Small Business Franchising News, Franchises, Funding & Financing News at WSJ.com

Fresh Palates for Burger King
A controversial campaign by Burger King sought out "Whopper Virgins," in which taste tests were performed among isolated populations.

A Franchise Lifeline
Franchisers are helping franchisees ride out the credit crunch by providing financing, waivers or assistance in obtaining loans.
Mall Restaurants Expect Fewer Customers
Restaurant chains with locations in malls are boosting marketing, bracing for a holiday-shopping season with fewer customers.
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McDonald's Coffee Strategy Is Tough Sell
McDonald's faces fresh challenges to its coffee expansion as the economy keeps more consumers home and franchisees balk at the costs for remodeling.
Owners Say Franchisers Pass on More Costs
Restaurants' Gloom Spreads
Chain Reaction
Mrs. Fields Revamp Plan Faces Obstacle
Restaurants Push 'Value' Meals
Sonic Pushes Refranchise Plan
Franchisers Sweeten Pot to Woo Buyers
Credit Crunch Squeezes Franchisees
Be Prepared if Your Franchiser Falls
Wendy's Raises Its Coffee Profile
More

Restaurants Look for Ways to Cut Costs
Franchise restaurants are aggressively searching for alternative ways to slash costs, unable to pass on the higher costs to customers without losing business.
A Franchise Lifeline
Franchisers are helping franchisees ride out the credit crunch by providing financing, waivers or assistance in obtaining loans.
Is a Franchise the Right Business for You?
It's tempting to pick a franchise based on personal experiences or love of the product. But the fact that you're smitten with the business or what it sells doesn't mean it fits your lifestyle, financial situation or long-term goals.