Owning a restaurant franchise can be one of the most rewarding career paths one can embark on, especially given the inherent advantages of the industry. Studies have shown that franchises rank in the top 10 business ventures list due to their proven track record of generating revenue through effective branding.
Being a restaurant franchisee means having a support team behind you at all times, which is excellent news given their annual financial output which just so happens to be the highest when compared to other franchise ventures. Not only will you be your own boss, but you’ll have far less to worry about when it comes to setup, and far more to look forward to when it comes to financial success. Here are some of the key advantages of being a restaurant franchisee.
IT JUST WORKS
One of the largest advantages for franchise owners is the ability to take advantage of a proven track record created by the franchisor. The hard work has already been done, including research, menu creation, company standards and branding. The success of a restaurant franchise can be tied heavily to its growth, and successful brands continue to expand, rather than shrink. By becoming a franchise owner, one can leapfrog past much of the initial headaches and testing required to find the right operational balance. After all, it’s far better to invest with a brand that has already proven they have a successful model.
BRAND RECOGNITION
Great restaurant franchises have already made huge marketing strides right across the board, and have established themselves as heavy hitters who offer great food and fun experiences for their patrons. Becoming a franchise owner allows one to effectively crash the party when it’s already in full swing, and forego the tribulations of startup marketing. Also, word of mouth advertising has already been built up over the course of many years, meaning there’s a steady influx of customers just waiting to drop in to your establishment. Established brands with a strong message and great reviews are far easier to invest in, set up and execute operations. It’s a fast-track towards revenue, rather than startup costs.
INVENTORY
Established franchise brands have already cut deals with a variety of suppliers to secure food items and other products at a reduced cost. This is nothing new, but it’s something new franchisees can take full advantage of to further reduce costs and increase revenue generation. The head office has already built relationships with prominent suppliers over the course of many years, and the greater the quantity of business, the lower the item cost. Picture the difference between approaching suppliers and vendors to acquire inventory as the owner of an unknown startup, versus an established, reputable brand.
ORGANIC MARKETING
Many think that the biggest restaurant brands became successful simply by way of a large marketing budget. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While having an established brand is a step in the right direction, it’s nothing without customer satisfaction to back it up. Word of mouth advertising is huge, especially in the online age of Google Reviews and Yelp. Franchising can be viewed as a daisy-chain of successful locations that are each spreading the word about the overall brand, its products and the value of its service. Those interested in your franchise will navigate online to various review sites to see what customers have had to say about other locations. This in turn helps spread the word about your location, and gives your customer base a pinpoint location to come visit. The rest is up to you.
A SUPPORT TEAM
Owning a restaurant is a tough business, and the majority will fail outright in the first year. That’s not to cast a shadow on the industry, as clever entrepreneurs have made world-famous names for themselves by remaining independent. However, this route still carries a much greater risk of failure, and can take much longer to establish versus a popular franchise brand. Those first few years can be crushing for restaurant owners, which is why owning a franchise yields to many advantages. Head office views each new franchise as a partnership, and will actively help franchise owners navigate the waters and build up their confidence and management savviness. Remember, they have done the hard work already on everything from cooking techniques to brand image, reputation management and an online presence. The peace of mind that comes with having a strong at your back is indescribable.
Any business is a challenge, but reducing risk by partnering with an established restaurant franchise is a ticket to success right across the board. Owning a restaurant franchise in Canada reduces initial risks and increases the likelihood of fast-tracked success. From there, many franchisees opt to open secondary or even tertiary locations following the success of their first venture. This diversifies their investment portfolio while giving them valuable experience that streamlines the entire process and makes it that much easier to expand. Franchising is on the upswing, even during the Covid-19 economic recovery phase. Take advantage of a golden opportunity to set yourself up for financial success, while giving patrons a much-needed reason to get out of the house and enjoy life. Everyone wins.
For more information on benefits of owning a restaurant franchise with Hub Restaurant, please contact us today ! We’d love to partner with you and work towards even greater success.
When the Covid-19 pandemic first struck the world, many businesses felt as if they were in a sink-or-swim scenario that required quick thinking in order to weather the oncoming storm. Indeed, many restaurants and franchises bore the brunt of the pandemic’s effects in the form of lockdowns and restrictions when it came to things like indoor dining, etc.
