Food Chain - Issue 196 - October 2023 | Page 125

Howley & Company

EMPOWERING SMALLER

FRANCHISES

Howley & Company ’ s proactive approach to streamlined back-office management real estate development and cable broadcasting . At that time , my uncle worked as part of Panera Bread ’ s general counsel when they were preparing for franchising . He suggested my father look into the opportunity to purchase the rights to operate a Panera Bread franchise . What set my father ’ s fledgling franchise apart was that despite its small size , Howley & Company had a well-equipped office with a CFO , accountant , payroll department , and other essential staff to support the newly formed Panera Bread Franchise , Howley Bread Group . Since , we have continued to pursue similar opportunities with other concepts that have sought our expertise ,” he elaborates .
As Howley & Company is now working with many more small businesses , the quality and scope of its services has expanded . Lee explains the ways the company facilitates its customers ’ operations . “ We approach franchise ownership as if we were running the business ourselves . We provide our customers with the same tools and resources we would want in their position . We offer guidance and suggestions , respecting their autonomy if they have differing opinions . Our CFO diligently reviews their financial data daily , examining everything from labor hours to food costs . Using this information , we not only provide our analysis but also equip them with the necessary tools to conduct their own assessments . Furthermore , we streamline the bill payment process for them by having all their bills delivered to our office . This ensures that they are relieved of the burden of managing a stack of bills on their desk . We pay those bills on their behalf , providing
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