Chipstix Articles - Franchise History

Earliest Franchising

Many believe that Albert Singer, founder of the Singer sewing machine, was the initiator of franchising. He was actually the earliest person recognized by most as being associated with franchising. However, the concept of franchising really began long before.

The term 'franchising' derived from ancient French, is defined as holding a particular privilege or right.

Back in the middles ages, local leaders would designate privileges to citizens. Some of these rights included conducting fairs, running markets, and operating ferries. The franchising idea then carried forward to the practice of Kings yielding rights to conduct activities such as beer brewing and road building. In addition, the expansion of the church is known as a form of franchising.

Source: http://franchises.about.com/od/franchisebasics/a/history.htm