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Aspiring franchisees who are in the process of determining which brand to become a part of often limit their searches to established brands that they&rsquo;ve heard of in the past. And while there are many advantages that come with joining an established brand, from heightened awareness among consumers to proven business practices, there&rsquo;s another option our there for prospective candidates: emerging franchises.

Signing on to become a franchisee for an emerging brand gives entrepreneurs a variety of unique opportunities that can&rsquo;t be found with established brands. 1851 Franchise spoke to the leaders behind three emerging brands to determine the top 10 advantages.

1. Open to Change

Because emerging brands are smaller and are working with a smaller number of franchisees and units, it&rsquo;s easier for them to implement changes across the board. That means that initiatives designed to improve operations and promote success are more likely to take shape in a timely manner.

&ldquo;As an emerging brand, we&rsquo;re incredibly flexible to change. We&rsquo;re willing to make improvements to our system, services and products as needed&mdash;our number one priority is making our system the absolute best that it can be,&rdquo; said Mo Pandoria, founder and CEO of <a href="http://www.beautybyidolize.com/franchise-opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-advantages-of-buying-an-emerging-franchise-2704345" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Idolize Brows &amp; Beauty</a>. &ldquo;And then, when we make those changes, it doesn&rsquo;t take us long to execute or implement them. That&rsquo;s one of the biggest benefits of working with an emerging brand&mdash;the chance of positive change is always high.&rdquo; &nbsp;

2.&nbsp; Closer Relationship Between Franchisee and Franchisor

Another benefit that comes with partnering with an emerging franchise brand is the direct access that local owners gain to founders and their leadership teams. Not only are emerging franchisors more reliant on their first franchisees to perfect their systems&mdash;they&rsquo;re also fully invested in each individual franchisee&rsquo;s success on a personal level.

&ldquo;I think the relationship between franchisor and franchisee is a lot better when you&rsquo;re working with an emerging brand. On a communication level, you&rsquo;re easily able to share thoughts and ideas, which then leads to collaboration,&rdquo; said Pandoria. &ldquo;We want to work with people who have an entrepreneurial spirit&mdash;this isn&rsquo;t a one-sided business ownership opportunity. As an emerging brand, we&rsquo;re listening to those valuable opinions and ideas.&rdquo;

3. Flexibility to Negotiate

There are parts of the franchise business model that will never be up for negotiation, from operating costs to systems that need to be practiced. However, that doesn&rsquo;t mean that there isn&rsquo;t a little wiggle room available for franchisees of emerging brands to explore.

&ldquo;Emerging franchisors are more open to negotiations. Of course, that doesn&rsquo;t mean that we&rsquo;re going to negotiate the terms of our franchise agreement or the core of what our concept is. But it we&rsquo;re willing to have conversations that will lead to system-wide improvements down the line,&rdquo; said Erika Lupo, president and CEO of <a href="http://www.aapfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-advantages-of-buying-an-emerging-franchise-2704345" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Acting-A-Part</a>. &ldquo;If a franchisee has an idea that they can work into our model that&rsquo;s going to bring about a positive change, that&rsquo;s a conversation that I want to have.&rdquo;

4. Having the Franchisor&rsquo;s Ear

By having more open conversations between franchisees and franchisors, local owners are able to ensure that their voice is being heard. And because there are fewer franchisees in emerging brands&rsquo; systems, their voice has the potential to be more powerful.

&ldquo;As the founder behind an emerging franchise concept, we&rsquo;re listening to our franchisees in the same way that we&rsquo;re listening to what goes on in the corporate office. The first franchisees to come on board are going to have a stronger voice because we&rsquo;re looking for that extra input and support,&rdquo; Pandoria said.

5. No Middle Men

Franchising isn&rsquo;t an individual activity&mdash;it takes a lot of people to make a system successful. However, emerging brands are able to get rid of some of the middle men when it comes to operations, which can be beneficial for local owners.

&ldquo;As someone who worked as a franchisee for a bigger brand before starting my own franchise, I can say from first-hand experience that there are a lot of middle men and pockets to fill in a large system. That part of the equation is eliminated by joining an emerging franchise brand,&rdquo; said Pandoria. &ldquo;Not only does that give our franchisees more direct access to the leadership team of a brand, but it also has the potential to cut back on costs.&rdquo;

6. Getting in on the Ground Level

In addition to having open lines of communication between franchisees and franchisors, local owners of emerging brands are able to get in on the ground level of their new concept. And that competitive advantage can lead to major opportunities.

