Global Franchise 10.3

Contents 48 | Insider 12 pages of expert insight and commentary from the heart of the international franchising community 61 | What’s hot in QSR 18 brands to watch in 2026 66 | The 2026 playbook 12 rules of franchising that everyone agrees with 72 | The million dollar ticket We explore the rise of the ultra- premium franchise model MEET THE FINALISTS Turn to page 17 AWARDS 2026 6 | The guide Learning and networking opportunities coming up 36 | Legacy or upstart? The real trade-offs Choosing between established and emerging brands for investment 47 | New rules of franchise brand discovery Are we optimizing for yesterday’s search engine or tomorrow’s landscape? 70 | World of franchise Latest expansions, mergers and regional trends 76 | Scaling starts at IFA Behind every successful franchise lies a team of great suppliers 82 | How smart brands win investor attention Insights into attracting the right type of capital INTERVIEWS 9 | What I wish I’d known Matthias H. Lehner, founder CEO of Bodystreet and president of the European Franchise Federation 11 | From the source Rick Raison, Magnolia Bakery’s VP of International Franchise Development 12 | 6 ideas Tamara Galinsky on what sets winning boutique brands apart from the rest 50 | When capital comes a-knocking Zach Fishman explains where deals succeed, where they unravel, and why discipline matters more than momentum INSIGHTS 40 | Operation: excellence Meet the brand leaders setting industry standards for growth and innovation 4 GLOBAL FRANCHISE Issue 10.3