The response follows comments from independent businesses claiming franchises are less community-minded than their businesses, and don't employ or support local talent.

George Liakatos has owned and operated the Crust Pizza store on Baylis Street for over a decade and said franchises like his are just as locally minded as any other business.

"I'm locally born and bred in Wagga. I've owned the Crust for 10 years and I employ locals of all ages," Mr Liakatos said.

"A franchise like mine is a small business, it just has the support of the larger system which helps it succeed and enables me to employ more locals and help community growth."

A franchise is a system whereby an individual or group can own and operate a store under the systems, logo and trademarks of a larger company, often in exchange for a regular royalty fee and initial start up fee.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Franchisee Jenny Storrier, who runs The Source Bulk Foods Wagga with her husband Rick, said the stigma around the business model is unfounded.

"There is a real stigma around franchises and I know there are some great families running businesses as a franchise," Mrs Storrier said. "My hope is we can look past the franchise thing and see it for what it is - a local business run by locals."

Both Mrs Storrier and Mr Liakatos say their businesses have sponsored local sports teams and participated in community events, arguing there is plenty of room for all types of structures to operate in Wagga.

Mr Liakatos said any business concerned about the competition needed to focus inwards.

"For a business to succeed you need to put the time and effort in and focus on yourself, not on other businesses," he said.

Wagga Business Chambers' Serena Hardwick said franchises and chain stores are essential for the economy.

"Franchisees are local people who have invested here," Ms Hardwick said. "They are quite different to chain stores which also have a place in our market.

"We've seen what happens when chains and franchises don't invest - the economy is heavily impacted. There has to be a place for everyone, that's a sign of healthy business."

Mrs Storrier, who comes from a farming background, said that without the support of the brand's systems, she would never have been able to get the health food store off the ground.

"The franchise model, having never done retail, gave us the support and guidance to be able to navigate setting up this type of business, but we still feel like a family run business," Mrs Storrier said.

"It was a really good opportunity to give the community this kind of shopping option without starting from scratch."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: