Fast food franchisees aren’t ‘vultures’ – they’re small businesses that need support to make it through the pandemic

  • Date: 02-Jan-2021
  • Source: Business Insider
  • Sector:Economy
  • Country:Middle East
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Fast food franchisees aren’t ‘vultures’ – they’re small businesses that need support to make it through the pandemic

In a December 13 op-ed, Insider's Kate Taylor wrote that "fast-food chains are vultures feasting on the carcasses of independent restaurants," but this ignores the reality of the fast food business.

Many fast food franchisees are small business operators and also need help to get through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Misty Chally is executive director of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations.

This is an opinion column. The thoughts expressed are those of the author.

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On December 13, Insider's Kate Taylor wrote an op-ed titled: "Fast-food chains are vultures feasting on the carcasses of independent restaurants. “¦" As the executive director of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations (CFA) - the largest franchisee-only trade association in the country - this depiction of the franchise model reflects a general lack of understanding of just how hard the pandemic has hit franchise owners.

It is a broad misconception that the well-known name and brand logo used for the business means the owner of that business has deep pockets. Instead of focusing exclusively on the demise of independent restaurant owners, it's better to take a broader look at the struggles of the industry “” independent and franchise. 

While a recognizable name may be