I loved reading today's New York Times story about the renegade Applebee's franchisee in New York, who now owns 34 of the chain's restaurants. His locations average $4.25 million in annual revenue -- twice the average Applebee's, the Times reports. The owner, Zane Tankel, perfectly articulates the way someone can be a franchisee and an entrepreneur. Most franchisees are sheep, not business people. They're hoping someone else's vision will save them, as long as they can follow the manual. Tankel said fuggedaboutit to the manual. He changed menus, uniforms, hiring practices and many other operating assumptions that Applebee's considers sacrosanct.
To read the full, original article click on this link: What it Takes to be an Entrepreneur -- and a Franchisee
Author:Mitchell York
