The Brands More Likely to Thrive P.6 Some Franchises Will Fund Your Biz P.45 Great New Gigs for Laid-Off Workers P.33 6 Things to Know Before You Buy P.65 FOR YOU? HERE ARE 1,506 OPPORTUNITIES TO CHOOSE FROM FA L L / WI N TE R 202 3 WHAT’S THE RIGHT OUR L IST INCLUDES
CONTENTS STARTUPS Fal l / Winter 2023 1 16 Looking to Buy a Business? Check out our annual list of 1,506 exciting franchise opportunities. 108 Index Our list, alphabetized. LISTINGS FALL / WINTER 2023 PITCH OUR INVESTORS ON ENTREPRENEUR ELEVATOR PITCH We welcome founders who have scalable products or services that are ready for investment, and who have a specific plan for how that investment can help them grow. APPLY TO BE ON THE NEXT SEASON: ENTM.AG/EEPAPPLY P H O T O G R A P H B Y S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M / S T N A Z K U L
18 3 Exciting Things Throughout this issue (starting here), many leaders share the biggest moves at their brands. 21 Find Good People How a My Eyelab franchisee partnership scaled rapidly through great hiring. 27 The Drybar of Massages What it takes to build a second great company. 33 Laid-Off Workers Make Great Franchisees It might be your next move. 39 Changing Industries He started in hotels. Now he’s thriving in restaurants. Here’s how to make a switch. 45 An Overlooked Source of Funding Have you looked into this yet? 51 Iced Tea is Hot? How HTeaO is making an old drink feel fresh. 59 Why We Converted Our Family Business They went from indie to a franchisee. This is why. 65 How to Get a Feel for a Franchise Test if a brand is right for you. 75 The Secrets of a Top Earner How this Dogtopia duo is outperforming the rest. 79 Social Goes Local Don’t overlook this marketing strategy. 87 Ride the Kayaking Craze Get Up And Go Kayaking is picking up speed. 2 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS P H O T O G R A P H B Y L I N D S E Y M C A L I S T E R CONTENTS FALL / WINTER 2023 Squeeze CEO Brittany Driscoll is redefining a massage franchise. P.27 6 The Trends to Know We crunched the data. Here’s what drives franchising today. STARTERS HIGHLIGHTS 116 How Far Away Is Your Goal? When you think this way, it might be closer than you think.
4 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Vol. 38, No. 3. Entrepreneur’s Startups (ISSN 1533-743x) is published by Entrepreneur Media Inc., 2 Executive Circle, Suite 150, California 92614. Entrepreneur Media Inc. (“Entrepreneur”) considers its sources reliable and verifies as much data as possible, although reporting inaccuracies can occur; consequently, readers using this information do so at their own risk. Each business opportunity and/or investment inherently contains certain risks, and it is suggested that the prospective investors consult their attorneys and/or accountants. Entrepreneur’s Startups is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Entrepreneur nor any of its employees accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities. Entrepreneur’s Startups is printed in the USA, and all rights are reserved. ©2023 by Entrepreneur. 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6 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS STARTERS DATA What’s Up? (And What’s Down?) Want to know what’s really happening in franchising? We crunched five years’ worth of data—and found trends you might have missed. by KIM KAVIN
STARTUPS Fal l / Winte r 2023 7 F ranchising is full of numbers. But which numbers really tell the story? If you’re looking to buy a franchise, you can easily drown yourself in data. Just pick up a company’s franchise disclosure document (FDD), and you’ll see granular breakdowns of the brand’s health. That’s important stuff. Look closely! But what does it look like to take thousands of brands’ data, and track them across years? The answer: You see big-picture trends that no single brand can ever capture. That’s something Entrepreneur can uniquely do, because we collect mountains of information on thousands of franchises every year. Usually, we use that information to rank the strongest franchises in our annual Franchise 500 list (which we publish every January). But now, for the first time ever, we also crunched that data and started to look for industrywide trends—and boy, did we find them. We took five years’ worth of data, and then analyzed it in slices. What we found were some curious statistical anomalies: Failure rates change depending on how much a franchise costs to buy! Franchise fees are up in some places, down in others! Some categories are thriving, and others are coasting! Then, we started calling up experts to ask: What’s going on here? And what do franchisees need to know? On the following pages, you’ll find four surprising trends— and the need-to-know explanations behind them. P H O T O G R A P H B Y S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M / W R I G H T S T U D I O
8 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS STARTERS DATA TREND 1 Low-Cost Brands Have Higher Failure Rates Average % of Terminations + Closures Over 5 Years Average Total Initial Investment Range UNDER $ 15K OVER $ 1.75M $ 15K TO $ 25K $ 25K TO $ 50K $ 75K TO $ 100K $ 150K TO $ 200K $ 300K TO $ 500K $ 50K TO $ 75K $ 100K TO $ 150K $ 200K TO $ 300K $ 500K TO $ 750K $ 750K TO $ 1.75M 8.3% 9.3% 5.1% 4.6% 5.3% 4.8% 4.9% 3.8% 3. 0% 3. 0% 2.4% 2. 0% 3.9% GRAND TOTAL Average % of Terminations + Closures Over 5 Years 0 1 3 5 7 9 2 4 6 8 10 T here’s a franchise for almost every budget. Some brands can be started for only $10,000, for example, while others cost $100,000 or even $1,000,000 (and every number in between, and beyond). But Entrepreneur’s research identified a curious trend: Franchise brands with lower initial investments tend to have higher termination and closure rates—which is to say, franchisees of low-cost brands tend to fail more often. The cutoff price seems to be $25,000. For anything above that, the average failure rate typically stays below about 5%. But when the initial investment is between $15,000 and $25,000, that failure rate jumps to 9.3%. It’s nearly as high for initial investments below $15,000. Why? Franchise industry insiders agree: The problem is more likely with the franchisees, not the franchises themselves. “Probably, individuals that are less well-capitalized and less sophisticated, with less experience or no experience running businesses, are entering the franchise sector at the lower investment end of the business,” says Matt Haller, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association in Washington, D.C. Edith Wiseman, president of FRANdata in Arlington, Virginia, agrees with that— and says her own company’s research can offer more detail. “Net worth and liquidity requirements are connected to the size of the initial investment,” she says. This means that franchisors must target higher net worth individuals to afford higher-cost franchises. Those people have probably already had some significant business or executive-level success. Meanwhile, low-cost brands tend to appeal to people with a lower net worth, and those people are likely to have less business experience. But that’s not the only factor driving this issue, she says. When comparing fast-growing, low-cost franchises to highcost franchises, the low-cost brands tend to shed units faster. There’s also the issue of risk tolerance: “If you’re investing $3 million into a business versus $20,000, you have more at stake,” Wiseman says. “You’re probably going to have vetted it more, put more ‘sweat equity’ into it. That risk is another component.” There may also be a perception problem. That’s what Kathleen Gosser sees as director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence in Louisville, Kentucky. Some newer franchisees assume that their business will produce strong revenue from day one, she says. As a result, they don’t budget (or don’t have) a financial cushion to help them absorb costs in their franchise’s early days. By the time they realize the mistake, it’s too late. “You have to have three months of working capital, and you can’t take a paycheck right away,” Gosser says. “Nobody believes that. They think they’ll make money right away. I don’t know why—why do people put money in a slot machine? It’s optimism bias. They think they’re going to do great in the first month.” DATA COMPILED AND ANALYZED BY TRACY STAPP HEROLD AND MICHAEL FRA ZIER.
10 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS STARTERS DATA TREND 2 Some Categories Grow Stronger Than Others A cross the franchise industry, the total number of units grew 13.7% in the past five years. However, as Entrepreneur’s data reveals, that growth was not distributed equally. Some categories experienced stronger growth, including tech businesses, health and wellness, pets, and home improvement. Some categories were much weaker, including food retail, financial services, and maintenance. What makes the difference? It’s not just a franchising issue, says Wiseman of FRANdata. It’s a reflection of trends in the broader consumer market. For instance, the years that the data covers (2017-2022) include the worst part of the COVID pandemic. People were working from home (and needed tech businesses for support), trying to stay healthy (and looked to health and wellness businesses), buying and adopting dogs like crazy (and needed pet supplies by the truckload), and spending lots more time in their houses, noticing all kinds of things that needed fixing (and calling up home improvement businesses). “It’s just a reflection of what consumers want,” Wiseman says. “Health and wellness, for instance—we’ve seen an explosion of brands just caring for people and our bodies and our overall wellness.” Nobody can predict exactly which trends will continue, of course, but the IFA’s Haller says he sees reason to keep betting on health and wellness in particular. “I think that people are focused on their health and wellness, mentally and physically, more than ever,” he says. “It’s been that way since the pandemic started.” But with the pandemic’s effects easing up, categories like home improvement may start to ease along with it. “I don’t know if that one will continue,” he says, “because during COVID, everybody was sitting around their houses looking at ways to make improvements, and the government put out all kinds of capital that helped them do that. So we may see a change in that category as interest rates continue to spike and the real estate market weakens.” Home improvement is different from health and wellness in other ways, too. Wiseman points out that health and wellness now includes areas of business that never existed previously in franchising—creating opportunities for franchisees and consumers alike. “They’re touching on medical services, which is a key component to this,” Wiseman says. “Chiropractic services have exploded. Now you’re seeing things like infusion therapy and stem-cell therapy. There’s a whole category of businesses that are growing very quickly in the health and wellness space.” And what about the weaker categories? Same story, the experts say. The food category saw weaker growth trends, but that tracks with the pandemic’s calls for social distancing and broader shifts in consumer behavior. Quite a few longtime food franchisees simply decided they’d had a good run and left the industry. “A lot of people took the opportunity to get out,” Haller says. % of Growth Over 5 Years Industry Category 0 -10 20 40 60 10 30 50 70 8.1% 8.0% 16.8% 12.6% 52.3% 23.4% 6.9% 11.7% 37.7% 19.8% 26.6% 55.4% 19.4% -4.5% 8.4% FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES CHILDREN’S BUSINESSES FOOD: FULL SERVICE FOOD: QUICK SERVICE HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME IMPROVEMENT LODGING PERSONAL-CARE BUSINESSES PETS RECREATION RETAIL TECH BUSINESSES SERVICES (OTHER) FOOD: RETAIL AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE 3.9% TOTAL UNIT GROWTH 13.7% -11.7% -20
12 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS STARTERS DATA TREND 3 International Is Up, Company-Owned Is Down T ens of thousands of new franchise units are opened every year—so where are they going? Increasingly, it’s beyond U.S. borders. Entrepreneur’s data showed growth and momentum in franchises that opened in Canada and other international locations. Conversely, it revealed low and even negative growth in company-owned units, particularly in categories such as lodging, personal care, business services, and quick-service food. What’s happening? It’s all about brand strategy, the experts say, and this trend can present real opportunities for would-be franchisees. Generally speaking, says the IFA’s Haller, the franchising industry is shifting away from company-owned units (which are owned and operated by the brand itself, not a franchisee.) In past years, these units were seen as good places to train staff, test new products, and work out process kinks. Today, they can be seen as unnecessary corporate expenses that just don’t do as well as franchiseeowned locations. “Franchises don’t want to be operating; they want to be supporting,” he says. “It costs a lot of money to run a hotel while trying to provide operational support for a thousand hotels.” That’s not to say companies are all shedding their owned-and-operated units, says FRANdata’s Wiseman. Some keep them for specific strategic reasons. “Some companies are very strong operators, so they’ll have a more significant number of units,” she says. “They have certain corporate markets they know intimately, so they’ll hold onto those markets and franchise in other areas.” Brands sometimes do sell their company-owned units to franchisees, however—and Wiseman says that franchisees might want to grab them. To anticipate those sales, franchisees should watch the way a brand talks about its strategy. If it uses language about going “asset light” or “refranchising the corporate-owned units,” then a company-owned unit sale may be coming. “No company ever stays on top all the time,” she says. “If you’re going through an evolution where, as a corporation, your franchisees are better operators, then it makes sense to give those units to franchisees who are in the market and closer to the local customers.” Another interesting trend in this space: Instead of testing new ideas at company-owned locations, brands are increasingly partnering with their franchisees to run those tests. The Yum! Center’s Gosser says this has long proven to be good business: Franchisees came up with the McDonald’s Big Mac, the Dairy Queen Blizzard, and Wendy’s Baconator Fries. “Even with big national or international research, the best voices are the ones walking through the door,” Gosser says. “There were so many successful things that came, I really believe that now franchisors are looking at franchisees as valued partners in the business. I think you’ll see more and more of these franchisors not owning so many [company-owned locations]. There are now franchisors that own zero.” U.S. Franchise Units Company-Owned Units Canadian Franchise Units Other International Franchise Units 23.2% 8.1% 14.9% 7.2% 25 20 15 10 5 % Growth Over 5 Years
