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The franchising industry is currently at a pivotal point both in its history and for its success in the future. Between a volatile political climate, recovering economy and general public that&rsquo;s confused about what franchising really is, the industry&rsquo;s leaders are tasked with preserving the unique business model that provides jobs to millions.

That&rsquo;s where the <a href="http://www.franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-international-franchise-association-is-making-sure-that-the-fight-for-franchising-is-real-2704136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Franchise Association</a> comes in. Led by president and CEO Robert Cresanti, the IFA is actively taking steps as the industry&rsquo;s leading supplier to ensure that franchising has a bright future. And those ongoing efforts begin by acknowledging one of the biggest issues facing the industry today: a glaring gap in education.

&ldquo;There is a widespread misunderstanding among the public and even elected officials about what franchising is and how it actually helps local communities,&rdquo; <a href="https://1851franchise.com/details/10004/How-the-IFA-Plans-to-Combat-the-Top-Five-Issues-Facing-Franchising-in-2017" target="_blank">Cresanti told 1851</a>.

To help the general public better understand the ins and outs of franchising&mdash;including all of the benefits that the business model brings to the table&mdash;Cresanti and other members of the IFA&rsquo;s franchising community are actively working to explain the relationship between franchisors and their franchisees. By highlighting that local business owner connection, the IFA is confident that it will be able to shine a light on the small business owners who are driving the industry forward.

In fact, at <a href="https://1851franchise.com/details/4690/FranConnection-2016-IFA-President-CEO-Outlines-Plan-to-Fight-Back-Against-Existential-Franchising-Threat-" target="_blank">FranConnect&rsquo;s conference in 2016</a>, Cresanti noted, &ldquo;Franchising represents the biggest trainer of jobs and creator of brighter futures in America, and maybe even in the world,&rdquo; Cresanti said. &ldquo;We train more people for a successful employment future than even the U.S. military. We need to shout that story from the rooftops to help secure our future and ensure that even more people can use franchising to climb the ladder to success for decades to come.&rdquo;

Despite the success that the franchising industry consistently sees, it&rsquo;s still facing numerous challenges outside of education. From minimum wage to the evolving definition of what it means to be a full-time employee, there are both active and impending pieces of legislation that can determine the fate of the industry. That&rsquo;s why, in an effort to keep the franchise business model moving forward, the IFA is taking a stand against the new joint employer standard.&nbsp; Under the rule, franchisors and franchisees can be deemed to share the ability to govern workers&rsquo; terms and conditions of employment. And as Cresanti pointed out in a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/details/8893/IFA-President-and-CEO-Robert-Cresanti-Reflects-on-2016" target="_blank">reflection of the industry at the end of 2016</a>, this issue has the potential to set the tone for the industry for years to come.

Cresanti said, &ldquo;The top priority for us is still our existential threat, which is the joint employer standard that was announced by the National Labor Relations Board.&rdquo; He continued, &ldquo;That standard destroys the autonomy that franchisees have to run their own businesses. It basically makes them middle managers in a larger organization that would cause real damage to the underlying model.&rdquo;

Beyond serving as the franchising industry&rsquo;s lobbyist, the IFA is also applauding the work of those in Congress who are trying to change the joint employer standard. This past July, for example, the IFA threw its support behind the Save Local Businesses Act.

<a href="https://www.franchise.org/introduction-of-joint-employer-legislation-marks-important-step-in-efforts-to-preserve-locally-owned?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-international-franchise-association-is-making-sure-that-the-fight-for-franchising-is-real-2704136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In a release</a>, Cresanti said, &ldquo;This is the most important legislation for franchising in a generation. The franchise model has worked well&nbsp;to put thousands of American families into business for themselves, but not by themselves, provide job opportunities to countless hardworking Americans, and contribute tremendous economic benefits to local economies.&rdquo;

Even as the franchising industry continues to face potentially damaging regulations, the business model is thriving. And it&rsquo;s consistent level of success is no doubt due to the combination of hard work from franchisors and franchisees and organizations like the IFA.

&ldquo;Our economic statistics indicate that we&rsquo;ve out-performed competing non-franchise market segments every year in growth, and that trend continues. We expect it to continue this year. So I think all is at an even keel at the moment,&rdquo; said Cresanti in a recent <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/franchising/ifas-ceo-speaks-out-future-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-the-international-franchise-association-is-making-sure-that-the-fight-for-franchising-is-real-2704136" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">interview with QSR Magazine</a>. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re also really anticipating and looking forward to opportunities that we haven&rsquo;t had in the past eight years with the coming of [President] Trump.&rdquo;

The IFA has made a commitment to ensure that the fight for franchising is real, no matter who&rsquo;s in office or what political party has a Congressional majority. According to Cresanti, that&rsquo;s because franchising&rsquo;s reach extends far beyond what&rsquo;s happening in Washington, D.C.

