In the year ahead, restaurants are focused on restoring traffic and preserving profit margins after a rocky 2025. With customers seeking value and pushing back on price increases, franchise quick-service restaurants (QSRs) offer a lower-risk way to invest in the industry. How franchise economics reduce risk Restaurant stocks that deploy the franchise model earn royalties on sales rather than running their own stores. Franchisees cover the cost of new locations and handle labor and food costs. Where to in ...