Atlanta Journal Constitution
By Jason Esteves and Lawrence “Doc” Cohen – contributor

The Atlanta Journal Constitution published an editorial on the value of franchising by Jason Esteves, a Georgia State Senator (D) and owner of Flying Biscuit locations in Columbus and Macon and Lawrence “Doc” Cohen is a veteran of franchising, the first franchisee in the IFA Hall of Fame and former IFA chairman.  Read an excerpt here, then link to the full piece below.

Even in this polarized political climate, support for small businesses is an area of common ground for both parties. A Gallup poll last year showed Americans trust small businesses more than any institution in our daily lives. Nearly two in three (65%) say they trust small businesses, compared to only 14% for big businesses.

While we both come from very different backgrounds and walks of life, we have lived our own version of the American dream — both powered by a small business model known as franchising.

Here in Georgia, franchising is blazing a path of progress. According to the 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook from the International Franchise Association, our state is projected to be the country’s top state for franchise growth. There are almost 35,000 franchise establishments in our state, providing jobs for 361,000 Georgians and generating more than $37.4 billion in economic output. With more brand headquarters than any other city, Atlanta has been dubbed the franchising capital of the United States.

While franchising is often conflated with “big business” or faraway corporate offices and their brand names, the truth is franchises are fundamentally small businesses. Thanks to the independence between franchisors and franchisees, if you stop by a Flying Biscuit or a Great American Cookies in your neighborhood, that store is very likely independently owned.

To read the entire piece, visit the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

https://www.ajc.com/opinion/jason-esteves-and-doc-cohen-franchising-is-blazing-a-path-of-progress/VMHZSWNRRBGUHHKAHS5UU7NHPY/

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