When I talk about running a franchise business, most people automatically assume I’m talking restaurant franchises. This unique Japanese restaurant concept offers fresh, mainly raw ingredients and allows customers to prepare their dishes exactly the way they want. The company offers assistance with site selection, marketing, training and more. And franchisees can enjoy the backing of an international brand that has been operating in the U.S. for more than 14 years, and even longer in Japan.
Franchising is not an opportunity for passive financial investment, working from the sidelines, or adding to a portfolio of business ventures. This business opportunity is a hands-on, life investment to own and operate a quick-service restaurant. It often requires long hours and leading a team of mostly young, hourly-paid employees. It’s hard work – but it’s exceedingly rewarding.
Other than being the mastermind behind such beloved ice cream flavors as Cherry Garcia and Phish Food, Ben & Jerry’s is one of the most philanthropic franchises in the country. Their Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, for instance, is an employee-led organization that aims to engage in local community work and support grassroots social justice organizations and movements. Buying a Ben & Jerry’s franchise is a unique opportunity for similarly aligned business owners to flex both their entrepreneurial skills and their passion for social justice.
Early on in his franchising career, Sieve says he made a lot of costly mistakes, though none were catastrophic. One major benefit to being a franchisee is the built-in support network of other operators. Throughout the process, Sieve met other franchisees within the system who operated multiple units, and sought advice from them on how to build his own business.
There are many customers who do not visit restaurants that frequently, who when left alone, can easily switch their loyalty. But by having your app on their phone, you can easily connect with them by sending them notifications and offers to ensure that whenever they do decide to eat out, you are their first choice.