Franchisee Advisory Council (FAC)

A Franchisee Advisory Council (FAC) is a representative body of franchisees within a franchise system that serves as a liaison between the franchisee community and the franchisor's corporate leadership. FACs are typically elected by franchisees and meet regularly (quarterly or semi-annually) to discuss system-wide issues, provide input on operational changes, review advertising fund expenditures, and address concerns about brand direction. While FACs can be powerful advocates for franchisee interests, they are advisory only — the franchisor retains final decision-making authority. Some franchise systems also have independent franchisee associations that operate outside the franchisor's control and can negotiate collectively or pursue legal action on behalf of members.