Last time we discussed the fundamental role of vendors in running a franchise business. They're essential partners to your success. You will need all kinds of supplies of products and services to keep the doors open, customers coming and going, and cash registers ringing. Finding the right vendors is critical.

Depending on how your franchisor handles vendor relationships, you may be able to choose some (or all) of your own partners as you open and grow your franchise business. These are critical relationships - usually under contract - and you want to make wise choices. You should make finding good vendors and developing relationships with them a priority as your business goes forward.

• Read Full Story
  

Franchise Buyer Resource Spotlight:

New Opportunities on Franchising.com

Top News Stories

• Dunkin' Donuts Is Number One In Coffee Customer Loyalty For Sixth Straight Year
  
  For the sixth straight year, Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, has been recognized by the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index as number one in customer loyalty in the coffee category.
• Dunkin' Donuts Announces New Restaurants In Denver, Colorado And El Paso, Texas With Sizzling Platter, LLC
  
  Dunkin' Donuts, America's every day, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods, announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with a newly formed subsidiary of Sizzling Platter, LLC (Sizzling Donuts, LLC) for 11 new restaurants in.
• Valpak® Supports Veterans With New Incentive Program
  
  Valpak Direct Marketing Systems, Inc., a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today a new incentive program that supports returning U.S. military veterans seeking to start a Valpak franchise.
• Denny's Restaurants Supports Homeless Waitress' Jobs Initiative
  
  A 32-year-old waitress in Hollywood, Florida is on the move once again. This time she is organizing a massive jobs initiative that calls for big businesses to offer employment opportunities to the communities that have supported their success.
• Cafe2U Australia Presents Their Franchisee Of The Year Awards
  
  At the Cafe2U National Leadership Conference, held in Auckland New Zealand last weekend, a number of Cafe2U Franchisees were honoured and recognised for their performances during 2011.
• Firehouse Subs® Promotes Marketing Team
  
  Firehouse Subs announces the promotions of key marketing team members, as well as additional talent following comparable sales increases since late 2009, with much credit given to its marketing leadership.
• Beef 'O' Brady's Continues Growth In Texas
  
  Armed with a refreshed menu and new prototype design, Tampa-based Beef 'O' Brady's, the 213-unit franchise of family sports pubs & restaurants best known for great food and the ties it builds with its communities, has identified Taylor as a key...
• Hurricane Grill & Wings Announces New Development In Twin Cities
  
  Hurricane Grill & Wings is excited to announce its continued expansion with the signing of a new development agreement in Minnesota.
• LivHOME Announces Sale Of New Franchise In Central Texas
  
  LivHOME, Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of professionally led at-home care for seniors, announced today that it has sold a new franchise in the Austin, TX area.
• Denny's Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year Earnings Conference Call Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5:00 P.M. (ET)
  
  Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN) expects to announce financial and operating results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 28, 2011 on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 after the markets close.

Mergers & Acquisitions

• Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty Expands Into Northern New Jersey
  
  Today the family-owned and operated brokerage, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Rand Realty, announced its expansion into northern New Jersey with the acquisition of Preakness Realty.
• 7-Eleven Completes Acquisition Of 55 Sam's Mart Stores
  
  7-Eleven, Inc. today announced that it has commenced closing on the acquisition of 55 Sam's Mart stores from Sam's Mart LLC. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Financial Announcements

• Snap-on Incorporated Declares Quarterly Dividend
  
  The Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) board of directors declared today a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.34 per share payable March 9, 2012 to shareholders of record on February 24, 2012.
• Massage Envy Announces $15 Million In Franchisee Funding Available In 2012 Through Agreement With Franchise America Finance And The Bancorp Bank
  
  Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today that new and existing Massage Envy franchisees have exclusive access to $15 million in development capital in 2012.
• Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Provides Update On Share Repurchase Program
  
  Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) today announced the completion of a $100 million forward stock repurchase agreement that was executed on November 3, 2011.
• Chick-fil-A Achieves Record Annual Sales Of $4 Billion
  
  In continuing with its trend of strong sales performance, Chick-fil-A(R), Inc. announces that it exceeded $4 billion in annual sales in 2011.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2011 Results
  
  Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011.

Additional Announcements

• Great Clips Rated #8 In AllBusiness 2012 AllStar Franchise Rankings
• Heads Up! Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Lands On ‘Heads,' Giving Free Papa John's Pizza To Millions
• Dunkin' Donuts Is Number One In Coffee Customer Loyalty For Sixth Straight Year
• Jack In The Box® Guests Catch A Great Deal With $2.99 Fish Sandwich Combo Meal
• Cosi Initiates Consulting Agreement With Industry Veteran Brad Blum
• Dunkin' Donuts Announces New Restaurants In Denver, Colorado And El Paso, Texas With Sizzling Platter, LLC
• Franchise Poised To Knockout 2012 With A Different Flavor Of Fitness
• Valpak® Supports Veterans With New Incentive Program
• Caribou Coffee Announces Fourth Quarter & Fiscal 2011 Earnings Call
• Caring Senior Service To Expand In Wisconsin