Fun franchise facts (say that five times fast!)

We’ve been spending a lot of time talking about the business of franchising. And sure, this is serious business. After all, we’re talking about a fun, rewarding career.

But franchising isn’t all serious all the time. When was the last time you checked your fun franchise knowledge? Well, it’s time to get in, sit down, strap in, and test your franchise trivia!

Franchises by the Numbers
In 2016 there were 795,932 franchise establishments, which represents a 1.7 percent growth over the prior year. Total franchise economic output is expected to come in at nearly a trillion – with a “T” – dollars for fiscal year 2016.

The Female Factor
Many incorrectly think that Albert Singer of Singer sewing machines started the current franchise model, when in fact it was Martha Matilda, of Rochester, NY, who pioneered the Harper Method Shop franchise system.

Fun with Flavors
Popular franchise chain Baskin Robbins touts itself as the creator of “31 flavors,” when in fact they have introduced over 1,000 ice cream flavors since the first store opened in 1945.

From KFC to Wendy’s
Turns out there’s a fast food franchising connection. Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, first learned the franchise restaurant business model while working directly for Harlan Sanders of KFC.

All About the Benjamin
If Martha Matilda introduced the franchise model, Benjamin Franklin was the first franchisor, when, in 1731, he entered into a contract for a co-partnership of his printing business with Thomas Whitmarsh.

The fact is, franchising’s history goes way, way, way back. There’s a lot of fun facts to know about our way of doing business! Now you’ve got all the franchise knowledge you need to dominate your friends come trivia night.