The quick-service restaurant industry can be a competitive market to enter but also very lucrative once you understand the keys to success. Of course, hard work and long-term vision are essential, but it also takes strategic planning and a series of detailed benchmarks to help accomplish your goals.
This is why many entrepreneurs like you choose to enter the industry through franchising rather than face the obstacles of starting a small business alone. At Golden Chick, our recipe for success is rooted in more than 55 years as a leader and innovator in the chicken QSR industry — now with more than 225 locations in North America, we’re a fast-growing opportunity. Maybe now is the time for you to consider opening a franchise in your community.
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Read on to learn a few essential things that are important to know about owning a QSR restaurant.
A Unique Restaurant Model that is Built to Last in Fast Food
Quick Service Restaurant Industry establishments operate on a different playing field than fine or casual dining restaurants — with entirely different rules and expectations. We’ve highlighted a few areas franchise owners should understand and account for as they move forward in their business dealings.
- Speed: People often order quick service because they travel between destinations and are pressed for time. They’re looking for a meal on the go, which is why drive-thru service is a significant feature to consider when opening a QSR.
- Affordability: Consumers expect to receive “the most bang for their buck.” At a QSR, it’s a matter of offering a quality product at a reasonable price. Golden Chick has recently proven this by introducing their Big and Golden sandwich with a hand-breaded chicken breast that’s 20% larger than our previous offering.
- Consistency: People enjoy QSRs because of their familiar taste and the expectation that a chicken sandwich from the same QSR should taste the same regardless of location.
- Cleanliness: An unappealing restaurant can quickly turn away customers. You’ll keep your customers happy and satisfied by implementing a duty roster that addresses issues like clean tables, overflowing trash cans, trash on the floor, and maintaining hygienic bathrooms.
Starting or expanding your business is a big decision, and it’s important to know if owning a QSR franchise is right for you. Golden Chick has resources that can help you channel your entrepreneurial spirit and perhaps become a multi-unit franchise player.
A Familiar Place Can Lead to a Familiar Face
For many QSRs, the logo or mascot is one of the most recognizable parts of their brand positioning. They can evoke feelings of nostalgia that can ultimately lead to purchasing decisions. A 2022 marketing report revealed that 68% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product if it appeals to them emotionally or personally.
Golden Chick is regionally known for the quality of our menu items and a price point that won’t break the bank for most people. However, our logo and name recognition are also important factors to franchisee success. Our franchise marketing team can help promote your Golden Chick location through local marketing efforts, promotions and social media outreach.
As with all QSR brands, Golden Chick is a symbol of the communities that we’re a part of. The customer experience presents an opportunity for Golden Chick franchise owners to instill high service standards to outperform the competition. A friendly face and a smile are much more likely to generate repeat customers than the opposite.
Location, Location, Location!
With more than 225 locations in North America, Golden Chick knows that being in the right place at the right time isn’t always luck — sometimes, it’s strategy. In major metro areas like Dallas or Houston, TX, real estate costs are considerably higher than in smaller cities like Lawton, OK. However, larger towns present more significant opportunities for foot and vehicular traffic.
The same can be said for planning operations in a suburban area. However, smaller towns and the suburban regions typically have less competition — thus more repeat visitors than urban metro areas, so it’s important for the owner/operator to consider the pros and cons.
At Golden Chick, we provide location scouting assistance to all franchise partners. We’ve identified several target markets that present opportunities to expand into new territory. If you live in an area that doesn’t have a Golden Chick restaurant, maybe now is a good time to discuss the possibilities and help you bring our tasty and expanding menu to your community.
Trends to Be on the Lookout For in a Quick Service Restaurant Industry
The quick-service industry is evolving daily and will continue to do so as technology provides customers with greater access to service. The drive-thru has evolved to online ordering and third-party delivery. Cash has evolved to credit cards, debit cards, and now cryptocurrency.
Who knows what’s next. You can learn more about these three trends in the QSR industry and how you can adapt them to your franchise model. Some of the trends on the horizon include:
- New menu items that will result from shifting demographics and diversity
- Drone delivery
- Autonomous vehicle delivery
While risk/reward is a factor of any business venture, a franchise operation can help minimize those risks through valuable resources that help market, promote, and adapt your restaurant to future industry trends.
Contact us today to learn more about how you can start down the path toward becoming a Golden Chick franchisee.
