M. Scott Morris — page 10

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has seen the biggest overall increase in consumer debt during the second quarter of 2025, with the average credit card balance increasing by nearly 6% to $9,900.

Greg Louie and Brigette Farwaha sign deal to build 20 Dill Dinkers units

Akash Chaudhari, Sanjay Chaudhari and Brijesh Patel signed a four-unit development agreement for Frutta Bowls in the Memphis market.

The Mattiacio Group became the largest franchisee in Ziebart’s system with a 17-store acquisition from The Harris Group.

Dr. Daniel Olney, an ENT based in Iowa City, Iowa, will develop 11 PayMore stores across Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Matt Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchisee Association, and Jennifer Brandeen, the organization's COO, recently appeared on the FranchiseU!

Helen28, a franchise group led by experienced entrepreneur Mohamed Hamoud, signed a multi-unit deal to develop Doner Shack units in Tennessee.

86% of U.S. consumers are concerned about the effects of tariffs on their personal finances, with 61% worried about higher prices on everyday goods and 57% worried about general inflation.

Shaz Salim and Shai Jiwani open Altitude Trampoline Park in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Tyler Dutton, a seasoned Wetzel's Pretzels franchisee and longtime corporate team member, plans to open a second Wetzel's in The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Brix Holdings LLC, a Dallas-based multi-brand franchising company specializing in food service chains, has been acquired by Legacy Brands International, an investment group managed by Amol Kohli, a multi-unit franchisee of Friendly's Restaurants.

Zack Mixon, the CEO of Mixon Foods, inked a 10-unit development agreement to open Saladworks units in North Carolina.

K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel forms joint venture with largest franchisee group

A report highlights cities with increasing credit card delinquency rates, with Fremont, California, leading the list.

Big brands win when they think small—neighborhood small. Personalization at scale might be the holy grail of customer experience, but in franchising, it's powered by more than marketing tech and automation.

Brothers John, Bryant, and Jason Corona have partnered with their father, Juan Corona, and uncle, Saul DeLa Rosa, to develop four Broken Yolk Cafe units in Southeast Los Angeles County.

Over 10 years in franchising, Chanel Grant and her partners have owned franchise units that performed as well or better than expected and others that required extra attention.

Spike Singh and his team at Whole Factor Inc. are doubling down on Fatburger.

Joe Cugine, the multi-unit operator behind 80 Wendy's, 14 Taco Bell, and four Jersey Mike's Subs locations, is expanding into new territory.

44% of small business owners report revenue declines tied to tariffs and ongoing uncertainty, with 20% fearing their businesses won’t survive into 2026 if trade war policies persist or escalate.

Phone calls, emails, text messages, newsletters, podcasts, and social media posts (both text and video) provide necessary links between franchisors and franchisees, but there’s something to be said for old-fashioned face-to-face time.

Franchisees Todd Blevins and Laneal Vaughn open Huddle House in South Carolina

Partners open a MilkShake Factory in Hilton Head, South Carolina, with a focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere and serving great food.

Kevin and Tracey Scharnek and their daughter Riley plan to open their first Scenthound location in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in late October.