Drawing on survey data from over 100 franchise brand executives and nearly 30,000 franchise owners, FBR’s Franchising Outlook 2026 Report offers a unique portrait of the U.S. franchise economy —and reveals a sector defined by both striking divergence and enduring resilience.
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Franchise Business Review’s 2026 Franchise Industry Outlook report takes a comprehensive look at where franchising stands today — and where it’s headed. Starting with a review of 2025’s performance, the report examines the diverging economic realities facing franchise systems, the factors keeping franchisee satisfaction at historically high levels, and the top challenges that slowed growth last year. It then turns to what’s ahead: the closing of the long-standing “optimism gap,” the strategic priorities franchise leaders are rallying around in 2026, and what the data is telling decision-makers about where to focus. The report closes with a clear-eyed assessment of an industry defined by both meaningful divergence and enduring strengths.