Most people are quick to assume that the relationship between franchisor and entrepreneur/franchisee is merely a matter of licensing fees and adherence to brand guidelines, but nothing could be further from the truth. Part of the reason restaurant franchises are so successful has to do with the tools and aids provided to the franchisee both before and after the front doors to the restaurant open for business.
In fact, the best franchisors have created all the tools necessary to assist their franchisees when it comes to profitability. If you’re thinking of starting a restaurant franchise location, it’s good to know just how far your franchisor will go to support you, both for your benefit, and that of the franchise itself.
SITE SELECTION & DEVELOPMENT
When it comes to restaurant franchises, location is everything, and your franchisor has a vested interest in making sure you’re establishing your restaurant in the right place. Plus, they have access to a much wider contact pool, making it easier to secure building and licensing permits. It’s not all about foot traffic, but maximizing the space in accordance with how the franchise operates. Therefore, your franchisor can provide valuable input when it comes to narrowing down your final location.
OPERATING SYSTEMS & MANUALS
Whether it’s a particular choice of booking and ticket software, or operations manuals with all the info you’ll need, a great franchisor makes sure you have everything you need long before you open for business. Since franchises grow and expand outwards based on how they perform, it’s vital that methods are refined and optimized in order to cut down on wastage, while delivering better service for patrons. These operating systems and manuals are a virtual guidebook for everything you’ll need, and then some. Pay heed to what’s inside, for your franchisor has gone to great lengths to streamline the functionality of the business model.
MARKETING & ADVERTISING PLANS
Feel intimidated at the prospect of heading up a marketing and advertising strategy? Never fear, for your franchisor has already done most of the legwork. Remember that franchises adhere to the same model from coast to coast, and that also includes introduction of new products, special events, sales and promotional events. Even international franchises sport country or region-specific menu items or deals to accommodate the local populace. Whatever the case, franchisors spend a lot of time and money on developing the most effective marketing and advertising plans. All that’s left is for you to market your franchise location locally, which is a far less intimidating affair.
BRAND STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
It’s no secret that restaurant franchisees will need to play ball in order to participate in the success of a particular franchise chain. That means sticking to the uniform brand standards and guidelines, which may change over time. Rest assured, your franchisor is spending quite a bit of money to develop the most impactful branding to attract patrons and keep your location looking hip and up to date. While you may not have creative control over the final look, you’ll never have to worry about whether you hit the mark or not.
QUALITY CONTROL
Thankfully, the best franchises in the world are strict when it comes to standards and quality control. Without periodic inspections from regional managers and personnel, things could go awry rather quickly. By ensuring that all franchisees are operating up to standard, the overall integrity and reputation of the brand is protected at all times, which means great business for all. Take our advice and heed the critiques of your quality control inspectors so that you can be sure you’re up to par, or beyond. Whenever possible, strive to exceed excellence, and you’ll not only bring success to your location, but the entire franchise as a whole.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Contrary to what some might think, the best franchisors don’t simply walk away once a deal has been made. After all, an investment in you as a franchisee means that your franchisor is interested in seeing you succeed and thrive. Don’t think you’re alone after the restaurant doors open on day one. Support in the form of advice, training and networking is just a phone call or Email away, and your franchisor will always be on standby to help out in case you need it. This creates a strong bond between both franchisor and franchisee, since both are working together for a common cause.
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see, opening a restaurant franchise location means you have the backing of a head office that has the brand’s best interests at heart, and by extension, yours as well. Your success is their success, and this relationship can go a long way, especially if you plan to open up more than one location in the future. Plus, constant communication and support helps your location perform better, which in turn will please your patrons and put a positive spin on the parent franchise. This effectively “plows the soil” of new markets and territories just waiting to open up a restaurant location for the first time.
In fact, that’s part of the amazing success we’ve had here at St. Louis Bar & Grill. Our enormous success in Canada has helped pave the way for our foray into the U.S. market, and we’re always on the lookout for positive-minded entrepreneurs to join our franchise family. If you’ve been thinking of opening up your very first restaurant franchise location, we want to hear from you, and we’ll support you all the way, from planning your launch, to growing it into a major success.
