What to Know When Choosing a QSR Franchise

The fast-food industry’s enduring demand, established business models, scalability, and potential for financial reward make it an enticing choice for entrepreneurs. As you seek to carve out your slice of the thriving quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, it helps to know the recipe for success when choosing a fast-food franchise. Check out our four tips to choose the best QSR franchise opportunity for you.

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What is a QSR franchise?

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QSRs are renowned for rapid service, affordable pricing, and limited menus, typically centered around specific cuisines, such as burgers, pizza, or fried chicken. When you invest in a fast-food franchise opportunity, you purchase the rights to operate a restaurant under an established brand. You’ll use the restaurant's name, logo, recipes, and operational systems.

How to Pick the Right Franchise

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Americans spend an average of $148 on fast food per month, and 65% eat fast food at least once per week, according to a study conducted by Drive Research. The fast-food market is crowded, and picking the best opportunity for you can be challenging. Now, let's explore the vital aspects to consider when opting for the best QSR franchise opportunities:
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1. Established brand: One of the primary benefits of franchising is the chance to leverage an established brand. A recognized brand can draw in customers more effectively, reducing the time required for your business to become profitable.
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2. Proven business model: The cornerstone of a successful QSR is a proven and efficient business model. Investigate the franchisor's track record, including success stories from other franchisees and profit margins. A robust business model will offer support in areas such as location selection, staff training, and marketing strategies, simplifying your journey as a franchisee.
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3. Training and support: Prioritize a franchise that provides thorough training and ongoing support. The franchisor should offer assistance in areas like site selection, store setup, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Training enables you to effectively navigate the challenges inherent to the restaurant industry.
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4. Costs and financial viability: While the initial franchise fee is important, examine the broader investment picture, encompassing real estate costs, equipment, and working capital. The franchise disclosure document (FDD) can provide insight into the performance of some locations. It also offers details about the franchise agreement.

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Be on the Lookout for Red Flags

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As you explore opportunities, look for red flags that might hamper you from achieving your business goals. If the fast-food franchise sounds too good to be true, it might be wise to put it on the back burner and explore other options. Tread lightly if a franchisor is unwilling to provide detailed information about fees, costs, or the franchise agreement. Transparency forms the foundation of a solid business relationship. While franchise fees are expected, excessively high fees without justifiable reasons should be treated as a red flag. Assess whether the fees align with the value and support provided by the franchisor. It’s also a good idea to be cautious if a franchisor makes extravagant promises of instant prosperity or understates potential expenses. Realistic projections and a comprehensive understanding of potential challenges are pivotal for sound decision-making.

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The Starbird Difference

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Starbird, with its innovative menu and support for franchisees, stands out as an enticing option in the fast-food landscape. Chicken is the most consumed meat in the U.S., with Americans devouring more than 115.2 pounds of chicken per capita in 2022, according to the National Chicken Council. Strong demand sets the stage for success in the chicken restaurant industry. As a newer brand, we offer untapped market potential. Being part of an emerging chain allows you to shape the brand's narrative and be part of its growth story. Our menu features crispy tenders, hand-chopped salads, and sandwiches on house-baked rolls. Our culinary creativity attracts a diverse customer base, and our commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients sets us apart. With consumers seeking healthy options, a menu featuring fresh ingredients stands out. In addition to tasty cuisine, convenience is at the heart of every fast-food visit. We’ve seamlessly integrated technology into our business model with in-store kiosks and a user-friendly mobile app for quick, easy orders.

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Explore Starbird’s Franchise Opportunity

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If you're ready to launch a flavorful QSR, get started by connecting with a franchise business consultant from Starbird’s team.