2025 was another year of disruption for franchising. 

At the start of the year, the Franchising Outlook report released by the International Franchise Association predicted that 20,000 franchising units would open by the end of the year. After a year of economic uncertainty, consumer headwinds, and federal policy changes, Matt Haller, president and CEO of the IFA, said that “it’s unlikely we’re going to reach that number,” but noted that the franchising industry is still on track to outpace the broader economy.

Unpredictable macro factors were the defining force of the year, creating the biggest challenges and making the most headlines for franchisees, franchisors, and the broader business community. Between operators learning how to navigate constantly shifting tariff rates and consumers’ overall rollback on spending, growth was challenging.  

Read the full article on Nations Restaurant News website HERE