Franchisee failure is a major incidence that threatens the stability of franchise businesses globally. Yet there has been no synthesis of the empirical evidence in order to systematically understand the factors that increase the likelihood of franchisee failure. The diverse conceptualizations and discrepant causes of franchisee failure have resulted in a fragmented literature. Through a systematic review of the empirical literature, an all-inclusive model for curbing franchisee failure is developed – comprising the single and joint influencing factors. The evidence elucidates how to mitigate franchisee failure in order to optimize the prospects of franchisee survival.