What a difference a day makes. Or to update that rhetorical message, what a difference three months makes. Yes, it was just three short months ago when states like Florida, Texas, Arizona and a host of others across the south and southwest were seemingly enjoying some inexplicable level of immunity from the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses…
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It was never easy running a quick-service franchise. But over the past few months, the lives of Dunkin’ franchise owners have gotten infinitely more complicated. Franchisees already had their hands full before the coronavirus crisis hit keeping customers happy, keeping employees satisfied, and keeping bottom lines healthy—all while negotiating the challenges posed by various federal,…
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In the months before anyone was talking about coronavirus, the outlook at Jack in the Box was bleak. Since 2015, sales had been on a mostly flat trajectory, powered by low price meal deals. Increases in sales were modest and typically not enough to offset the rising cost of labor and goods. For the franchisees,…
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The restaurant industry – and particularly the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industry – is facing many challenges, among them finding and retaining good, reliable employees. It’s no secret that restaurants have an extremely high turnover rate with employees flowing through the revolving door. Data compiled before the coronavirus pandemic, showed employee turnover ran as high…
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In late May, with cities and states loosening shelter-in-place restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, Dunkin’ Brands announced it was ready to examine how to best reopen its seating areas. In a blog post dated May 29, Dunkin’ wrote, “We are now exploring the most judicious ways to once again offer in-restaurant dining,” emphasizing,…
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When Don and Annette Miller opened their first Dunkin’ Donuts 40 years ago in western Pennsylvania, they never anticipated it would be the first of a network of successful family-run stores. Franchising wasn’t even part of the young couple’s plans at the time, but when Don lost his job unexpectedly, they heeded the nudge of…
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The rules related to obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and receiving forgiveness of that loan are changing constantly. As a result, it is likely that by the time this article is published in July, the rules and guidance will have changed significantly. With that in mind, rather than attempt to guess what the…
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In our lifetimes, we haven’t seen anything quite like the coronavirus pandemic. It is a fast-moving phenomenon that makes it hard to predict what will happen in a day, let alone a week or a month. As the nation shifted into a near quarantine in response to the outbreak, Dunkin’ franchise owners changed the way…
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Covid-19 has thrown our way of living into treacherous and unchartered waters. We recognize that the impact to your business and your family is severe and broad. Through no fault of your own, you could be facing dire financial circumstances. The pain inflicted on businesses is as widespread as it is deep. It is critical…
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Every two months, the staff at DDIFO convenes an editorial meeting to decide the theme, focus and content of the next issue of Independent Joe. As we contemplate and discuss various possibilities, we do so with one eye on the timeliness of the potential subject matter. Our discussions are always geared toward which subjects could…
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