If you’ve been a business owner in the restaurant industry for quite some time and feel like it’s time to expand into franchising, it’s obvious you have some big plans and want to achieve a great deal. And while you can’t be present at every site to oversee operations, you can ensure your new units are representing your brand and protecting your reputation by formulating a detailed plan that puts you and your franchisees on the fast track to success.
Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Protecting your intellectual property is one of the most important steps to transitioning from an individual proprietor to a franchisor. By trademarking your name, logo, and other creative properties, you ensure that your brand is legally protected. This will ensure that disputes with franchisees or any party can be resolved quickly.
Develop a Business Plan and a Comprehensive Operations Manual for Franchisees
You’ve already proven to be adept at running a successful business. Now, it’s time to make sure it can be replicated several times over according to your specifications. But how do you ensure there is quality control, and your specs are being followed? That’s why a detailed, thorough, and clear Operations Manual is essential. The Ops Manual includes guidelines for every aspect of setting up and running a new location (or unit). From how locations are selected, hiring staff, managing finances, marketing, set-up and open the new location and much more. The Ops Manual will also include detailed safe food handling and preparation procedures. You, the franchisor, will train your new franchisees on the contents of your Ops Manual and it will be their go-to guide.
Creating a Comprehensive Training Program
As you’ve more than likely found out by now, there’s a lot that goes into the day-to-day operations of running a restaurant. This is why formulating an in-depth training program can be very beneficial when it comes to opening up new locations and franchises. Not only tips on what the daily grind is like but also a problem-solving manual with some of the most common issues listed and explained. By having these aspects set in stone, you’ll have a rock-solid foundation for your franchises to be built upon.
Implementing the Right Marketing Strategy
While the basic premise of the marketing world has remained unchanged for years, that is — connecting with your intended demographic, driving consumers to your restaurant, and building a base of loyal customers – the tools, methods and strategies have changed in the digital age. Effective use of social media platforms plays a significant role in customer acquisition and retention. There may also be a component of your marketing budget for launching grass-roots campaigns and encouraging word of mouth. The bottom line is you must deliver a high-quality product. Nothing will kill a restaurant’s business faster than unhappy or dissatisfied customers who leave poor reviews online and tell their story to friends and neighbors.
Is it Time to Franchise?
If you think it may be the right time to expand your business and you’re intrigued about franchising, let’s talk about it. At FranchiseYourBusiness.com, creating new franchises from successful businesses is our specialty. We will give you an honest opinion based on our decades of franchise experience as to whether or not you are indeed ready to expand through franchising. The success you’ve already achieved could absolutely be a harbinger for the next exciting emerging franchise. Give us a call at 833-372-6249 to get started.