Welcome to my new monthly LinkedIn global franchise update newsletter. Each edition will highlight news about franchise brands that are going global and subjects that impact success in global franchising.
GlobalVue™ Country Ranking July 2025 – The latest version of the Edwards Global Services, Inc. quarterly country ranking as places to do business has just been published. Several countries moved up the ranking in the last quarter due to improved GDP growth projections for 2025, improved investor interest in new projects or changes in country political and/or economic stability. Several countries went down in the ranking for the same reasons. The GlobalVue™ ranking has been published quarterly since 2001 and is used by companies to plan and evaluate their international expansion.
How Smart Franchisors Are Turning Trade Turbulence Into Competitive Advantage – Join industry leaders as they reveal the strategic moves successful franchisors are making to navigate U.S. tariffs, overcome international market resistance, and capitalize on new opportunities others are missing. From Asia-Pacific insights to contractual innovations, discover the practical tools and proven strategies that are driving profitable expansion despite unprecedented global uncertainty.
See this very timely webinar at this link: http://bit.ly/4o1N9wo
“Unlocking M&A Success in the Franchise Industry – Being prepared is the true competitive advantage. After a quieter period, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the franchise and restaurant industries are showing renewed momentum. Though deal volumes have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, strategic buyers, private equity firms, and multi-unit operators are reengaging the market with a pragmatic mindset. Today’s franchise M&A environment demands more than capital—it requires detailed planning, robust diligence, cultural alignment, and strategic discipline. franchise transactions are inherently complex. Buyers must evaluate more than just financial performance—they need to understand franchise agreements, unit-level economics, development obligations, and the strength of franchisor-franchisee relationships.”, QSR Magazine, June 27, 2025
“KFC, Pizza Hut operator Yum China embraces AI to boost efficiency, profitability – Digital ordering accounted for about 90 per cent of Yum China’s sales in 2024, backed by its 540 million ‘membership’ consumers. The firm, which introduced its Q-Smart AI-powered assistant in June, was expected to help reduce waste, improve quality and save labour costs, chief technology officer (CTO) Leila Zhang said in an interview. The AI-powered system could help with staff scheduling, inventory replenishment and meal preparation, she added. ‘When we think about AI and robotics, one of our primary considerations is to empower our restaurant managers,’ she said. ‘We develop systems and AI-powered digital tools to allow them to work more efficiently, freeing up more of their time so they can focus on delivering exceptional customer service.’”, South China Morning Post, July 6, 2025
“The Fast Food Giant Behind Burger King Also Owns 3 Other Iconic Chains – Restaurant Brands International came about from the unique merger of Burger King and Tim Hortons in 2014. The two companies were brought together by an outside owner named 3G Capital, based in Brazil, and the deal was partially funded by famous investor Warren Buffett. Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs are all owned by Restaurant Brands International. While all four of these chains are owned by this single conglomerate based in Toronto, Restaurant Brands International does still operate them as independent businesses in each’s home country.”, The Tasting Table, June 18, 2025
“The Star Ingredient McDonald’s Leaves Off The Menu In India – With tens of thousands of McDonald’s locations worldwide in over 100 countries, exploring the overseas offerings at the ubiquitous burger chain can be an amazing view into local cultures. Many of these products combine classic McDonald’s items with local flavors, like a bacon McMuffin that uses halloumi cheese in Cyprus, or a burger with bulgogi sauce in Korea. Some are entirely unique to different nations, like McD’s version of the porridge dish bubur ayam in Indonesia and Malaysia. But one of the things that stands out about McDonald’s international menu items in India is that you can’t get a hamburger at all. That’s right. Beef patties are nowhere to be found in any Indian McDonald’s. This stems from the country’s dietary culture.”, The Tasting Table, June 25, 2025
“How Taco Bell plans to accelerate its international momentum – The brand’s global marketing plan includes some playful lessons on how to eat a taco. During its Consumer Day in New York City in March, executives shared aspirations to nearly triple Taco Bell’s international footprint by 2030 with a goal of reaching 3,000 restaurants outside of the United States. That plan includes entry into nine new countries, including France, Greece, and South Africa, as well as accelerated growth in the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, and India. For the brand piece, the team is connecting more with local cultures through initiatives like “encore hours” in the U.K., which allows restaurants to stay open late near music venues. It is also engaging in a bit of an educational campaign that teaches consumers the right way to eat a taco — head tilt and all, or “tiltvertising,” as it’s been called.”, Nation’s Restaurant News, July 8, 2025
“American pretzel franchise Auntie Anne’s set to open across Australia – American franchise pretzel brand, Auntie Anne’s, is launching its first store at Sydney’s Westfield Parramatta on July 26. The brand has been brought to Australia by business partners Yu-Jin Lee and Johann Wong, with the intention of sharing Auntie Anne’s pretzels with a brand new audience. Lee and Wong have plans to open 60 stores across Australia over the next few years. ‘Australia represents a key milestone in our international growth strategy, and Yu-Jin and Johann with their passion, vision, and commitment to quality are exactly what we look for in franchise leaders,’ said Steven Yang, senior VP of Apac at GoTo Foods International.”, Inside Retail, July 16, 2025
“Inside Scott Mezvinsky’s First 100 Days as KFC CEO – The global chicken giant has plans to modernize and accelerate while leaning on the people and culture that’s defined it for 73 years. One thing that separates KFC from other brands, he says, is it doesn’t merely have talent and capable leaders—it boasts them across the globe in 14 or 15 business units. Leading KFC demands understanding market-to-market strengths and potential, and deciphering how some countries can inform others, or which ones must be treated differently. Opening lines of communication and consistent, solid relationships with franchisees is one of those things, Mezvinsky says, critical to KFC’s success and why it’s managed to spread so fast globally. The chain opened 2,892 gross new restaurants across 97 countries in 2024, including 1,100 in Q4 alone. That number was 528 through 52 countries in Q1 2025.”, QSR Magazine, July 9, 2025
“Restaurant Franchising in the Gulf: Navigating Opportunities and Strategic Decisions – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—comprising Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—continues to solidify its reputation as a hotspot for restaurant franchising. For U.S. brands seeking international expansion, the region offers high disposable incomes, a digitally savvy and youthful population, and a strong appetite for global and premium dining experiences. But behind the headlines lies a landscape that demands strategic planning, legal awareness, and the right local partnerships. Partnering with a single operator across multiple countries offers unified branding, centralized supply chain control, and operational efficiency, to name a few benefits.”, Franchising.com, July 11, 2025. This article is by Rebecca Viani who is partner with WhiteSpace Partners,
“World Gym International Signs Master Franchise Agreement for Brazil – World Gym International (WGI) has entered into a Master Franchise Agreement (MFA) with Flag Holding LTDA. Flag Holding is led by CEO Flavia Almeida, co-owner and operator of 17 World Gym locations in Goiás and the Federal District of Brasília. Since opening the first World Gym in Brasília in 2012, Almeida has established the brand, offering a large selection of strength and cardio equipment. The MFA grants Flag Holding LTDA exclusive rights to expand World Gym into Brazil’s other states.”, Franchising.com, June 26, 2025
