When many people think of becoming a franchisee, they imagine running a fast-food restaurant. You may be considering your options because you want to be a business owner, but you want the name recognition and other benefits that come with starting a franchise. So you may assume that your options are going to be in fast food or small retail shops. But what about car dealerships? These are often referred to as “dealers” or “dealerships”, rather than franchises. But is it essentially the same thing? It depends on the dealership structure The answer differs from one dealership to the other. When t ..read more

The food and beverage industry is being ever-influenced by broad trends, competition and customer satisfaction concerns. If you are a franchisee, you benefit from a degree of stability in this regard, due to your company’s proven brand and operational framework. However, driving sales within your specific location likely requires a strategic approach that leverages the strengths of the franchise model while capitalizing on your local knowledge. Know your market and niche Understanding your customer base is fundamental. Analyze demographics, dining habits and competitor offerings in your area ..read more

A franchise agreement is a contract – and those contracts eventually expire, even if that is five, 10 or 15 years down the road.  At that point, you generally have the option to renew your agreement with the franchisor, but only if you meet all of the renewal conditions. To make sure you keep your own plans on track and protect your financial future, here are some tips: 1. Recognize that renewal is not guaranteed No matter how long you’ve been operating as a franchisee, renewal of your agreement is not automatic. It’s your burden to make sure that you make a timely request for renewal, pa ..read more

Starting a franchise can be an exciting venture, but it’s essential to navigate potential disputes wisely to ensure the success and longevity of your business. The following are some valuable tips to help new franchisees avoid disputes and maintain positive relationships with franchisors and customers both generally and in the event that concerns arise. Thoroughly research the franchise Before committing to a franchise, conduct extensive research into the company’s reputation, history of disputes and franchisee satisfaction levels. Choose a franchisor with a solid track record of supporting th ..read more

Entrepreneurs and investors often choose to pursue franchise opportunities as low-risk business options. Ideally, franchisees tap into an existing market and benefit from becoming part of a trusted and well-known brand. Unfortunately, issues ranging from restrictive territories to exorbitant expenses might diminish the value of a franchise agreement. An investor or entrepreneur may eventually realize that continuing to operate a franchise may only result in losses rather than profits. They may then aspire to terminate the franchise agreement. There are several risks involved in a franchise ter ..read more

If you’re embarking on purchasing a franchise but you’re short on capital, you shouldn’t give up hope because financing may help propel your entrepreneurial dreams. With a little strategizing, you can find sufficient funds to turn your goal of franchise ownership into reality. Financing can help you cover franchise fees and other business start-up expenses that may arise in your business’ infancy. By applying for a loan, you won’t be overwhelmed by the out-of-pocket costs that are common at the start of a business. Franchisor financing Securing the right financing can lay the foundation for gr ..read more

Dady & Gardner, P.A. Partners listed in Who’s Who Legal’s Thought Leaders in 2024 We are thrilled to share the exceptional news that seven partners at Dady & Gardner, P.A., have been selected to Who’s Who Legal in the Franchising sector for 2024. This recognition, among 585 lawyers across 360 firms and 70 countries, showcases the partners outstanding contributions to the legal profession. Who’s Who Legal, a globally recognized legal directory, annually identifies the most influential practitioners through their “Global Elite” Thought Leaders category. This exclusive group is comprised ..read more

We are thrilled to announce that Ronald K. Gardner, Jr., a distinguished member of Dady & Gardner, P.A., has been honored as one of the 12 Who’s Who Legal “Global Elite” Thought Leaders in the Franchising sector by Who’s Who Legal for the year 2024. This prestigious recognition solidifies Ron’s standing among the most pre-eminent franchise lawyers globally. Ronald K. Gardner, Jr.’s Remarkable Achievement: Out of 585 lawyers from 360 firms across 70 countries, Ronald K. Gardner, Jr. has emerged as one of 12 Who’s Who Legal “Global Elite” Thought Leaders in the Franchising sector and is the ..read more

Dady & Gardner Partner Andrew Malzahn recently prevailed in an argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in a noncompete dispute involving a former franchisee operating a pizzeria following the expiration of the franchise agreement. Breadeaux’s Pisa, LLC v. Beckman Bros., 83 F.4th 1113 (8th Cir. 2023). The issue before the Court was whether the franchisor could “stay” its own claims (under 9 U.S.C. § 3) in favor of a later-filed arbitration. Mr. Malzahn argued that the franchisor could not seek a “do-over” after choosing to litigate extensively in the District Court ..read more

The dream of entrepreneurship can swiftly turn into a nightmare if not navigated with strategic precision. As a franchisee, understanding and implementing preventative measures can make the difference between flourishing success and costly failure. Exploring tried-and-tested pivotal strategies to safeguard your franchise from pitfalls can better ensure your business’s longevity and prosperity. Meticulous market research Before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey, immerse yourself in thorough market research. Identify not only the demand for your product or service but also the nuances of ..read more