Third-party delivery services soon became a popular go-to method for keeping business going, even if it was at a reduced level. Food was still going out, and customers unable or unwilling to head out to the restaurant now had an option for themselves and their families. Moving forward into 2021, delivery services will probably stick around until such time as people cautiously filter back into a normal routine. In the meantime, here’s how delivery services can help you score big with your patrons.
NO WAITING
While a lot of customers were used to the convenience of drive-through windows and easy indoor dining at their favorite franchises, delivery is a whole other affair. 2020 marked the year when this kind of service became the norm, rather than the exception. In fact, many franchises who never offered delivery options as a service were now forced to rely on it to keep money coming in.
Now that the learning curve is over and delivery services have proven their value for both franchisees and patrons, both are able to take advantage. This is good news for those who may still be a bit too afraid to sit in indoor spaces with a bunch of diners. It will take some time for the fear to subside, which is why delivery services are so vital.
BETTER RANGE
Rule of thumb is for patrons to drive out to their closest franchise location in order to get the food they desire. Delivery services change the game slightly, however. Depending on their service radius, offering a delivery method could generate new business while serving existing patrons at the same time.
Think about the advantages of having a delivery service on hand, whereas your competitor does not. If a patron is forced to seek out another franchise to order from, it would pay to offer delivery so that they can give your establishment a shot. You may gain a new customer, and invaluable word-of-mouth advertising all in the same shot.
FORGING NEW BONDS
Covid-19 has isolated the world and caused us to socially distance from our friends and loved ones in a way we never thought possible. When it’s over, human beings will be glad to get back to the actual practice of being human, and that’s good news for franchisees. Never before have they been given responsibility to make patrons smile and have a great time after such a nightmarish ordeal.
Franchisees (and their respective franchises, as well) need to understand the fundamental importance of forging human bonds with their patrons. This will go a long way towards not just boosting business, but feeling great about our own solidarity and togetherness at the same time.
COST SAVINGS
Operating at reduced capacity also means operating at reduced output. Unfortunately, this sometimes means cutting hours or letting go of valued employees, but these are the tough choices Covid-19 has forced on businesses large and small. During this difficult period, cost savings are a must. If the entire franchise goes down, everyone suffers.
Delivery services not only provide extra income by way of convenience, but they also omit the need to hire your own delivery staff and handle the logistics, which can be cumbersome. Consider the cost of having a delivery person working a shift when there’s no guarantee of an order. This can translate into wasted cash very quickly, whereas a delivery service picks up and drops off as the orders come in. One less problem (and expense) to worry about.
2021 is going to be an interesting year, but all indications point towards it being much better than the one we just went through. For more information on how to implement delivery services into your franchise location, or simply to start a Hub franchise location of your own, contact us today!
When the Covid-19 pandemic first struck the world, many businesses felt as if they were in a sink-or-swim scenario that required quick thinking in order to weather the oncoming storm. Indeed, many restaurants and franchises bore the brunt of the pandemic’s effects in the form of lockdowns and restrictions when it came to things like indoor dining, etc.
Third-party delivery services soon became a popular go-to method for keeping business going, even if it was at a reduced level. Food was still going out, and customers unable or unwilling to head out to the restaurant now had an option for themselves and their families. Moving forward into 2021, delivery services will probably stick around until such time as people cautiously filter back into a normal routine. In the meantime, here’s how delivery services can help you score big with your patrons.
NO WAITING
While a lot of customers were used to the convenience of drive-through windows and easy indoor dining at their favorite franchises, delivery is a whole other affair. 2020 marked the year when this kind of service became the norm, rather than the exception. In fact, many franchises who never offered delivery options as a service were now forced to rely on it to keep money coming in.
Now that the learning curve is over and delivery services have proven their value for both franchisees and patrons, both are able to take advantage. This is good news for those who may still be a bit too afraid to sit in indoor spaces with a bunch of diners. It will take some time for the fear to subside, which is why delivery services are so vital.
BETTER RANGE
Rule of thumb is for patrons to drive out to their closest franchise location in order to get the food they desire. Delivery services change the game slightly, however. Depending on their service radius, offering a delivery method could generate new business while serving existing patrons at the same time.
Think about the advantages of having a delivery service on hand, whereas your competitor does not. If a patron is forced to seek out another franchise to order from, it would pay to offer delivery so that they can give your establishment a shot. You may gain a new customer, and invaluable word-of-mouth advertising all in the same shot.
