Beyond simply expanding your brand, the real challenge lies in unifying and mobilizing your network. Supporting and encouraging your franchisees on a daily basis requires constant commitment on the part of the franchisor.
As the owner of a restaurant franchise, you need to maintain a dynamic, collaborative environment. This is the key to your company's success.
How can you create a sense of belonging to your brand? How can you foster cohesion among your franchisees?
We've compiled all our advice and the 3 essential levers for federating and unifying your network.
Your business plan is a vital communication tool between you and your franchisees. The aim of this document is to explain how your company operates, and to detail your expectations of franchisees.
Don't skimp on details: describe your project, its context, your target audience, your business strategy, your development plan...
The more in-depth and detailed your analysis, the better your franchisees will be able to project themselves and understand your objectives.
To ensure the longevity and expansion of your franchise, it's imperative to cultivate a strong, differentiated brand identity. This means clearly conveying your vision, your values and the same quality of food throughout all your establishments.
The introduction of an operating manual or know-how manual is an essential solution to ensure efficient transmission. In this manual, you define in detail the quality standards relating to :
It's also vital to ensure that all franchisees fully adhere to these standards. This will help reinforce the brand image throughout your franchise network.
The franchise agreement represents the commitment by which a franchisor grants a franchisee the right to exploit its brand and know-how. It is a crucial element that governs the entire relationship between the two parties.
This contract explains in detail the financial conditions, the use of the brand, the operation of the sign, the communication strategies, and many other essential aspects.
It's vital to draw up a precise and fair franchise contract, guaranteeing equal treatment for all franchisees. The aim is to establish a climate of trust and transparency within the network. This contract can be modified as the franchise evolves and the needs of stakeholders change.
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For franchisees to be involved in the network, it's essential to give them special attention. By feeling listened to and considered in the decision-making process, franchisees are more motivated to contribute to the network's overall success.
It's important to appoint dedicated franchise managers. They will be on the ground to listen to their feedback and needs. What's more, this approach offers the opportunity to effectively resolve local issues.
This person is also responsible for organizing events, promoting exchanges and regular visits. As you can see, the network coordinator is a fundamental pillar. He or she guarantees compliance with the brand's standards, while remaining attentive to the realities on the ground.
Make communication attractive, easy and intuitive to encourage interaction, and make regular exchange meetings a priority.
It's essential to establish a simple, effective communication channel between franchisors, franchisees and each other. This enables them to share their experiences in the field, the different processes, the challenges encountered and the solutions found.
Every member must feel included, and it's imperative to maintain an open and constant dialogue. Make sure that franchisees are regularly informed of your company's decisions and strategies.
To this end, an intranet is an effective means of internal communication, complemented by regular executive meetings (perhaps quarterly or monthly).
To encourage exchanges and strengthen cohesion within your teams, it's vital to offer regular training sessions. These moments of sharing allow you to meet your franchisees and keep them informed of the latest developments.
The network coordinator is also responsible for providing ongoing training to franchisees. This training may include sessions on the products or services offered by the brand.
The franchisor can also offer technical training, such as learning how to use a cash register or stock management software. This is a good opportunity for him to share his advice and past experience.
These training courses reinforce franchisees' skills and enable regular contact to be maintained to keep them up to date with the latest developments. It's crucial to introduce these best practices right from the start, even when you have "only" one or two franchise restaurants.
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Close cooperation between the franchisee and the franchisor is essential for efficient inventory management throughout the network.
The franchisor must provide the franchisee with clear guidelines on which products to stock, recommended stock levels, approved suppliers, creation of technical data sheets, coordination of production... The franchisor's role will also be to equip and train franchisees in the use of inventory management software.
With Yokitup, you have access to the collection and analysis of two essential types of data:
You benefit from a global view of your brand's profitability, as well as the performance of each individual restaurant. The tool will enable the franchisor to make informed decisions to meet his development objectives.
What's more, losses due to out-of-date CSDs can weigh heavily on a restaurant's finances. So, for an entire network, it's vital to be able to act quickly to limit the damage. Constant visibility of your losses enables you to identify anomalies and intervene quickly.
A solution like Yokitup will enable franchisees to simplify their day-to-day tasks. The aim here is to give teams greater availability and save time, by facilitating the entry of inventories and the placing of orders with suppliers.
With Yokitup, all supply and sales data are centralized, enabling you to make precise recommendations on the quantities to buy. As a result, you can order just what you need at the right time, and reduce food waste in your establishment.
Would you like to find out more? Make an appointment with our team to implement the best inventory management strategy for your restaurants.
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