4 Tips for Successfully Taking Over a Family QSR Franchise

Taking over a family business is a big moment. It can be deeply rewarding but can also come with a host of challenges. This is especially true for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), which often run on thin margins and have corporate guidelines steering operations.  

One of the defining issues for a legacy QSR owner has to do with how the business has been operating historically, and it can take many different forms. Perhaps the family business has been struggling, and you want to come in and transform it into a thriving, more profitable venture. Another possible scenario is that the business is already succeeding, and you want to make your mark while ensuring you don’t jeopardize existing profits.  

Another factor that can present challenges is the style of inheritance, as how you come into the family business will dictate certain challenges you could face. For example, you might be taking over the business slowly, coming in as your parents wind down to retirement. In such a case, the benefit is that they can show you the ropes and share their historic learnings, while the challenge may be that they are wary of change and urge you to do things their way—even when you see opportunities for positive transformation. Alternately, you may find yourself suddenly given a business with no time to prepare. The advantage here is that you will have full control to run the business as you want, while the drawback is that you may feel out of your element and unsure where to begin. 

Regardless of your situation specifics, there are a few surefire things you can do that will help as you take over a family QSR.  

Collect as much data as you can 

Data is a powerful tool. Though numbers are typically the least exciting part of running a business, they unlock critical insights into your operations. Beyond dollars earned, there is a lot of data you should collect about your franchise locations.  

Dig into your operating costs, and you’ll likely see that a large percentage is going to utility bills. Fast food restaurants are energy-intensive businesses, using significantly more energy per square foot than a typical location. But high utility bills can be a sign that a lot of energy and water is being wasted, and outdated equipment is often the culprit.  

Utility bills are notoriously difficult to parse, so it may be unclear why they are so high or what exactly is driving up usage. Getting an energy expert to assess your QSR locations’ energy performance can help you understand your operations and identify opportunities to lower consumption.   

A free energy audit, like the one Budderfly offers, can provide crucial operational insights like: 

• Average monthly energy consumption 

• Average monthly energy costs 

• Peak energy usage times 

• Tailored recommendations to reduce energy usage 

Prioritize sustainability  

Energy efficiency and sustainability can be key differentiators in the competitive QSR market. Upgrading facilities with newer, more efficient equipment fosters a premium customer experience. Brighter LED lighting is more welcoming to guests, high performance HVACs ensure dining areas smell good and stay clean, and sustainable refrigerators keep food fresher for longer. Equipment upgrades also make employees happier and healthier, diminishing staff turnover.  

 The average HVAC in the U.S. is 10-15 years old, with many being even older. Outdated units are inefficient, meaning they use more energy than they should and contribute to growing costs. Plus, modern sustainable equipment will have a lower risk of breaking down. For any restaurant, equipment malfunctions can be extremely costly in terms of lost business and spoiled food.    

Spend cautiously, look for no-upfront-cost solutions 

Your main goal when taking over the management of any business is to help the bottom line by spending less and earning more. However, if you have capital to spare, there are some smart investments you can make in the business that will pay off in the long run such as delivery capabilities or expanding to new locations.  

On the other hand, there are plenty of ways to improve your franchise locations that won’t require you to drain your funds. Modernizing your restaurants with infrastructure updates, as mentioned above, doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Thousands of QSRs across the U.S. have worked with energy-as-a-service companies like Budderfly to get new high-efficiency equipment installed at their locations with no upfront costs. By outsourcing these facility upgrades, you can get the benefits of a more efficient restaurant while saving capital for other business priorities.  

Rely on trusted experts 

Whether you’re new to the QSR game or an experienced franchisee, there is always more to learn about running a restaurant. Tapping into a diverse knowledge pool can help ensure you run your business as smartly as possible. One expert might be the family member you’re taking over for about yearly ebbs and flows in the business, or it could be a long-term employee with valuable insights about food prep.  

Outsourcing is another way to fill in any operational understanding gaps you may have about your franchise business. This is valuable when it comes to something as complex as energy management. Understanding utility bills, procuring industry-leading equipment, hiring trustworthy contractors, and performing preventative maintenance all take a lot of time and research—time which most business owners can’t afford to spare. By outsourcing energy management to reliable, trusted experts, legacy QSR owners can ensure they are making the best choices for their business’s long-term success. 

If you’re a legacy QSR owner, or in line to take one over, partnering with Budderfly can help you face challenges head on, without rocking the boat. We can help you bring your operation into a modern era, improve the customer experience, and become more sustainable—all while helping you save money and future-proof your legacy.  

Step one is a free energy assessment. One of our energy experts can help you understand your business’s energy usage and identify ways to eliminate waste. To learn more, contact us today.