FORGING NEW BONDS
Covid-19 has isolated the world and caused us to socially distance from our friends and loved ones in a way we never thought possible. When it’s over, human beings will be glad to get back to the actual practice of being human, and that’s good news for franchisees. Never before have they been given responsibility to make patrons smile and have a great time after such a nightmarish ordeal.
Franchisees (and their respective franchises, as well) need to understand the fundamental importance of forging human bonds with their patrons. This will go a long way towards not just boosting business, but feeling great about our own solidarity and togetherness at the same time.
COST SAVINGS
Operating at reduced capacity also means operating at reduced output. Unfortunately, this sometimes means cutting hours or letting go of valued employees, but these are the tough choices Covid-19 has forced on businesses large and small. During this difficult period, cost savings are a must. If the entire franchise goes down, everyone suffers.
Delivery services not only provide extra income by way of convenience, but they also omit the need to hire your own delivery staff and handle the logistics, which can be cumbersome. Consider the cost of having a delivery person working a shift when there’s no guarantee of an order. This can translate into wasted cash very quickly, whereas a delivery service picks up and drops off as the orders come in. One less problem (and expense) to worry about.
2021 is going to be an interesting year, but all indications point towards it being much better than the one we just went through. For more information on how to implement delivery services into your franchise location, or simply to start a Hub franchise location of your own, contact us today!
The benefits of being a franchisee with a strong head office at your back cannot be overstated. The most successful franchisors have put in the hard work, R&D and sacrifices required to forge the perfect recipe for success, and they make this information freely available to their franchisees. One of the most effective tools at a franchise owner’s disposal is the SOP, or Standard Operating Procedures guideline. This is a how-to template designed to get your business booming in short order, without hassle. It encompasses everything from branding to employee training, which means less guesswork and a reduction in problems. Here’s a few things to consider about SOPs, and how they might affect your franchise.
YOU DO NOT HAVE CONTROL
Some franchise owners may find this to be one of the most difficult aspects of a SOP. Many wish to run things their own way, and that can be especially problematic. However, it’s wise to understand what a SOP is designed to do, and why you should stick to it. First, it eliminates the risk of stepping on the franchisor’s toes, which could have legal ramifications depending on your contractual agreement. Second, it’s a recipe for future growth. Many franchise owners think only of their single location, rather than contemplating the future. Following a SOP means getting in the habit of how a franchise works, and familiarizing ones-self with branding and operating procedures. When it’s time to open a second location, you’ll be fully prepared.
THINK ABOUT THE SAVINGS
A SOP guarantees that you’ll be cutting out a major expense from your balance sheet, especially in terms of marketing. Branding and reputation has already been taken care of by a dedicated team that maintains the franchise’s standing in relation to competition. Your job is to make your particular location(s) run smoothly. By following a SOP’s training guidelines, your employees will know what’s expected of them, and how to fit in as part of the family. This is yet another expense that can be chopped away. Time is money, and training employees haphazardly can be extremely costly. SOPs are there to provide a template on how things should be run, and they’re constantly being updated to reflect changing times.
IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU
Many franchisees initially desired to open up their own restaurant and build it from the ground up as per their own vision. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it is a far riskier proposition than going the franchise route. In fact, two-thirds of restaurants fail in the first year, mostly because owners underestimate the sheer amount of work that goes into running one. It doesn’t help that restaurant owners start literally at the ground floor, and must work their way up by building their reputation, client base and exposure. The wrong marketing or branding decision can set one back tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention lost time. On the flip-side, franchisees can rely on SOPs to get the ball rolling immediately. They have identified the branding styles customers like, the decorum and the atmosphere that keeps them coming back. So should you.
RELAX AND ENJOY
“Work smart, not hard” is the old saying, and it holds true more often than not. There’s no sense making life more difficult when it can run easier. SOPs help with this in ways that most franchisees fail to recognize, and that’s to their detriment. Learning to “love the SOP” is the best way to enjoy being a franchisee, especially when the money starts to roll in. From there, it’s much easier to consider opening up a second or even third franchise location to keep the momentum going. Running any business requires hard work and dedication, but shaving off unnecessary headaches and problems goes a long way to making the day go by smoother. That’s better for you, your employees, and most importantly, your patrons. For more information on how to get started as a franchisee with Hub Restaurant, contact us today. We’ll go over the details with you and determine the best way to get
Franchising is on track to become one of the hottest fields in business going into 2021, so it’s wise to consider striking while the iron is hot. That being said, all business ventures require some forethought and planning so as to avoid potential pitfalls. The good news is that many of these challenges are a great learning experience you can take with you as you move forward in your franchising career. Here’s the ones to watch out for the most.