14 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS STARTERS DATA TREND 4 Fees Are Going Up (And Also Down?) When a franchisee buys into a system, they must pay two main types of fees. The franchisee fee is the upfront cost of buying in. Then they also pay a royalty fee, or a percentage of revenue. Entrepreneur’s data finds that the size of these fees is in flux: Across the industry in the past five years, franchise fees increased by an average of 9.5%, while royalty fees increased by an average of 3.2%. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. In many categories, franchise fees went up while royalty fees went down, or vice versa. In some categories, both types of fees saw reductions. Why? Changes in these fees can reflect corporate strategies, FRANData’s Wiseman says: “Some franchisors are putting an emphasis on growth, so they’re willing to discount the initial franchise fees where they want growth. I’ve seen franchisors say you’re going to pay more in markets where we have greater brand recognition, and you’re going to pay less in markets where we have less.” Fee reductions can come in many ways, she says. Some deals might be a result of geography. Or they could be about the operator—say, if a brand wants more veterans, women, or people of color running franchises, they may lower fees for those people. Competition can also drive fees down, says the IFA’s Haller. In categories with a lot of development action, brands may offer discounts to vie for the best franchisees. “In the pet category, for instance, you may have two franchisors that look almost identical, but one’s franchise fee and royalty is significantly higher,” Haller says. Brands may also use different fees to attract different kinds of franchisees. Sophisticated franchisees tend to prefer higher upfront fees and lower ongoing royalty fees, because the latter will affect cash flow for years, Wiseman says. Despite all that, some categories’ fees are inherently higher than others. That’s usually because of the complexity of the business—such as whether a brand offers at-home franchises or ones that require a physical location, Gosser says. “Those that are service industry tend to be lower, and bricks and mortar tend to be higher. I think that’s about financial solvency,” she says. Brands with physical locations sometimes use a higher franchise fee as a weeding-out tool, to make sure a franchisee will be able to pay their location’s monthly lease. Also, Wiseman says, fees fluctuate with basic supply and demand. “If you have a hot franchise where your unit economics are phenomenal, where it’s a sought-after brand, you can command a higher franchise fee.” Also, experts say, keep an eye on how fees might be designed to change over the term of the franchise contract. “I saw one brand where as your sales grow, your royalty fee percentage grows,” Gosser says. “They know it takes a lot when you first get started, so they don’t want to charge a high royalty percentage at first, but they take their cut as it grows.” For these reasons and more, fees can be difficult to compare across brands. It’s not always an apples-to-apples situation. Haller says the main thing is, “You want to know what the fees are for, and how they add up.” % of Change Over 5 Years Industry Category 0 -10 -20 20 40 60 10 30 50 70 80 FINANCIAL SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES CHILDREN’S BUSINESSES FOOD: FULL SERVICE FOOD: QUICK SERVICE HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME IMPROVEMENT LODGING PERSONAL-CARE BUSINESSES PETS RECREATION RETAIL TECH BUSINESSES SERVICES (OTHER) FOOD: RETAIL AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE 15.9% 34.4% 11.7% 5% 5.9% 1.1% 35.5% 11.9% 1.7% 73.5% 23.2% 19% 16.3% 5.7% 15.4% -17.9% 3.9% -9.3% -8.1% -13.3% -10.9% -3.3% -5% -5.2% -2.9% -2.5% 7.3% 1.9 4 % % 2.6% 7% 4.7% 14.4% FRANCHISE FEE CHANGE ROYALTY FEE CHANGE
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16 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Businesses for Sale Looking to buy one? Here’s our comprehensive guide to 1,506 franchise opportunities you can pursue now. by TRACY STAPP HEROLD LISTINGS AUTOMOTIVE P.17 BUSINESS SERVICES P.20 CHILDREN’S BUSINESSES P.26 FINANCIAL SERVICES P.34 FOOD: FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS P.36 FOOD: QUICK-SERVICE RESTAURANTS P.40 FOOD: RETAIL SALES P.62 HEALTH BUSINESSES P.63 HOME IMPROVEMENT P.70 LODGING P.74 MAINTENANCE P.76 PERSONAL CARE P.88 PETS P.94 RECREATION P.95 RETAIL P.96 SERVICES P.99 TECH P.107 INDEX P.108 CONTENTS I f you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business, but didn’t know where to begin, this list just might be the answer. A franchise opportunity gives you the chance to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. Franchisors have already developed a product or service, built a brand around it, found a market for it, and put together a successful business plan—and they’re ready and willing to give you the tools and training to open your own location. And here in our most comprehensive annual list of franchise opportunities, you’re sure to find a business that sparks your interest, whether it’s a burger joint, childcare center, mobile dog grooming van, yoga studio, or any of the more than 1,500 other franchise opportunities listed. So dive on in and discover all the ways that your entrepreneurial dreams can become a reality. This list is not intended to endorse, advertise, or recommend a particular company, but it can serve as a useful starting point in your franchise journey. Before investing in any franchise, always do your own careful research: Consult with a lawyer and an accountant, read the company’s legal documents, and talk to as many existing and former franchisees as you can. All information listed on the following pages was provided by the companies and has not been verified for accuracy. We present this listing as a service to our readers. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON BUYING A FR ANCHISE, VISIT ENTREPRENEUR.COM/FR ANCHISE. I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M / S H U T T E R 2 U 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
Christian Brothers Automotive Auto repair BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 253, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $520.3K-$640.4K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$85K liquid O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K BEGAN: Year business began FRANCHISING: Year franchising began $K: Thousands $M: Millions Operating Units US: Number of operating franchise units in the U.S. CAN: Number of operating franchise units in Canada INTL: Number of operating franchise units in other foreign countries CO: Number of operating company-owned units Costs/Fees COST: Startup costs as reported in the FDD, including franchise fee RTY: Royalty fee FINANCING: In-house or third-party financing available? QUALIF: Net worth and cash liquidity requirements AUTOMOTIVE Appearance Services Colors On Parade OO Mobileautomotive paintand dent repair BEGAN: 1989, FRANCHISING: 1991 UNITS: US: 216, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $21.5K-$97.5K, RTY: 7%-30% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $10K-$500K net worth w/$10K- $200K liquid Maaco Auto paintingand collisionrepair BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 1972 UNITS: US: 402, CAN: 23, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $281K-$495.5K, RTY: 9% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $900K-$1M net worth w/$420K liquid Ziebart Auto detailing, films,appearanceand protectionservices BEGAN: 1959, FRANCHISING: 1962 UNITS: US: 78, CAN: 112, INTL: 198, CO: 12 COST: $416.8K-$566.1K, RTY: 5%/8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$150K liquid Car-Wash Services DetailXPerts OO Eco-friendly mobilevehicle washand detailing;commercialcleaning BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 0, INTL: 78, CO: 40 COST: $103.5K-$240.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$1M net worth w/$35K-$75K liquid Fleet Clean USA O Mobilecommercial-fleet washing and facilitycleaning BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 44, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $163.8K-$720.4K, RTY: 8.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$500K net worth w/$50K-$150K liquid No-H2O O On-demand waterlesscar wash BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 1 COST: $134.6K-$162.5K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth Spiffy On-demand carcare BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 35 COST: $101.6K-$181.4K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$150K liquid Tommy’s Express Car Wash Car washes BEGAN: 1969, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 110, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $5.3M-$7.2M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $2M net worth w/$1M liquid Oil-Change Services Costa Oil Oil-changeservices BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 15 COST: $131.8K-$212.9K, RTY: 6.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$60K liquid Go Oil OO Mobile oil-changeservices BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 6, CAN: 35, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $23.1K-$56.3K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$10K liquid Grease Monkey Oilchanges, preventive maintenance, brakes, light repairs BEGAN: 1978, FRANCHISING: 1979 UNITS: US: 194, CAN: 0, INTL: 62, CO: 246 COST: $245.8K-$761.95K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $450K net worth w/$250K liquid Jiffy Lube Oilchangesand preventive maintenance BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 1979 UNITS: US: 1,842, CAN: 165, INTL: 0, CO: 183 COST: $232K-$422.7K, RTY: 3-4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service Oilchanges, tune-ups, brakes,and repair services BEGAN: 1980, FRANCHISING: 1982 UNITS: US: 89, CAN: 0, INTL: 32, CO: 11 COST: $265.6K-$872.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $450K net worth w/$250K liquid Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change Oil-changeservices BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 38, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 73 COST: $217.9K-$1.4M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid Take 5 Oil Change Oilchanges BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 173, CAN: 31, INTL: 0, CO: 558 COST: $734.5K-$1.3M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$300K liquid Valvoline Instant Oil Change Oilchangesand preventive maintenance BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 817, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 756 COST: $178K-$3.3M, RTY: 4%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$600K liquid Repair & Maintenance Services AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care Transmissionand generalauto repairs, diagnosticservices BEGAN: 1963, FRANCHISING: 1963 UNITS: US: 549, CAN: 6, INTL: 0, CO: 13 COST: $223.6K-$330.5K, RTY: 7.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$65K liquid Advanced Maintenance Commercial-fleet maintenance, repair,and management services BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 18, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $132.4K-$185.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$1M net worth w/$35K liquid Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $154.3K-$399.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$400K net worth w/$250K liquid Carstar Auto collisionrepair BEGAN: 1989, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 416, CAN: 329, INTL: 0, CO: 14 COST: $298.2K-$804.3K, RTY: 1.5%+ FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$30K liquid STARTUPS Fal l / Winter 2023 17 KEY
18 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Davie Motorsport Full-serviceauto repair for European luxury brands BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $114.4K-$267.4K, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $29K net worth w/$29K liquid Eagle Transmission Transmissionand auto repair BEGAN: 1983, FRANCHISING: 1990 UNITS: US: 28, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $229K-$492.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K-$200K liquid Fix Auto USA Collisionrepair BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 170, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $167.7K-$3.1M, RTY: 3% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$30K liquid GExhaust Muffler repairand custom performance exhaust shops BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $180.5K-$247.8K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Honest1 Auto Care Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 62, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $223.2K-$1M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $700K net worth w/$200K liquid Japanese Auto Pros Repairand maintenanceservices for Japanesecars BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $199.4K-$350.3K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $39K net worth w/$39K liquid Meineke Car Care Centers Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 1972 UNITS: US: 700, CAN: 27, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $206.8K-$561.7K, RTY: 3%-7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$110K liquid Merlin Complete Auto Care Auto repairand maintenanceservices, tires BEGAN: 1975, FRANCHISING: 1975 UNITS: US: 24, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $262.3K-$531K, RTY: 6.9% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$110K liquid Midas Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 1954, FRANCHISING: 1956 UNITS: US: 973, CAN: 134, INTL: 834, CO: 0 COST: $199.2K-$739.9K, RTY: 2%-10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$75K liquid Milex Complete Auto Care/Mr. Transmission Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 1956, FRANCHISING: 1976 UNITS: US: 116, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 2 COST: $208.6K-$301.8K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$300K net worth w/$70K liquid Rad Air Complete Car Care Auto repairand maintenance BEGAN: 1975, FRANCHISING: 1999 UNITS: US: 10, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $145.5K-$573K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $450K net worth w/$125K liquid Tuffy Tire and Auto Service Auto repair BEGAN: 1970, FRANCHISING: 1971 UNITS: US: 117, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 46 COST: $224K-$718.5K, RTY: 2.5%-5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Tires & Wheels Big O Tires Tires, tireservices,auto products BEGAN: 1962, FRANCHISING: 1982 UNITS: US: 434, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 32 COST: $333.5K-$1.4M, RTY: 2%-5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$100K liquid RNR Tire Express Tireand custom wheel salesand rentals BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 146, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 24 COST: $593.3K-$1.3M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $2M-$100M net worth w/$500K-$1M liquid Tire Pros Tiresand wheels;automotiveservices BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 623, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $11.99K-$482.7K, RTY: $695/mo. FINANCING: Yes Window Tinting Black Optix Tint Window tintingand auto restyling BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $122.9K-$269.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$150K net worth w/$50K-$100K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F T I N T W O R L D T int World is a fast-growing brand that offers automotive window tinting, styling, entertainment, and accessories. Founder and CEO Charles Bonfiglio shares the three things he’s most excited about this year. 1 A new COO! Tint World hired Michael Lopez as its new COO. “He oversaw the growth of a well-known automotive glass repair company, which is now the second largest in its industry nationwide,” Bonfiglio says. 2 A new division! The company is developing and launching its “home services division,” to offer window film options, vinyl graphics, and ceramic coatings. That’s a big expansion of its residential services. 3 More self-ordering! Lastly, they are developing the next evolution of their self-ordering kiosk, which will provide customers with options for appointment scheduling, product information, and orders. “These devices will transform and enhance the premier customer service that is the trademark of Tint World.” THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… Tint World