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/details/9813/IFA-2017-Robert-Cresanti-Aziz-Hashim-Outline-Plan-of-Attack-to-Preserve-the-Power-of-Franchising" target="_blank">At IFA 2017</a>, Cresanti said, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s up to all of us to be advocates for this industry. It&rsquo;s not the Republican way or the Democratic way&mdash;it&rsquo;s the American way.&rdquo;

How the International Franchise Association is Making Sure that the Fight for Franchising is Real

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The top supplier and lobbyist is actively taking steps to ensure that the future of franchising is bright.

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

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A class-action lawsuit filed late last month in U.S. District Court in Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/lawsuit-accuses-mcdonalds-deception-mcrib-has-no-rib-meat/">accuses McDonald's of deceptive advertising over its iconic McRib sandwich</a>, arguing that the product’s name and marketing mislead consumers into believing it contains actual pork rib meat. The plaintiffs, representing several states, claim the fast-food chain has intentionally cultivated hype and scarcity around the McRib through limited-time releases and advertising campaigns, most recently bringing the sandwich back in November. "The name 'McRib' is a deliberate sleight of hand. By including the word ‘Rib’ in the name of the sandwich, McDonald's knowingly markets the sandwich in a way that deceives reasonable consumers, who reasonably (but mistakenly) believe that a product named the 'McRib' will include at least some meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat, which commands a premium price on the market," the lawsuit said. "McDonald's does this despite knowing that the sandwich in fact does not contain any meaningful quantity of actual pork rib meat — indeed, none at all."Instead, the complaint alleges that the sandwich contains no rib meat at all and is made from restructured pork derived from lower-grade cuts.&nbsp;"Put simply: consumers have been materially misled en masse as a result of McDonald's deceptive labeling and marketing into purchasing sandwiches that they would not otherwise have purchased, or would only have paid less for, had they known the truth," the lawsuit said.McDonald’s strongly disputed the claims. "This lawsuit distorts the facts, and many of the claims are inaccurate,” McDonald’s said in a statement. “Food quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do — that's why we're committed to using real, quality ingredients across our entire menu. Our fan-favorite McRib sandwich is made with 100% pork sourced from farmers and suppliers across the U.S. We've always been transparent about our ingredients so guests can make the right choice for them."<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-mcrib-has-returned-is-mcdonalds-bouncing-back-2714359">The McRib</a>, first introduced in 1981, has since become a cult favorite, cycling on and off menus over the decades and achieving nationwide availability in 2020.Read the full CBS News article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/lawsuit-accuses-mcdonalds-deception-mcrib-has-no-rib-meat/">here</a>.

The class-action suit claims the cult-favorite sandwich’s name, shape and pricing deceive customers about what they’re really buying.

McDonald’s Faces Lawsuit Alleging McRib Contains No Actual Rib Meat

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<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500</a> has arrived, and it demonstrates a few key shifts within the industry. The ranking, widely recognized as the gold standard, weighs key data points — including costs and fees, size and growth, support and brand strength — to determine the final list. This year, the results point to an industry that’s both leaning into legacy brands and embracing niche, innovative ones that address the shifting business and investing landscape.<h2>The Top 10 Brands of 2026</h2>Familiar powerhouses dominate the top 10, but notably, Jersey Mike’s moved into the No. 1 spot, dethroning Taco Bell.<ol><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jersey-mikes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720908">Jersey Mike’s</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/taco-bell-franchise-deep-dive-2720788">Taco Bell</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dunkin-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720835">Dunkin’</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-ace-hardware-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720851">Ace Hardware</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/kumon-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2729462">Kumon</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wingstop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720864">Wingstop</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-the-ups-store-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2727441">The UPS Store</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hampton-by-hiltons-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722575">Hampton by Hilton</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/culvers-franchise-costs-fees-roi-2025-2720843">Culver’s</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mcdonalds-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2720737#stories">McDonald’s</a></li></ol><h2>Other Shifts and Market Trends</h2>While the top 10 features familiar quick-service restaurants, the ranking also highlights the popularity of other community-focused and need-based models.Beyond the household names, the 2026 ranking highlights the strength of home services franchises; the “care economy,” with both childcare and senior care models; and other specialized industries that were previously fragmented by many independent organizations.For the broader economy, the Franchise 500 proves that franchising remains one of the most stable vehicles for wealth creation. Top brands this year suggest investors are no longer looking for just the biggest name or newest fad. Rather, they’re gravitating toward brands with strong infrastructure and recession-resistant, utility-focused models.View the full ranking&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">here</a>.

2026 Franchise 500 design with Jersey Mike's, Dunkin', Taco Bell, Ace Hardware, and Kumon

The latest rankings reveal a new leader, a surge in the “care economy,” and an emphasis on stability, infrastructure and recession resistance. 

The 2026 Franchise 500: New Rankings and Market Shifts

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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

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


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

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

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How the International Franchise Association is Making Sure that the Fight for Franchising is Real

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