UNDERSTAND THE BRAND
As a franchisee, you won’t have the opportunity to run the show from the top down and decide on all the creative branding choices. Don’t fret - this is actually a good thing. By following the franchisor’s brand guidelines, you are effectively cutting out a significant (and costly) portion of the startup process. Think about it. Who really wants to deal with hiring a brand strategist, working out company logos, colours and motifs while at the same time dealing with every other aspect of the business? Franchisees merely need to follow the franchisor’s lead and reap the benefits that have already yielded results. Those determined to own their own restaurant in the future can capitalize on the financial success of franchising to do so, at which point they’ll walk in armed with a lot more knowledge than they would have had if they’d gone solo.
KNOW THE REGULATIONS
Every city, town and region has its own set of guidelines, protocols and regulations to deal with, so be sure to know them all once you’ve chosen your target location. For instance, certain localities require you to abide by specific employment laws such as overtime pay and last minute shift changes. The good news is that most franchisors work within a single system that includes a shared scheduling program. Efficiency is key to running a successful string of restaurants, which is why franchisors have probably already done the hard work. Remember that the franchisor is there to assist you, so if you run into a problem, they’re the ones to call.
UPFRONT COSTS
Understanding the upfront costs associated with opening a franchise is the first step to really nailing down your plans. Expect to invest in the low-to-mid six figures, which is a significant amount of money. Most of this is tied into licensing fees and operating costs, both of which can be dealt with thanks to a little planning. Many potential franchisees see this as a potential problem, but they should view it in a positive light, especially when it comes to licensing costs. The return on investment is significant, since the fees eliminate costly marketing, demographic research and other items that can drain the wallet, not to mention the clock. Once again, you are paying for convenience with a full team that has your back.
RECOGNIZE YOUR COMPETITION
A feasibility study can help prevent issues that may arise if your franchise location is situated in a highly competitive area. Brand names will compete, as will menus. If you can find a location that is well suited with maximum foot traffic and little in the way of culinary competition, you may be poised for maximum success. However, even if you are engaged in active competition with the restaurants near you, it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker. Patrons aren’t married to a franchise - even their favorites. They will come and check out your location. Your job is to give them every reason to come back again.
Hopefully these tips will help prepare you if you’re considering getting into the franchising business. Courage is key, as well as optimism. After all, franchises don’t become successful through guesswork, but by conducting research, being adaptable and knowing their market demographics.
For more information on how to franchise with Hub Restaurant, contact us today!
Yes, it’s true - franchising is predicted to blow up in a major way in 2021, and that’s great news for veteran and new franchisees alike. If you’ve ever considered opening up a restaurant franchise, now’s the time to make a solid commitment. With a vaccine on the horizon, people will be anxious to get out of their homes and back into a normal routine. That includes taking the family out for a fun dining experience at their favorite restaurant. Here’s how you can not only make a go of franchising, but turn it into a success in very short order.
BE POSITIVE
2020 has been a nightmare for the entire world, but even the darkest days have their dawn. Although Covid-19 case loads are on the upswing, hospitalizations and death rates have remained very low in comparison to the worst periods during the pandemic. In short, we will get through this. Your patrons need the same reassurance as well, so make sure you and your staff keep a smile on your face as you welcome them back into your restaurant. This begins at the top level. As a franchisee, it’s your responsibility to lead your team with a positive can-do attitude which will trickle down to your patrons. It’s also great for business, especially for folks who haven’t had a chance to get out much, and may have forgotten how fun it is to dine out.
LEAD EFFECTIVELY
Nobody’s perfect, and franchisees know this all too well. First-timers will fall into a multitude of pits, but there’s always a solution waiting in the wings. Every mistake is a great learning experience that will serve to boost the consistency and optimization of your day-to-day operations, and that experience will carry forth as you invest in more locations in the future. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, strong leaders navigated the storm and found new and inventive ways to do business, even during shutdowns. This worst-case scenario allowed many franchisees to emerge with nothing but a few bruises to show for it, and that’s a testament to iron-willed determination. When things go wrong, don’t panic. Your team will feel it, and your patrons will suffer because of it.
