Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Stores forced to stay open during Chuseok by headquarters, franchise owners say

Despite slow sales during the Chuseok holiday, many small business owners say they were forced to keep their stores open due to pressure from franchise headquarters or contractors.

2025-10-09

Pizza shop stabbing highlights soaring delivery costs and franchise pressure

A fatal stabbing by a struggling pizza franchisee highlights financial issues faced by single-owner outlets reliant on delivery services.

2025-09-05

McDonald's to offer discounted combo meals, WSJ reports

McDonald's and franchisees have agreed to reduce prices on eight combo meals by 15 percent and introduce $5 and $8 specials following discussions in which financial support was offered to encourage price drops.

2025-08-20

As small businesses tumble, gov't pushes to end franchise contract termination fees

The government is pushing to waive all franchise contract termination fees in a bid to alleviate the burden on small business owners, but industry insiders fear that it could give way to irresponsible management and higher risk exposure.

2025-07-24

SPC Group forms task force to improve worker safety after fatal workplace accidents

Korean bakery and restaurant conglomerate SPC Group is doubling down on its efforts to prevent fatal workplace accidents that have taken its employees' lives over the past years with an internal task force to overhaul its management practices.

2025-07-22

LA Lakers join list of teams being sold at ever-escalating prices

The family-owned Los Angeles Lakers are about to be sold at a valuation of $10 billion, smashing the previous record for the purchase price for a team sport.

2025-06-20

Franchise restaurant owners sour on brand power amid scandals, slumping profits

Franchises may be losing their charm for business owners, especially restaurants and cafes.

2025-05-17

Pizza Hut lost in court. Now hundreds of others want to sue.

Pizza Hut Korea's court loss over ingredient markup fees has prompted other franchisees to consider lawsuits, revealing industry-wide issues with cost transparency and revenue-sharing practices among food and beverage chains.

2024-11-27

Pizza Hut Korea files for receivership in face of $15M fine for fleecing franchisees

Pizza Hut Korea has filed for receivership with the Seoul Bankruptcy Court as it faces a 21 billion won fine for padding its margins on materials for franchisees.

2024-11-05

Japanese-themed budget bars boom amid thirst for cheap drinks, izakaya ambiance

Restaurant chains like Torikizoku and Saeng Macha are taking Seoul by storm as their relatively cheap drinks, uniform prices and replication of bustling izakaya (drinking establishments) lure in diners looking for a culinary exchange on a budget.

2024-10-03