Takin' It to 'EmFranchises help consumers too busy to cook, too tired to drive--and sick of pizza.

Move over, Domino's-home meal delivery isn't justabout pizza anymore. According to food consulting firm TechnomicInc., home meal replacement (HMR) sales will hit $67 billion byyear-end, with an annual growth rate of 8 percent. An ACNielsenreport states that fewer than four out of 10 meals served include ahome-cooked item, and one-quarter of all households dine in ontakeout at least once per week. Franchises have been quick to jumpon the trend.

"It's difficult for people in two-income familiesnowadays to come home and cook a meal and even to go out to get ameal," explains Paul Gooden, managing partner of theSteaks To Gofranchise.