TAKE A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH
In the end, owning a restaurant franchise is all about making customers happy. When they show up, treat them like gold and never let up. In 2020, many franchisees put more focus on balancing operational costs to stay afloat, while losing sight of the customer. This is understandable, but cannot be allowed for the long term. As things begin to balance out, worry less about your balance sheet and put more focus on your patrons. If they feel safe, secure and happy, they’re not just going to come back - they’re going to spread the word about your franchise. Even when things start to lighten up, many patrons will feel scared about slipping back into a normal routine. It’s the job of you and your staff to make sure they feel they have nothing to worry about, so spread that warmth around.
TIGHTEN UP COMMUNICATION
First time franchisees may need a little practice here, and that’s quite alright. After all, it’s a learning process. Veteran franchisees know full well how important it is to communicate well with your team and make sure they’re always on the same page. 2020 has been rough on both employees and franchise owners, but 2021 needs to shift the focus back on open, positive communication. Take the opportunity now before the year is out, and remind your staff just how important they are to the success of the business. They want to feel like they’re part of something, rather than just a cog in the machine. Remember your key employees and keep tabs on their accomplishments. This can pay dividends if you decide to elevate them to higher positions with more responsibilities, or offer them managerial spots at your next franchise location.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO CELEBRATE
As we begin our exit out of 2020, it’s important to look back and analyze your wins rather than your failures or challenges. Yes, it’s good to learn from mistakes and hard times, but it’s equally important to recognize the great job you did in weathering the storm and emerging intact on the other side. Incremental victories may seem insignificant on their face, but add them all up and they soon become a tour de force of morale-boosting wins that can help you soldier on to better days. 2021 shows a lot of promise for the entire franchising industry, and if you’re not feeling confident about the future, you may miss out on the opportunities that come with it.
In conclusion, it’s a great time to consider getting into the franchising game, and if you’re feeling bold enough to take the plunge, the rewards could be astronomical. For more information on opening a Hub Restaurant franchise in your neck of the woods, contact us today!
Running a successful franchise as the head honcho only goes so far. Eventually you’ll want to diversify your portfolio by investing in another franchise, or opening up another location. Many franchisees find the latter much easier as they already know the ins and outs of starting up a franchise location and pushing it to fruition. That means someday it’ll be time to turn over control to a qualified General Manager who can run your franchise location and make sure it maintains the same standards you set forth. What exactly should you look for in a good General Manager, and what red flags should you identify early on?
LOOK FOR INITIATIVE
General Managers know that running a franchise location means getting into every facet of the business. It’s not enough to sit back and delegate tasks. A good General Manager needs to lead by example, just as a boss would do. Not only does this foster a great sense of team spirit, but it can make employees feel more comfortable if they have a positive-minded leader at the helm.
Keep an eye out for General Manager candidates who think they are above a particular task. This is a major cautionary flag to watch out for, and these potentials won’t hesitate to cruise along and do the bare minimum (or worse) on your dime. Their lax attitudes will trickle down to your employees, and your customers will take notice. Choose leaders whose egos are smaller than their qualifications.
IDENTIFY ENTHUSIASM
A good General Manager is just as interested in making your franchise location a success as you are. They will end up being the face of the business, at least in spirit. As such, make sure to look for a candidate who isn’t interested simply in getting a paycheck, but contributing as a part of the team. Be on the lookout for enthusiastic candidates with fresh new ideas or examples of major challenges they overcame for the betterment of past businesses.
On the flip side, watch out for those who talk the talk, but fail to walk the walk. These candidates will embellish their resumés while giving generic, broad-stroked answers to specific questions in an attempt to throw you off. Focus on candidates who can cite specific details and really get to the nitty gritty of their experience, accomplishments and overall vision for your franchise.
CHOOSE A DIPLOMAT
Conflicts are going to arise regardless of the situation. It’s simply part of owning a franchise. When customers become irate for no reason, or upset because of an error on their order, you’re going to need a cool head and a charming face to right the wrongs. Oftentimes the General Manager will need to emerge from the back and personally address patrons, and that’s not a bad thing. They can also help train employees on how to defuse hot situations.
Don’t forget about employee relationships, either. Not everyone is going to get along, and when the workers get riled up, it pays to have a General Manager who can take charge, put people back in line, and move towards reconciliation. You’ll want someone tough, no-nonsense, yet fair and honest, otherwise employees simply won’t tune in.
NO PASSING THE BUCK
Everyone wants to be a manager, but few truly understand the ramifications of the position. Most times, General Managers have an unglamorous job keeping track of everything from inventory to special events, and employee issues. When something goes wrong (and it will), the last thing you’ll want is someone who shifts the blame onto their employees, or attempts to downplay its significance.
