By Robert Zarco Founding Partner, Zarco, Einhorn, Salkowski and Brito

Recently, a California Superior Court 12-member jury in Los Angeles handed franchisees a huge victory when it delivered an $8.8-million-dollar verdict against El Pollo Loco (EPL) after the popular fast food chicken restaurant set up two competing locations in close vicinity of a franchisee’s existing restaurant location.

What made the case of Janice P. Handlers-Bryman and Michael Bryman v. El Pollo Loco, Inc. such a game-changer is that the court upheld the idea that a franchisor’s duty to act in good faith and to deal fairly with franchisees overrides explicit, yet legally and factually unconscionable terms and provisions laid out in the franchise disclosure document (FDD) including in the franchise agreement.

AAFD to Recognize Bluemaumau.org Founder, Don Sniegowski for Lifetime Achievement and Robert Zarco for AAFD Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community.

The Emmys are over, but the Total Quality Franchising Award nominees have just been announced! Every year the AAFD hosts the Total Quality Franchising Awards to celebrate the franchisees, associations, and suppliers who are leading the charge in the fight for fair franchising. Below, we are proud to announce this year’s nominees in each category as well as our chosen recipients for The AAFD’s Lifetime Achievement and Chairman’s Award.

I have recently returned froma site visit to the Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel in St. Louis. The Chase Park will host the 2018 AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit and Conference this October 21-24.  I am happy to report to prospective attendees and delegates that we are in for a wonderful experience – a great venue and a great city.

AAFD’s Early Bird discounts expire on September 15, 2018! That means you can now save $100 on your registration fee when you register By Sept. 15.

Texting campaigns help franchisees:

– Acquire new customers using innovative approaches
– Engage and delight existing customers so they keep returning to buy more
– Boost referral rates from existing customers
– Empower customers to self-book appointments and save staff time

Increase purchases with mobile offers and reminders

– Service existing customers with one-to-one communications
– Renew memberships
– Promote upcoming events and sales
– Build personalized relationships – send birthday offers, holiday greetings

The AAFD has experienced significant growth over the last year, and it is looking to expand its chapter support department. We are seeking candidates in all continental US time zones to serve as Chapter Development and Chapter Management Coordinators. We are hopeful that our best candidates may be found or recommended from our community of members and friends.