Rob Branca

MUFC 2026, Day 2: General Session Panel Challenges shift as franchise operators grow.

When franchisees from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2025 IFA Advocacy Summit in mid-September, there was a mood of determination buoyed by optimism.

For many restaurant franchisees, money is tight, customers scarce, and here comes the ever-critical Q4, followed by an uncertain 2026—for restaurant operators and customers alike, who both are dealing with inflation.

Here we are, a mere two weeks into 2025, one week before a new administration is sworn in, and the uncertainty needle is swinging wildly between optimism and uncertainty.

California Senate Bill 919 enhances franchise transparency by requiring third-party sellers to register and provide disclosure to prospective franchisees.

If one thing is certain in the world of political uncertainty, it’s that direct engagement with lawmakers is essential to successful policy outcomes.

One thing is certain in the world of political uncertainty: Franchisee engagement is essential to successful policy outcomes.

Franchisees share advice for first-time buyers, including reading the FDD and assessing financial viability.

If you’ve ever experienced the rumble from a horde of Harleys, you get it: Sight unseen, you instantly knew who made those bikes, complete with mental images of its customers, the bikers.

“Regrets, I’ve had a few,” Frank Sinatra sang in his classic 1969 song, “My Way.” Franchisees, however, must do it their franchisor’s way—at least when it comes to following the system.

Multi-unit restaurant franchisees share their experiences and insights on cultivating productive relationships with their franchisors.

Part 4 of a 6-part series on opening a new franchise business covers permitting, a crucial step in the construction process.

A business owner discusses the process of opening a new franchise location, focusing on construction.

The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference attracts over 2,200 attendees, including more than 800 franchisees representing 250 brands.

The author reflected on the franchising industry's experience with the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Multi-Unit Franchising Conference (MUFC) brings together top multi-unit franchisees and industry leaders for education, networking, and business development.

The IRS proposed rule change on valuing interests in closely held businesses may harm franchisees.

Rob Branca, a mega-franchisee and advocate for franchising, has fought against overreaching government regulations and has served as chair of several industry organizations.

Rob Branca, a mega-franchisee, is a tireless advocate for franchising and has relied on his experience as a family business lawyer to benefit his franchisees.