Good General Managers know that messing up is part of the journey, and how they deal with a problem will speak volumes about their character. If criticism provokes a guarded or hostile response, you are dealing with an insecure Manager who is unfit to lead. If you find that your candidate acknowledges the issue and then immediately takes steps to prevent it from happening again, you may wish to plan out a raise for them in the coming months.
PROBLEM-SOLVING IS A MUST
Situations will always arise that challenge a franchise, be it a slow economy or a broken appliance. Whether great or small, all problems should be met head-on by a General Manager who thinks rationally and is ready to make moves. The last thing you want in a General Manager is indecisiveness, which can be devastating.
The secret is understanding that not all General Managers need to know the immediate solution to a problem, but rather simply demonstrate the willingness to figure it out. By refusing to bow to panic and insecurity, a good General Manager will compartmentalize the situation and deal with it accordingly through delegation, common sense and a little planning.
We hope these tips are beneficial when choosing your General Manager. Remember that it’s not always about experience or accomplishments, but street smarts and a keen mind. Hiring and trusting in the right people can be a major lift to your franchise, so pick a good one! For information on how to do this, contact us today!
If you’re one of the many people contemplating a role as a franchise owner, chances are you’ve already sat down and weighed the pros and cons, the risks and the rewards of such an endeavor. That’s just smart business. The truth is that being a successful franchisee means having the right mindset to allow the rest of the details to fall into place. Without that mindset, many franchisees (and business owners in general) can quickly fall by the wayside and lose their focus.
Pursuing your dream of becoming a franchisee means having the right personality from the start with all the traits that can set you up for massive success. This is far less complicated than it seems, and it starts with having a positive attitude. What else is required?
PEOPLE SKILLS
This is perhaps the most important trait a good franchisee should have. After all, you’ll be in the business of making patrons happy, providing a fun and positive experience, and encouraging them to come back for more. This is practically impossible without a positive, upbeat attitude and a smile. Many potential franchisees think only of their customers, but what about employees? A rotten boss can demoralize and disenfranchise workers quite fast, and this results in a trickle-down effect to the end consumer. Being a franchisee means leading by example at all times, especially tough ones. When the going gets rough, it’s your responsibility to maintain a level head and reassure your workers that things are going to be Ok. Can you handle the pressure? If so, you’re ready to move on.
LEADING WITHOUT PRETENDING
Everyone wants to be the Boss, but few are prepared for the mammoth responsibility that comes with it. This is especially true for franchisees who are leaping into virtually unknown territory with both feet. Fear not, however. Franchising is a learning experience, but it can be immensely positive and rewarding. Sure, you’ll fall down multiple times before you get the hang of things, but that’s par for the course with any business. Leading by example includes getting into the thick of things, regardless of the job. A good franchisee knows that no task is beneath them, so don’t be afraid to take charge when it comes to demonstrating cleanliness, order and procedures. Be hands-on, and show your employees how to do the job right. Don’t forget to praise and reward, as well!
BE READY FOR CHANGE
Rigid mentalities have no place in business, especially in today’s world. The ability to adapt and change is paramount to one’s success in the franchising field. If you walk into your first franchise location with a predefined set of procedures and standards that you aren’t willing to budge on, you may find yourself in hot water quicker than you think. Every plan should be written in pencil rather than ink, which is to say that you need to be ready to switch things up at a moment’s notice. Never rest on your laurels, either. Just because your franchise is running great doesn’t mean it can’t run fantastic. A common pitfall in the business world is for owners to decide that things are fine as they are. In truth, the smartest and savviest of franchisees know that there’s always room for improvement…daily. For that reason, make sure you’re constantly proactive. Many people fear change, but those who embrace it know how fun it can be. It keeps things fresh, revitalized and positive.
HAVE A SPINE MADE OF STEEL
No business venture is easy, but hard work pays dividends that can last a lifetime. If you’re a self-doubter, then it’s wise to re-evaluate yourself before committing to being a franchisee. Rest assured, you can do it. Every human has that little voice in their mind telling them that they aren’t good enough, but the wisest know that it’s a trap to give in to that thinking. If you can’t believe in yourself, don’t expect your employees or patrons to, either. Remember always that franchising means having a support team behind you every step of the way. Head office has done most of the hard work already. They’ve taken care of the branding, the menu options and the contacts. They have an interest in making sure your franchise location is successful as well. That’s reason enough to enjoy a boost of confidence!
