There is something inherently pleasurable about getting away with something, as long as it's on the right side of humanity. In the fast-casual burrito space, Bubbakoo's Burritos is making a killing converting failed restaurants into new locations, saving a fortune compared to building new and learning a lot about what items are truly must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Full-scale renovations are not for the faint of heart, and this action sports-themed restaurant has proven itself up for the adventure.

With acquisitions on the rise, home services groups must also think strategically as they aim to maximize opportunities for franchisees and generate ROI all while avoiding that dreaded sibling rivalry.

Location: In western South America, between Chile and Ecuador and bordering the South Pacific Ocean, Peru is almost twice the size of Texas. Language: Spanish (82.9%), Quechua (13.3%) and Aymara (1.6%) are all official languages

In a deal with a first-time Peruvian restaurant operator who also owns Toyota dealerships, IHOP adds to its international footprint.

Our three Living Large bosses all emphasize communication over heading to the courtroom when navigating legal matters. Setting realistic expectations early is key, and franchisors have to hold up their end of the bargain.

Talk about a tough crowd—that's what Heather Elrod, CEO of Amazing Lash Studio, faced when she waded into boardrooms and investment committees to convince them to invest in a franchise built around the eyelash extension. She was one of several of our Dealmakers award winners, profiled in this month's cover package, who indulged me by answering this question: What's the craziest thing you did for a deal?”

It was Jersey Mike's No. 13, The Original Italian, that piqued Dan Markel's interest in franchising. “It was the best sandwich I'd ever had,” recalls Markel, who was on the hunt for investment opportunities and decided the East Coast-style sub brand was the right fit. Since its opening in 2013, Markel's Jersey Mike's in Van Nuys, California, has become a top five revenue-producing store for the brand and Markel has made it his mission to seek out brands that “can combine great operations with great, craveable food.”

When last this column addressed the subject of franchise regulation in the Netherlands, it was in the context of a proposed self-regulatory code (September 2016.) The current Dutch government has taken a very comprehensive approach: sweeping draft legislation governing franchise agreements. Have the lessons of the prior experience been learned? Hardly. Let's look at pre-sale disclosure.

Tell me about your upbringing. My parents got divorced when I was three. My mother had four kids to raise on her own, and finished her master's degree at Berkeley with us four kids. I didn't really see this as a big family tragedy. I got sort of an independent spirit. One of my childhood friends, my closest friend, was Richard Gottlieb. We met in third grade, and he's my partner today in this poke business.

There is perhaps nothing more timely than the topic of immigration. Each evening on the news, we hear about people fighting to get into our great country—aptly named “the land of opportunity.” Despite the images we see, those looking to come to America are not limited to the downtrodden. There are literally thousands of foreign investors and business professionals looking to come to the U.S. and who often see franchising as a means to do it.