Components

Case

Shootout in Texas: A Franchisee Caught in the Crossfire

Joyce A. Young, Indiana State University, Paul W. Clark, Coastal Carolina University, Paul Schikora, Indiana State University
December 31, 2018
SKU:
BUS-007636
Region: 
North America
Topic: 
Marketing & Sales
Length: 
3 pages
Keywords: 
franchising, marketing channels, marketing strategy
Student Price: 
$4.00 (€3.74)
Average rating: 
0

This critical incident describes a business and legal dilemma faced by an executive of a franchised restaurant.  The franchisee had received word that the franchisor was immediately terminating the franchise agreement with his company.  The legal action, in response to a brawl outside of his restaurant which resulted in several deaths, seemed premature.  The franchisor’s sudden decision to terminate before all of the facts were known seemed unfair.  Had the actions of his management staff actually violated the franchise agreement?  The franchisor also insinuated that his other location and four future locations were in jeopardy.  With millions of dollars already invested in the restaurant concept, he wanted to remain a franchisee.  Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, could the franchisee successfully fight the closure of his restaurant?  Students are asked to decide what course of action the franchisee should take in response to the legal action. 

Learning Outcomes: 
  1. Discuss the nature of franchising and the expectations placed on a franchisee by a franchisor
  2. Analyze and critique how franchisors and franchisees dispute contractual obligations in a franchise agreement
  3. Identify and discuss the elements of an ethical dilemma

Application: This decision-based critical incident is appropriate for use in undergraduate courses in marketing channels, franchising, marketing strategy, and business law.