International Franchise Association Amplifies the Power of Franchising for Local Georgia Communities

IFA’s Open for Opportunity Roadshow highlighted the economic benefits of franchising with stops at Chick-fil-A, Inspire Brands, and Floor Coverings International headquarters in Atlanta

ATLANTA – The International Franchise Association (IFA) brought its renowned Open for Opportunity Roadshow to Atlanta this week, illustrating the benefits the franchise sector provides Georgia’s communities. On May 13-14, local franchise owners, franchise executives, Georgia elected officials, and community leaders gathered for conversations on the generational wealth and upward mobility that franchising provides for people of all backgrounds. 

“There is no doubt that Georgia is one of the strongest states for franchise growth and a hub for the sector,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “With iconic companies like Inspire Brands, Chick-fil-A, and Floor Coverings International headquartered here, the opportunities within the communities are endless, and local economies are experiencing that economic boom. This week, during our Open for Opportunity Roadshow stop, Georgia business owners from all walks of life shared how franchising has helped them chart their paths towards career success and generational wealth. Local, state, and federal policymakers from both sides of the aisle emphasized the economic benefits of franchising in Georgia and expressed their ongoing commitment to uplift franchise businesses.”

Last year, more than 31,000 local franchise establishments employed over 326,000 Georgians and generated $33 billion in economic output. Georgia residents can expect even more growth this year after the Peach State ranked third in the nation for fastest franchise growth in 2024. 

This is the second stop of the 2024 Open for Opportunity Roadshow and the second time the roadshow has visited Atlanta since the campaign launched in 2022. Since 2022, Open for Opportunity has visited Phoenix, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Newark, the Meadowlands, Las Vegas, Dallas-Fort Worth and South Florida, among others. 

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About the International Franchise Association 

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 806,270franchise establishments that support nearly 8.7 million direct jobs, $858.5 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.  

About Inspire Brands

Inspire Brands is a multi-brand restaurant company whose current portfolio includes nearly 32,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, Rusty Taco, and SONIC Drive-In locations worldwide. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit InspireBrands.com.

About Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia. Chick-fil-A owner-operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and @ChickfilANews.