What kind of unique support does your brand offer to its multi-unit franchisees?

One of the fundamental differences between joining a franchise or starting an independent business is the support an owner receives from their franchisor. It can be a wide range of services such as help with site selection, vendor contracts, training, marketing, and more. For some franchisees, the assistance they receive in growing their business by adding new locations or managing multiple units can be invaluable.

Franchise Update asked several multi-unit restaurant operators about the support they get from their franchisors. A few mentioned the help they receive with real estate and selecting the best location in their market for their restaurant. Others cited the operational support with employee training and education. Marketing plans provided by the franchisor are essential in the competitive restaurant industry, especially when rolling out a new promotion or LTO. Other franchisees discussed the benefits of working with a franchise business coach.

Several operators said that not only do they feel supported, but their franchisor is open to suggestions and feedback, and that their voices are heard. Franchisees enjoy knowing that if any problems arise, help from the franchisors is only a phone call away. Just having the knowledge that there is a fully dedicated team invested in your business’ success can provide a feeling of security for many franchisees.

We also asked a few other restaurant franchisees who they would most like to have lunch with (or maybe, in the case this week, over for Thanksgiving dinner). It was an interesting mix of historical and political figures, relatives, and people who could inspire and educate others. It is a thought-provoking hypothetical question in which the answer can be a person dead or alive, a close relative or a stranger, or someone who would share varied wisdom in conversation.

Bob Ruggieri

Company: Synergy Restaurant Group LLC

Brands: 17 Checkers & Rally’s

Years in Franchising: 17

Our brand has great franchise business coaches who are invested in the success of their multi-unit groups. Their success depends on our success, which has created a great partnership.

If you’re willing to grow in our brand, the real estate team is also greatly invested in helping find locations to grow your multi-unit network.

Rebecca Johnson

Company: Triad Donut Corporation

Brands: 3 Duck Donuts units and one food truck

Years in Franchising: 13

Duck Donuts has been an incredible partner as I've grown from a single location to multiple units across the system. The company operates Duck Donuts University, a comprehensive training and education center for franchisees, where we learn best practices to run the business, ensuring brand consistency and operational excellence, while delivering the experiences our customers love. On an ongoing basis, my franchise business consultant provides personalized guidance while the corporate team supports everything from real estate and construction to marketing campaigns and operational efficiencies. What really sets Duck Donuts apart is its openness to franchisee innovation. When I proposed the first food truck concept, they listened, supported the idea, and now it's become a system-wide success, generating meaningful revenue at private and public events.

Lisa Starnes

Company: Starnes Holdings, Inc.

Brands: 8 Captain D’s

Years in Franchising: 31

A tremendous amount of support, and just as much as they do with a new franchisee. Captain D’s’ support allows you to concentrate on your business by taking care of guests and collaborating with your team. A procurement or marketing department is not required, as qualified professionals are already in place. Their expertise provides significant benefits to the organization. However, if you need something specific for your business, all those resources are available to you as if they were a department of your company. There are company restaurants and franchise restaurants, but we are one brand. We are destined for success by offering our guests quality food and superior hospitality in clean and pleasant surroundings.

Andrew Jones

Company: TAM Group

Brands: 13 PJ’s Coffee, one Zaxbys

Years in Franchising: 11

PJ's franchise support model is built around the principles of connection and hospitality that define the brand. We were welcomed into a system that feels like family, with direct access to experienced leadership, hands-on operational guidance, and a culture of collaboration that reflects the brand’s New Orleans roots. PJ’s provides support across every phase of ownership, including real estate and site selection, training, marketing, and operations. They are committed to helping me and our team bring genuine community connection and southern hospitality to life.

Rey Vasquez

Company: Vasquez Hospitality

Brands: 25 Golden Corrals

Years in Franchising: 13

Golden Corral has consistently provided support at every level. From franchise business consultants to division presidents, there is always a knowledgeable partner available to assist. Whether we need help with training, marketing analysis, or local marketing strategies, it’s the kind of support where you can pick up the phone, call, and know you will get the necessary guidance right away.

Misha Punwani

Brands: 15 Playa Bowls

Years in Franchising: 6

The Playa Bowls corporate team is incredibly supportive and approachable. They truly value feedback from franchise owners and take the time to listen, which makes a big difference when you are operating multiple locations. Communication is always clear and responsive, creating a strong sense of partnership across the brand. The marketing support Playa Bowls provides is outstanding for all franchise owners. We have access to professional, ready-to-use resources through Canva, along with the flexibility to create campaigns that fit each community. For multi-unit operators, consistency and creative freedom is especially valuable, allowing us to maintain the same brand standards while tailoring efforts to each market.

Franchisee Bytes

Person you would most like to have lunch with?

Anthony Bourdain. I would love to hear about his combined life experiences, traveling the world and working in exceptional restaurants.
-Alex Karcher, Operating Principal, JCK Restaurants, 61 Carl’s Jr., 11 Jersey Mike’s Subs, 8 The Human Bean, 8 Dave’s Hot Chicken, 1 Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

The founding leaders of the three major religions. I’d love to hear their vision firsthand and ask how they’d see the world today.
-Christopher Aslam, CEO & Principal, Rock Strategies and various entities, 59 Jack in the Box, 5 Golden Chick, 5 Hawaiian Bros Island Grill

Abraham Lincoln. I would love to know how he kept it all together when our country was at its lowest. His leadership was just incredible.
-David Weeks, CEO, The Bean Team, 9 Barberitos, 8 Dunkin’, 4 Newk’s Eatery, 1 Dunkin/Newk’s co-brand

Jesus Christ.
-Lawrence Kourie, Multi-Unit Owner-Operator, 22 Dave’s Hot Chicken

My ancestor Chauncey Webb, who crossed the Plains in 1847.
-Jacob Webb, Franchise Owner, MPUT Holdings LLC, 22 Marco's Pizza, 4 Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Warren Buffett and other leaders I can learn from.
-Sam Chand, CEO, Jasam Enterprises, 25 Checkers & Rally’s, 35 KFC

My late father, who passed away at a young age.
-Mike Kulp, CEO, KBP Brands, 828 KFC, 119 Arby’s, 85 Sonic, 56 Taco Bell

Tony Robbins.
-Carrie Ayers, Owner/Operator, 6 Playa Bowls

I follow the entrepreneur and author John Hope Bryant on Instagram, and he's always talking about cash flow and investing. That is the type of person I would like to have as a mentor as I grow because I believe it would indeed bear fruit. As they say in "Hamilton," "to be in the room where it happens."
-Jerome Johnson, Multi-Unit Franchisee, John Cove Management and Jbar Inc., 4 Sonic Drive-In, 10 Dunkin', 4 Baskin-Robbins, 1 Jersey Mike's Subs