Tag

Franchises

All articles tagged with #franchises

Federal Suit Alleges McDonald’s AI Pricing Tool Violates Antitrust Laws
business-and-technology3 days ago

Federal Suit Alleges McDonald’s AI Pricing Tool Violates Antitrust Laws

A federal lawsuit filed in Chicago alleges that McDonald’s use of an AI-enhanced pricing tool violates antitrust laws by coordinating prices across independent franchises. The company denies the claims, stating that the tool provides optional recommendations and that franchisees retain final authority over menu pricing. The suit seeks class-action certification and damages, highlighting concerns over algorithmic price-fixing in the fast-food industry.

Chick-fil-A Franchises: Elite access, no equity, $10,000 entry fee
business26 days ago

Chick-fil-A Franchises: Elite access, no equity, $10,000 entry fee

Chick-fil-A is one of America’s most selective franchises: about 100,000 people apply annually and only ~200 become owner-operators. The upfront franchise fee is $10,000, but unlike typical chains, the company owns the restaurants and real estate, so operators don’t build equity or pass the business to heirs. Applicants come from diverse backgrounds, and prior Chick-fil-A experience isn’t required, though the role demands full-time leadership, employee development, and community focus, with all locations closed on Sundays as a core tradition.

Chick-fil-A's Franchise Filter: 100,000 Applicants for ~200 Spots Annually
business26 days ago

Chick-fil-A's Franchise Filter: 100,000 Applicants for ~200 Spots Annually

Chick-fil-A says it receives about 100,000 annual franchise applications but only appoints roughly 200 owner-operators each year; the $10,000 franchise fee has remained unchanged for 50 years, and operators do not own the restaurants—the chain retains ownership and real estate. Applicants come from diverse professional backgrounds, with more than a quarter having no prior Chick-fil-A experience, and many wait three to five years for an opportunity, while the company emphasizes leadership and community, and all locations are closed on Sundays.

Xbox Sets Four-Pillar Roadmap to Restore Growth and Franchise Momentum
technology2 months ago

Xbox Sets Four-Pillar Roadmap to Restore Growth and Franchise Momentum

Microsoft’s Xbox chief Asha Sharma unveils a four-pillar strategy (Core, Content, Creation, Connection) to strengthen the platform, grow Minecraft as the world’s creator hub, turn games into global franchises, and extend fan worlds, aiming for growth by FY2027 and double-digit player engagement by 2030. The plan also consolidates development around top franchises, divests five studios, advances a broad film/TV slate, and includes two rounds of layoffs totaling about 3,200 this year, with the console remaining the revenue backbone and Project Helix under review.

Bethesda Bets Big on Franchises as Layoffs Reshape Its Future
video-games-news3 months ago

Bethesda Bets Big on Franchises as Layoffs Reshape Its Future

An opinion piece argues Bethesda's memo to focus on its strongest franchises signals a shift from individual studio roadmaps to cross‑studio collaboration and long‑term IP potential, in the wake of Xbox layoffs. The author notes ambiguity over which franchises will lead, warns of ongoing cuts at id Software and The Elder Scrolls Online, and questions the fate of Fallout, The Elder Scrolls 6, Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake. The piece suggests this risk‑averse pivot could boost cross‑media ties while reducing room for niche, creative projects, potentially harming fan enthusiasm and job stability.

LIV Golf CEO Signals Confidence as PIF Backing Winds Down
business5 months ago

LIV Golf CEO Signals Confidence as PIF Backing Winds Down

LIV Golf's new CEO Scott O’Neil voiced confidence he can steer the league through looming financial headwinds after the Saudi Public Investment Fund said it would end backing after 2026, but offered few specifics beyond preserving the 13-team format and pursuing external investment; the league has restructured its board, hired Ducera Partners to help secure long-term investors, and plans to raise money in a staged approach before attracting team investors, while players weigh their contracts and futures.

Paramount Bets on Books with Global Publishing Arm
business6 months ago

Paramount Bets on Books with Global Publishing Arm

Paramount Global launches Paramount Global Publishing, a new imprint to expand its franchises and develop original IP across print, digital, and audio, starting in the U.S. and Canada with international expansion to follow. Amy Jarashow will lead global publishing, reporting to Josh Silverman, as Paramount handles book development and distribution plans with title and partner announcements to come.

entertainment9 months ago

Top Horror Movies to Watch in 2026

The article previews the most anticipated horror movies of 2026, including sequels like 'Scream 7' and '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' reboots such as 'The Bride!' and 'The Mummy,' as well as new projects like Zach Cregger's 'Resident Evil' adaptation and a supernatural horror from Rob Savage. It highlights the return of iconic franchises, fresh takes on classics, and indie films, with release dates to be confirmed.

entertainment1 year ago

Jason Blum's Horror Empire: From Found Footage to Box Office Success

Jason Blum, founder of Blumhouse, discusses his company's success in horror, recent challenges, and future projects, including expanding the Stanley Hotel into a horror museum, rebooting franchises like 'Saw,' and his ongoing pursuit of iconic characters like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. Despite setbacks at the box office and industry shifts, Blum remains optimistic about the future of horror and his company's innovative low-budget model, while also embracing new technologies like AI.

Summer 2025 Box Office Struggles Despite Sequels and Holiday Boosts
entertainment1 year ago

Summer 2025 Box Office Struggles Despite Sequels and Holiday Boosts

Hollywood's summer box office in 2024 fell slightly to $3.67 billion, failing to surpass last year's figures and highlighting ongoing challenges such as declining attendance, reliance on franchises, and a lack of major hits, despite some surprises like Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'Weapons'. The industry faces a tough year ahead, but some promising films are on the horizon for late 2024 and 2025.

entertainment1 year ago

Legendary Negotiates Global Theatrical Deal with Skydance's Paramount

Legendary is in negotiations with Paramount for a multi-picture global theatrical distribution deal, excluding China, which may include streaming and transactional windows. The deal aims to increase Legendary's film output and continues to involve collaborations with Warner Bros and other studios. The specific titles and co-financing details are still being finalized.