&ldquo;By joining an emerging franchise system, you have the opportunity to be a part of a brand that&rsquo;s solidifying its place in the industry. That means you can be a part of something that&rsquo;s completely new, unique and never been done before, which is an opportunity that doesn&rsquo;t pop up a lot in business,&rdquo; said Lupo. &ldquo;Emerging franchises are more open to change, and are more likely to be on the cutting edge. It&rsquo;s a lot easier to make changes with a handful of units than it is with hundreds.&rdquo;

7. Being a Part of a New, Fresh System

Because franchisees break in on the ground level of up and coming concepts when they sign on to develop and own a location for an emerging brand, the system that they&rsquo;re walking into is newer and fresher than other alternatives. From cutting edge technology to an up to date view on consumer behavior, emerging brands tap into the latest and greatest that the franchising industry has to offer.

&ldquo;Everything is fresh when you come into an emerging franchise brand. Founders like myself have already taken the time to get rid of the kinks, and are looking for franchisees who can take their new and improved model to a new market,&rdquo; said Amelia Courtney, co-founder of <a href="http://pipfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-advantages-of-buying-an-emerging-franchise-2704345" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pretty in Paint Parties</a>. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a huge benefit, especially for today&rsquo;s generation that&rsquo;s made up of millennials who prefer everything to be updated and top of the line. It&rsquo;s up to us as brands to stay ahead of those trends, rather than having to catch up with the times.&rdquo;

8. One-on-One Attention

Another benefit that comes with being a part of a smaller system is gaining access to one-on-one attention and guidance. Local owners who join emerging brands are never going to be overlooked in a crowd&mdash;in fact, their opinions and experiences have the potential to determine a brand&rsquo;s future best practices.

&ldquo;When new franchisees join emerging brands, it&rsquo;s likely that the leadership team&mdash;including the founder&mdash;will be making trips out to the new locations to ensure that things are running smoothly. That type of one-on-one attention isn&rsquo;t found at larger, more established brands,&rdquo; said Lupo.

9. Get Ahead of the Competition

While franchisees are never competing against one another, the franchising industry itself is incredibly competitive. But entrepreneurs who join emerging brands have the opportunity to find a unique segment or niche that has been previously underserved.

&ldquo;Because emerging franchises are often tapping into new segments of the franchising industry or creating their own unique spin on a segment that&rsquo;s already experiencing success, their franchisees are able to capitalize on that point of differentiation before anyone else. Having that leg up on the competition shouldn&rsquo;t be overlooked,&rdquo; said Courtney.

10. Opportunities for Growth &amp; Leadership

One of the biggest advantages that comes with joining an emerging franchise system is the opportunities that it creates for growth down the line. As brands expand and break into new markets, the franchisees who were there from the beginning become experts across the entire system.

Lupo said, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s pretty cool for the franchisees who are among the first to join an emerging brand. They get to be a part of the brand&rsquo;s overall growth from day one, and have a front row seat to the concept&rsquo;s evolution. And because they get to see that growth over time, those franchisees are then the ones who go on to be guides for other local owners down the line. That opens up the door to a ton of leadership opportunities down the line.&rdquo;

10 advantages of buying an emerging franchise

10 Advantages of Buying an Emerging Franchise

1851 Franchise

From joining a system that’s flexible to change to creating unique opportunities for personal and professional growth down the line, 1851 Franchise spoke with emerging franchisors to determine the top benefits that come with becoming a franchisee for a newer concept. 

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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Right at Home

Right at Home Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for 2026 

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Pet Wants

Pet Wants Closes Out 2025 With 60+ Retail Stores Open and Double-Digit Growth

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KidStrong Franchising, LLC

KidStrong Franchise - Recurring Revenue Model - 1851 Franchise

Why KidStrong’s Recurring Revenue Model Gives Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge in the Youth Fitness Market

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KidStrong Franchise - Southern California Target Market - 1851 Franchise

Inside KidStrong’s SoCal Expansion Strategy: A Market Built for Youth Fitness

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SweatHouz

Photo of SweatHouz interim CEO Nico Varano

From First Franchisee to Interim CEO: Nico Varano Takes the Helm at SweatHouz

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IFA Releases 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook Report, Predicting Over 12,000 New Franchised Businesses This Year

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Restaurants Eye $1.55 Trillion in 2026 Sales as Value and Cost Pressures Define the Year

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Kevin Hart Is the Latest Celebrity to Enter the Franchising Game

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Driven Brands IMO Sale - Franchise Equity Partners - 1851 Franchise Agg

Driven Brands Sells IMO, Doubles Down on Take 5 and Franchise Portfolio

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Authority Brands Closes Out 2025 With Strong Franchise Growth

