There's no safety in the fast-casual pizza segment. Competitive edges are vanishing as each succeeding concept—some two dozen at last count—pops up.

Success in Brazil requires boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the regulatory and business environments.

Pinkberry made a big splash when Howard Schultz, founder of Starbucks, invested $27.5 million in 2007 in the fledgling frozen-yogurt brand through Maveron, his venture capital firm in Seattle.

Sphinx, the largest casual-dining chain in the country, targets smaller-town franchisees who know their local market. Domino's first sub-franchisee, meanwhile, plies his trade in the dense apartment bloks of Warsaw.

About 2 million Brazilians visited the U.S. last year, according to Renato Sabaine of the U.S. Commercial Service office in Brazil. And trust him, when they return home, they brag about where they ate.

When it comes to international development, one world doesn't fit all. Here's why you need to be trained before your train leaves the station.

Moe's Southwest Grill is among franchisors turning to digital loyalty programs to reward their best customers, and gain a rich database of visitors in return.

While big retailers close stores, franchisees are targeting the empty boxes for expansion.

Although many franchisees discuss splitting their companies up to avoid provisions of the Affordable Care Act, experts say the idea is a non-starter.