Why do Franchises Fail?

Franchising looks like one of the safest bets in business — thousands of brands, hundreds of thousands of owners, and billions added to the U.S. economy. But the truth? Not every franchise is built to last.

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen pull back the curtain on why franchise brands fail — not just the local shops, but the franchisors themselves. From high-profile collapses like Quiznos and Boston Market to the hidden traps in emerging brands, we explore the red flags you should know before investing your time, money, and future.

We dive deep into:

• What the data really says about franchise closures

• The difference between failing franchisees vs. failing franchisors

• Leadership mistakes that sink even national brands

• The hidden dangers of undercapitalization, oversaturation, and supply chain gaps

• The risks of “franchise creators” and franchising too early

• Why development schedules and licensing laws can make or break a new brand

• How Franchise Sidekick protects buyers and sets them up for long-term success

Whether you're a prospective franchisee or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight and actionable advice.