---
title: "Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: FranNet Notices New Trend in Franchising—Franchisees Are Turning to Uber to Help Make Ends Meet"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/8a265618-6ef9-4d86-bce2-a32599ca00bf
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/pittsburgh-post-gazette-frannet-notices-new-trend-in-franchising-franchisees-are-turning-to-uber-to-help-make-ends-meet-5233
category: "Suppliers"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
segment: "Suppliers"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2016-07-15T22:17:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T12:20:43.206Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/42eb439a10df7a9ce5e167e93a0d83a21442160715153300.jpg
---

# Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: FranNet Notices New Trend in Franchising—Franchisees Are Turning to Uber to Help Make Ends Meet

**TL;DR:** FranNet consultant John Tubridy has noticed a trend of franchisees using ride-sharing services like Uber to make ends meet while starting their own businesses. One client, Erik Lingren, is a Menchie's franchisee who drives for Uber on the side for extra cash.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2016-07-15. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/pittsburgh-post-gazette-frannet-notices-new-trend-in-franchising-franchisees-are-turning-to-uber-to-help-make-ends-meet-5233).*

## Story

FranNet consultant John Tubridy has recently noticed that many of his clients are driving Uber or Lyft to save enough money to start a business. One client, Erik Lingren, is a Menchie’s franchisee and drives Uber driver on the side for extra cash.

Between Uber and Menchie’s, Lingren figures he works roughly 50 to 65 hours a week, although he’s taken a hiatus from driving in the last few months to focus on franchise operation.

Newly self-employed entrepreneurs using ride sharing to make ends meet seems to be a trend among the clientele of FranNet, a consultant firm headquartered in Louisville that offers education and networking for those looking to open a franchise.

Not all of Tubridy’s clients are as outspoken about their new venture as Lingren.

Many are used to demanding, but lucrative, work environments. They see Uber and Lyft as a way to maintain their lifestyles, he said. “It’ll never show up on their resume but it’s something to keep the house afloat,” he said.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Franchise Industry (sector)
- FranNet (company)
- Uber (company)
- franchise financing (topic)
- Lyft (company)
- Menchie's (company)
- ride sharing (topic)
- franchisee lifestyle (topic)

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Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/pittsburgh-post-gazette-frannet-notices-new-trend-in-franchising-franchisees-are-turning-to-uber-to-help-make-ends-meet-5233). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/8a265618-6ef9-4d86-bce2-a32599ca00bf).