20 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Tint World O Window tinting, vehicle wraps, mobile electronics,auto accessories, detailingservices BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 128, CAN: 6, INTL: 2, CO: 0 COST: $289.95K-$469.95K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$120K liquid Turbo Tint Auto and architectural window film, paint protection film BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1993 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $234K-$314.9K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$60K liquid Miscellaneous Automotive Products & Services Byrider Used-auto salesand financing BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 116, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 32 COST: $814.8K-$1.4M, RTY: $395/vehicle FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $800K-$1.5M net worth w/$200K- $1.5M liquid Chirinos Mobile Auto Store O Mobilesales of lubricants, oil,coolant,cleaners, and auto parts BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $465.5K-$625.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid DPF Alternatives OO Diesel particulate filtercleaningand aftertreatment system restoration BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 56, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $44K-$199K, RTY: $750/mo. FINANCING: Yes Mighty Auto Parts Wholesale distribution ofauto parts,chemicals, lubricants, shop supplies,and PPE BEGAN: 1963, FRANCHISING: 1970 UNITS: US: 99, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 2 COST: $240.5K-$517.6K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid Power Trucks USA Salesand installation ofaftermarketauto accessories BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $258.8K-$498.2K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$300K net worth w/$75K- $125K liquid The Scout Guide O Print publications BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 72, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $64K-$71K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: No Social Indoor O Indoor printand digitaladvertisingservices BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2002 UNITS: US: 46, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $76.3K-$239K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$50K liquid Stroll OO Monthly publications forupscaleneighborhoods BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 315, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 40 COST: $1.5K-$10.4K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: No Town Money Saver OO Direct-mailand digitaladvertising BEGAN: 1992, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 38, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $15.7K-$27K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $15K-$27K liquid Business Brokerages First Choice Business Brokers O Business brokerages BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 68, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $67.9K-$95.9K, RTY: 10%-8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$75K liquid Transworld Business Advisors Business brokerages; franchiseconsulting BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 2010 UNITS: US: 380, CAN: 4, INTL: 29, CO: 1 COST: $94.1K-$119.6K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K liquid Website Closers O Business brokerages for techand internet businesses BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 24, CAN: 2, INTL: 1, CO: 1 COST: $67.7K-$112.6K, RTY: 50% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid We Sell Restaurants O Restaurantand business brokerages, business services BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 31, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $70.6K-$105.4K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid BUSINESS SERVICES Advertising City Publications O Publications foraffluenthomeowners BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 46, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $43.7K-$267.9K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$500K net worth w/$100K- $150K liquid Coffee News OO Weekly publication distributed at restaurants and waitingareas BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1994 UNITS: US: 293, CAN: 194, INTL: 46, CO: 3 COST: $11.2K-$12.3K, RTY: $25-$80/wk. FINANCING: No Discovery Map OO Visitor-information mapsand digitalguides BEGAN: 1974, FRANCHISING: 1993 UNITS: US: 118, CAN: 1, INTL: 1, CO: 0 COST: $35.95K-$45.95K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes Fun 4 US Kids OO Familycalendar/directory websites for local communities BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $8.3K-$46.3K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes Hite Digital O Digital marketingservices BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 25, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $56.7K-$120.4K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes Money Pages O Multimedia marketing BEGAN: 2001, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 15, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 16 COST: $107.5K-$148.5K, RTY: $3K/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$100K liquid Our Town America O Direct-mail marketingto new movers BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $64.2K-$86.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $160K net worth w/$70K liquid RSVP Advertising O Advertising BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 57, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $67.6K-$324.9K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Business Coaching & Consulting The Alternative Board (TAB) O Business owneradvisory boards,coaching, strategic planning BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 111, CAN: 11, INTL: 223, CO: 18 COST: $55.9K-$96.7K, RTY: 20% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$250K net worth w/$125K liquid The Entrepreneur’s Source O Franchise/businesscoachingand development BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 1997 UNITS: US: 148, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $114.4K-$125.9K, RTY: 25% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $199K net worth w/$100K liquid FocalPoint Business Coaching O Businesscoachingand consulting BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 189, CAN: 15, INTL: 55, CO: 3 COST: $78K-$132.1K, RTY: $1.95K/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$50K liquid FranNet OO Franchiseconsulting BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 47, CAN: 4, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $23.8K-$42.8K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes The Growth Coach OO Businessand salescoachingfor SMBs BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 42, CAN: 1, INTL: 10, CO: 0 COST: $42K-$63.9K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K liquid Preveer O Outsourcing, businessconsulting, business services BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $53.5K-$77.5K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $100K net worth Valenta O Consulting, digital transformation, staff augmentation, training BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 8, INTL: 18, CO: 0 COST: $79.9K-$108K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: No yorCMO OO Fractional marketingservicesand consulting BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 21, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $4.5K-$64K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$50K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
STARTUPS Fal l / Winter 2023 21 P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y O F M Y E Y E L A B N eed a good business partner? Zain Attawala and Sagar Panjwani have advice: Don’t just focus on your strengths. Acknowledge your weaknesses, too—and know how your partner balances you out. “That’s where I think the majority of the people fail: They don’t want to accept weakness,” Attawala says. This strategy has proven itself out for Attawala and Panjwani—which is how, at ages 32 and 27, respectively, they’re the owners of 28 thriving My Eyelab locations across Alabama and Georgia. The pair met each other through their entrepreneurial fathers, and quickly found their rhythm. “Now when anything comes our way, it’s a very unsaid thing of: Who will take over that?” Attawala says. “We divide responsibilities based on our strengths. If it requires analysis and details, it’s Sagar—but if it requires creating a relationship, then it’s probably me.” Here, Attawala shares how they built a multi-unit franchise team by focusing on people first. CLOSER LOOK How to Find Good People These two My Eyelab franchisees built a successful partnership and rapidly scaled a team. How? By focusing on mutual benefit. by MADELINE GARFINKLE Zain Attawala (left) and Sagar Panjwani think two sets of eyes on a problem are better than one. getting delayed or compromised, or frequently coming to your desk to be done, then go back and try to figure out the best way to solve the situation. That’s how we identify a need. To find an individual who can do that job, you obviously can use recruiting platforms—but what’s worked for us is our network, our community, and connections. That also answers the question of, “How do you know they will do the job?” Because we know them, or have seen them throughout some years or months. What’s your advice for other franchisees looking to hire great people? The recipe for success is building relationships and not hesitating to talk to somebody. I look at every event as an opportunity to find new individuals who can play a part in our journey—and the journey can be mutually beneficial. A lot of people don’t do this, because to them it’s either awkward or they see no benefit. But we are constantly in search of good people. Not everyone works with a business partner. Why do you find it valuable? Having two minds to review something, to identify an opportunity, to evaluate something, to analyze something—it’s far better than one. And our goals are similar: Be successful financially, emotionally, physically, whatever. So if our goals are identical, then I think it’s always better to have somebody to fall back on, because sometimes desperation or aggression or compassion can lead you to decisions that are not viable. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in franchising? When you go into a business, you want to do everything by yourself—but we realized that we can’t do everything ourselves. And if it’s not done in time, then there’s no point in doing it in the first place. Was there a moment where you learned this? At the opening of our third location, we had a realization that even if I allocate myself to one location and Sagar allocates himself to another location, what happens to the third location? What if something goes wrong? We realized we needed someone who could focus on aspects of our business no matter where we were in the journey. You don’t hire everyone in one shot. You just hire as you start realizing what’s missing. So how do you identify what’s missing? If something is frequently
22 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Business Training Programs Crestcom O Leadership development BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 1991 UNITS: US: 47, CAN: 17, INTL: 92, CO: 0 COST: $86.5K-$99.8K, RTY: 19.75%+ FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$86.5K-$99.8K liquid Dale Carnegie Workplacetrainingand development BEGAN: 1912, FRANCHISING: 2000 UNITS: US: 89, CAN: 9, INTL: 121, CO: 1 COST: $93.4K-$245.8K, RTY: 4.5%-12% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K-$1M net worth w/$150K- $500K liquid Leadership Management International OO Leadership and organizational trainingand development BEGAN: 1966, FRANCHISING: 1966 UNITS: US: 114, CAN: 26, INTL: 343, CO: 0 COST: $20K-$27.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Sandler Training O Salesand sales-management training BEGAN: 1967, FRANCHISING: 1983 UNITS: US: 163, CAN: 51, INTL: 70, CO: 0 COST: $101.8K-$147.1K, RTY: 8%-3% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K-$150K liquid Coworking Spaces Khospace Coworking officespaces for therapyand wellness providers BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $144.5K-$234.5K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $55K net worth w/$55K liquid Office Evolution Virtual officeservices,coworkingspaces, executive-suiteand conference-room rentals BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 79, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $390.6K-$1.4M, RTY: 7.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $175K liquid Rise Commercial District Industrial warehouseand officespaces BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 13 COST: $10.4M-$15M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M-$3M net worth w/$1M-$3M liquid Success Space Coworkingspaces withcafes,event spaces,and professionalcoachingservices BEGAN: 2021, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $445.7K-$758.2K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Venture X Coworkingspaces BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 39, CAN: 4, INTL: 11, CO: 0 COST: $431.1K-$3.3M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K liquid Networking Groups Network In Action OO Professionalnetworkingand referralgroups BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 76, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $25.7K-$32.7K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K-$35K net worth w/$25K liquid Network Lead Exchange OO Business referralnetworks BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 35, CAN: 2, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $12.5K-$25.2K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K liquid Printing/Marketing Services Allegra Marketing Print Mail Printing, marketing, direct mail, signs, promotional products BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 1977 UNITS: US: 192, CAN: 52, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $128.2K-$410.7K, RTY: 1.5%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$400K net worth w/$100K- $250K liquid AlphaGraphics Printing, marketingcommunications, signsand graphics BEGAN: 1970, FRANCHISING: 1980 UNITS: US: 241, CAN: 0, INTL: 22, CO: 0 COST: $281.5K-$389.5K, RTY: 7%-3% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$100K liquid Kwik Kopy Printing Printing,copying, marketingsolutions BEGAN: 2001, FRANCHISING: 2001 UNITS: US: 31, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $195.8K-$226K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$65K liquid Minuteman Press Printing,graphics,and marketingservices BEGAN: 1973, FRANCHISING: 1975 UNITS: US: 709, CAN: 84, INTL: 174, CO: 0 COST: $75.9K-$187.1K, RTY: to 6% FINANCING: Yes LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F C O D E N I N J A S ; N AV I N G U R N A N E Y C ode Ninjas has hundreds of coding schools for kids around the country. New CEO Navin Gurnaney shares the three things he’s excited about this year. 1 School season! Back-to-school season is always huge for Code Ninjas. “Parents are hunting for ways to supercharge their kiddos’ learning after school,” Gurnaney says, so the brand pushes hard at this time. 2 New platform! Code Ninjas is unleashing IMPACT, its “next-level” learning platform. “It’s like the Yoda of teaching coding,” Gurnaney says, and will help students learn coding even better. 3 New partnership! Code Ninjas is partnering with Extra Life, a nonprofit part of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “We’ve set our sights on a lofty goal this year: We’re aiming to raise over $150,000!” THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… Code Ninjas
Learn more abouthow youcanbecome apart of the AFC franchise family andhelp shape abrighter, more inclusive future inhealthcare. Scanthe QR code for more. The $50.6billion, recession-resistant urgent care industry can be the perfect investment opportunity for entrepreneurs. Leading the industry with 300+ clinics in 30+ states and 40+ years of experience, an AFC franchise can be the one-stop shop for patient-focused healthcare in your community. No medical experience? No problem. Our franchisees come from a myriad of business backgrounds. Prime territories and area development opportunities are awaiting you. OWN MULTIPLE CENTERS. CUT DOWN OPERATING COSTS. INCREASEYOUR BOTTOM LINE. MULTI-UNIT OWNERSHIP WITH AFC ALLOWS YOU TO: Consolidate andshare resourcesbetweenclinics. Streamline operations. Maximize marketingefforts. MULTI-UNIT OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW WITH THE #1 FRANCHISE IN URGENT CARE
