Jersey Mike's tops Technomic's new list of fastest-growing sandwich chains, with U.S. sales up more than 30 percent. Eight more brands chalked up double-digit growth last year as well.

For hotels that cater to adventurers, ‘don't be standard—be unique' is an apt slogan. Owners advise ordering lots of T-shirts (if your brand includes Yogi Bear) and offering breakfast starting at the crack of dawn.

The headlines may be scary, but practical steps exist that can help lessen the risk of data breaches. Here are some tools to use. Your worst mistake is thinking it can't happen to your franchise.

Tired of the same-old-same-old hotels? New hotel concepts are checking into the scene with greater frequency as business travel heats up with the economy. Some of these new hotel players are independents, while others are younger, hipper, more urbane properties rolled out by legacy brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Best Western and Red Lion. Here's a brief look at what's new on the franchise side of hospitality.

The need never ends to spruce up your restaurants, but experienced owners have learned the hard way how to keep on top of the job. Outside consultants, too, add advice to aid anyone tired of bailing.

With ongoing mega-droughts, elevated grain prices and a growing bird-flu epidemic, protein prices are up to the detriment of restaurant operators.

Portugal has a lot to offer franchisors, including a wide-open playing field in its capital, Lisbon. Here's one feet-on-the-ground view of this romantic city.

Three days, 31 franchises, two keynotes and a franchisee panel marked the Franchise Finance & Growth Conference in April. Here are highlights from presentations geared toward an audience of lenders and financiers. See the complete videos at www.franchisetimes.com.

Lisbon could be the San Francisco of Portugal—at least in reference to the hilliness of the city and its beauty. The costal city has an abundance of small stylish cafés, many with outdoor seating, which may be one of the reasons we didn't see many franchised restaurants in the row after row of buildings. A large busy Starbucks was located in a corner of an historic train station building on one of the bustling squares where shops catered to tourists. It was one of the few American brands spotted there.

The right touch is key when supporting franchisees, agree the three emerging brands we're following all year. These are entrepreneurs, not employees, after all, and they'll ‘wiggle and squirm' when put in a box.