It’s time for our annual year in review. Each year, we publish numerous articles on our blog—and 2025 was no exception. Throughout the year, we published dozens of articles that provide important information and insights for both prospective and current franchisees. Here, national franchisee attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein takes a look back at some of the highlights.

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As a franchisee, you are responsible for building a successful business with the support—and within the confines—of the franchise model. This means that while you have the opportunity to leverage your franchisor’s experience and investment in its branding and systems, you are also required to play by the rules. So, what happens when you have a better idea than your franchisor? National franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.

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As a prospective franchisee, it is critical to thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for all of the franchise opportunities on your short list. The FDD contains a wealth of information—including information that franchisors are required (but may not necessarily want) to disclose. Once you decide on the franchise opportunity you want to pursue, you should have the FDD reviewed by an experienced franchise lawyer as well.

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The President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Matt Haller, recently published an article discussing the advice he gives when people ask him whether they should buy a franchise. As he correctly notes, while buying a franchise can be a profitable investment, “that doesn’t mean franchising is right for everyone, or that every brand is right for you.” In the article, Haller shares his top three tips for prospective franchisees. Here, national franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein shares some additional insights on each of these three important considerations.

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As we discussed last month, the Franchise Times recently released its “Top 400” list for 2025. Along with the list itself, the Franchise Times also published a handful of articles highlighting certain categories of franchises that made (or almost made) the list. One of these articles highlights five “breakout brands” that have reported significant sales growth over the past year. If you are thinking about buying a franchise, should you include a “breakout brand” on your short list? Here are some key considerations from national franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein.

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Buying a franchise is an investment that requires informed and confident decision-making. If you are thinking about buying a franchise in 2026 and are new to the world of franchising, there is a lot you need to know. While buying a franchise can prove to be a profitable investment in the right circumstances, there are no guarantees. As a result, before you commit, it is critical to ensure that you have given due consideration to all of the risks involved. Learn more from national franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein.

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A recent article on Franchise Direct discusses the potential benefits of purchasing an “unconventional” franchise. It acknowledges the fact that new franchisees are increasingly becoming less interested in traditional brick-and-mortar storefront businesses, and it notes that alternate franchise opportunities “often work with lower overhead, meet specific market needs, and provide a fresh perspective on what it means to be a business owner.” But is it a good idea to choose an unconventional franchise? National franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein shares his thoughts:

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The Franchise Times recently released its “Top 400” list for 2025. As the publication explains, the list reflects “the biggest franchise brands by global systemwide sales.” But the list provides some other notable insights into the current state of the franchise industry as well. National franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein shares his thoughts:

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A bill titled the “American Franchise Act” is currently pending before the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by a bipartisan group of legislators, the bill is intended “[t]o preserve the franchise business model” by codifying the joint employer standard established by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in 2020. Learn more from national franchisee lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein:

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reinstated its Franchise Directory earlier this year. Its decision to discontinue the Franchise Directory in 2023 as part of a broader effort to streamline its lending programs was largely decried within the franchise industry, with the International Franchise Association (IFA) noting at the time that about 20 percent of all SBA loans go to franchisees, and that franchising had played a significant role in the United States’ post-pandemic economic recovery. Now that the SBA Franchise Directory is back, what do you need to know? National franchise attorney Jeffrey M. Goldstein explains.

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