Is Operating a Food Franchise Easy or Difficult?

Are QSR Food Franchise Opportunities Easy or Difficult to Operate?

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is a large and exciting one, worth billions of dollars and attracting more and more investors all the time. The food franchise opportunities Church’s Texas Chicken® extend are truly some of the best in the QSR sphere, and we’re proud of everything our brand has to offer not only our franchise owners but also the communities in which they operate. Still, owning and operating a small business requires considerable work, no matter what industry you're in, so as a potential investor, it’s important to start with a clear idea of what’s involved. This can be especially important if you’re thinking of investing in the QSR sphere.

Given this, you might be asking—is owning and operating a Church's Texas Chicken® franchise easy or difficult to do? Well, the answer, like most things in life, is nuanced. Let’s start by taking a look at what it means to be part of a QSR franchise brand in general and explore what makes Church’s Texas Chicken® a top food franchise investment.

What Makes QSR Franchises Like Ours Easier to Operate?

There's a lot to recommend about the franchise model (1), not the least of all the built-in perks it comes with. Investors gravitate to established QSR brands like ours because they know a lot of work has already gone into them. Research and development have been conducted, and processes and procedures have been identified and streamlined, making franchise ownership more productive and efficient. Some of the more important advantages that come with an established brand partnership include:

• Brand Recognition: Owning a franchise like Church’s Texas Chicken® means immediate access to an established brand with instant customer recognition and loyalty. This translates to a head start in attracting customers and building trust.

• A Proven Business Model: The best chicken franchises like ours come with a tried-and-tested business model with answers to just about everything, from marketing strategies to supply chain management. This reduces risk and allows you to focus on growth.

• Expert Training and Support: The better franchisors offer comprehensive training programs for franchisees and their staff, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding brand standards and operational procedures.

• Buying Power: The bigger and better franchise brands leverage their collective buying power to negotiate cost-saving deals with vendors for things like ingredients, supplies, and equipment.

• Marketing Muscle: National marketing campaigns conducted by the franchisor benefit all franchisees, amplifying brand awareness without you having to shoulder the entire marketing burden.

Partnering with Church’s Texas Chicken® to open your QSR restaurants will get you these benefits and a whole lot more, making QSR business ownership and operation a more efficient and rewarding experience.

What Are Some Potential Challenges?

While investing in food franchise opportunities can be a very rewarding way to do business, as with any small business opportunity, there can be challenges. These can include: 

• Start-up costs: QSR franchises typically come with significant upfront costs, including franchise fees, initial inventory, equipment, lease agreements, and more. In our case, we’re looking for candidates who are financially prepared to open five restaurants in three years and who have a net worth of $2M.

• Operational restrictions: Successful franchise brands typically have strict operating procedures and quality control standards that you must adhere to. This can limit your autonomy.

• Long hours and demanding work: The QSR industry is fast-paced and demanding, requiring long hours, especially during peak periods. It’s important to have qualified and trained staff who can handle the demand.

• Competition: The QSR market is competitive. Standing out requires effort and marketing savvy. Innovative and established brands like Church’s Texas Chicken® know this better than most and, among other things, have developed sophisticated marketing tools to reach your best customers at all times.

How to Start Strong

While the QSR industry is dynamic and competitive, there are steps you can take to minimize risk, increase returns, and start on strong footing. It begins by making sure to do your research — explore various brands, understand their target markets, and assess their financial viability. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, talk to existing franchisees to gain insight into challenges and rewards and their experiences with the franchisor.  

Additionally, it’s important to go over a brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document carefully, and if need be, with the help of an attorney, to understand the financial commitments, operational restrictions, training and support, and more. Seeking the professional advice of a business advisor or franchise consultant can also be a good move for some objective guidance. In the end, deciding whether a QSR franchise is right for you requires careful consideration, and our team is always here to answer any questions you might have about the franchise opportunities Church’s Texas Chicken® offers.

Ready to find out more about what makes Church’s Texas Chicken® a top food franchise investment? Reach out to our team today.

1. Franchising.com; The Benefits of the Franchise Model; Eddy Goldberg