24 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS PIP Marketing, Signs, Print Printing, signs, marketingservices BEGAN: 1965, FRANCHISING: 1968 UNITS: US: 58, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $252.98K-$277.98K, RTY: 0.25%- 6.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$125K-$150K liquid Sir Speedy Print Signs Marketing Printing, signs, marketingservices BEGAN: 1968, FRANCHISING: 1968 UNITS: US: 130, CAN: 1, INTL: 5, CO: 0 COST: $257.98K-$302.98K, RTY: 4%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $450K net worth w/$125K-$150K liquid Property Management All County Property Management O Property managementand realestateservices BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 69, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $72.5K-$119.4K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$100K net worth w/$50K- $100K liquid AvenueWest O Residential property managementand real estatesales BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2009 UNITS: US: 11, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $60.8K-$100K, RTY: 1%+ FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Blue Diamond Sales & Rentals Property managementand realestatesales BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $52.1K-$65.2K, RTY: 6.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Casago Property managementand vacationrentals BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 12 COST: $82.98K-$329K, RTY: 3.5% FINANCING: No Grand Welcome OO Vacationrental property management BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 29, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $37.9K-$167.8K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$25K liquid iTrip Vacations O Short-term rental property management BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 90, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $101.4K-$140.6K, RTY: 4%-6.1% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$200K liquid Image360 Signs,graphics, displays, digital imaging, visual communications BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 283, CAN: 7, INTL: 1, CO: 2 COST: $208.3K-$428.3K, RTY: 6%-1.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$75K liquid Signarama Sign productsand services BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 387, CAN: 45, INTL: 282, CO: 0 COST: $120.2K-$316.2K, RTY: 2%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $60K liquid SpeedPro Large-format printingand graphics BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 123, CAN: 44, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $250.7K-$327.3K, RTY: 6%/4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$80K liquid Zinger Technologies Video and digital signagesolutions BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $113.3K-$172.5K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes Staffing/Recruiting All Med Search O Healthcareindustry recruitingand placement services BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 12, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $61K-$83K, RTY: 10%-15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$50K liquid American Recruiters O Recruiting/staffing BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 1999 UNITS: US: 11, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $85.99K-$180.4K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K liquid ATC Healthcare Services Medical staffing BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 64, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $132.9K-$214.2K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$150K liquid AtWork Group Temporary, temp-to-hire,and direct-hirestaffing BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 91, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $151K-$208K, RTY: 7%/9% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Keyrenter Property Management Residential property management BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 40, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $101.1K-$178.3K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$50K liquid Property Management Inc. O Commercial, residential,association,and shortterm rental property management BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 375, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 2 COST: $58.2K-$225.1K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$500K net worth w/$75K- $120K liquid Real Property Management Property management BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 389, CAN: 10, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $99.4K-$146.5K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$50K liquid Second Home Care OO Vacationhomeservices BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $38.5K-$66.3K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: No Shipping Services InXpress O Shippingservices BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2000 UNITS: US: 83, CAN: 38, INTL: 400, CO: 1 COST: $86.1K-$167.5K, RTY: 30% ofgross margin FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$25K-$65K liquid Miami Global Lines O International freight forwardingservices BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 1, INTL: 2, CO: 1 COST: $46.5K-$74.8K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: No QUALIF: $10K liquid Unishippers OO Parceland freight shippingservices BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 209, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 69 COST: $44.6K-$233.3K, RTY: 15%-18.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$40K-$100K liquid Signs FastSigns Signs,graphics BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1986 UNITS: US: 673, CAN: 41, INTL: 47, CO: 0 COST: $234.3K-$324.5K, RTY: 3%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$80K liquid Express Employment Professionals Staffing, HR solutions BEGAN: 1983, FRANCHISING: 1985 UNITS: US: 785, CAN: 45, INTL: 27, CO: 1 COST: $140K-$400K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$150K liquid Fortune Personnel Consultants (FPC) Executiverecruiting BEGAN: 1959, FRANCHISING: 1973 UNITS: US: 61, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $74.7K-$133.9K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$2M net worth w/$100K- $150K liquid i4 Search Group O Healthcarerecruiting BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 30, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $66.8K-$113.6K, RTY: 14% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$70K liquid Jomsom Staffing Services O Temporary staffing, directhire,and payroll services BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $86.8K-$147.5K, RTY: 5%-10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K-$150K net worth w/$100K liquid Labor Finders Industrial staffing BEGAN: 1975, FRANCHISING: 1975 UNITS: US: 185, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $128.5K-$221.5K, RTY: 3.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$35K liquid Nextaff Staffing BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 33, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $121.8K-$156.9K, RTY: 5%-8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$175K liquid Patrice & Associates O Hospitality,executivesearch, retail,and sales recruiting BEGAN: 1989, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 200, CAN: 5, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $86.1K-$88.8K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth PrideStaff Staffing BEGAN: 1978, FRANCHISING: 1995 UNITS: US: 82, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $161.2K-$235.1K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$200K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
26 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Sanford Rose Associates O Executivesearchand recruiting BEGAN: 1959, FRANCHISING: 1970 UNITS: US: 159, CAN: 3, INTL: 1, CO: 0 COST: $108.3K-$143.6K, RTY: 7%-6% FINANCING: Yes Snapchef Staffingand trainingforcommercial kitchens BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $137.1K-$197.6K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$75K liquid Spherion Staffing & Recruiting Flexiblestaffing, recruiting, workforce management solutions BEGAN: 1946, FRANCHISING: 1956 UNITS: US: 215, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $143.1K-$352.5K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$350K net worth w/$75K- $275K liquid Miscellaneous Business Services Cyberbacker O Outsourced personalassistants BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 41, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $78.1K-$94K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$100K liquid EagleOne O Customerexperience, lead generation,and digital marketingsolutions BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $62.4K-$70.8K, RTY: $300+/mo. FINANCING: Yes Fire Safety Division Fireextinguisher,exit light,and restaurant fire suppressionsystem inspections;emergency testing BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $57.8K-$82.7K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $39.9K net worth w/$39.9K liquid Sculpture Hospitality OO Barand restaurant management solutions BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 1990 UNITS: US: 196, CAN: 23, INTL: 56, CO: 11 COST: $42.5K-$76.2K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes YESCO Sign & Lighting Service O Signand lightingserviceand maintenance BEGAN: 1920, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 7, INTL: 0, CO: 42 COST: $65K-$352.2K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Ducklings Early Learning Center Earlyeducationand childcare BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 6, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $656.4K-$1.7M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K-$1M net worth w/$100K liquid The Goddard School Preschool/educationalchildcare BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 600, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $818.3K-$7.4M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$275K liquid Ivybrook Academy Preschool BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 27, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $400K-$630K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$150K liquid Ivy Kids Systems Childcareand early learning BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 17, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $687.6K-$9.4M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$250K liquid Jovie Childcare,nanny placement, babysitting BEGAN: 2001, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 181, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 18 COST: $105K-$163K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$60K liquid Kiddie Academy Educationalchildcare BEGAN: 1981, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 300, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $370K-$6.8M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$250K liquid KidsPark O Hourly drop-inchildcare, preschool, party/ play space BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 20, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $290K-$516K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$50K-$75K liquid KLA Schools Preschool/childcare BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2009 UNITS: US: 18, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $1.1M-$5.8M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K-$100M net worth w/$450K- $500K liquid CHILDREN’S BUSINESSES Childcare Adventure Kids Playcare Hourlychildcarecenters BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 17, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $482.5K-$874K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid A Place to Grow O Childcare BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $122.3K-$306K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Building Kidz School Preschool/educationalchildcare BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 33, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $214K-$856K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid Casa de Corazon Spanishimmersionearly learning programs BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $738K-$3.9M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$150K-$500K liquid Celebree School Earlychildhood educationand childcare BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 15, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 26 COST: $818K-$1.2M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$250K liquid Children’s Lighthouse Childcare BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 1999 UNITS: US: 66, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $4.3M-$6.6M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $600K-$950K net worth w/$300K- $500K liquid Discovery Point Childcare BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1990 UNITS: US: 42, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $1.4M-$6.1M, RTY: $7.1K/mo. FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$300K-$500K liquid LeafSpring Schools Educationalchildcare BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1999 UNITS: US: 12, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $4.9M-$8.96M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M-$2.5M net worth w/$750K- $1.5M liquid The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education Preschool/educationalchildcare BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 287, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 41 COST: $589.4K-$5.2M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$150K liquid Let Mommy Sleep OO In-homenewbornand postpartum care BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 12, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $29K-$47K, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Lightbridge Academy Childcare/early learning BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 47, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 17 COST: $621.2K-$5.1M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$200K liquid Marigold Academy Childcare BEGAN: 1989, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $605.7K-$2.3M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$250K liquid MindChamps International Preschool Preschool/educationalchildcare BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 60, CO: 26 COST: $663.6K-$1M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $700K net worth w/$200K-$300K liquid Primrose Schools Educationalchildcare BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 472, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $651.9K-$8.5M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$650K liquid Tierra Encantada Spanishimmersion daycareand preschool BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $1.5M-$2.9M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$300K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
STARTUPS Fal l / Winte r 2023 27 P H O T O G R A P H B Y L I N D S E Y M C A L I S T E R A lli Webb was still in the trenches at Drybar—the blowout salon company she cofounded with her brother Michael Landau in 2010— when she had her next big idea. It was just an inkling at first. But by the time they sold Drybar’s product line in 2020 for $255 million and the franchise business was acquired by WellBiz Brands in 2021, the inkling had become a full-blown concept: What if they could revolutionize the massage experience the same way they had the blowout? “We knew we were onto something really special again,” Webb says. They called the new concept Squeeze, and it now has more than 70 franchise locations set to open across the country. CLOSER LOOK The Drybar of Massages The team behind industry-disrupting concept Drybar is back with a new massage franchise, Squeeze. Here’s how they spot opportunities that others don’t. by MADELINE GARFINKLE I think of this?” Well, you probably did, and then that was the end of the thought. We all have so many great ideas, but I’ve learned to take note of that nagging thought. If it keeps coming up, the next step is to start talking about it to people that you trust. I’m a big believer in surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you. When my brother and I started talking about it, we got excited. Then we talked to Brittany and she got really excited. And it was like, We might be onto something again here. What do you look for in a Squeeze franchisee, and how do you attract them? DRISCOLL: Our operating partners have come from incredible backgrounds. We have Amazon, Walmart, Disney, Coca-Cola, Target executives. We have retired athletes and technology and beauty executives. It’s exciting that they’re so accomplished, but what we really hone in on is people who have a passion for creating a feel-good experience in their community. That starts with our culture. Every element of the business has been designed to make sure that the team feels taken care of, first and foremost. I really think that creating a great experience starts with the person delivering that experience. We’ve placed a lot of emphasis on understanding our operators’ family dynamics and supporting them through life events. I always say to our management team: “Life is hard. Let’s make sure everyone knows we’re here to ride the wave with them.” This time around, Brittany Driscoll, formerly Drybar’s vice president of marketing, is one of the cofounders. Webb says that choice was easy, because Driscoll is everything she’s not. “Brittany is an operator,” Webb says. “We knew she was responsible, organized, and systematized enough to get this thing where it needed to go. And we don’t step on her toes. I think a lot of partnerships go sideways when everyone wants to be doing the same thing.” Here, Webb and Driscoll talk about knowing when you have a big idea, and creating a company culture that attracts the franchisees you want. What was your “aha!” moment for Squeeze? WEBB: The thing I always talk about is, “What is something out there that exists, that you love, but it’s just not done well?” That’s what we realized about the massage industry. There are brands that send people to your house, but they’re so expensive. My brother would go to a discount chain, but the booking process was really annoying. And then once you go in, there’s often a myriad of things that aren’t great—the decor, the way I’m always freezing. I like certain things, but sometimes I forget to tell them. We realized there was a real opportunity to improve this industry largely the same way we did with Drybar—from the very first touch point, on the app. You can read therapist bios and reviews, and book preferences like oil or lotion, or parts of your body you like firm or less firm. How do you know when an idea is worth bringing to life? WEBB: So many people have said to me over the years, about Drybar, “Why didn’t Brittany Driscoll (left) and Alli Webb embrace and encourage each other’s differences.
