1851

Franchising works by having a company <a href="https://1851franchise.com/tips-for-preparing-your-franchise-system-for-sale-2704626">sell its concept</a> to other entrepreneurs who agree to follow the business model in exchange for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/nick-powills-royalties-are-greater-than-fees-2709235">paying fees and royalties to the franchisor</a>. It is a mutually beneficial strategy — entrepreneurs choose to franchise businesses to raise capital and grow market share, while prospective franchisees choose to invest in a franchise because it provides a path to business ownership that’s significantly de-risked.A company becomes a franchise by filing a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-an-fdd-2705192">Franchise Disclosure Document</a> and licensing its branding and operational model to other entrepreneurs, who open, own and manage their own locations with the brand.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/franchising/franchising-faq.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-does-franchising-work-2716469#:~:text=How%20much%20is%20a%20McDonald's,be%20paid%20to%20the%20franchisor." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a>, for example, is <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets/032015/how-mcdonalds-makes-its-money-mcd.asp?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-does-franchising-work-2716469" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">93% franchisee-run</a> and is one of the world’s largest franchised brands. That means most McDonald’s are owned not by the McDonald’s corporation, but by entrepreneurs — or franchisees — who handle the day-to-day operation of their stores while the larger corporation — or franchisor — provides operational guidance, marketing support, vendor contracts and other resources. McDonald’s has established a brand name, reputation and processes of service that make it <a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-is-mcdonalds-considered-a-real-estate-company-2715077">profitable to own</a> and easier to launch than starting a business from scratch.&nbsp;Chipotle, on the other hand, is a chain restaurant, meaning every single Chipotle location is owned by the Chipotle Mexican Grill corporation, not individual franchisees. Unlike chains, franchised brands have greater flexibility in how they staff their stores and engage with their communities. Usually, a franchised business is owned by a local entrepreneur with ties to their geographic location.If you are interested in franchising with a company in 2021, check out 1851 Franchise’s list of <a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-are-the-best-franchises-to-own-this-year-2715333">the top franchise brands right now</a>.

How Does Franchising Work?

1851 Franchise

Franchising is a process in which an entrepreneur partners with a corporate brand to open a business. The franchisee owns and operates that location using the franchisor's brand name, logo, products, services and other assets.

how-does-franchising-work

Dillas Quesadillas

Dillas Quesadillas Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

dillas-quesadillas-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Paris Baguette

image of paris baguette Love Baked In Culture & Community Impact No Kid Hungry and City Harvest

How Paris Baguette’s ‘Love Baked In’ Culture Nourishes Communities

culture-love-baked-in-community

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom CEO Richard Brasch Reveals How the Iconic Pizza Brand Is Evolving Without Losing Its Soul

mellow-mushroom-ceo-richard-brasch-reveals-how-the-iconic-pizza-brand-is-evolving-without-losing-its-soul

Children's Lighthouse

Why Family-Owned Children’s Lighthouse Gives Franchisees a Long-Term Advantage

why-family-owned-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-advantage

Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Elena Galkina and her son Vlad Galkin, Santa, Clara, CA.

Minuteman Press Franchise Review: Elena Galkina & Vlad Galkin

minuteman-press-franchise-review-elena-galkina-vlad-galkin

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Round Table Pizza Franchisees Take FAT Brands to Court Over Marketing Fund Mismanagement

round-table-pizza-franchisees-take-fat-brands-to-court-over-marketing-fund-mismanagement

FAT Brands Nears Bankruptcy as Creditors Demand Repayment of $1.3 Billion Debt

fat-brands-nears-bankruptcy-as-creditors-demand-repayment-of-13-billion-debt

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

keith-sizemore-radiance-holdings-cdo

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

The Top 15 Pet Wellness and Vet Care Franchises for 2025

top-pet-wellness-franchise-opportunities

The Top 15 Pet Supplies and Retail Franchises for 2025

the-top-15-pet-supplies-and-retail-franchises

image of manar landis and maha zirn kashoor from griswold franchise in oklahoma city

Sisters Channel Humanitarian Experience Into New Griswold Franchise Serving Oklahoma City Families

griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

How Does Franchising Work?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS