It's a rare Canadian main street without at least one U.S. store, restaurant or coffee chain, a testament to the lure of
franchise operations in a country that Americans often view as «international light.»
When Weichert, REALTORS ®, the
country's third largest real estate company, launched its
franchising operation this summer, it was seen by some
in the industry as the latest sign of renewed interest
in the
franchise concept.