Remember also that when things go sour (which they will from time to time), you’ll need to keep a cool head and push right on through. No problem is too great to overcome - all it takes is an analytical mind, a positive attitude and a deep breath!
CONCLUSION
Do you hit all the marks described in this article? If so, you’re ready to become a franchisee. You’ll never have a perfect run at it, but the experience you gain from opening your first franchise location will help you expand your portfolio far into the future. When it comes to franchising, how far you go depends entirely on you! For more information on how to get started as a Hub franchisee, please contact us. Let’s work together for mutual success!
With the economic restart already in full swing, many restaurant franchises are re-opening for business with greater capacity options for diners. This is great news, and hopefully the start of a continuing trend that won’t let up any time soon. Now that the doors are open and patrons are being allowed back in, it’s time to remember a few tips when it comes to marketing your franchise as things continue to progress.The right combination of elements can attract more diners to your franchise while maintaining its reputation. Read on to find out how.
BE POSITIVE
Everyone is tired of the lockdowns and government mandates, and tensions are starting to wear thin. Is it any wonder more and more people are leaving their homes and heading back to their favorite restaurant franchises? Analyzing and reacting to patrons and their behavior is akin to reading the tea leaves, and it doesn’t take an expert to see what’s happening. People want their lives back, and franchisees are in a unique position to help them get there. When they show up, it’s your job to burst with positivity, friendliness and a down to earth demeanor. Make your patrons understand that we’re all in this together, and better days are ahead. Not only is this great for your bottom line, but it will help boost the happiness of your customers as well. That’s a win/win even on a bad day.
DON’T RETIRE DELIVERY & PICKUP
Remember that even though your franchise is now open for business, many patrons have become accustomed to the norm of a few months ago when UberEats and SkipTheDishes became so huge. Not only did this help restaurants generate revenue at a critical stage of the pandemic, but it kept franchises in the hearts and minds of customers. Now that things are somewhat back to normal and inching forward with each day, it’s wise to keep these delivery and pickup options on the table for the long foreseeable future. First, the work has already been done in setting these ordering methods up, so it’s not very difficult to maintain their operation. It’s handy for those who are comfy with dining at home, and it’s a good option for those who are still a bit apprehensive about going out.
GRADUALLY INCREASE MENU OPTIONS
When the chips were down and the pandemic was hitting restaurants hard, it made perfect logistical sense to slash menu options in favor of key dishes in order to keep things running smoothly, while cutting down on unnecessary waste. After restaurants got the green light to start opening in limited capacity via patio areas, many franchises started gradually adding more items to the menu, and this trend has continued now that indoor dining is back. The key is to scale your menu according to the news, and the number of patrons you’re getting. Keep an eye on both, and plan/adjust accordingly in order to level up back to normalcy without falling too far into the red.
THE PATIO IS YOUR FRIEND
Diners are now being allowed indoors with appropriate social distancing measures in place to help mitigate any potential spread of the pandemic. This is a far cry from a few months ago when many franchises had to seal their doors shut and rely on pickup and delivery options. It’s even different compared to just recently when patio-only was the norm. Now that business has moved back in, that patio is still a valuable commodity when it comes to increasing business. Not only does it offset the limitations of indoor seating, but it can also help generate a sense of liveliness and energy to attract passerbys. At this point in time, it’s wise to let people now that you’re open, and your visitors are having fun. The patio now serves a twofold advantage for franchisees.
DIGITAL MARKETING IS A MUST
When the economy shut down, people’s minds shifted to the pandemic, and not much else. Wise businesses recognized the value of leveraging social media and digital marketing initiatives in order to remind their customers that they were still alive and kicking, and ready to serve them during difficult times. Now that business is ramping back up, the iron is red-hot and ready to be struck all over again. Make sure to sit down with your digital marketing agency and come up with some killer social media ad campaigns and initiatives to boost sales. Advertise new menu items, remind your patrons that you’re open and adhering to safety guidelines, and coax them out for a fun night with a few new specials on the menu.
Cautious optimism is the order of the day, but it seems like things are well on their way to getting back on track. As we inch ever closer to the exit at the end of the tunnel, it’s wise to keep your franchise in tip-top shape and ready to take advantage of the situation. It’s a great time to consider investing in a franchise location, so if you think you’re ready, get in touch with us immediately. Let’s do this together!