About Kotel Law

Kotel Law, PLLC, offers project-based legal services and outsourced general counsel support to franchisors, in-house legal teams, and law firms serving franchise-based businesses. Managing Member Kathy Kotel brings over 30 years of experience practicing franchise law with global restaurant franchisors, including:

• Providing international and domestic franchising advice to an international casual dining restaurant company

• Managing the sale of TGI Friday’s to a private equity firm and supporting the new owners in establishing corporate governance processes

• Negotiating the sale of TGI Friday’s UK business to a private-equity franchisee

• Mitigating and reducing risks end-to-end in the restaurant supply chain

• Collaborating with local, state, and federal government on matters affecting U.S.-based restaurant businesses, including TGI Friday’s and McDonald’s

• Developing franchise programs for the U.S. franchised system at McDonald’s

• Supporting the McDonald’s business team in the amicable resolution of franchisee issues

Kathy brings a unique understanding of the day-to-day decisions required to grow and manage a business, as well as in-depth knowledge of the types of legal situations that commonly arise in franchised organizations. She has spent the past 15 years working as a VP and General Counsel for global restaurant chains, where she honed her ability to support business growth by anticipating legal issues and developing strategic plans to mitigate risks. CEOs rely on Kathy as a trusted advisor who can offer creative solutions and motivate top-tier teams. Her experience spans a variety of transactional and regulatory matters, including: