Article Archive - FranchiseTimes.com

Big Boy Restaurants arrives in Thailand as brand plans U.S. revival

A Canadian expat operating two other U.S. restaurant brands in SE Asia, Gary Murray expects the iconic status of Big Boy Restaurants to resonate with Thai consumers before embarking on new markets. Back home, new management seeks to grow the brand.

Laura Michaels

09.28.2020

Examining the franchise potential in Thailand

The red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; and blue stands for the monarchy.

Laura Michaels

09.28.2020

9Round makes push further into Southeast Asia

Vietnamese consumers, many new to fitness programs, want structured workouts with someone to lead the way. So says Ted Lee, the master franchisee who believes 9Round’s concept is the right fit and is moving forward with development despite pandemic delays.

Laura Michaels

09.01.2020

Dave’s Hot Chicken comes to Canada

Dave’s Hot Chicken lives up to the hype, says Blair Bitove, who’s leading development of the brand in Canada for master franchisee Obelysk Food. Craveable food, plus an approach that takes into account neighborhood nuances, are what she believes will help the concept succeed.

Laura Michaels

07.23.2020

Country Profile: Norway offers affluent consumers

Red with a blue cross outlined in white, the colors recall Norway’s past political unions with Denmark (red and white) and Sweden (blue).

Laura Michaels

07.23.2020

For franchises operating abroad, flexibility reigns

Agility is akin to survival, say franchisors and their international franchisees as they navigate uncharted territory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjustments made now will likely last long after the immediate crisis is over.

Laura Michaels

05.21.2020

Country Proflie: South Korea relies on global trade

Flag Facts The blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the opposite positive forces of the yang. Each black trigram denotes one of the four universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony. White is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity.

Laura Michaels

05.21.2020

Snap Fitness signs master deal for Japan

Minnesota-based Snap Fitness and its newest master franchisee, Global Fitness Japan, expect the brand’s flexible 24/7 model that also incorporates group workouts will appeal to Japanese consumers.

Laura Michaels

04.22.2020

Country Profile: Per capita income a draw in Japan

The red disk in the middle of the flag represents the sun without rays. The sun plays an important role in Japanese mythology and religion as it is said the emperor is a direct descendant of the sun goddess, Amaterasu. The flag itself is called Hinomaru, which means “circle of the sun.”

Laura Michaels

04.22.2020

Quiznos is growing again, outside the U.S. at least

As regional economies start to rebound, Quiznos’ master franchisee in Latin America is rebuilding the brand’s footprint as he looks to capitalize on its position as a ‘premium sandwich brand’ that fulfills multiple dayparts.

Laura Michaels

03.25.2020

Costa Rica’s strong middle class a draw for franchises

Costa Rica retained the blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it decided to incorporate French colors and add a central red stripe. Today the blue is said to stand for the sky, opportunity and perseverance; white denotes peace, happiness and wisdom; red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people.

Laura Michaels

03.24.2020

Portugal offers franchises EU access, reports Country Profile

Flag Facts The national coat of arms, an armillary sphere and Portuguese shield, are at the center of the flag. While explanations for the color meanings are ambiguous, a popular interpretation has green symbolizing hope and red the blood of those defending the nation.

Laura Michaels

02.19.2020

Pieology expands in China with major TZG Partners deal

As it turns attention toward global growth, Pieology wants franchisees who are able to operate the fast-casual pizza franchise without a lot of hand-holding, which is exactly what TZG Partners was looking for in the brand it would bring to China.

Laura Michaels

01.22.2020

Find a diversified market in Sweden, reports Country Profile

Blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag, the colors reflect those of the Swedish coat of arms: three gold crowns on a blue field.

Laura Michaels

01.21.2020

Brazil’s recession recovery continues, reports Country Profile

The motto “Ordem e Progresso,” or “Order and Progress,” is prominent on the flag. The green represents the forests of the country and the yellow its mineral wealth; the blue circle and stars depict the sky over Rio de Janeiro. The number of stars has changed with the creation of new states and has risen from to the current 27, one for each state and the Federal District

Laura Michaels

12.20.2019

BurgerFi makes leap from Florida to Puerto Rico

Real estate developer and longtime Denny’s franchisee Phillip Faigenblat has high expectations for BurgerFi, which he thinks will stand out from QSR competitors and appeal to fellow Puerto Ricans seeking a higher quality burger.

Laura Michaels

10.23.2019

Familiar territory for U.S. brands in Puerto Rico, reports Country Profile

The white star symbolizes Puerto Rico, while the three sides of the triangle signify the executive, legislative and judicial parts of government. Blue stands for the sky and the coastal waters, red symbolizes the blood shed by warriors, and white represents liberty, victory and peace.

