending on how purchasing and distribution are structured, can influence costs tied to volume.The move comes as competition in pizza remains intense, with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724607">Papa Johns</a> continuing to push delivery, digital ordering and value-focused offers. Simply Wall St notes Yum! has been rolling out its Byte digital platform across brands. If Yum! changes Pizza Hut’s role in the portfolio, it could also change where the company focuses its technology and marketing investment.For franchise systems watching from the outside, Yum!’s review is a reminder that growth is not always the main priority. Sometimes the bigger decision is whether a legacy brand can be improved inside a platform or whether it will perform better under a different owner and a different plan.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Yum! is reviewing the brand and closing 250 U.S. locations, a move that could affect franchisees and reshape its restaurant portfolio.

Possible Pizza Hut Sale Signals Shift in Yum! Brands’ Franchise Strategy

yum-brands-pizza-hut-sale

Private equity firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kkr.com/">KKR</a> has reached an agreement to acquire bakery franchise&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities/">Nothing Bundt Cakes</a> from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.roarkcapital.com/">Roark Capital</a> in a deal valued at more than $2 billion, including debt, according to multiple reports.The transaction, first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/kkr-strikes-deal-for-nothing-bundt-cakes-e02bcdb9">reported by The Wall Street Journal</a> and later&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kkr-acquire-nothing-bundt-cakes-over-2-billion-wsj-reports-2026-03-25/">confirmed by Reuters</a>, marks another major move in the restaurant and franchise investment space as private equity firms continue to target brands with strong unit economics and scalable franchise systems.Founded in 1997 by two mothers,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-nothing-bundt-cakes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721459">Nothing Bundt Cakes</a> has grown from a small, homegrown concept into a major player in the specialty dessert category. The brand now operates more than 500 bakeries across the U.S. and Canada, offering a range of customizable cakes in flavors such as red velvet, confetti and banana pudding.Roark Capital acquired the Dallas-based brand in 2021 and has since overseen its continued expansion. The company is well known for its deep portfolio of restaurant and franchise investments, including&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-subway-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722471#stories">Subway</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion-2729557#stories">Dave’s Hot Chicken</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://inspirebrands.com/">Inspire Brands</a>, the parent company of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jimmy-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724295">Jimmy John’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-arbys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720798">Arby’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dunkin-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720835">Dunkin’</a>.According to Reuters, Nothing Bundt Cakes is expected to generate approximately $120 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization this year, highlighting the brand’s financial strength and appeal to investors.Recent restaurant deals suggest buyers are still willing to pay for brands with room to grow.&nbsp;<a href="https://sycamorepartners.com/">Sycamore Partners</a> bought&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-playa-bowls-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725001">Playa Bowls</a> in late 2024, the same year&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/blackstone-acquires-majority-stake-in-jersey-mikes-signaling-ambitious-growth-plans-2727945">Blackstone made its move on Jersey Mike’s Subs</a>. Nothing Bundt Cakes fits that same pattern. Its franchise model gives investors a brand with an established footprint and a business that can keep expanding without taking on all of the cost at the corporate level.KKR has historically been less active in restaurant investments but has made selective moves, including a 2024 investment in cloud kitchen platform&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rebelfoods.com/">Rebel Foods</a>.Neither KKR nor Roark Capital commented publicly on the transaction, according to Reuters.Read the original WSJ article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/kkr-strikes-deal-for-nothing-bundt-cakes-e02bcdb9">here</a>.Read the original Reuters article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/kkr-acquire-nothing-bundt-cakes-over-2-billion-wsj-reports-2026-03-25/">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

The deal underscores continued private equity interest in franchise-heavy restaurant brands with predictable revenue and room to scale.

How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Beef 'O' Brady's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a family sports pub concept built around community, casual dining and lifelong local loyalty.

beef-o-bradys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

image of urswim franchise deep dive costs and fees and investment range

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A purpose-driven swim instruction and aquatics management franchise offering at-home, indoor and community-based swim programs.

urSwim Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

urswim-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

amada-senior-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Fast Casual: 6 Ways Technology Can Conquer 2017’s Top Challenges

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