IFA Study Finds Franchises Deliver Stronger Jobs, Benefits

Franchise News Highlights Expansion, Job Growth and Rising Investment Across Markets

Oxford Economics research revealed on Jan. 7 that 831,000 franchised U.S. businesses – as compared to non-franchised businesses – generate stronger wage growth and benefits for employees, better business ownership opportunities, and superior contributions to communities. The Value of Franchising study, commissioned by the International Franchise Association, queried nearly 3,000 franchisees and analyzed Paychex payroll data in detail.

The study found that during 2025:

• 85% of franchisees lived and worked in the communities they serve.
• 83% of U.S. franchisees gave to local charities.
• Franchises offered employees stronger wage growth, benefits and career growth than non-franchise businesses
• Franchise employees were 3 to 7 percentage points more likely to receive key benefits – including health insurance and paid leave – than those at non-franchised businesses.
• Franchisees purchased an average of 40% of goods from local businesses in their community.64% of franchisees were first-time business owners.

Jersey Mike’s to Open 400 stores in U.K. and Ireland

The Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise announced Jan. 12 that franchisee JM Submarines UK LTD, led by Jersey Mike’s founder and Board Chairman Peter Cancro, would open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This agreement marks the first European units of Jersey Mike’s, with the first one opening this year.

“We could not ask for a better partner than Peter to lead this market expansion,” Jersey Mike’s CEO Charlie Morrison stated in a news release. “Peter built this brand from the ground up, from our first location on the Jersey Shore to over 3,000 locations across North America during his time as CEO.” Cancro, as a 17-year-old, founded Jersey Mike’s Subs in 1975 after buying Mike’s Subs shop in Point Pleasant, N.J. He remains a significant shareholder following the brand’s sale to Blackstone last year.

The news release indicated that Jersey Mike’s plans further global expansion.

Megan Thee Stallion Launches Her Popeyes Franchise

What started as a partnership on Popeyes’ Hottie Sauce in 2021 has led Megan Thee Stallion to becoming a franchisee of the spicy fried chicken brand. Wearing an apron, the Grammy-winning rapper headlined the South Miami Beach location’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on New Year’s Eve.

“Prepping Thee Hot Staff before THEE OFFICIAL FIRST EVER MEGAN THEE STALLION POPEYES OPENED I’m so excited, so proud, and I just feel so much gratitude! Hottiessss I’m officially a franchise owner,” she wrote on TikTok and Instagram. “Come to South Beach Miami and dine with us.”

Thee Stallion greeted the entire staff, interacted with fans, and even served up a few chicken sandwiches herself at the launch. “This is going to be a great experience for me,” BET.com quoted her as telling the employees. “It’s going to be a great experience for y’all because I’m gonna be here, I’ma be acting cool, I’m gonna see what y’all got going on in here. I hope this is a fun job. I hope everyone’s having a blast.” She continued: “This is the first Megan Thee Stallion Popeyes. I just want to lead with love. I want everyone to lead with kindness.”

Valvoline Raises $1.8M for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Valvoline Inc. on Jan. 7 announced that the company and participating franchise Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Great Canadian Oil Change service centers raised more than $1.8 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The total reflects a nearly 40% increase over what the company raised the previous year, Valvoline said in a news release.

Valvoline Instant Oil Change has supported Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 2009, helping fund critical pediatric care, life-saving equipment, and essential services for children and families at local member hospitals. Its total contributions are nearly $10 million. Money was raised through guest donations, corporate-led fundraising, and contributions from Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchisees.

Restaurant Franchise News

Three restaurant brands recently made franchise news, including:

• TGI Fridays on Jan. 12 unveiled its 1-2-3 Strategic Vision, which aims for 1,000-plus units and $2 billion in annual revenue by 2030. One tactic for reaching the goal: “strengthening franchisee profitability and consistency through enhanced support, operational excellence and strategic partnership.” TGI Fridays ended 2023 with about $1.4 billion in global system-wide sales and credited TGI Friday’s with about 380 current locations in more than 35 countries, Nation’s Restaurant News noted in its report on 1-2-3 Strategic Vision. The brand launched in 1965.
• Google and Papa Johns have launched an artificial intelligence ordering system through Gemini, Nation’s Restaurant News reported. Papa Johns will be the first restaurant to use this food-ordering system across telephones, mobile apps, websites, kiosks and in-car smart systems. During a Thursday Jan. 7 news conference, Papa Johns Chief Digital Officer Kevin Vasconi explained how AI helps consumers: If you’re ordering pizzas for a children’s soccer team and need help determining the amount as well as food preferences and allergies, the AI agent steps you through it. Another feature is the Intelligent Deal Wizard, which optimizes coupons and any special pricing for orders and automatically applies them.
• Dallas-based M Crowd Restaurant Group, owner of the 23-unit Mi Cocina chain, has acquired Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Restaurant Business. Founded in 1991 in Dallas, Razzoo’s menu features items such as alligator, oysters and po’boys. M Crowd, which closed nine of Razzoo’s 20 stores in Texas and North Carolina, will keep the remaining 11 locations open. M Crowd aims to improve Razzoo’s service and food, focusing on signature dishes such as the seafood combo platter and crawfish boils.