28 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Children’s Enrichment: Art Abrakadoodle OO Arteducation programs forchildren BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 36, CAN: 0, INTL: 447, CO: 2 COST: $38.1K-$81.9K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Art Paper Scissors Artclasses, programs,and parties BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $86.5K-$144.2K, RTY: 6.5-7.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid Children’s Art Classes Children’sarteducationstudios BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 6, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $94.4K-$193.96K, RTY: 8.25% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$10K liquid Kidcreate Studio O Children’sartenrichment BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $64.5K-$295.1K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$75K liquid KidzArt OO Art-education programs, products,and services BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2002 UNITS: US: 22, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 0 COST: $23.8K-$37.2K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes Young Rembrandts OO Drawingclasses forages 3 to 12 BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1997 UNITS: US: 46, CAN: 4, INTL: 5, CO: 0 COST: $45.5K-$53.2K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$40K liquid Children’s Enrichment: Cooking Chef It Up!/Chef It Up 2 Go! OO Allergy-friendlycooking parties,classes,and events BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 17, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $28.6K-$71.4K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $20K net worth w/$10K liquid Little Kitchen Academy Children’scookingclasses BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 10, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $394.5K-$655.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$500K liquid Sticky Fingers Cooking O Mobilecookingschool forchildren BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $77.4K-$125.3K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Taste Buds Kitchen Cookingclasses,camps,and parties forchildren and adults BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 10, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $368.2K-$556.4K, RTY: 9% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$125K liquid Young Chefs Academy Cookingschools forchildrenand adults BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 23, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 1 COST: $140.4K-$196K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$75K liquid Children’s Enrichment: Music Bach to Rock Musicschools forchildrenand adults BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 44, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 11 COST: $241.5K-$440K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid Rockstars of Tomorrow Musiclessonsand musicequipment BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $169.7K-$453.1K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$150K liquid School of Rock Musiceducation BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 203, CAN: 9, INTL: 63, CO: 46 COST: $395.8K-$537.4K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$150K liquid Children’s Enrichment: STEM Brooklyn Robot Foundry Roboticsand engineeringenrichment programs BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $74.5K-$100.8K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No Challenge Island O Educationalenrichment programs BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 141, CAN: 9, INTL: 29, CO: 7 COST: $50.2K-$68.9K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F E G G S U P G R I L L E ggs Up serves a delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch. CEO Ricky Richardson shares the three things he’s excited about this year. 1 Profits! “As top-line sales grow and inflation stabilizes, our franchise partners’ profitability increases,” Richardson says. And who doesn’t like that? 2 Scale! Since 2018, the brand has tripled its footprint: It’s now at 68 locations, and has a development pipeline of more than 100. With more locations comes more resources, technology, and greater efficiency, Richardson says. 3 Momentum! Average unit volumes for the top half of Eggs Up franchises topped $1.375 million in 2022, and continue to rise. “This growth is achieved through multiple sales channels, including delivery, online ordering, and catering,” he says. THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… Eggs Up Grill
30 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Club SciKidz O STEM enrichment programs BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 6, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $58K-$63.4K, RTY: 6.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$60K liquid Code Ninjas Computer-codinglearningcenters forages 5 and up BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 292, CAN: 54, INTL: 39, CO: 6 COST: $181.2K-$451.95K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$350K net worth w/$100K liquid theCoderSchool Codingeducationforages 7 to 18 BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $77.7K-$163.95K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$50K liquid Code Wiz Coding, robotics,and STEM enrichmentclasses and camps forages 7 to 17 BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $150K-$237.4K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$80K liquid CompuChild OO Entrepreneurship and STEAM enrichmentclasses BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2001 UNITS: US: 8, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $19.9K-$34.9K, RTY: $149-$199/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $7K-$12K liquid iCode School Computer scienceeducationforchildrenin grades K-12 BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $225K-$425K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid Little Medical School OO Healthcare-themed after-schooland summercamp programs BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 23, CAN: 3, INTL: 12, CO: 1 COST: $38.2K-$221.9K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes Nutty Scientists OOO Scienceenrichmentand entertainment programs BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 1997 UNITS: US: 6, CAN: 2, INTL: 301, CO: 4 COST: $35.5K-$149.8K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $40K net worth w/$35K liquid Drama Kids OO After-school dramaclassesand summercamps BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 56, CAN: 0, INTL: 150, CO: 0 COST: $33.8K-$73.5K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$30K liquid The Knight School OO Chessenrichmentactivities BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 22, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $450-$25.2K, RTY: to 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $5K-$10K net worth w/$5K liquid LearningRx One-on-onecognitivetrainingforallages BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 43, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $125K-$175K, RTY: 7%-8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$250K net worth w/$33K- $45K liquid Parker-Anderson Enrichment O Enrichment programs BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $43.7K-$130.7K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$100K liquid XP League OO Youthesports leagues BEGAN: 2020, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 26, CAN: 3, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $58.2K-$224.2K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$750K net worth w/$75K- $200K liquid Children’s Fitness Amazing Athletes OO Educational sports programs BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 122, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 22 COST: $32.8K-$65.6K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$15.5K liquid Bundles of Tumbles OO Mobile preschoolgymnasticsand danceclasses BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $46.1K-$59.7K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $45K-$60K liquid Child’s Play Challenge Courses O Portable obstaclecourses BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $140.5K-$186K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes Six Pixels Studios OO STEAM classes,camps, specialevents,and parties BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $33.7K-$75.8K, RTY: 6.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $15K net worth Skill Samurai OO STEM and codingacademies BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 3, INTL: 1, CO: 0 COST: $104.1K-$307.95K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Snapology OO STEAM education programs BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 101, CAN: 3, INTL: 56, CO: 3 COST: $73.7K-$497.2K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $75K-$750K net worth w/$50K- $200K liquid STEM For Kids OO Biomed,coding,and engineering programs for ages 4 to 14 BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 63, CAN: 24, INTL: 43, CO: 5 COST: $49.5K-$83.7K, RTY: 7%+ FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$50K liquid Stemtree Science,coding, robotics,electronics,and math programs BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $83.8K-$179.8K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $169K net worth w/$100K liquid Talk to the Camera O STEAM-based filmmakingand video creation enrichment programs BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $48.3K-$65.3K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K-$150K net worth w/$40K- $68K liquid Wize Computing Academy OOO Coding, robotics,and designclasses,camps, and competition prep BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 3, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $40K-$70K, RTY: 8-6% FINANCING: Yes Children’s Enrichment: Miscellaneous Baby Power Forever Kids Playand enrichment programs BEGAN: 1973, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 20, CO: 1 COST: $160K-$198K, RTY: $150-$300/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$40K liquid D-BAT Indoor baseballand softball training, batting cages, merchandise BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 109, CAN: 0, INTL: 5, CO: 0 COST: $536.5K-$1M, RTY: 40% of membership fees FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$5M net worth w/$75K- $200K liquid HappyFeet OO Soccer programs forages 2 to 18 BEGAN: 1989, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 55, CAN: 3, INTL: 2, CO: 4 COST: $22.5K-$29.4K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $18.3K-$23.2K liquid Hi-Five Sports OO Youthsports programsand facilities BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 16, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $25.5K-$554.2K, RTY: 8.5% FINANCING: Yes i9 Sports O Youthsports leagues,camps,and clinics BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 201, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $59.9K-$69.9K, RTY: 7.5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Kinderdance OO Children’s dance,gymnastics, movement, fitness, and yoga programs BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 1985 UNITS: US: 80, CAN: 0, INTL: 148, CO: 3 COST: $18.2K-$47.9K, RTY: 6%-12% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $14.95K net worth w/$14.95K liquid The Little Gym Child-development/fitness programs BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 170, CAN: 6, INTL: 169, CO: 0 COST: $320.1K-$508.5K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$750K net worth w/$75K- $200K liquid Little Kickers OO Preschool soccer programs BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 54, INTL: 285, CO: 2 COST: $25.2K-$37.1K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes Little Yogis Academy OO Yoga-based programs forchildrenand teens BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 3, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $29.7K-$42.9K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes Mighty Kicks OO Mobilesoccer programs forages 2 to 8 BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2010 UNITS: US: 27, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $20.5K-$30.3K, RTY: $260-$440/mo. FINANCING: Yes LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
32 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Ninja Nation Obstaclecoursearenas for youthand adults BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $791.5K-$1.3M, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$400K liquid N Zone Sports OO Sports leaguesand preschool programs for ages 3 to 16 BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $41.1K-$58.5K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $20K-$49K liquid Overtime Athletics OO Youthsports programs BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 34, CAN: 2, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $45.9K-$73K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $10K-$20K liquid Premier Martial Arts Martialartsclasses BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 218, CAN: 0, INTL: 1, CO: 9 COST: $183.7K-$421.8K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$750K net worth w/$75K- $250K liquid Redline Athletics Fitnessand athletictrainingforages 8 to 18 BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 51, CAN:0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $350K-$700K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$100K liquid Skyhawks Sports & Supertots Sports Academy OO Children’s fitness programs BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 154, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 74 COST: $30.3K-$89.8K, RTY: 9%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$57.3K-$89.8K liquid Soccer Shots OO Soccer programs forages 2 to 8 BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 276, CAN: 8, INTL: 0, CO: 19 COST: $42.95K-$54.3K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $20K liquid Super Soccer Stars O Soccer programs BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 13 COST: $68.1K-$89.1K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $40K liquid Kid to Kid New and used children’sand maternityclothing and products BEGAN: 1992, FRANCHISING: 1994 UNITS: US: 76, CAN: 1, INTL: 21, CO: 12 COST: $347.2K-$542.1K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$75K-$125K liquid Learning Express Toys & Gifts Specialty toyand gift stores BEGAN: 1987, FRANCHISING: 1990 UNITS: US: 87, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $138.4K-$319.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$125K liquid Once Upon A Child New and used children’sclothing,equipment, furniture, toys BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 352, CAN: 52, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $276.2K-$417.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$90K-$105K liquid Rhea Lana’s O Children’sconsignmentevents BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 103, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $20.6K-$39.95K, RTY: 3%-1% FINANCING: Yes Fundraising Apex Leadership Co. O Elementary-school fundraisingand fitness programs BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 96, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 8 COST: $80K-$114.2K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$50K liquid Fundraising University O Fundraising BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 63, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $77.9K-$84.1K, RTY: $1.5K+/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$50K liquid Swimming Lessons Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Swimminglessons BEGAN: 1991, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 110, CAN: 4, INTL: 18, CO: 1 COST: $984.1K-$2M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$200K-$500K liquid TGA Premier Sports OO Youthsports programs BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 76, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $33.8K-$125.6K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$20K liquid Tippi Toes O Children’s danceclasses BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2009 UNITS: US: 32, CAN: 0, INTL: 1, CO: 0 COST: $51.1K-$69.1K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $15K liquid Tutu School Children’s ballet schools BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $88.6K-$150.1K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Twinkle Star Dance Academy Dancestudios forages 2 to teens BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $104.4K-$167.1K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/up to $100K liquid USA Ninja Challenge Youth fitness programs BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $276.8K-$376.4K, RTY: 7.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $175K-$150M net worth w/$80K- $100K liquid Children’s Retail Bricks & Minifigs Lego stores BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 41, CAN: 1, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $99.1K-$225.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Children’s Orchard Children’sclothingand toys resalestores BEGAN: 1980, FRANCHISING: 1985 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $212.5K-$326.5K, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$90K liquid Just Between Friends OO Children’sand maternityconsignment saleevents BEGAN: 1997, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 153, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $42.6K-$56.5K, RTY: 3% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$30K liquid Big Blue Swim School Swimminglessons forages 3 months to 12 years BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 5, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 10 COST: $2.5M-$3.97M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$600K liquid British Swim School Swimminglessons forages 3 monthsand older BEGAN: 1981, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 159, CAN: 12, INTL: 1, CO: 0 COST: $93.7K-$125.1K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$75K-$100K liquid Goldfish Swim School Infantand child swimminglessons BEGAN: 2006, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 140, CAN: 2, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $1.7M-$3.7M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$600K liquid Hudson Valley Swim O Swimmingand water safety lessons forallages BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $79.5K-$118.2K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$60K liquid SafeSplash/SwimLabs/ Swimtastic Child and adult swimminglessons, parties, summercamps BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 127, CAN: 0, INTL: 49, CO: 16 COST: $47.5K-$2.1M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$1.5M net worth w/$60K- $300K liquid Tutoring Best Brains Learning Centers O Learningcenters BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 112, CAN: 19, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $16.5K-$80.7K, RTY: 14%-18% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$40K liquid Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services OO In-hometutoring BEGAN: 1995, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 355, CAN: 8, INTL: 8, CO: 0 COST: $33.5K-$57.4K, RTY: 6%-8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$30K-$50K liquid Eye Level Learning Centers Supplementaleducation BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 1976 UNITS: US: 128, CAN: 12, INTL: 427, CO: 744 COST: $52.3K-$121.7K, RTY: $32-$36/ subject/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$60K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
STARTUPS Fal l / Winte r 2023 33 P H O T O G R A P H B Y S H U T T E R S T O C K / A N D R E Y_ P O P O V T he headlines are full of news about layoffs. But while getting laid off can be stressful, it can also be an opportunity to embark on an exciting new path of entrepreneurship. That path could offer financial security, flexibility, autonomy, and meaningful work—which is exactly how franchises should be pitching themselves to newly laid-off professionals. Workers facing layoffs—like those in the tech industry right now—are an especially attractive pool of potential franchisees. They are experienced pros with a host of skills that translate naturally to running a franchise. So how can you attract these people? Understand their worries and wants. Here are four points to hit when recruiting laid-off workers with franchisee potential. 1 Assuage their fears of being underqualified. Most franchise organizations are “no prior experience FRANCHISE 101 Your Next Franchisee Just Got Laid Off Job losses are unfortunate, but they present an opportunity for franchisors to attract highly qualified franchisee candidates—as long as they know what these workers want to hear. by JEFF BRAZIER Academy, we help our franchisees with all these things—plus financing, real estate, and construction, just to name a few. High-quality tools and technology systems afford franchisees access without the hassle of setting it all up on the front end. Finding a franchise organization that helps facilitate setup through preexisting relationships with entities like lenders or real estate developers is key to success. 4 Emphasize the flexibility of being a franchisee. Because of all the resources available to franchisees, they often find they have more freedom than they did in their 9-to-5 jobs. Different franchise concepts have different time requirements, so potential franchisees have options for what suits them. Maybe franchise ownership for a particular organization means only working in the mornings or afternoons—or not showing up to an office at all. Prospective franchisees can also have more autonomy over where they build their businesses. Regardless of their background, successful business professionals who’ve been laid off usually have a strong work ethic and a desire for continuous learning. This makes them a perfect fit for a franchise organization; they just may have never had the option presented to them. So franchisors should be front and center with messaging that shows potential franchisees how their skills can be transferred to a new career path. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. necessary” opportunities because of the infrastructure and support systems in place. I’m the chief development officer at Kiddie Academy, and I can assure you that even if you don’t have a background in a field like educational childcare, for example, with passion and franchisor support, you can become a very successful business owner. 2 Explain that they don’t need to be full-blown entrepreneurs quite yet. The idea of business ownership may be daunting to those who don’t have a unique business idea, and building a brand-loyal customer base is one of the most difficult aspects of starting a business from scratch. But that’s what makes franchising particularly attractive. With an established franchising concept, you get brand recognition, excitement, and trust already built in, along with a proven business model and a strong support system. A franchise offers a much easier way for someone to jumpstart a business ownership journey. 3 Highlight the financial viability of your franchise. Tech workers who just lost their jobs are going to want some certainty that they’re not throwing their savings down the drain. So it’s smart to emphasize that franchising offers an established business model with a blueprint that has been refined over many business units and many years of successful operation. The franchising business model comes with a corporate team equipped to help franchisees with support services relating to marketing, operations and business analysis, training, and more. At Kiddie
