Elizabeth Sigety

My family were area developers for Houlihan’s for many years. When that began, my husband asked me to take a look at the Franchise Agreement he was being asked to sign. As I had no experience in franchising (indeed had not been an attorney for long), I told him it was horribly one sided and he should not sign it! Of course, since then I have learned that franchise agreements are generally written the way they are to protect the brand and the entire system.

Many things. I think the two things that immediately come to mind are, from the franchisee’s perspective, giving an individual a chance to own and operate their own business in an industry they love – even if they have never done it before. Also, for an emerging franchisor, a solid model to expand their business.

Either one with prior experience with building and operating a business and working with attorneys when doing that OR one that is willing and happy to learn (and follow or at least carefully consider the advice of counsel).

One that is not TOO MUCH of an attorney – that can incorporate the mandates of the law with practical business considerations when giving advice to his or her client.