Low-Wage Labor The majority of fast food businesses (and sit-down restaurants) rely on a large amount of employees making low hourly wages. While this industry standard of low staffing costs certainly has benefits relating to your bottom line, there are some drawbacks. Relying too heavily on low wages often results in high turnover, forcing your company in a constant state of hiring and training. However, you can help mitigate this by providing slightly more competitive wages and benefits for workers meeting given thresholds. These small costs will make you more competitive by keeping trained and skilled workers longer, which has been shown to increase productivity. Building Restrictions and Health Codes Building restrictions and health codes were established to keep the consumer safe and the owner secure from liabilities. However, while such stipulations are a net positive, complying with them can be time-consuming and expensive for the new fast food franchisee. Most franchisors will provide their new franchise owners with extensive assistance in overcoming initial regulatory hurtles concerning zoning, permitting and code compliance. In fact, if the franchise you’re looking into doesn’t offer such assistance, it’s often in your best interest to walk away and go with another option. If you are new to the industry, consider hiring an attorney to ensure all of your bases are covered, as some of your local regulations may differ from the state and municipal codes experienced by the franchisor. High Volume is Key The success of any fast food franchise is dependent on high-volume sales. That’s because the costs for operating a fast food restaurant can be high; there’s training and associated labor costs, food spoilage, cost of goods and the competitive nature of fast food pricing to consider. In general, food markup will be low and you’ll want to focus on selling a high volume to enjoy high success. Work with your franchisor to develop marketing campaigns to further achieve this goal. Initial Investment While the franchise costs for fast food franchises can be relatively low compared to other industries, there are other costs to consider before becoming an investor in the market. Such initial costs may include renovating the business location, and purchasing and installing new food equipment and items like interior seating. Talk to your local banks and credit unions for special franchise financing to assist with these initial investments. Your Own Skill Set If this is your first time as a fast food franchisee, it’s important to consider your own skillset and whether you’re well suited for the industry. While you’ll likely hire managers to assist in overseeing operations, it’s a good idea to plan on being hands-on during at least the first year. Consider shadowing another owner of the same franchise to become more acquainted with the fast-paced nature of the fast food industry.

1. What Do I Need to Know to
Become a Food Franchisee?

2. Most everyone who is considering the benefits of
buying into a franchise has looked at the fast food
industry, and with good reason. Fast food
franchises are what revolutionized the restaurant
industry and have undoubtedly changed the way
Americans serve and eat food.

3. However, while fast food restaurants dominate the franchise
world, they also are among the most challenging to operate.
You’ll want to do a fair amount of research before you invest
time, money, and energy. Additionally, consider the
following need-to-know things about becoming a fast food
franchisee in general.

4. Topics of Discussion
1. Low-Wage Labor
2. Building Restrictions and Health
Codes
3. High Volume is Key
4. Initial Investment
5. Your Own Skill Set

5. 1. The majority of fast food businesses (and sit-
down restaurants) rely on a large amount of
employees making low hourly wages. While this
industry standard of low staffing costs certainly
has benefits relating to your bottom line, there
are some drawbacks. Relying too heavily on low
wages often results in high turnover, forcing your
company in a constant state of hiring and training.
However, you can help mitigate this by providing
slightly more competitive wages and benefits for
workers meeting given thresholds.
cc: sixes & sevens - https://www.flickr.com/photos/45665251@N00

6. 2. Building restrictions and health codes were
established to keep the consumer safe and the
owner secure from liabilities. However, while
such stipulations are a net positive, complying
with them can be time-consuming and
expensive for the new fast food franchisee.
Most franchisors will provide their new
franchise owners with extensive assistance in
overcoming initial regulatory hurtles
concerning zoning, permitting and code
compliance.
cc: Thomas Hawk - https://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01

7. 3. The success of any fast food franchise is
dependent on high-volume sales. That’s
because the costs for operating a fast food
restaurant can be high; there’s training and
associated labor costs, food spoilage, cost of
goods and the competitive nature of fast food
pricing to consider. In general, food markup
will be low and you’ll want to focus on selling
a high volume to enjoy high success. Work
with your franchisor to develop marketing
campaigns to further achieve this goal.

8. Want to learn more? Please visit
our blog at:
http://www.hotdogonastickfranchise.com/
blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-to-become-
a-food-franchisee/
Or visit our website at:
http://www.hotdogonastickfranchise.com/

9. Disclaimer: This information is not intended as an offer to
sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for
information purposes only. Currently, the following states
regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii,
Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York,
North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia,
Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of or want
to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer
you a franchise unless and until we have complied with
applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements
in your state. Franchise offerings are made by Franchise
Disclosure Document only.