Each of our brands focuses on distinct market positions,'' says Hartman. Each has a loyal customer base that reflects a different demographic. All brands and franchise partners use the company intranet to communicate and order services and goods. They also have access to AFC's business support center operation, which links local unit management with business consultants at corporate headquarters. We involve partners in all strategic decisions in development of the concept and brands,'' says Chris Barnes, manager of media relations, Metromedia Restaurant Group.
Technology is shared by all brands.
As many of the multichain parent companies know, there can be economic security in diversity. As AFC and others also have learned, finding the cost efficiencies possible through synergies can yield economic rewards as well. Total Units McDonald's Corp. 11,500 Wendy's International Inc. .