34 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Huntington Learning Center O Tutoringand test prep BEGAN: 1977, FRANCHISING: 1985 UNITS: US: 277, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 12 COST: $148K-$263.1K, RTY: 9.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K net worth w/$110K liquid JEI Learning Center Individualized supplementaleducation BEGAN: 1977, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 55, CAN: 8, INTL: 117, CO: 247 COST: $60K-$110.5K, RTY: $24-$35/ subject/mo. FINANCING: No QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$75K liquid Kumon Supplementaleducation BEGAN: 1954, FRANCHISING: 1958 UNITS: US: 1,625, CAN: 396, INTL: 24,465, CO: 41 COST: $67.4K-$145.6K, RTY: $36-$40.50/ student/mo. FINANCING: No QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$70K liquid Mathnasium Mathtutoring BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 949, CAN: 88, INTL: 68, CO: 3 COST: $112.9K-$149.2K, RTY: 10%+ FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $149.1K net worth w/$112.8K liquid Prepaze Academy In-personand onlinetutoring BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $156.5K-$318.5K, RTY: 12%+ FINANCING: No QUALIF: $50K liquid Sylvan Learning Supplementaleducation, STEM camps,college prep BEGAN: 1979, FRANCHISING: 1980 UNITS: US: 468, CAN: 72, INTL: 16, CO: 6 COST: $98.1K-$199.6K, RTY: 16% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$75K liquid Tutor Doctor O Tutoring BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 381, CAN: 111, INTL: 242, CO: 0 COST: $94.3K-$138.99K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K-$300K net worth w/$94.3K- $138.99K liquid FINANCIAL SERVICES Business Financial Services BooXkeeping O Bookkeepingfor smalland medium businesses BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $40.2K-$65.2K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$20K liquid CPA Moms OO Virtualaccountingand tax services BEGAN: 2020, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 7, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $39.6K-$57.5K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes Dope CFO O Financial services forcannabis/CBD/hemp businesses BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $57.2K-$229.3K, RTY: 8%-9% FINANCING: Yes Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA) O Business financialconsulting BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 1993 UNITS: US: 145, CAN: 4, INTL: 561, CO: 0 COST: $66K-$85.9K, RTY: 15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$100K liquid Ledgers Financial, payroll,consulting,and tax services BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 8, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $58.2K-$99.7K, RTY: 14% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$250K net worth w/$50K- $100K liquid Padgett Business Services O Tax,accounting,compliance, payroll,and advisory services BEGAN: 1965, FRANCHISING: 1975 UNITS: US: 175, CAN: 90, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $20.2K-$99.98K, RTY: 9% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$100K liquid Payroll Vault O Payrolland workforce management services BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 53, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $59.9K-$70.97K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F G A R A G E E X P E R T S G arageExperts has your garage needs covered—from cabinets to floor coating. CEO Mike Meursing shares the three things he’s excited about this year. 1 Customer service! GarageExperts is bringing its call center in-house. “In an era where AI and bots are commonly used in call centers, we understand that providing a personal touch is crucial,” Meursing says. 2. Expansion! The brand is actively looking for new franchise owners across the U.S. “By providing comprehensive support, we empower franchise owners to succeed and contribute to our nationwide growth,” he says. 3 Industry growth! The home improvement market is thriving, with projections saying it could exceed $620 billion by 2025. “We are positioned to capitalize on this growth,” he says. “Our services provide homeowners with an easy way to improve their homes while boosting their overall property value.” THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… GarageExperts
36 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS P3 Cost Analysts O Cost reductionconsulting BEGAN: 1991, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 38, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $68.7K-$79K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$30K liquid Succentrix Business Advisors OO Accounting, payroll, tax,and advisory services BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 35, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $43.6K-$54.7K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$100K net worth w/$25K- $50K liquid Supporting Strategies O Bookkeeping,accounting,and controller services BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 106, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $76.6K-$103.2K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Insurance Brightway Insurance O Propertyand casualty insurance BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 355, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $22K-$169K, RTY: to 50% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K-$200K liquid Elite Insurance & Beyond Commercial truckinginsuranceand additional types of insurance BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $82K-$111.5K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $45K net worth w/$45K liquid Estrella Insurance OOO Auto,home,and business insurance BEGAN: 1980, FRANCHISING: 2008 UNITS: US: 194, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $12.3K-$84K, RTY: 10%-14% of commissions FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$100K net worth w/$50K liquid Fiesta Auto Insurance and Tax Insuranceand tax-preparationservices BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 244, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $72.1K-$156.7K, RTY: 15%-25% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth w/$65K liquid Goosehead Insurance O Propertyand casualty insurance BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 1,344, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $40K-$118.5K, RTY: 20%-50% FINANCING: Yes Family Financial Centers Financial services BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 56, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $153.7K-$308.8K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $150K-$1M net worth w/$150K-$1M liquid Motto Mortgage Mortgage brokerages BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 231, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $60.5K-$89.6K, RTY: to $4.65K/mo. FINANCING: Yes FOOD: FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS Asian Restaurants Daiichi Ramen Japaneserestaurants BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $349K-$672K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ Restaurant Japanese barbecuerestaurants BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 1997 UNITS: US: 30, CAN: 10, INTL: 755, CO: 33 COST: $1.2M-$2.6M, RTY: 4%-5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1.5M-$2M net worth w/$500K liquid Sushi Song Sushi restaurants BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 8 COST: $139.3K-$533.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K-$35K net worth Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants Another Broken Egg Cafe Breakfast, brunch,and lunchcafes BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 45, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 37 COST: $847.1K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Brunch Breakfastand lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $557.5K-$1.8M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$100K liquid Red Zone Insurance O Insurance BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $36.4K-$88.8K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $24K-$49K net worth w/$24K-$49K liquid Veronica’s Insurance OOO Auto, life,home,and commercial insurance BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 38 COST: $28.7K-$111.6K, RTY: 15%/25% FINANCING: Yes We Insure O Insurance BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2009 UNITS: US: 191, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $44.4K-$124.4K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K-$75K liquid Tax Services ATAX O Tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll,and incorporationservices BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 80, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $62.7K-$79K, RTY: 14% FINANCING: Yes H&R Block OO Tax preparation,electronic filing BEGAN: 1955, FRANCHISING: 1956 UNITS: US: 2,561, CAN: 528, INTL: 181, CO: 6,665 COST: $31.6K-$157.9K, RTY: 30% FINANCING: Yes Jackson Hewitt Tax Service OO Tax preparation BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1986 UNITS: US: 3,413, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2,070 COST: $49.2K-$81.8K, RTY: 5%-15% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K net worth Toro Taxes OO Taxand accountingservices BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 165, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 30 COST: $17.8K-$74.2K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $5K-$35K liquid Miscellaneous Financial Services ACFN OO Automated teller machines BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 229, CAN: 2, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $39.2K-$63.8K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K liquid Eggs Up Grill Breakfast, brunch,and lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 56, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $412.9K-$764.6K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Famous Toastery Breakfast, brunch,and lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $575.5K-$999.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K-$400K liquid The Flying Biscuit Cafe Southernfood and breakfast restaurants BEGAN: 1993, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 20, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $645.3K-$944.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Grumpy’s Restaurant Breakfast, brunch,and lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 2001, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $574K-$1.3M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M-$1.5M net worth w/$100K- $150K liquid Popping Yolk Cafe Breakfast restaurants BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $240.3K-$483K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid The Toasted Yolk Cafe Breakfast, brunch,and lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $740K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$350K liquid Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Breakfast, brunch,and lunchrestaurants BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 24 COST: $938K-$1.4M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Italian Restaurants Barzini’s O Italianrestaurants BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $136.1K-$350.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $40K net worth w/$40K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
INCENTIVES • 5-UnitMinimum • GrandOpening Funds: $4,000 • Royalty: Year1-0% Year 3-3% Year 2-2% Year4-4% Scan forOurBrochure BOLD & ORIGINAL! A BRAND ON THEMOVE…BE PART OF THE CHANGE! currently ranked #19 in the fastest growing international franchise Fromour newBlaze restaurant designs to technology investments thatmaximize speed of service, delivery and online ordering, Church’s Texas Chicken® is a globalfranchise on the rise – currently ranked 19 in the 500 fastest-growing internationalfranchise list. JOINUS on ourway to the top and take advantage of our next-level incentives for newfranchisees. SEE WHAT’SDRIVING OURGROWTHAT CHURCHS.COM/FRANCHISING This is not an offer of a franchise.We offerfranchises onlywith the delivery of our current Franchise Disclosure Document. Please see our current Church’s Texas Chicken® Franchise Disclosure Documentformore information regarding the Church’s Texas Chicken® franchise.**TheAverageUnit Volume is for ournewbuild Blaze Image Restaurants.Annualized amount based uponweekly sales from29-68weeks.The datawas submitted to us by franchisees forroyalty reporting and is presented in Item19 of our 2023 FDD alongwith additional performance data. If you purchase a franchise, yourresultsmay differ.We cannot guarantee your success and you acceptthe risk of not achieving the stated amounts.©2023 CajunOperating Company, underlicense byCajun Funding Corp. See Item5 of FDD formore details.
38 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Il Mito Italian/Mediterraneanrestaurantsand wine bars BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $246K-$460K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $40K net worth w/$40K liquid Mama’s Meatball Italianrestaurants BEGAN: 2006, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $253.3K-$415.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Mexican Restaurants Cantina Laredo Mexicanrestaurants BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 1, CO: 9 COST: $1.9M-$2.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$250K liquid Carnitas el Taste Mexicanrestaurants BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $195.5K-$347.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid On the Border Mexicanand Tex-Mex restaurants BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 16, CO: 109 COST: $2.5M-$4.3M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $3M net worth w/$1M liquid Tio Juan’s Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Mexicanrestaurantsand bars BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 2009 UNITS: US: 7, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 19 COST: $1.5M-$2.8M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$550K liquid Pizza Restaurants Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar Restaurantsand sports bars BEGAN: 1963, FRANCHISING: 1968 UNITS: US: 26, CAN: 380, INTL: 20, CO: 2 COST: $1M-$2.8M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Barrel House Full-servicerestaurants BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $540K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Big Lost Meadery/Rancy & Roost Brewery/meaderyand restaurants BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $435.96K-$721.1K, RTY: 4%-5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $40K net worth w/$40K liquid Buffalo Wild Wings O Wings, bar food,alcohol BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 1991 UNITS: US: 534, CAN: 0, INTL: 62, CO: 662 COST: $2.5M-$4.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$750K liquid Ford’s Garage Burgersand craft beer BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 20, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $1.5M-$6.5M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $5.7M net worth w/$1.8M liquid Hooters Casual restaurants BEGAN: 1983, FRANCHISING: 1986 UNITS: US: 104, CAN: 4, INTL: 61, CO: 197 COST: $1.4M-$5.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $2.5M-$3M net worth w/$1.5M liquid Hoppin’ Self-pour beer, wine,and cocktail taprooms BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $756.5K-$1.3M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid Legends Tavern and Grille Sports barsand gastropubs BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $666.6K-$1.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom Pizza, pasta, burgers, salads,craft beer BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 2000 UNITS: US: 33, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 48 COST: $1.4M-$2.9M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $3M net worth w/$1M liquid California Pizza Kitchen Pizza, pasta, salads, desserts, beverages BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 15, CAN: 1, INTL: 24, CO: 153 COST: $3.4M-$4.5M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $4M-$7M net worth w/$2M-$5M liquid DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Pizza, sandwiches, wings, salads,craft beer BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 1995 UNITS: US: 44, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $239K-$515K, RTY: 5%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K-$750K net worth w/$100K- $150K liquid Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen O Pizza, pasta, soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 29, CAN: 0, INTL: 8, CO: 9 COST: $439.4K-$1.5M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $550K net worth w/$195K-$250K liquid Seafood Restaurants Angry Crab Shack Seafood boil restaurants BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $411.8K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $850K net worth w/$200K liquid Montauk Lobster House Seafood restaurant BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $148.3K-$395K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Oyster bar/seafood restaurants BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 15, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $453K-$1.1M, RTY: 3.5%-5.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$1M net worth w/$150K- $600K liquid Sports Bars/Pubs Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar Sports-themed restaurantsand bars BEGAN: 2007, FRANCHISING: 2010 UNITS: US: 10, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $1.3M-$3.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $4M net worth w/$700K liquid Tapville Social OO Self-service beer taprooms/kiosks/restaurants BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 7, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $134.8K-$1.1M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K-$300K liquid Twin Peaks Restaurant Restaurantsand sports bars BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2007 UNITS: US: 59, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 28 COST: $1.7M-$5.4M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $5M net worth w/$2M-$3M liquid Voodoo Brewing Co. Craft brew pubs BEGAN: 2005, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 11, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $331.8K-$762.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K-$800K net worth w/$250K- $450K liquid Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux Louisiana-themed sports restaurants BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 68, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $1.3M-$4.99M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Wings and Rings Sports restaurantsand bars BEGAN: 1984, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 54, CAN: 0, INTL: 25, CO: 8 COST: $1.4M-$1.98M, RTY: to 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Wings Etc. Restaurantsand pubs BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 83, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 25 COST: $343.9K-$2.8M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $700K net worth w/$350K liquid Miscellaneous Full-Service Restaurants Black Bear Diner Family restaurants BEGAN: 1995, FRANCHISING: 2002 UNITS: US: 85, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 61 COST: $1.2M-$2.2M, RTY: 4.5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Bridge Road Bistro Casual diningrestaurants BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $274.5K-$508.1K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $37.5K net worth w/$37.5K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
STARTUPS Fal l / Winter 2023 39 P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y O F L I M E F R E S H M E X I C A N G R I L L V inay Rama planned on a lifelong career in hotels—and that made sense, for a while. It began in childhood, with his family’s motel businesses in Tennessee and South Carolina. Rama spent his teen years at boarding school in India but returned to the U.S. for college, and stayed. In 2015, he began developing a Marriott and a Holiday Inn Express in Orlando, Florida. Eventually, he took over five more Marriotts in the Orlando area. Rama had no plans to branch out from hotels, but in 2016, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Ruby Tuesday was selling Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a casual, made-to-order restaurant that had seven units in South Florida. Rama and four friends decided to go in on the $4.6 million deal together. At the time, he saw it as a passive investment to raise capital for future hotels. But when he didn’t like the way his friends were operating Lime, he bought out three of them. Since then, he has grown the franchise to 15 units, and he credits much of his success to the lessons he has carried CLOSER LOOK A View From Both Sides Vinay Rama’s experience as a hotel franchisee set him up for success when he unexpectedly became a franchisor—in the restaurant industry. by CHLOE ARROJADO into. It hasn’t been possible to install these in all the locations, so we’ve renovated where possible. We see that at upscale Chinese restaurants or Michelin-star restaurants, but you don’t see it in the fast-casual segment. It’s just about being open-minded and careful in decision-making. What’s it been like shifting between the franchisee and franchisor mindsets? As a franchisee, you’re executing on a brand’s vision and promise. It’s nitty-gritty. As a franchisor, you’re defining things in detail, but you’re not actually doing them. You’re depending on a franchisee, and you’re just quality control. You’re more on the creative side of things, which I love. Frankly, as a hotel franchisee, I was reaching a little bit of an intellectual plateau. It was like, buy another piece of land, find a brand, do the same thing, raise the capital. So when the franchisor stuff came up, it added to my skill sets. I’m learning more, and our hotel teams are learning more, too. What are the hallmarks of a good franchise? The number-one answer that comes to mind is that the brand is ever-evolving. Everybody wants to define a brand and then replicate it. To me, that’s antiquated. I want to create a brand that’s dynamic. The other big one is: If you don’t take care of your people, good luck. I’ve been fortunate to work with brands like Marriott and Hilton, which are franchisee-centric. It’s a partnership. They know that without the owners, they can’t be successful. from one side of the franchising world to the other. When you took over leadership at Lime, you had never run a restaurant. Did you get any good advice? I call myself an “accidental restaurateur” because I never planned on getting into the business. We hired a consultant, and I’m glad we didn’t listen to some of their report. They said things like, “Put freshness cues into the design. Hang up posters that teach the customer about your brand.” As a guest, do I really want to read all your propaganda and marketing? No. That’s why when people walk into our restaurant, it feels different. It feels elevated in a nonfussy, comfortable way. But there were a couple of bullet points from [the consultant’s report] that kind of drove what we see today. They mentioned, “You’re cooking everything from scratch, but nobody sees it.” The prototype was an exhibition kitchen—like this big glass that you look
