One of the most attractive perks for franchise owners is the ability to expand throughout a city or region. Many corporate headquarters offer logistical support and allow owners to benefit from name recognition, which makes it easier for owners to grow their operations and devote their full-time attention to managing their businesses. There are numerous challenges facing owners of multiple restaurants, but a little planning and the right tools are enough to overcome these obstacles.
Learn to Delegate
Entrepreneurs and small business owners often share one critical downfall: they fear sharing responsibility. SABA says that “As you climb higher up the ladder at work, you’ll find that doing everything yourself is simply impossible. You’re at the helm of bigger projects and have greater responsibilities. Relying on your team is a must.” It can be hard to pass the reins to someone else knowing that they could mess it up, but the ability to delegate is essential for managing multiple locations. Owners should take the time to meet managers and other employees to find individuals who are motivated, knowledgeable, and interested in leadership positions. Cultivating a strong management team at each restaurant is the foundation for success.
Emphasis on Initiative and Action
Many of the biggest and most successful companies tout their corporate culture as a primary source of strength. Essentially, culture reflects the values of the company and how these values are expressed to and through employees. Owners and managers are responsible for fostering routines, behaviors, and attitudes that shape the way the organization operates. Culture can even be created through incentives or other programs that reward workers for exceptional job performance. FreshCheq tools allow multi-unit owners to monitor daily operations at all locations with the corporate portal. Translating the company culture into actionable tasks requires accountability.
Stay Informed About Employee Activity
Some franchise owners hesitate at the idea of installing cameras in all of their stores, but live video surveillance provides several critical benefits. According to Pro-Vigil Video Monitoring, “There are times when your property may be bustling with activity. There are other times when your property will likely be totally deserted. During these times, a live video monitoring surveillance system that only comes online when it detects a potential threat may be the best surveillance solution available.” Merely installing cameras can discourage crime or dangerous activity in general, as well as remind employees that they are accountable throughout the day. Recording activity within the store can also provide law enforcement with vital evidence if someone commits a crime on the property.
Create Official Procedures and Rules
Owners opening up their first establishment may feel little need for formal procedures and operating guidelines. However, creating a standardized mission, stated objectives and employee protocols early on can make the growing process much less painful. Official rules provide a universal framework among various stores, which makes it easier for them to exchange personnel when needed, and give managers stronger footing when dealing with employee behavior.
Managing multiple restaurants is a demanding and time-consuming experience for franchise owners at first, but the rewards are well worth the effort for owners willing to commit to their business. New or prospective franchise owners should seek out a mentor or industry professional who can offer specific insight into the process of founding and expanding restaurants. Additionally, make sure to get on top of the newest tools and tech that will make running your franchise as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
