Looking to the Future with Vegan Franchise Opportunities

A lot has changed in the world since franchising came into existence. But did you know that franchising dates back much further than most people think? Stand-Up Burgers is taking a look at the history of franchising and how vegan franchise opportunities are shifting the future of the restaurant industry.

A Brief History of Franchising

While many think of franchising as a modern-day creation, its roots can be traced back prior to the Middle Ages. Franchising began as a way for workers or journeymen to establish their own businesses while retaining the support of their franchisor. 

Franchising in Europe allowed companies to grant land rights to local farmers, explore new territories, and provide financial assistance in the form of co-partnership in the brewery industry. Modern commercial franchising in the US began in 1731, when Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Whitmarsh established an agreement for business printing in South Carolina. 

Many of the elements of modern-day franchising systems were included in the agreement. This involved a term of six years, when Whitmarsh was to manage the business himself and he couldn’t engage in other printing businesses during the term. 

One of the first modern franchisors to incorporate more of the elements we see in franchising today was Harper Method Shops in 1891. The hair care franchise included training, branded products, field visits, advertising, group insurance, and motivation. 

Food franchising took off after Roy Allen and Frank Wright purchased a root beer recipe, made A&W Root Beer, and began to franchise the A&W concept in 1924. Around the same time, White Castle started franchising, becoming the first fast-food hamburger chain in the world in 1921. Many legendary restaurant chains were quick to follow, including KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, and McDonald’s. And the rest, as they say, is history.

How Restaurant Franchise Opportunities Have Changed

The franchising format has changed in many ways over the last century and continues to evolve thanks to new concepts, business techniques, and international expansion.

With more consumers wanting to eat healthier and adopting a plant-based lifestyle, the restaurant franchise industry is starting to see a new revolution with vegan franchise opportunities. Gone are the days of disappointing vegan options; consumers now expect restaurants to offer fully curated vegan meal options that span from starters to desserts. 

The increasing demand for vegan fast food has led restaurants to redesign their business models to accommodate vegan customers while providing delicious food. Advances in alternative meat and dairy products are making them more cost-effective options as they become increasingly accessible while making it easier for restaurants to offer multiple vegan food dishes.

It’s expected that restaurants will continue to analyze consumer behavior and demands when it comes to vegan food, leading to the development of an increasing amount of vegan options. But why choose a restaurant franchise opportunity that’s only partially vegan?

Stand-Up Burgers’ plant-based burger QSR can help you get in early on the plant-based movement with comfort food everyone can love. Our high-quality, uniquely crafted, 100% plant-based, vegan cuisine is the backbone of our unique franchising opportunity.

We’re looking for plant-based pioneers who have embraced the movement to carry the Stand-Up Burgers brand forward: will the next game changer be you?

Stand up for what you believe in! Contact us today to learn more about what it takes to get your Stand-Up Burgers restaurant started.