The novel coronavirus pandemic is having unprecedented effects on our nation’s economy, and many companies are being forced to lay off their employees due to mandatory closures of “non-essential” businesses. Certain industries, such as the restaurant and fitness industries, have been hit particularly hard; and, in order to avoid the risk of being laid off again, some individuals may be considering the possibility of becoming their own boss by buying a franchise. If you fall into this category, should you think seriously about getting into the world of franchising? Here are some important considerations to keep in mind: 1. You Should Not Make a Long-Term Decision Based on Your Short-Term Circumstances While the novel coronavirus pandemic is (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime event, things will eventually return to normal. So, while you may be out of work for now, the job market will bounce back, and employers in certain industries are actually hiring aggressively during the pandemic. If you understand the franchise model and are serious about becoming a franchise owner, it may be an option worth considering. However, if you are simply focused on weathering the storm, there are likely better (and less risky) alternatives available. 2. You Will Need to Have Sufficient Cash Reserves to Build a Profitable Business When you buy a franchise, your business will not be profitable immediately. It takes time to build a profitable business, and most franchisors recommend that their franchisees have anywhere from three to twelve months of capital reserves on hand when they […]

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Each year, the Franchise Times publishes its list of “Best Franchises to Buy,” also known as the “‘Zor Awards” (for those who aren’t in the know, “‘zor” is industry shorthand for “franchisor”). It recently published its list of award recipients for 2020, with the following franchises named the best in their respective categories: Around the House (Home Repair) – The Glass Guru Quick Flip (Quick-Service Burger Restaurants) – Culver’s Fresh Baked (Bakeries and Cafés) – McAlister’s Deli Cut & Dry (Lawn Care and Painting) – Five Star Painting Game, Set, Match (Sports Bars) – Twin Peaks After the Storm (Disaster Restoration) – Paul Davis Restoration Window Shopping (Retail) – uBreakiFix Sweat It Out (Boutique Fitness) – CycleBar Help Wanted (Employment and Staffing) – PrideStaff Bring it Home (Delivery and Takeout Pizza) – Toppers Methodology for the Franchise Times ‘Zor Awards So, what does it mean for a franchise to be named the “best” in its category by the Franchise Times? In How We Chose the ‘Zor Awards, the publication breaks down its selection process: Identifying Candidates for Inclusion – In order to be considered, a franchise must have fallen into one of the 10 categories listed above, and it must have been listed in the Franchise Times’ “Top 200+” database. The Franchise Times, “further narrowed the list by analyzing the quality of information in each brand’s Item 19 [disclosures] or other key financial data, and also focusing on brands that are currently expanding inside the United States.” Financial Metrics Focused […]

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If you are serious about buying a franchise, you are most likely aware of the recommendation that you hire a lawyer to perform a franchise business review. But, with all of the up-front costs you will need to incur already, and since you are prepared to move forward even though the opportunity has its risks, do you really need to pay for a review? Of course, you know our answer already. With more than 30 years of experience in franchising, we have represented thousands of new and existing franchisees, and we have seen far too many franchisees struggle and lose their businesses simply because they failed to take the necessary precautions during the buying process. With this in mind, here are our top four reasons why we believe all prospective franchisees need franchise business reviews. Learn about Our Fixed-Fee Franchise Business Review Programs Are you thinking about buying a franchise? For more information about our firm’s fixed-fee franchise business review programs, call us at 202-293-3947 or inquire online today.

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Court Prohibits Tax Franchisee from Operating by Enforcing Post-Term Restrictive Covenant By: Jeffrey M. Goldstein A federal judge in Washington recently issued a preliminary injunction enjoining a former Liberty Tax franchisee from operating as an independent tax preparer for two years following the termination of the franchise agreements. JTH Tax LLC v. McHugh, No. C20-329RSM, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 61139 (W.D. Wash. Apr. 7, 2020)  As discussed below, the court agreed with the franchisor’s argument that McHugh knowingly and intentionally breached her Franchise Agreements with Plaintiffs by operating KVC, a competing tax preparation business, after Plaintiffs terminated her franchise. BACKGROUND In 2015, Defendant Lorraine McHugh entered into Franchise Agreements with Liberty Tax and she was given a territory of areas near and including Federal Way, Washington, in which to operate her franchise. The Franchise Agreements included a non-compete clause, which stated that: “[f]or a period of two (2) years following the . . . termination . . . of the Franchised Business . . . you agree not to directly or indirectly, for a fee or charge, prepare or electronically file income tax returns . . . within the Territory or within twenty-five miles of the boundaries of the Territory.” The Franchise Agreements also included non-solicit and non-disclosure clauses. Further, in the Franchise Agreements, McHugh agreed that Liberty Tax is “entitled to a temporary restraining order, preliminary and permanent injunction for any breach of duties under any of the non-monetary obligations of paragraph 9 [post-term obligations] above or of this […]

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