
Seismic Shift?
The COVID-19 pandemic may alter the next generation of multi-unit operators, with family/investor ownership buyouts, M&A consolidation, and continued expansion within and across brands.
FRANdata is a company in Burnaze's franchise knowledge graph, mentioned since 2015. 299 stories link here, each summarized from the original publisher. * FRANdata ranks the 50 largest multi-unit, multi-brand franchise operators in the US, with Flynn Group holding the top spot and notable brands including Nothing Bundt Cakes and Dave's Hot Chicken [[2026-07-31 2026 Multi-Brand 50 Scale Evolves into Strategy (4f31e8)]]. * The pet industry has seen significant growth with 107 active brands and 4,600 units, driven by increased demand for pet-related services during the COVID pandemic [[2026-10-30 Paws, Profit, Potential Pet Industry Comes With Promises and Challenges (c3ed45)]]. * FRANdata has identified 1,296 new brands that have begun franchising from 2023 through 2025, with 61% operating outside of food [[2026-06-14 From Demand to Development Shifting Consumer Priorities are Reshaping Franchisin (54d8d1)]]. * Mountain Mike's Pizza has been named the 2026 TopScore FUND Award winner in the Food category by FRANdata, recognizing its strong access to capital and lender confidence [[2026-03-27 Mountain Mike’s Pizza Wins FRANdata 2026 TopScore FUND Award (6eeb65)]]. * The International Franchise Association (IFA) forecasts 12,000 new franchised units in 2026, with economic output expected to rise by 1.6% to over $920 billion [[2026-02-25 IFA Forecasts 12,000 New Franchised Units in 2026 (7ad92b)]]. * Marco's Pizza has earned a top 10 FUND Score nationally and is ranked No. 1 among all QSR and pizza brands, according to FRANdata [[2026-02-11 Marco’s Pizza Earns Top 10 FUND® Score Nationally, Ranked No. 1 Among All QSR an (019090)]]. * The franchise financing ecosystem is changing with new models emerging, including nontraditional lenders, private equity firms, and fintech platforms, which are reshaping the foundation of franchise funding [[2026-02-07 Show Me the (Smart) Money The franchise financing ecosystem is changing fast (d6a315)]]. * The International Franchise Association (IFA) released a report highlighting the benefits of the franchise model, including better benefits, stronger wage growth, and greater business ownership opportunities [[2026-01-14 IFA Report Highlights Franchise Model Benefits (799636)]]. * The 2025 Dominators analysis shows a steady but evolving franchise landscape, with top markets remaining stable and secondary markets experiencing growth [[2026-01-16 2025 Dominators Emerging Hot Spots and Shifting Growth Patterns (4e6ebd)]]. * The SBA has changed its loan rules for franchise buyers, including a new cumulative cap of $10 million for 7(a) and 504 loans and a reinstated Franchise Directory that lists eligible brands for SBA-backed financing [[2026-09-09 Can You Still Get an SBA Loan for a Franchise (1ab01b)]]. * Franchisors are using royalty relief as a strategic tool to drive portfolio expansion, as multi-unit operators now control nearly 60% of franchised locations [[2026-08-15 Royalty Relief Is Franchise Filed under Franchise Industry / Suppliers.

The COVID-19 pandemic may alter the next generation of multi-unit operators, with family/investor ownership buyouts, M&A consolidation, and continued expansion within and across brands.

The Elements Massage brand is ranked in the top 10 'Best Franchises to Buy' for medium investment category by Forbes, citing its system sustainability and franchisor support.

Now that franchise businesses have adjusted and the paths through the crisis have been determined, it’s time to give some thought to what the post-recovery landscape will look like.

The Covid-19 crisis is changing how multi-unit operators will develop, with new challenges and opportunities arising from consumer behavior and the pandemic's length.

Leaders face challenges in making strategic decisions during uncertain times, and must rely on experience and historical data to guide their organizations into the future.

Franchisors are pressured to find new ways to reduce costs, including reducing initial investment levels, due to low inflation and lack of pricing power.

Black Enterprise predicted that up to 30,000 franchises could be closed before the COVID-19 outbreak is contained and the economy begins to recover.

Each year we work with FRANdata to compile a list of the country's largest multi-unit franchisee organizations.

Celebree School launches a strategic plan to grow to 100 schools in five years, expanding its footprint through a leading franchise opportunity.

Since 1994, Celebree School has prided itself on creating a family-focused concept and supportive community through the core values of “Protect, Educate and Nurture.” The leading childcare franchise encourages confidence…

A new report by FRANdata forecasts robust growth in the franchise industry, with an increase in franchise establishments, employment, and output in 2020.
FRANdata forecasts franchise industry growth, expecting strong expansion in personal services, quick service, and full-service restaurant segments.
TeamLogic IT reaches key industry milestone with the opening of its 200th location in Denver, Colorado, with certified technicians completing ASE-accredited training program.

Multi-brand ownership is an attractive business option, with 76.5% of franchised restaurants and 53% of all franchises having multi-unit or multi-brand franchisees.

Franchise system growth requires careful consideration of factors such as operating income, unit revenue, and franchisee needs.
The Joint Chiropractic reaches milestone of opening its 500th clinic, achieving elite status in the franchise industry.

Good News! highlights various franchise news, including unit growth, investment, and financial developments, legislation, and regulation, and people and milestones.

FRANdata ranks multi-unit, multi-brand operators as the 'Dominators,' highlighting their growth and success in the franchise industry.

The FUND Score of a brand affects its lending terms, with a higher score indicating greater access to lenders and more favorable terms.

Franchise royalties are primarily associated with two purposes.

Rod Bristol shares his insights on the demographics and characteristics of multi-unit operators (MUOs), including their age, business experience, and leadership skills.

Callahan Agency’s Zack Pike emphasizes the importance of using data to drive franchise development and marketing budgets, avoiding money-wasting strategies.

The new revenue recognition rules have a material impact on franchisor financial statements, changing the way financials are presented.

The 2019 Multi-Brand 50 issue provides data on the country's largest multi-brand operators, including the brands they've chosen, and the percentage of multi-unit franchisees for each brand.