Ali Forman

Director of Editorial Content

Franchise Business Review

Ali Forman

Ali leads FBR’s content strategy and creates high-quality, engaging resources to educate and inspire both franchise leaders and future franchise owners. Ali’s previous experience includes senior marketing communications and content development roles in the employee benefits, data privacy, and publishing sectors. She lives in Maine with her husband and two sons.

Posts by Ali Forman

Panera Bread franchise

Panera Bread Franchise Review 2026 | The Real Cost of Owning a Bakery-Cafe

Panera Bread built its name on a warm baguette and a plate of mac and cheese, and it hasn't let go of that identity even as the menu keeps evolving around it. It's been credited with helping define the fast-casual segment itself, and its recent menu overhaul suggests it intends to keep leading rather than follow. So is now the right time to open a Panera Bread franchise? See the full cost breakdown, pros and cons, and top fast-casual alternatives.
Blog August 13, 2026
AI tools for franchise research

AI Tools for Franchise Research: How to Find, Read, and Compare FDDs

Buying a franchise is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. You're not just purchasing a business,  you're entering a long-term legal relationship that could span a decade or more. Before you sign anything, one document sits at the center of your due diligence: the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Learn how to get Franchise Disclosure Documents for free and explore the best AI tools to help you compare franchises before you buy.
Blog June 3, 2026