Many franchise buyers focus on what the franchise representatives say the franchise will do for them and overlook the written contract that actually governs the relationship. Common mistakes include assuming the agreement is standard, underestimating exit restrictions, overlooking long term costs, and signing before fully understanding risk. A careful reading of most franchise agreements reveals

Franchise agreements are negotiable more often than people think. The franchisees who have the most success focus on three to five high impact issues, remain patient throughout the process, and are genuinely willing to walk away if the deal does not make sense. The ability to say no is often what creates leverage.

Can franchise

Twenty years ago, Rush on Business began with a simple and deliberate goal: make the law understandable for everyday business owners. At the time, I took a chance on the idea that openly sharing clear, practical legal guidance through a blog could genuinely help people and, in doing so, build meaningful client relationships. I never

Buying a franchise will cost you more than the high end of the investment range disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Let me explain.

Buying a franchise is a major financial decision. It is not just about covering the initial franchise fee and build-out costs. To set yourself up for success, you need to

Not all franchise opportunities are worth the risk.

Franchising has become a popular path to financial independence, promising a proven business model and support from an established brand. With over 15,000 new franchise units expected to open annually, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of becoming your own boss. However, not

Franchising is booming.

Private equity firms are snapping up franchisors faster than ever. Recently, we have seen Jersey Mike’s secure a massive $8 billion private equity deal and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers now reportedly exploring a sale. The stakes are high, the money is flowing, and the pace of change is staggering.

But

I recently took a call from someone eager to buy a restaurant franchise.

They were excited, optimistic, and ready to take the plunge. The idea of owning their own business, working for themselves, and controlling their destiny had them fired up. They had done some research, run the numbers, and figured they were ready to

In an era of increasing sophistication in scams, fraudsters have found a new tactic: exploiting real business names and lawyer identities, likely scraped from Secretary of State websites or public records, to bolster their credibility. This scheme not only tarnishes reputations but also endangers unsuspecting victims who may unknowingly engage in fraudulent dealings.

I recently

A client recently asked for my thoughts on a new franchise they are considering.

When it comes to franchising, there is a unique allure to being one of the first. You imagine the chance to “get in on the ground floor,” to ride the wave of a promising new concept. But investing in a new

Exiting a failing franchise is not easy.

When a franchise struggles to deliver expected returns, franchisees often wonder if they can negotiate an exit from their ongoing obligations, especially the requirement to continue paying royalties. Franchise agreements are complex, one-sided documents that make severing ties without repercussions challenging. Many franchisees quickly discover that the