As a potential franchisee, you’ve undoubtedly asked yourself what franchise would be the right fit for you. Many domestic franchises are experiencing monumental growth, but international franchises are quite another matter. These brands have managed to break out of their own confines and start penetrating other markets around the world, to great effect.
Are you intimidated at the prospect of becoming a franchisee under an international brand? If so, you shouldn’t be. In fact, there are more reasons to take the plunge, as opposed to sitting it out. The advantages of working with an international franchise go far beyond just exposure. Here are the biggest.
A PROVEN TRACK RECORD
Needless to say, any franchise that started out with a single location and grew into a foreign market is a success story unto itself. This should encourage you to partner up, if for no other reason than to take advantage of their growth. Clearly, the franchise has done something right, and their ability to spread their wings and expand their reach to new markets means untapped potential just waiting to be mined.
Working with an international franchise means you’re skipping over the trials and challenges of your predecessors. You will have access to a tested restaurant franchise model that knows how to penetrate new markets, set up shop, and thrive.
STABILITY AND SECURITY
Franchisors who manage to go international are not keen to rest on their laurels. Once they’ve expanded outside of their home territory, the franchisor will attempt to continuously refine their business model, and further grow the stability and security of the brand writ large. The fire has already been lit, and they’ve tasted success. The momentum is strong, and all they need are willing franchisees to jump on board and share in the success.
International franchising is a whole new ball game compared to domestic, particularly because franchisors need to leverage different markets and compare them. This means the continuous refinement of the business model will shed inefficiencies, while strengthening the things that help it succeed in different markets. If a restaurant franchise can successfully attract and grow new clientele in different parts of the world, that’s a surefire sign of continued success.
LESS RISK & EASIER LENDING
Starting a restaurant by yourself would undoubtedly come with a great many challenges attached to it, which is why many like to fast-track their success by becoming a franchisee. This is a restaurant model with a proven record of success, and that means quantifiable data for lenders to take a look at.
An international franchise has proven that it can weather the storm, and emerge on top as a successful brand that can operate and thrive outside of its home demographic market. To a lender, it’s worth its weight in gold…or at the very least, a business loan. While many international franchises may assist with lending in order to support a new franchisee, the truth is that lenders of any kind will be able to see tangible results, and actual numbers. The more you can prove the validity and success of your business, the easier it will be to procure a loan.
NETWORKING GALORE
Once a franchise goes international, it significantly broadens out the number of business contacts associated with it. As a franchisee, you can begin rubbing shoulders with foreign investors, partners and other contacts that would normally be impossible to access. The larger a franchise becomes, and the greater the brand awareness, the more interested parties take notice.
Franchisees who opt to open more than one location can significantly expand their own presence on the international stage, which can lead to all sorts of benefits down the road. In the modern world, who you know has a profound effect on your chances of greater success, and being part of a brand that is internationally recognized will pay dividends of its own.
CONCLUSION
St. Louis Bar & Grill knows the value of going international, and we have taken our first steps by breaking into the United States market with the opening of our first location in Florida. We’re not stopping there, and we encourage would-be franchisees from all walks of life to consider expanding our international reach.
If you’re interested in becoming a St. Louis Bar & Grill franchisee, we want to hear from you today. Now’s the time to take advantage of our global evolution as we set our sights on success that you can easily be a part of. Contact us today for more info!