Laura Michaels

10.23.2019

Colombia is a franchise market on the rise, reports Country Profile

The flag retains the three main colors—yellow, blue, red—of the banner of Gran Colombia, the short-lived South American republic that broke up in 1830.

Laura Michaels

09.26.2019

Freddy’s makes Dubai debut, UAE growth to follow

Knowing it didn’t have culinary expertise, Tastebuds Group went the franchise route with Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, which it believes has the signature products to stand out with help from a heavy dose of marketing.

Laura Michaels

08.20.2019

U.S. franchises in demand in Bahrain, reports Country Profile

Red is the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states. The five points of the white serrated band represent the five pillars of Islam. Until 2002, the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag.

Laura Michaels

08.20.2019

In SE Asia, Wing Zone franchisee adapts to his advantage

Calling virtual kitchens ‘the wave of the future,’ the founder of JNM Dining Concepts in Singapore gets creative to give consumers what they want as he aims to further expand Wing Zone as the master franchisee.

Laura Michaels

07.23.2019

Economic strength a draw in France, reports Country Profile

The origin of the flag dates to 1790 and the French Revolution, when the “ancient French color” of white was combined with the blue and red colors of the Parisian militia.

Laura Michaels

07.22.2019

Mr. Transmission ‘zee aims to change Africa’s auto aftermarket

In an environment where bribery is still commonplace, this Mr. Transmission/Milex franchisee did ‘everything by the book’ to get her shop open in Nigeria, where she wants to bring transparency to the auto repair industry.

Laura Michaels

05.28.2019

Economic ups and downs in Malaysia, reports Country Profile

The flag’s 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states and the federal government. The 14 points on the star represent the unity between these entities. The crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam, the blue symbolizes unity of the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers.

Laura Michaels

05.28.2019

Dale Carnegie franchise gives training global scale

From appealing to the ‘emotional side’ of the Dutch to making leaders out of ‘tech integrated’ millennials in Australia, franchisees take Dale Carnegie’s professional training to an international level.

Laura Michaels

04.23.2019

Changes coming in the Netherlands, Country Profile reports

The colors were derived from those of William I, Prince of Orange, who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter half of the 16th century. Originally, the upper band was orange, but because its dye tended to turn red over time, the red shade was eventually made the permanent color.

Laura Michaels

04.23.2019

IHOP bets on breakfast appeal in Peru

In a deal with a first-time Peruvian restaurant operator who also owns Toyota dealerships, IHOP adds to its international footprint.

Laura Michaels

03.20.2019

Economic gains attractive in Peru, reports Country Profile

Location: In western South America, between Chile and Ecuador and bordering the South Pacific Ocean, Peru is almost twice the size of Texas. Language: Spanish (82.9%), Quechua (13.3%) and Aymara (1.6%) are all official languages

Laura Michaels

03.20.2019

Wayback Burgers makes Irish market entry

Already an experienced operator, franchisee Zubair Najm is expanding beyond pizza and subs to bring Irish consumers a fast-casual burger option. And while Ireland’s economy is strong, Brexit looms large.

Laura Michaels

02.22.2019

Disorderly Brexit would harm Ireland, in Country Profile

While officially its flag colors have no meaning, a common interpretation of Ireland’s flag is that the green represents the Irish nationalist (Gaelic) tradition of Ireland; orange represents the Orange tradition (minority supporters of William of Orange); and white symbolizes peace (or a lasting truce) between the green and the orange.

Laura Michaels

02.22.2019

Eat the Frog Fitness, Rush Bowls make play for Canada

Active, health-minded consumers are the target for emerging brands Eat the Frog Fitness and Rush Bowls, which are both working with first-time franchisees as they take their concepts across the border to the Canadian provinces.

Laura Michaels

01.23.2019

New trade deal shakes up Canada, in Country Profile

Northern North America, sharing the world’s longest international border with the United States. With its 10 provinces and three territories, Canada is slightly larger than the U.S. and also borders the North Atlantic, North Pacific and Arctic oceans.

Laura Michaels

01.23.2019

Proven concepts attractive in Chile

The blue of Chile’s flag symbolizes the sky, white is for the snow-covered Andes and red represents the blood spilled to achieve independence. The five-pointed star represents a guide to progress and honor.

Laura Michaels

12.18.2018

Technology is rising sector in Poland, Country Profile reports

The colors of Poland’s flag are derived from the Polish emblem: a white eagle on a red field. Its flag is similar to those of Indonesia and Monaco, which have red on top, white on bottom.

