The guest lineup for this week's show included all of these fantastic guests as we look at the topic of purchasing a restaurant franchise! 

Karen Spencer President and Partner of YEAH! BURGER

Karen Spencer is the President and Partner of YEAH! BURGER, an upscale fast-casual restaurant brand committed to using natural and organic ingredients and eco-friendly practices. Previously, as the Founder and CEO of Fran-Systems, an Atlanta based franchise education and consulting company from 1994-2012. Through Fran-Systems, Karen created Launch360®, a franchise process methodology for franchisors and consulted with such companies as Bridgestone Tires, Valvoline, YUM! Brands, Focus Brands, IHOP, Donatos Pizza, Southern Hospitality and others. Karen’s Franchisor corporate background encompasses over 30 years experience with all levels of franchise companies, such as DAVCO, Arby’s, both internationally and Domestically, AFC Enterprises, Midial, U.S.A. (Original Cookie Company and Hot Sam’s Pretzels), RTM Restaurant Group, and Planet Smoothie.

Mike Foy, President/Owner OUR PP INC & YPP INC DBA STEVI B’s Pizza

Mike was raised in the restaurant industry.  His father owned the diner across the street from a 3 shift GA Pacific plant.  Then in the 70s and 80s he worked for Pizza Inn in the South where he became the regional director of over 80 stores.  In the late 80s he owned and operated 2 Pizza Inns in Atlanta, GA.  In the early 90s he transitioned to Captain D’s and was a Division Director, then in the mid 90’s he owned and operated an Arthur Treacher Fish and Chips franchise.  During the late 90s Mike was responsible for 10 corporate stores and 90 franchise stores for Coffee Beanery.  He developed the concept for them. He left the restaurant industry in 2000 to join a self-storage company over seeing up to 100 locations, but returned in 2005 and opened his own Stevie B’s Pizza, and in 2012 he opened his 2nd location. In 2005 He went back to the restaurant industry and opened his first Stevi B's Pizza.

Jamie Davis, Director of Franchise Development for Checkers and Rally’s

Jamie Davis is a seasoned franchise executive having spent nearly seven years in QSR franchise sales. Formerly with Donatos Pizza, Jamie recently joined the Checkers and Rally's system because of the tremendous growth potential he sees in the brand. It doesn't hurt that he loves the food too!

If you ever wanted to know the ins and outs of purchasing a restaurant franchise, then watch or listen to this show.  These top ranking authorities tackled every question we have ever heard from restaurant buyers including such commonly asked questions as: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a start-up restaurant franchise?  The answers we heard on this question will have you re-thinking an independent restaurant versus a restaurant franchise opportunity.

There was terrific discussion from the panel on the topic of why some franchisees fail.  Watch the video or download our podcast for their opinions on this topic. We asked the authorities and seasonsed operators to tell us whether there was security in purchasing  “legacy brand” franchises?  You may be surprised by their answers.

Overall, we discussed the benefits in opening up a franchise and second versus first generation acquisition.  This was a robust discussion around some key principles if you're thinking of buying a restaurant franchise.

Watch the We Sell Restaurants Radio Show to find the answers to these and other questions as the panel discusses purchasing a restaurant franchise.

The restaurant brokers are live on the air every Saturday at noon on Atlanta's WGKA AM920.  You can also listen after the fact to a podcast of the entire restaurant radio show.  The podcast is available online through subscription at Podomatic or available for download through the iTunes Store as well as the We Sell Restaurants powerhouse website, wesellrestaurants.com.