Franchising is a well-established business practice that combines the best of entrepreneurship with the best of corporate marketing.  They tend to be very stable and successful, but in many cases require a great deal of capital and assets to start.  Franchising has been so popular in the US, that many have expanded across the world.  See this current list of successful franchises. Not surprisingly, the list is dominated by US companies since they are started here (and they already have numerous stores in the US).  What is surprising is the prevalence of restaurants, particularly fast food.  Years ago, many critics argued that fast food was uniquely American.  Fast food is certainly ubiquitous in the US, but now we can see it accepted in many countries across the world.  What is it about fast food that makes it universally appealing?  Do you think the prevalence of these companies in other countries creates a negative perception of America, a positive one, or do you think that it doesn’t impact people’s perception of the US?  Why?  When traveling abroad have you ever/would you consider eating at an American fast food restaurant?  Why or why not?