40 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Buffalo’s Cafe O Chicken wingsand tenders, steaks, burgers, salads BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1990 UNITS: US: 14, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $564.6K-$1.98M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Chef Creole Creolerestaurants BEGAN: 1992, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $284.8K-$480.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Denny’s O Family restaurants BEGAN: 1953, FRANCHISING: 1963 UNITS: US: 1,412, CAN: 85, INTL: 69, CO: 65 COST: $1M-$2.3M, RTY: 4.5%-7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid East Coast Wings + Grill Wings, burgers,craft beer BEGAN: 1995, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 30, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $427.97K-$981.3K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $600K net worth w/$200K liquid Gigglewaters Restaurants with barsand movietheaters; food trucks BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $685.5K-$1.1M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$150K liquid Golden Corral Family steakhouses, buffets,and bakeries BEGAN: 1973, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 357, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $2.7M-$7.8M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $2.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Huddle House Family restaurants BEGAN: 1964, FRANCHISING: 1966 UNITS: US: 242, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 53 COST: $576.3K-$1.4M, RTY: 4.75% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $600K net worth w/$300K liquid Johnny Rockets Burgers, shakes, fries BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 119, CAN: 5, INTL: 165, CO: 8 COST: $508.6K-$1.6M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Family-stylerestaurants BEGAN: 1958, FRANCHISING: 1958 UNITS: US: 189, CAN: 7, INTL: 0, CO: 81 COST: $1.5M-$2.5M, RTY: 4.75% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Taffer’s Tavern Casual diningrestaurants BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $1.4M-$2.7M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Time-Out Restaurant Southern-stylerestaurants BEGAN: 1996, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $221.5K-$351.9K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Tony Roma’s Ribs, steaks, seafood BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 1979 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 6, INTL: 64, CO: 0 COST: $2.2M-$3.6M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $3M net worth w/$1M liquid Wingers Restaurant & Alehouse Casual-themed restaurantsand bars BEGAN: 1993, FRANCHISING: 1997 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 8 COST: $389K-$1.1M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $450K net worth w/$250K liquid FOOD: QUICK-SERVICE RESTAURANTS Acai Bowls Acai Express Superfood Bowls OO Acai bowls, smoothies, juices, toast BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 44, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 8 COST: $145.9K-$429K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$50K-$75K liquid Baya Bar O Acai, pitaya,and coconut bowls, smoothies, juices,avocado toast,coffee BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 19, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $155K-$335K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F A C E H A N D Y M A N S E R V I C E S A ce Handyman Services offers just that—topnotch handyman services nationwide. Colette Bell, vice president of franchise development, shares three things she’s excited about this year. 1 Anniversary! Ace’s parent company, Ace Hardware, is soon celebrating its 100-year anniversary. “Watching a brand grow, sustain, and remain relevant in the U.S. for 100 years is quite an accomplishment,” Bell says. 2 Growth! By integrating Ace Handyman Services into Ace Hardware stores, the brand can now reach more customers and help “with over 1,000 different home renovation and repair tasks,” Bell says. 3 The next gen! Ace Handyman Services is seeing more younger franchisees join the system. “Their energy, enthusiasm, and passion for owning their own business and creating a strong community impact is rewarding,” she says. THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… Ace Handyman Services
42 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Frutta Bowls O Acai, pitaya,and kale bowls, smoothies, toast, coffee BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 37, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $162.7K-$384.9K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Grain & Berry Acai, pitaya,and spirulina bowls, smoothies, juices, yogurt, toast, plant-based flatbreadsand quesadillas BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $170K-$635.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Nautical Bowls Acai bowls BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2020 UNITS: US: 17, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $243.8K-$423.3K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K-$1B net worth w/$150K-$1B liquid Roots & Rye Acai bowls, toasts, smoothies BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $113K-$195.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid SoBol O Acai bowlsand smoothies BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 56, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $246.8K-$456.6K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$125K-$200K liquid South Block Acai bowls, juices, toasts,healthfood BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 11 COST: $263K-$483.5K, RTY: 5%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Vitality Bowls Acai bowls, smoothies, juices, wraps, salads,grain bowls, panini BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 69, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 7 COST: $208.8K-$555.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$50K-$100K liquid Jinya Ramen Bar Ramen, rice bowls,appetizers,craft beer BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 42, CAN: 2, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $1.4M-$3.1M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $3M net worth w/$1M liquid Joju Vietnamesesandwiches, bowls,and fries BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $190.5K-$366K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Asian-American/Hawaiianfood BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 1991 UNITS: US: 211, CAN: 0, INTL: 2, CO: 0 COST: $151.7K-$613K, RTY: 3%-4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K-$1M net worth w/$150K- $500K liquid Lime House Sushiand ramen BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $348.3K-$781.7K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Onigilly Pressed ricesandwiches, poke bowls, snacks, drinks BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $223.6K-$423.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Sushi Obsession Japanesefood BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $297.8K-$462.3K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $575K net worth w/$125K liquid TaKorean Korean Taco Grill O Korean-inspired tacosand bowls BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $337K-$781.5K, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$200K liquid Teriyaki Madness Asianfood BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2005 UNITS: US: 112, CAN: 2, INTL: 2, CO: 1 COST: $346.4K-$768.8K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $550K net worth w/$150K liquid Thai Esane Thai food BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $181.5K-$452K, RTY: 5.5%-6.5% FINANCING: Yes Asian Food Akti Bao Asianstreet food BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $297.8K-$371K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Balance Pan-Asian Grille Asian bowls, tacos, snacks, bubbleteas BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $733.2K-$1.2M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Dumplings BEGAN: 2021, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $293K-$649.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Bubble Hut Sushiand bubbletea BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $131.5K-$249.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid C&H Hawaiian Grill Hawaiianfood BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $156.95K-$287.9K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $29.9K net worth w/$29.9K liquid Chino-Mex Chinesefood and Mexicanfood BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $170.7K-$410.5K, RTY: 4.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid Gai Chicken and Rice Thaichickenand rice dishes BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $302.9K-$435.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Genghis Grill O Build-your-own Asianstir-fry bowls BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2001 UNITS: US: 50, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $450K-$975.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$250K liquid Ja Ramen Ramenand Japanesecurry BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $240.1K-$400.9K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Urban Wok Build-your-ownstir fry BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $266.5K-$404.5K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$300K liquid WaBa Grill Asian-inspired rice bowls BEGAN: 2004, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 187, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $341K-$577K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Wok ‘N Roll Chinese, sushi,and Asian-fusionfood BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $162.8K-$298.6K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Baked Goods: Bagels Barry Bagels O Bagels, sandwiches, soups, salads BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 9, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $96K-$505K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Between Rounds Add-On Kiosk O Bagels, sandwiches, baked goods,coffee,hot and frozen drinks BEGAN: 1992, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $45.5K-$61K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$20K-$30K liquid Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Cafe O Bagels, baked goods, deli items, sandwiches BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $165.5K-$525K, RTY: Varies FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K-$500K net worth w/$50K- $200K liquid Big O Bagels Bagels, bagel sandwiches, bagel dogs, pizza bagels BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $273K-$477K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid H&H Bagels Bagels BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $474.5K-$865K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
Learn what separates us from every other franchise opportunity Looking to make a difference in your life, career, and in the community? Now is the time! • Average revenue of over $1,950,038* • 310+ Academies operating in 34 states and the District of Columbia • Vast educational child care demand • Financial independence • True work-life harmony • Option to own or lease Academy real estate • Multi-unit ownership opportunities *Disclaimer: Average gross revenue for calendar year 2022 based on reports from 260 Academies open for 24 full months or more as of December 31, 2022 (see Item 19 of our March 31, 2023, FDD for details). This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus first filed according to state law and which complies with the FTC rule. A new franchisee’s results may differ from this performance. Franchise Opportunity with an Impact Ranked #96
44 Fal l / Winte r 2023 STARTUPS Orange County Bagel Bagels, soups,and sandwiches BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $204.2K-$386.9K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes Baked Goods: Bakery Cafes Great Harvest Bakerycafes BEGAN: 1976, FRANCHISING: 1978 UNITS: US: 171, CAN: 0, INTL: 1, CO: 1 COST: $176.7K-$725.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Paris Baguette Bakerycafes BEGAN: 1986, FRANCHISING: 1988 UNITS: US: 82, CAN: 0, INTL: 3640, CO: 20 COST: $635.8K-$1.7M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid Baked Goods: Cinnamon Rolls Cinnabon OO Cinnamonrolls, baked goods,coffee BEGAN: 1985, FRANCHISING: 1986 UNITS: US: 937, CAN: 45, INTL: 823, CO: 2 COST: $112K-$546.8K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$580K net worth w/$40K- $260K liquid Cinnaholic Cinnamonrolls, brownies,cookies,coffee, catering BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 82, CAN: 13, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $238K-$499.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K-$1M net worth w/$100K- $250K liquid Baked Goods: Cookies Great American Cookies O Cookies,cookiecakes, brownies BEGAN: 1977, FRANCHISING: 1977 UNITS: US: 354, CAN: 0, INTL: 11, CO: 0 COST: $277.4K-$403.2K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid The Urban Cookie Cookies BEGAN: 2021, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $181.7K-$577.4K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $150K net worth w/$100K liquid Peace, Love and Little Donuts Doughnutsand coffee BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2016 UNITS: US: 24, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $121.2K-$235.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Randy’s Donuts O Doughnuts, breakfast items,coffee BEGAN: 1952, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 0, INTL: 9, CO: 7 COST: $526K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M-$5M net worth w/$300K liquid Shipley Do-Nuts Doughnuts, kolaches, pastries,coffee BEGAN: 1936, FRANCHISING: 1987 UNITS: US: 324, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 11 COST: $525K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $600K net worth w/$200K liquid Baked Goods: Pretzels Auntie Anne’s OO Soft pretzels BEGAN: 1988, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 1,151, CAN: 2, INTL: 765, CO: 12 COST: $146.1K-$523.5K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K-$580K net worth w/$120K- $260K liquid Pretzelmaker O Pretzels, lemonade BEGAN: 1991, FRANCHISING: 1992 UNITS: US: 144, CAN: 55, INTL: 20, CO: 0 COST: $200.2K-$322K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Wetzel’s Pretzels OO Soft pretzels, lemonade,hot dogs BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 1996 UNITS: US: 316, CAN: 5, INTL: 1, CO: 37 COST: $162.6K-$585.4K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$50K-$100K liquid Baked Goods: Miscellaneous Baked Pie Company Pies BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $258.95K-$322.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Breadsmith European-style breads BEGAN: 1993, FRANCHISING: 1993 UNITS: US: 28, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $409.3K-$489.8K, RTY: 7%-5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $300K net worth w/$150K liquid Woops! OO Macaronsand confections BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 26, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $59.9K-$390.7K, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $200K-$400K net worth w/$50K- $150K liquid Baked Goods: Doughnuts Donut Distillery Mini doughnuts,coffee,craft beer, wine, spirits BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $198.2K-$329.9K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $29.9K net worth w/$29.9K liquid DonutNV OO Mini doughnuts, juices,coffee drinks BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 51, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $185.1K-$253.5K, RTY: $125-$146/wk. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid Dot & Dough Doughnuts BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $148.1K-$383K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Doughnuttery O Mini doughnuts BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $175.4K-$321.7K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid Duck Donuts O Doughnutsand coffee BEGAN: 2006, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 110, CAN: 1, INTL: 1, CO: 1 COST: $376.6K-$562.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$150K liquid Hurts Donut Company Doughnutsand coffee BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2015 UNITS: US: 18, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $502K-$819K, RTY: 7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid Ohanalulu Doughnuts, icecream,coffee BEGAN: 2020, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $283.5K-$733.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$100K liquid Cocoa Forte O Chocolate-dipped cheesecake-on-a-stick food trucks BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $59.9K-$158.2K, RTY: 10% FINANCING: Yes Kolache Factory Kolaches, pastries,coffee BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 2000 UNITS: US: 31, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 28 COST: $431.9K-$709.4K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid Sweet Red Peach Dessert bakeries BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $148.95K-$345.5K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $27.5K net worth w/$27.5K liquid Vicky Bakery Bakeries BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 7, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 6 COST: $439.2K-$728.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Barbecue Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse Barbecue BEGAN: 1950, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 10, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $663.6K-$2.1M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K-$2.5M net worth w/$200K- $460K liquid Dunc’s BBQ Barbecue BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $192.95K-$331K, RTY: 5%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $29.9K net worth w/$29.9K liquid Rollin Smoke BBQ Barbecue BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $406.95K-$942.1K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$100K liquid Chicken Big Chicken Chickensandwichesand tenders, salads, sides, desserts BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $673K-$1.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE
STARTUPS Fal l / Winte r 2023 45 P H O T O G R A P H B Y S T O C K . A D O B E . C O M / W H O I S D A N N Y CLOSER LOOK The Money Is Coming From Inside the House Some franchises offer in-house financing, an easy solution for cash-flow woes. But it’s worth taking a close look to make sure it’s the right choice for you. by CLARISSA BUCH ZILBERMAN I f you’ve decided to become a franchisee, the start is often the bumpiest part. First there’s all the research. Then there are the countless interviews with franchisors and existing franchisees. Once you’ve settled on a brand, there are a lot of documents to produce and review. Finally, you must confront what is often the most daunting challenge—securing the financing needed to buy a franchise. After all, initial and ongoing capital needs can add up quickly. You may have the cash to finance yourself, or you might be able to obtain financing from banks, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or private investors. But depending on the franchise you want to buy, there might be another, lesser-known financing option available to you: It’s called in-house financing. Not all franchises offer it—and even some that do may not offer it across the board to all franchisees. But when it’s available, it can be an attractive alternative. So what exactly is in-house financing? In this context, it means the franchisor is offering to finance your purchase of their franchise. Rather than go to a bank or other lending institution, you’ll make payments directly to the franchisor over a set period of time. Like any financial agreement, there are pluses and minuses to this. Let’s take a look. Pros 1 Flexibility The franchisor may offer better lending terms than a traditional lender. This can mean extending the payment period or offering lower interest rates, which can make financing more affordable and manageable. 2 Simplicity You are eliminating a third party (a bank) in the transaction. 3 Investment Because the franchisor has a direct stake in your franchise, it is probably more invested in your success. Cons 1 Large down payment You may be required to pay more upfront to keep your monthly payments and interest rates low. 2 Limited options Because you don’t have other banks to talk with, you have less ability to negotiate or play multiple parties against each other. 3 Rigidity The franchisor will offer terms for the loan, and you may have no choice but to take them. IF YOU DECIDE to obtain in-house financing, here’s what to do next: Read and understand all of the financing terms, know exactly what you’re committing to, and ask questions and seek clarification on anything you’re uncertain about. The franchisor should be willing to work with you and ensure that you fully understand the financing arrangement. In-house financing is a great option for many franchisees, especially those who want a close working relationship with their franchisor and don’t want the hassle of working with a third-party lender. But ultimately, as long as you do your due diligence to understand what financing option is best for you, your franchise should be on the road to financial success.
