What do you call the individual business operator in a franchise arrangement?

In a franchise arrangement, the individual business operator is referred to as the franchisee. The franchisee is the person or business that purchases the rights to operate a franchise from a franchiser. They benefit from the established brand, business model, and support systems provided by the franchiser while also taking on the responsibility of managing day-to-day operations, adhering to the franchise's standards, and making independent business decisions within the framework set by the franchiser.

This distinction is essential because it highlights the relationship between the franchiser, who owns the brand and the operating system, and the franchisee, who is the on-the-ground operator. Understanding this relationship is important for anyone involved in restaurant and food service management, as it affects everything from operational responsibilities to financial arrangements.