Franchises may rely on their parent companies for their business model, but as a recent case dealing with a major food franchise shows, they can still have voices of their own.

Burger King and its franchisees recently settled a lawsuit with its National Franchisee Association, which represents more than 90 percent of all U.S. franchises, resource Blue Maumau reported. The dispute was over the rebates restaurants get from soft drink suppliers - totals of which can be in the millions. The company had intended to begin taking 40 percent of the soda rebate money, but announced that it would not follow through on the plan.

The Miami Herald quoted a NFA statement by Chairman Bill Harloe, who called the result a "testament to the fact that, when we come together as franchisees to protect our mutual business interests, we can and will prevail."

Burger King is working to improve relations with franchisees, as well as public perceptions of the fast food giant. Last year, controversy arose over a promotion for a $1 double cheeseburger - franchisees claimed the burger cost more than a dollar to make.

With unemployment still high, many unemployed people have decided not to bother looking for work - they’ve decided to start a business instead. As getting off the ground from scratch can be difficult, some have found that the convenience of franchise opportunities is a quicker route to success and stability.

According to the Colarado Springs Gazette, industry sources report that the formerly unemployed are becoming the majority of new franchise owners. Unlike banks - who have become cautious with lending to entrepreneurs - franchisors have responded to economic uncertainty by lowering fees and offering internal financing deals, while commercial real estate has become a much more negotiable terrain.

"When the economy slows, people think opportunities become harder to find," franchise-development adviser Jason Mattes told the Gazette. "If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, now could be the best time."

Experts consulted by the newspaper emphasized that potential entrepreneurs looking for business opportunities need not restrict themselves to the most well-known franchises - there are more than 3,500 available.

Unemployment remained static in February, holding to January’s 9.7 percent. With a job market that continues to be challenging, franchise opportunities may represent a wise investment for the laid-off worker who asks the question, "why not start my own business?"

As workdays grow longer, Americans are looking for greater convenience when they get their lunches. Unsurprisingly, food franchises tend to be doing well, and recent market data proves it.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, the third largest fast-food operator, recently reported its fourth quarter 2009 results - earnings were better than expected, and franchises played a large part.

Total revenue grew to $900.9 million, a 0.5 percent year-over-year increase. Though company-operated restaurants only saw a 0.1 percent increase, franchise revenue went up by 3.5 percent. While the total revenue for Wendy’s grew 3.9 percent for company restaurants, it went up 5.7 percent for franchises.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group was formed in September 2008, through the merging of Triarc - the franchiser of the Arby’s chain - and Wendy’s.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the field, franchise opportunities are generally on the rise, according to many experts. Michael Burdett, a consultant for the Franchise Directory, attests that "there has never been a better time to buy a franchise."

As workdays grow longer, Americans are looking for greater convenience when they get their lunches. Unsurprisingly, food franchises tend to be doing well, and recent market data proves it.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, the third largest fast-food operator, recently reported its fourth quarter 2009 results - earnings were better than expected, and franchises played a large part.

Total revenue grew to $900.9 million, a 0.5 percent year-over-year increase. Though company-operated restaurants only saw a 0.1 percent increase, franchise revenue went up by 3.5 percent. While the total revenue for Wendy’s grew 3.9 percent for company restaurants, it went up 5.7 percent for franchises.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group was formed in September 2008, through the merging of Triarc - the franchiser of the Arby’s chain - and Wendy’s.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the field, franchise opportunities are generally on the rise, according to many experts. Michael Burdett, a consultant for the Franchise Directory, attests that "there has never been a better time to buy a franchise."

As workdays grow longer, Americans are looking for greater convenience when they get their lunches. Unsurprisingly, food franchises tend to be doing well, and recent market data proves it.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group, the third largest fast-food operator, recently reported its fourth quarter 2009 results - earnings were better than expected, and franchises played a large part.

Total revenue grew to $900.9 million, a 0.5 percent year-over-year increase. Though company-operated restaurants only saw a 0.1 percent increase, franchise revenue went up by 3.5 percent. While the total revenue for Wendy’s grew 3.9 percent for company restaurants, it went up 5.7 percent for franchises.

The Wendy’s/Arby’s Group was formed in September 2008, through the merging of Triarc - the franchiser of the Arby’s chain - and Wendy’s.

For entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the field, franchise opportunities are generally on the rise, according to many experts. Michael Burdett, a consultant for the Franchise Directory, attests that "there has never been a better time to buy a franchise."

Leading franchising experts report that franchises of all kinds have continued to sell very well in the early stages of 2010. Americans are still leery of any economic recovery. As a result, those who can afford to go into business for themselves are doing so in the safest way possible.

