How franchisees are facing the difficult operating environment episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 20, 2025 · 29 MIN

How franchisees are facing the difficult operating environment

from A Deeper Dive · host Restaurant Business Magazine

How are franchisees dealing with the current operating environment?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Raj Patel, a multi-brand franchisee out of the Chicago area. Patel’s group operates nearly 100 Dunkin’ locations and a number of Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants, among others. We wanted to talk with him to get a franchisee’s perspective of the current environment. He provides some insight from a franchisee’s view of both those brands and why they are doing really well right now. What makes those brands tick?We also talk extensively about development strategies. Patel provides some interesting insight into competition for restaurant real estate right now. He talks about what sites cost more, whether drive-thru-only locations make any sense and the best time to walk away from a potential location.We’re talking restaurant development and franchising on A Deeper Dive so please check it out. 

How are franchisees dealing with the current operating environment?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Raj Patel, a multi-brand franchisee out of the Chicago area. Patel’s group operates nearly 100 Dunkin’ locations and a number of Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants, among others. We wanted to talk with him to get a franchisee’s perspective of the current environment. He provides some insight from a franchisee’s view of both those brands and why they are doing really well right now. What makes those brands tick?We also talk extensively about development strategies. Patel provides some interesting insight into competition for restaurant real estate right now. He talks about what sites cost more, whether drive-thru-only locations make any sense and the best time to walk away from a potential location.We’re talking restaurant development and franchising on A Deeper Dive so please check it out.

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This episode was published on August 20, 2025.

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How are franchisees dealing with the current operating environment?This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features Raj Patel, a multi-brand franchisee out of the Chicago area. Patel’s group operates nearly 100 Dunkin’...

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