Page 139 - BWM March 2013

March 2013 | Business World Magazine | 139
“To me this is a franchise family. We’re
big enough to have purchasing power and
brand recognition in our markets, but small
enough to still have a family-styled feel.”
Part of that is accomplished through rou-
tine family meetings, or more appropriately
known as the President’s Council. Com-
prised by elected representatives from each
geographic area, this council meets quarterly
and allows franchisees to offer input and sug-
gestions on all operational matters. Parmer-
lee says this process may take a little longer
in the way of making decisions, but it allows
all to offer insight and help guide the future
direction of the company.
A franchising model that allows flexibil-
ity, affordability, family-focused values of
communication and cooperation has helped
Golden Chick grow, both in locations and
earnings. Sales have increased by double
digits for the last two years in a row. Even
in times of economic flatness, Parmerlee
says Golden Chick has continued to experi-
ence great success. Locations that began by
earning $6,000 a week are today averaging
$15,000 a week, or in the case of newer loca-
tions, $20,000 and higher.
With great growth, Parmerlee expresses
great appreciation, observing, “In the old
days, we used to open five or six units a year.
Last fiscal year, we opened thirteen. We have
more than twenty on the drawing board for
2013. Last month, we opened five new loca-
tions. Five openings once represented a great
year, now it represents a great month!”