Commuter benefits for franchise multi-unit operators
Franchisees need a commuter benefits provider that connects to any payroll system, costs nothing up front, and covers every city their units operate in.
Franchise multi-unit operators (restaurant, fitness, retail, and services) run a unique business structure. The franchisor sets brand standards, but each franchisee owns payroll, HR, and benefits decisions for their own employees. That makes choosing a commuter benefits provider a franchisee-by-franchisee question.
What franchisees need
- A provider that works regardless of which payroll system the franchisee uses (different franchisees in the same brand often use different payroll providers).
- Low up-front cost (franchisees run on margins).
- Onboarding that does not need a full HR team.
- Compliance coverage across whatever cities the units operate in.
What Alice offers
Alice connects to 30+ payroll providers, including ADP, UKG, Paylocity, Paycom, Paychex, Toast, and others. Many franchisees use Toast (especially restaurants) or ADP.
There is no up-front employer cost and no manual open enrollment to manage. Employees don't pre-fund. The employer keeps a reserve amount in its Alice plan account; it belongs to the employer and is not a fee. Setup starts with one call.
Brand-wide vs. franchisee-by-franchisee
Some franchise brands negotiate a brand-wide commuter benefits arrangement that franchisees can opt into. Others leave it entirely to the franchisee. Alice supports both models.
Compliance is per-location
A 12-unit franchisee with one location in NYC and 11 in NJ is covered under both the NYC mandate and the NJ statewide mandate. Alice's pretax election satisfies both at once.
Employee experience
The employee experience is identical across units: the same Alice Card, the same eligible spending rules (transit, vanpool, and qualified parking at garages, lots, meters, and parking apps), and the same support team. A line cook who transfers between units of the same franchisee keeps their card.
Alice Card
Alice Card is a Visa commercial credit card issued by Celtic Bank, powered by Stripe, with program funds at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC).
Talk to sales
sales@thisisalice.com or (929) 552-4625.
Pretax Hero Visa Commercial Card is powered by Stripe and issued by Celtic Bank. Program funds held at Fifth Third Bank, N.A. (Member FDIC). Use of card and program is subject to the cardholder terms and related agreements presented at issuance.
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Alice does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult your own tax preparer, lawyer, or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.