Franchisers have stepped up incentive programs to help entice would-be entrepreneurs. But longtime franchisees caution that success, if it comes, will take time. Fast-food chain Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has 75 restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties, and it plans to open 24 more despite the lagging economy. Chicken-centric Popeyes, however, doesn't plan on launching the new outlets on its own dime. It's seeking franchisees — would-be entrepreneurs willing to take on the expense and risk of opening their own businesses.

Restaurant chain franchising is on a slow but steady increase, and not just at Popeyes.

Yum Brands Inc. this year planned to turn about 400 of its company-owned restaurants into franchises, most of them KFCs. And in September the company agreed to sell two of its chains — Long John Silver's and A&W — to firms that specialize in franchising.