The last 12 months have been the toughest, economically, for our industry and many others, that I can remember. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been savage and deep, and yet there have been obvious winners as well as losers during this time.

A recent Harvard University study (The Operational Consequences of PE Buyouts: Evidence from the Restaurant Industry, 2016) gives us fascinating insights on how professional PE firms take an influence on the operations of the companies in their portfolios.

International expansion – it’s a hot topic in our business. It’s also a topic that requires careful consideration and assessment of your brand, from a 360-degree view.

The franchising relationship: many compare it to a marriage, some compare it to a parent-child dynamic, but everyone knows that it’s one of the most important factors in ensuring longevity and success for your brand.