1 Part Franchise, 1 Part Independent Business

It appears there's a new trend afoot in franchising and it involves being a little less cookie cutter and a little more unique and local. Starbucks did it with its 15th Ave. Coffee & Tea cafe in Seattle. Other big names including Marriott and Great Harvest Bread Co. are also doing it, opening new franchise locations that are designed and merchandised in a manner more befitting to their surroundings than national chains are traditionally thought to be.

Could this be the end to standard store designs and layouts as we know it? Probably not because there is a lot to be said for a recognizable look, a consistent merchandise offering, and the economies of scale national franchise brands often enjoy. But I think there can still be some room for customization. Just look at what McDonald's is doing (and finding wild success with).

What do you think? Should franchises stick with a consistent model across the board or allow franchisees the freedom to be local and unique? Or is there an opportunity for franchise systems to develop some sort of a "hybrid" that's 1 part franchise, 1 part independent business?