Laura Michaels

10.29.2018

Pie Hole tries Saudi Arabia growth

The operator’s family business includes Gloria Jean’s, It’s a Grind and now The Pie Hole, and he’ll avoid mistakes he made at an independent shop before going the franchise route. Meanwhile, an emerging brand will try again in Middle East.

Laura Michaels

09.25.2018

Free trade a priority in New Zealand, in Country Profile

Blue, with the flag of the U.K. in the upper hoist-side quadrant, New Zealand’s flag has four red stars that represent the Southern Cross constellation.

Laura Michaels

09.25.2018

Catering player takes Wetzel’s into China

Fifty stores are planned in an ambitious entry to China, and Wetzel’s Pretzels is keeping an eye on the first store’s performance. Food safety will be one draw, believes the partner who will bring his ‘love’ of the brand to his native country.

Laura Michaels

07.24.2018

Hong Kong provides easy Asian entry

With its red color that’s the same as that on the Chinese flag, representing the motherland, Hong Kong’s flag has a stylized, white, five-petal Bauhinia flower in the center. The flower was developed in Hong Kong in the late 19th century.

Laura Michaels

07.24.2018

Mosquito Squad mission turns personal in Kenya

As a malaria survivor, preventing needless deaths from mosquito-borne diseases is the goal for Mosquito Squad franchisee Fred Rariewa, along with building a business that improves people’s quality of life.

Laura Michaels

05.23.2018

Franchising’s fans grow in Czechia, in Country Profile

The Czechia flag combines the white and red colors of Bohemia with blue from the arms of Moravia. It is identical to the flag of the former Czechoslovakia.

Laura Michaels

05.22.2018

Operators take Denny’s, Which Wich to U.K.

In London, Which Wich aims to capitalize on a craving for hot sandwiches via a new deal with AAA Investment House and the brothers Awada. In Wales, Denny’s banks on demand for diner fare, with its new operator there saying he’s a ‘massive’ fan.

Laura Michaels

04.23.2018

Brexit puts U.K. in uncertain position

The red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white is superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which itself is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland).

Laura Michaels

04.23.2018

Politics aside, two brands see promise in Mexico

‘The American brand sells’ in Mexico, declares Abrakadoodle’s president, and two operators in Mexico City are opening their first bricks-and-mortar store. The Melting Pot, meanwhile, gains GINgroup as a partner with plans to develop 17 stores in Mexico.

Laura Michaels

03.26.2018

In Mexico, well-defined laws ease growth

The green, white and red vertical bands signify (in order) hope, joy and love; peace and honesty; and hardiness, bravery, strength and valor. Mexico’s coat of arms is derived from a legend that the wandering Aztec people were to settle where they would see an eagle on a cactus eating a snake; the city they founded, Tenochtitlan, is now Mexico City.

Laura Michaels

03.26.2018

In Italy, a fashionable marketplace

With three vertical bands of green, white and red, the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797 inspired the design. The colors are those of Milan (red and white), combined with the green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard.

Laura Michaels

02.21.2018

Corripio Group puts ‘an experience’ first in DR

Franchisees of Title Boxing Club and SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt share their approach to expanding U.S. brands in Latin America. Corripio Group is adding Title to its holdings of Burger King, Papa John’s, Krispy Kreme and more.

Laura Michaels

01.24.2018

Country Profile describes a maturing market in DR

A white cross divides the flag into four rectangles: blue on the left upper and right lower corners and red on the top right and bottom left. A small coat of arms is at the center of the cross and above the shield a blue ribbon displays the motto: Dios, Patria, Libertad (God, Fatherland, Liberty).

Laura Michaels

01.24.2018

Focus Brands stays flexible as it grows snack concepts

There’s no one-size-fits-all model for Focus Brands as international expansion continues for Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon. Instead it’s about adjusting to the local market—and the local challenges—to offer an indulgent snacking experience.

Laura Michaels

12.21.2017

In China, food dominates, rules complicate

Each component of the red flag with its large yellow star and four smaller yellow stars has a meaning. The color red symbolizes revolution, while the stars symbolize the four social classes—the working class, the peasantry, the urban petty bourgeoisie, and the national bourgeoisie (capitalists)—united under the Communist Party of China.

Laura Michaels

12.21.2017

UK, Malaysia operators freshen up Wingstop

Rick Ross catches the ear of a United Kingdom operator, who forms Lemon Pepper Holdings in homage to the rapper. In Malaysia, meanwhile, a new developer moves away from counter service to appeal to local customers.

Laura Michaels

10.24.2017

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