QSR: Why it Pays to Give Franchisees Freedom to Innovate

Franchising is more commonly built on brand consistency. However, according to QSR, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop quickly discovered that allowing their franchisees some freedom in music and wall decor builds a connection to their community and leads to loyal customers.

“From the start, it’s been important to us that our franchisees make their restaurants their restaurants,” Laura Purser, vice president of marketing for Fuzzy’s Taco Shop tells QSR. “The franchisees know their communities best and should be able to incorporate items in their restaurants to reflect what’s important to them and their guests.”

All while sticking to the traditional Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Baja-style Mexican vibe, one will more often than not discover local sports jerseys and other memorabilia on the walls.

“The majority of our franchisees have come from the dining experiences. They never forget their first time at a Fuzzy's Taco Shop,” says Michael Mabry, chief development officer of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “This approach bleeds back into what we're supporting and encouraging our franchisees to do: To really give their restaurants local feel and allow them to put their fingerprints on it.”