People are still the most unique asset of a franchise.

Mervyn’s, Bennigan’s, Boscov’s…it seems like chains are hurting and flatlining all over irrespective of industry. The economy is moribund, and many businesses are cheek-by-jowl offering the same products. In the streets of Midtown Manhattan, you can’t miss the scrap between Starbucks and...

My first fashion industry event as MR magazine’s new managing editor was GQ’s CFDA party for the Menswear Designer of the Year nominees. (The winner, Tom Ford, was announced last night.) It was hosted at the Tribeca scion of Robert De Niro’s successful West Hollywood restaurant, Ago. This recently opened space’s high ceilings and tall French doors were...