Why multi-unit restaurant franchisee bankruptcies are surging in 2026

Why multi-unit restaurant franchisee bankruptcies are surging in 2026

Restaurant Dive reports high labor and food costs plus slumping sales have pushed franchisee bankruptcies back to pre-pandemic levels. The operator signing your lease is often a franchisee, not the brand. Their occupancy cost math is the math that matters. Related: Understanding Retailers