Purchasing a franchise may limit growth more than independent business, but it also allows for greater success due to instant brand recognition. “We are seeing a steady increase in numbers of visitors to our web portal and a corresponding increase in the number of enquiries which we are sending to franchisors,” Michael Burdett, an industry consultant, said. “With the improving economy and sophisticated tools for matching franchise opportunities with entrepreneurs, there has never been a better time to buy a franchise,” he continued.

Choosing a franchise over an independent business often means lower advertising and operations budgets because the parent company offers its expertise and resources to all franchisees. According to Toolkit.com, a business advisory website, franchises are more likely to succeed than independent small businesses. While a portion of profits will go to fees, franchising also requires less business experience.

Following the trends of other nationally recognized food franchises, Quiznos announced recently that it will open several locations inside convenience stores throughout the United States, according to the Wall Street Journal. The WSJ reports that since 2007, restaurant visits by Americans have fallen while trips to convenience stores rose by 1 percent annually.

Quiznos already has 4,000 locations in the United States, but the company believes that developing a presence within American convenience stores will grow its brand and increase business. “A lot of people are working two jobs in this economy and are busier and busier, and convenience is becoming more and more important,” says Quiznos chief executive Rick Schaden.

Quiznos franchisees pay an annual fee of 7 percent of their sales to the company and an additional 4 percent to the corporate officers for general brand marketing purposes. In February, the WSJ reported that Quiznos has received praise in recent months for its commitment to eliminating paper waste at its restaurants. Salads at the restaurant will be served in bowls made from sugar cane, while napkins will be made from 100-percent recycled materials.

For entrepreneurs looking for strong business opportunities in a weak economy, national franchise market research team Franchise Business Review has offered a convenient guide. Its 2010 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards point the way to franchises for sale that have the potential for growth.

The study is in its fifth consecutive year, and 133 franchise companies have been chosen as inspiring strong franchisee satisfaction. In the larger class - those with 200 units or more - the top five were Heaven’s Best, Home Instead Senior Care, Sotheby’s International Realty, Weed Man and Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership.

According to these top companies, the distinction is closely related to general success, with one representative of a winning company saying that franchisee satisfaction "is one of the most critical factors we consider to analyze our business to further invest in our network."

The list came out last month - though it is one of many reports issued throughout the year by the Franchise Business Review, the company calls it one of the most important. "Franchisee satisfaction is the most critical factor for any prospective franchisee to consider before investing in any franchise opportunity," says president Eric Stites. "Even during challenging economic times, the very best franchise businesses maintain high franchisee satisfaction."

In one of many instances of franchise opportunities expanding, Einstein Bros. Bagels has announced that it is continuing to offer business opportunities to people looking to start a business by putting up franchises for sale.

The company plans to open more franchise locations in 2010 than corporate stores, hoping to exceed last year’s number. It has currently signed agreements adding to a total of 57 additional stores. There are currently more than 180 licensed locations.

"We are in a growth mode, and the recent openings of new locations and signed multi-unit franchise agreements confirm that demand for our brand continues to build," says Einstein Noah Restaurant Group CEO Jeff O’Neill. "We want to be the fastest growing fast-casual restaurant chain in America, and with the innovative programs we’ve initiated that goal is well within reach."

Einstein hopes to mark itself as a distinctive option in its category by emphasizing health - it was named one of the healthiest quick-service chains in America by Health Magazine last year.

The company recently reported its fourth quarter total gross margin for last year as exceeding the prior year period by 21 percent. O’Neill claimed that the company’s strategy for 2010 emphasizes "franchise and license expansion."

Smashburger, a Denver, Colorado-based burger chain, announced recently that it will open locations in Boulder, Colorado and San Diego, California. The openings are part of an aggressive franchising plan from the restaurant that includes opening 500 new stores in the next five years. Between 100 and 125 restaurants will open in the U.S. by the end of 2010. Smashburger’s menu features certain common items, however the chain prides itself on customizing its menu to its specific locations.

At the Boulder, Colorado location, Smashburger plans to offer something to the large vegetarian population at nearby University of Colorado, Boulder with the Black Bean Smashburger. At its San Diego location, the San Diego Smashburger will add avocado and cilantro to the traditional Smashburger.

“As a Denver-based company, we are excited to spread our burger magic across the state and into Boulder,” says Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan. “Smashburger is what San Diego burger lovers have been waiting for,” Ryan continued. “We are excited to bring the La Jolla community our better burgers.’”

The company announced more expansion into California in February when it planned the opening of five Sacramento-area locations.