As the franchising landscape evolves, so do the terms, conditions and complexities found in franchise agreements. With increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny, both franchisors and franchisees are reevaluating key provisions related to operating obligations, reduction of services, renewal rights, territory protections, transfer clauses, and dispute resolution, among others.

This session will explore the latest trends and emerging provisions in franchise agreements — what’s being added, what’s being tightened, and how these changes can impact your ability to remain competitive. We’ll examine how the onslaught of private equity, legal shifts, market dynamics, and increased consolidation are reshaping the expectations of new and existing franchisees.

Attendees will gain insights into: 

• Common red flags and hidden risks in today’s franchise agreements
• How to negotiate or push back on overly restrictive or one-sided clauses
• Legal and practical implications of exclusivity, performance standards, and termination rights
• The role of competition and brand positioning in shaping agreement terms
• Best practices for franchisees evaluating new agreements or renewals
• The impact that Private Equity is having on the Economics of the franchisee/franchisor relationship.

Whether you’re signing your first agreement or renegotiating your tenth, this session will equip you with practical tools to navigate modern franchise contracts and evaluate such agreements in a way that protects your interests and positions you to best navigate what can be challenging later, for long-term business success.

Check out the full 2025 Summit Agenda

About the Speaker:

Robert Zarco, founding partner of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski, P.A., has built a reputation of success and changing lives for small business owners for over 35 years by passionately protecting the legal rights and interests of franchisees and other underdog commercial business clients nationwide and internationally. Zarco is known as a creative, solution-oriented negotiator, and aggressive Trial Lawyer, handling complex business transactions, disputes and litigation in Federal and State Courts nationwide, including arbitration and mediation. Zarcoand his experienced team of attorneys provide the highest caliber of legal services, expertise, and professionalism in Business and Corporate Law in the areas of franchisor/franchisee, manufacturer/distributor, automobile, truck and equipment dealers, licensing, as well as other disputes and litigation in commercial real estate and construction, intellectual property and trademark, and C-Level Employment disputes.

As a veteran Franchise Law and Commercial Litigation Attorney, Robert Zarco feels very proud to have been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Total Quality Franchising by the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) in 2021.  Mr. Zarco is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, The Trial Lawyers Honorary Society, and qualifies as a Barrister in the Order of Centurions.  He is also frequently awarded prestigious legal industry distinctions including “Lawyer of the Year” in 2020 in Franchise Law by Best Lawyers of America©, “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times, Florida’s “Super Lawyers” and “Best Lawyers” for over 15 years, and “Top Dealmakers of the Year” in Commercial Real Estate by Daily Business Review. The law firm he founded is rated National Tier 1 in Franchise law as ‘Best Law Firms’ by Best Lawyers of America©.

Fluent in the Spanish language, Robert was born in Cuba and came to New York with his parents in 1961 at the age of 2, fleeing Communism and leaving all material possessions behind. The sacrifices of his parents combined with Robert’s personal drive, determination, and hard work led him to many great achievements, including graduating from Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Robert is an avid yachtsman who loves being out in the open water. He is also an amateur Chef and enjoys hosting parties and fundraisers for many great charitable causes. Together with his family and three grown children, Robert loves to travel and lives his life to the fullest by the mottos he cherishes most: “Work hard, Play hard”, “Live, Learn, Love, and Laugh”, and “Always do the Right Thing!”