“As we enter 2026, the economics of franchise growth have reached an inflection point where time saved has become the single most critical factor in predicting long-term success,” said Sam Phelps. In a late-January launch from Fort Worth, his team at Franchise Now introduced DreamStart; an AI-guided funding and onboarding…

Some businesses are built from spreadsheets and market research. Others start with a craving after a long workout, a stare of wonder at a dessert topping bar, and the kind of loyalty that sneaks up on you before you ever realize it has arrived. For Neil Hershman, the story of…

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux closed the holiday season with a nationwide giveback that was deliberately simple and intensely hands-on; cooks cooked; teammates delivered; neighbors received. Across the system, restaurants prepared and distributed more than 7,500 meals through local non-profits chosen by each location. Partners ranged from the Delaware Township Food Pantry…

Franchising a business is not a single event. It is a series of decisions, each one made at a different stage of growth, each one carrying its own set of risks. For brands navigating that journey without a roadmap, the margin for error compounds quickly. For those who work alongside…

Franchising is often celebrated for its proven systems, recognizable branding, and strong corporate support. However, the true competitive advantage often comes from the hidden heroes who work diligently behind the scenes, providing specialized expertise that franchisees rely on. Pestmaster’s own Mariah Baggio-Deibler, affectionately known as “Dr. Bugs,” exemplifies this invaluable…

Finding the right location for a restaurant franchise has never been simple, but it has rarely been as consequential as it is today. Rents are elevated. Construction costs have climbed. Permitting timelines stretch in ways that eat into a franchisee’s runway before a single bowl is served. In that environment,…