46 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS Big Shake’s Nashville Hot Chicken OO Nashvillehotchicken, fried chicken, sides BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 2, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $321.9K-$535.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Bojangles O Chickenand biscuits BEGAN: 1977, FRANCHISING: 1978 UNITS: US: 496, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 277 COST: $622.5K-$3.6M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Bonchon Korean Fried Chicken Koreanfried chicken BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 114, CAN: 0, INTL: 271, CO: 5 COST: $483.2K-$1.2M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $700K net worth w/$250K liquid Boss Bird Kitchen Chickensandwiches, tenders, wings, waffles BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $239.1K-$494.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Champs Chicken OO Fried chicken, seafood, sides BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 424, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $9K-$349K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K-$65K net worth w/$35K-$65K liquid Chester’s OO Chicken BEGAN: 1952, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 1,047, CAN: 49, INTL: 2, CO: 0 COST: $15.95K-$288.1K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes Chicken Salad Chick Chickensalads, soups, sides BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2012 UNITS: US: 157, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 63 COST: $742.3K-$980.3K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $750K net worth w/$250K liquid Chick-In Waffle Chickenand waffles BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 1, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $198.2K-$320.8K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid Church’s Chicken Chicken BEGAN: 1952, FRANCHISING: 1969 UNITS: US: 770, CAN: 60, INTL: 516, CO: 158 COST: $681.5K-$1.5M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$650K-$1M liquid Dave’s Hot Chicken Nashvillehotchicken BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 63, CAN: 3, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $626.3K-$1.4M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $5M net worth w/$2.5M liquid Detroit Wing Company Chicken wings BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 15, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $506.4K-$662.3K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$170K liquid El Pollo Loco Fire-grilled chicken BEGAN: 1975, FRANCHISING: 1980 UNITS: US: 303, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 187 COST: $768.8K-$2.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$300K liquid Epic Wings Chicken wingsand tenders, fries, breadsticks, sauces BEGAN: 1982, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 26, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $454.2K-$1.3M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K-$500K net worth w/$200K- $250K liquid Fyrebird Chicken Chickensandwiches, wings,and sides BEGAN: 2015, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $69.8K-$97.7K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes Golden Chick Chicken BEGAN: 1967, FRANCHISING: 1972 UNITS: US: 198, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 11 COST: $982.5K-$1.7M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: Yes Helen’s Hot Chicken Hotchickensandwiches BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2017 UNITS: US: 5, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $170.6K-$313.4K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Hurricane Grill & Wings O Chicken wings, tenders, sandwiches, salads BEGAN: 1995, FRANCHISING: 2006 UNITS: US: 41, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $459.2K-$1.98M, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$500K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE P H O T O G R A P H S C O U R T E S Y O F W A X I N G T H E C I T Y Waxing the City provides facial and body waxing. Nick Herrild, president, Studio Division/ Waxing the City at Self Esteem Brands, shares the three things he’s excited about this year. 1 Male services! More men are now getting waxed. “In response, we released a gender-neutral service menu across all Waxing the City studios and introduced additional products to appeal to our male customer base,” Herrild says. 2 Growth! By adapting to industry trends, Herrild says, the brand has seen 14 straight quarters of positive sales growth and is expanding rapidly. It expects to reach 100 signed units by the end of 2023. 3 Loyalty! The brand has invested heavily in its Club Orange loyalty program: With a monthly membership fee, clients get perks and discounts. In 2022, the program drove over 30% of an average studio’s annual revenues. THREE EXCITING THINGS AT… Waxing the City
Clean up with a car wash franchise Low labor costs Membership-based model Contactless guest experience High automation ©2023 Tommy’s Express, LLC.This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise.The offer of a franchise can be made only through the delivery of an FDD. Certain states require that we register the FDD in those states.The communications in this advertisement are not directed by us to the residents of any of those states. Moreover, we will not offer or sell franchises in those states until we have registered the franchise (or obtained an applicable exemption from registration) and delivered the FDD to the prospective franchisee in compliance with the applicable law. tommys-express.com 334D 2/23 Start your journey today
48 Fal l / Winter 2023 STARTUPS KFC Chicken BEGAN: 1930, FRANCHISING: 1952 UNITS: US: 3,872, CAN: 0, INTL: 22,405, CO: 221 COST: $1.4M-$3.2M, RTY: 4%-5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$750K liquid Layne’s Chicken Fingers Chickentenders BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 4, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $656K-$1.3M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Chicken, biscuits, sides BEGAN: 1966, FRANCHISING: 1967 UNITS: US: 114, CAN: 4, INTL: 0, CO: 12 COST: $352.4K-$2.1M, RTY: 4% FINANCING: No Los Pollos Bros Roasted chicken BEGAN: 2010, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $244.8K-$532K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Nick and Moes Conveniencestores offeringfried chicken BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $104.5K-$900.8K, RTY: 4.5%-7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Ooowwweee Wangz N Catfish Chicken wingsand fried catfish BEGAN: 2008, FRANCHISING: 2023 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $155.9K-$277.9K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: No Pollo Campero O Chicken BEGAN: 1971, FRANCHISING: 2001 UNITS: US: 16, CAN: 0, INTL: 58, CO: 279 COST: $1.3M-$2.5M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.5M net worth w/$750K liquid Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Fried chicken, seafood, biscuits BEGAN: 1972, FRANCHISING: 1976 UNITS: US: 2,786, CAN: 291, INTL: 733, CO: 41 COST: $383.5K-$3.5M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid The Red Chickz Nashvillehotchicken BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $398.5K-$856.4K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $100K liquid Wing Snob Chicken wingsand tenders, sides BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2018 UNITS: US: 27, CAN: 3, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $255K-$475K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Wingstop Chicken wings, fries, sides BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 1,618, CAN: 1, INTL: 222, CO: 32 COST: $315.3K-$948.1K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1.2M net worth w/$600K liquid Wing Zone Chicken wings, tenders,and sandwiches BEGAN: 1991, FRANCHISING: 1998 UNITS: US: 35, CAN: 0, INTL: 24, CO: 1 COST: $420.8K-$751K, RTY: 6%-7% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$150K- $200K liquid Zaxby’s Chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads BEGAN: 1990, FRANCHISING: 1994 UNITS: US: 768, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 144 COST: $501.7K-$950.2K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Coffee Aroma Joe’s O Coffee,espresso, tea,energy drinks, baked goods BEGAN: 2000, FRANCHISING: 2013 UNITS: US: 103, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $500.6K-$959.3K, RTY: 8% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $350K net worth w/$260K liquid Beans & Brews Coffee, tea, specialty drinks, food BEGAN: 1993, FRANCHISING: 2004 UNITS: US: 45, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 25 COST: $400K-$647K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $600K-$1M net worth w/$150K liquid Biggby Coffee O Specialtycoffee, tea, smoothies, baked goods BEGAN: 1994, FRANCHISING: 1999 UNITS: US: 304, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $276K-$517.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes Cactus Coffee Shop Coffee, beverages, food BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $204.5K-$332K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $35K net worth w/$35K liquid Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken Biscuitsand chicken BEGAN: 2012, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 4 COST: $370.5K-$543.5K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $1M net worth w/$500K liquid Slim Chickens Chickentenders,chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, wraps BEGAN: 2003, FRANCHISING: 2011 UNITS: US: 126, CAN: 0, INTL: 26, CO: 10 COST: $1.3M-$4.1M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $3M-$12M net worth Starbird Crispychickentenders, salads, sandwiches, tacos, wings BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 10 COST: $1.1M-$1.6M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $3M net worth w/$1M liquid Tez Wingz Chicken wings, fries,catfish, shrimp BEGAN: 2016, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $153K-$231K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid VooDoo Wing Company Chicken wings, salads, sandwiches, sides, desserts BEGAN: 2014, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 5 COST: $205.5K-$471.95K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $250K net worth w/$100K liquid We Dat’s Cajun wings,catfish, fries BEGAN: 2013, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 9 COST: $181.2K-$282K, RTY: 5.5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $30K net worth w/$30K liquid Wing Ferno Chicken wings, salads, beer BEGAN: 2018, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $351.5K-$504.9K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid Wing It On! Chicken wings, sandwiches,and tenders BEGAN: 2011, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 13, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 1 COST: $210.5K-$440K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid The Coffee Peddlers OOO Mobilecoffee bikes/carts BEGAN: 2019, FRANCHISING: 2019 UNITS: US: 5, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $17.3K-$68.5K, RTY: 7%-6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $5K-$50K net worth w/$1K-$5K liquid Dunkin’ Coffee, doughnuts, baked goods BEGAN: 1950, FRANCHISING: 1955 UNITS: US: 9,244, CAN: 0, INTL: 3,713, CO: 0 COST: $437.5K-$1.8M, RTY: 5.9% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$250K liquid Ellianos Coffee Specialtycoffeeand smoothies BEGAN: 2002, FRANCHISING: 2003 UNITS: US: 26, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $397.5K-$690K, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$150K liquid Front Porch Cafe Coffee BEGAN: 1999, FRANCHISING: 2022 UNITS: US: 0, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 3 COST: $189.1K-$347.7K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $25K net worth w/$25K liquid The Human Bean Specialtycoffee BEGAN: 1998, FRANCHISING: 2002 UNITS: US: 135, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 13 COST: $386.4K-$937.97K, RTY: 0 FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K-$1M net worth w/$200K liquid Just Love Coffee Cafe O Coffeeand food BEGAN: 2009, FRANCHISING: 2014 UNITS: US: 25, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 0 COST: $333.5K-$565K, RTY: 6% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $400K net worth w/$100K liquid PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans O Coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches BEGAN: 1978, FRANCHISING: 1989 UNITS: US: 158, CAN: 0, INTL: 3, CO: 0 COST: $406K-$1.1M, RTY: 5% FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $500K net worth w/$150K liquid The Rush Coffee O Mobilecoffee, tea, smoothies, Italiansodas, baked goods BEGAN: 2017, FRANCHISING: 2021 UNITS: US: 3, CAN: 0, INTL: 0, CO: 2 COST: $47.1K-$202.3K, RTY: $500- $750+/mo. FINANCING: Yes QUALIF: $50K net worth w/$50K liquid LISTINGS O Home-based/mobile O Kiosk/express option O Franchise can be started for less than $50K KEY 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE