Is Social Good Becoming the Next Business ‘Must Do’?

Recently, multiple big names in the franchising space have announced social good initiatives. Dunkin’ has committed to using 100% responsibly sourced coffee by 2025, SONIC Drive-In will donate $1 million for local classroom needs on World Teachers’ Day, October 5th, and O’Charley’s recently conducted a concept-wide school supply drive to support families impacted by flooding in Kentucky.

As more concepts begin to announce such initiatives, it seems that it will take more momentous gestures to be noticed. Is social good becoming just another thing that businesses check off of their to-do lists?

Maybe.

If franchisors begin to announce concept-wide initiatives focused on things like fundraising or ethical sourcing, there is no doubt franchisees’ operations will have to change — even if that change seems small.

While there are still plenty of organizations that do not make grandiose public gestures or announcements, it seems the habit is becoming more common, if not entirely expected. For franchisees searching for their next investment, this is yet another variable to weigh.