Food Franchise Industry Report 2012

Food is probably the biggest force in franchising. The International Franchise Association (IFA) 2012 Franchise Opportunities Guide shows that approximately one-third of all franchise establishments are food related (quick service restaurants, retail food and table/full service restaurants). The restaurant industry generates an estimated $632 billion annually with typical industry sales at about $1.7 billion daily. The industry is one of the largest private sector employers with 12.9 million employees and is expected to add roughly 1.4 million positions in the next decade.¹

Technology integration will play a major role in franchise operations going forward as many franchise systems embrace social media to strategically connect with potential customers. Franchises are also moving toward greater usage of digital menus and signage. Another general trend in food franchising is remodeling locations to revitalize brands and entice customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Choosing the right food franchise investment opportunity involves carefully researching franchises and their respective industries. Franchise Direct performs comprehensive analysis on the food franchising industry and provides potential franchisees with informative data to support wise investment decisions.

The six reports listed below provide a thorough overview of food franchising and contain data examining 10 food franchising industry segments, from fast food to full service and beyond.

Explore each report to locate the food franchise investment opportunity that is aligned with your goals and talents. These reports contain significant industry trends, detailed investment cost data for sample restaurants, and links to 10 individual sample franchise profiles for each industry segment.

Full Service Franchise Industry Report
Full service franchise restaurants encompass anything from a family-style eatery to an elegant restaurant; from casual dining to fine dining. Meals from full service food franchises are typically eaten on-site, although takeout or delivery service may be provided.

Fast Food Franchise Industry Report
Food production in fast food restaurants, also known as quick service restaurants (QSR) or limited service restaurants is focused for immediate consumption, packaging or both. After purchase, meals may be consumed on-site, taken out or delivered.

Coffee Franchise Industry Report
The coffee franchise industry is well developed, competitive, and maintains strong demand. Coffee is second only to water in beverage popularity in the U.S. and consumption is on the rise. Many coffee franchises have several sources of revenue in addition to coffee.

Pizza Franchise Industry Report
Four main types of pizzerias include: full service, limited service, non-traditional and take-and-bake. Taking advantage of the increased usage of mobile internet devices and the popularity of social networking sites helps pizza franchises to keep pace with the ever-changing marketplace.

Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Franchise Industry Report
Although these franchises are often focused on seasonal consumption, the demand for frozen desserts is more evenly distributed than it was a few decades ago. Additionally, researchers report that turbulent economic times have not dramatically affected sales in this industry.

Additional Types of Food Franchises
The previous reports represent only a fraction of food franchise systems. Five other food franchise industry segments are expanding and this report covers them, including: bakery, convenience store, food gifting, juice and smoothie, and vending machine food franchises.

¹ Facts at a Glance, http://www.restaurant.org/research/facts/