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California's fast-food workers got a big pay hike. Franchise owners say they're struggling.

Aug 19, 2024
The state's $20-an-hour mandate pressures some outlets to raise prices and risk turning away low-income customers.
Jaylene Loubet, a McDonald’s cashier and fast-food worker advocate, says the pay boost helps cover her family's expenses.
Megan Jamerson/KCRW

Franchising is the next hurdle for this Native-owned design business in Alaska

Dec 28, 2023
Rico and Crystal Worl, the siblings behind Trickster Company, used to have a brick-and-mortar shop. They're looking to recapture that physical presence with partnerships.
Rico and Crystal Worl are looking to expand their design business, Trickster Company.
Konrad Frank/Courtesy Trickster Company

Franchises are big business, but they're adjusting to economic headwinds

Sep 22, 2023
Franchisees get help with marketing and branding, but the corporate parent can’t do much about high interest rates and labor costs.
McDonald's royalty fees will rise from 4% to 5% for some franchisees, according to a company email viewed by Marketplace.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

How the buyer of Subway could turn around the struggling sandwich chain

Aug 25, 2023
A private equity firm has agreed to buy Subway. It may need to close stores in the U.S., but expand overseas.
Subway has struggled for the past decade. The chain has suffered from a scandal with its longtime spokesperson, tough competition, and an excess of franchise locations.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Can black-owned franchises help narrow the wealth gap?

May 2, 2013
Barriers to minority franchise ownership remain, but some black entrepreneurs are leading the way.
Ronald Smothers in front of Denny's on Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, Ca.  He has owned and operated this franchise store for seven years.
John Ketchum/Marketplace