Authority Brands Closes Out 2025 With Strong Franchise Growth, Building on a Three-Year Acceleration in New Franchise Owners and Territories  

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Callaway has agreed to sell a 60% stake in its Topgolf and Toptracer divisions to private equity firm Leonard Green &amp; Partners (LGP)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">in a deal that values the Topgolf business at roughly $1.1 billion</a>. The transaction will bring in about $770 million in net proceeds for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/">Topgolf Callaway Brands</a>, according to regulatory filings. The move is part of a broader restructuring plan the company had been pursuing since same-venue sales softened and former Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs stepped down in August.Callaway and Topgolf originally merged in 2021 to accelerate the growth of the eatertainment brand, but separating the businesses is now seen as a way to sharpen strategic focus, streamline operations and better allocate capital. While the company initially explored selling as much as 80% of Topgolf, it ultimately selected LGP as a buyer because of the firm’s strong track record with high-growth consumer brands. The private equity group has backed chains such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise">Zaxby’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.velvettaco.com/international-partner/">Velvet Taco</a> and previously&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shake-shacks-unusual-international-business-strategy-2710292">Shake Shack</a>.Despite earlier declines, Topgolf’s performance has begun to rebound. The company posted slightly positive same-venue sales in the third quarter of 2025, driven primarily by its core guest segment — players who use one or two hitting bays — which accounts for 80% of annual revenue. Traffic in that category returned to strong double-digit growth, aided by value promotions like Sunday Funday and weekday discounts. Operational upgrades, including improvements to the digital channel and the rollout of Toast’s point-of-sale system, have also increased efficiency and boosted spending per visit.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. After the transaction, Topgolf Callaway Brands will rebrand as Callaway Golf Company and continue operating its core portfolio, which includes Callaway, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio, while LGP guides Topgolf into its next phase of expansion.Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">here</a>.&nbsp;

Callaway Sells Majority Stake in Topgolf to Private Equity for $770 Million

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LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareradianceholdings.com/">Radiance Holdings</a>, the parent company of both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a>, the 750-unit salon suites franchise, and&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the over-90-unit luxury day spa franchise, has appointed franchise veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-sizemore-85992074/">Keith Sizemore</a> as its new chief development officer. With extensive experience in the franchise industry, Sizemore will support Radiance Holdings in its next phase of strategic expansion.In his new role, Sizemore will oversee the franchise development strategy for both brands, focusing on filling in key markets for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> and accelerating growth for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> as it approaches the 100-unit milestone. With consistent momentum in the beauty and wellness sectors and both brands seeing steady growth over recent years, Sizemore joins the brand at a pivotal time for growth.“I’m excited to join Radiance Holdings at such a momentous time in the company’s journey,” Sizemore said. “Sola Salons has built an incredible foundation with 750 locations, and now, we have the opportunity to identify key markets where we can continue strategic growth. At the same time, Woodhouse is perfectly positioned to expand and bring its one-of-a-kind model to new territories nationwide.”Prior to joining Radiance Holdings, Sizemore held leadership roles at Marco’s Pizza and Shipley Do-Nuts, where he identified high-potential markets and supported franchisee growth and success from day one.&nbsp;“Keith’s career trajectory has been impressive, and his expertise in franchise development will be invaluable as we enter this next stage of growth,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonessola/">Ben Jones</a>, CEO of Radiance Holdings. “His ability to identify the right markets, attract quality franchisees and drive sustainable growth will be instrumental in achieving our goals.”As Sizemore steps into his new role, the team is focused on key markets for both brands. Sola Salons is targeting expansion in high-potential markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, while Woodhouse is prioritizing development in major metropolitan areas like Seattle, New York City, Phoenix and Boston. Within these key markets, Radiance is looking to partner with driven, passionate franchisees who are committed to providing an exceptional experience to beauty professionals and guests in their markets and building thriving businesses in the beauty and wellness sectors.ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with 750 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 22,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/.">https://www.woodhousespas.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

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As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/gym-fitness-franchises/5599/">over $7 billion</a> in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown&nbsp;<a href="https://athletechnews.com/fitness-franchising-by-the-numbers-10-key-stats/">membership growth</a>, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Big Box Gyms</h3>When it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand.&nbsp;Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness Concepts</h3>On the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.<h3>Finding The Right Fit</h3>As potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial.&nbsp;Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment.&nbsp;When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-franchises-2025-trends-opportunities-2729600">The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to Expect</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-health-and-wellness-franchises-2729821">Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-wellness-franchise-guide-2729443">How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You</a></li></ul>

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

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<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-wellbiz-brands-inc-created-some-of-the-most-well-positioned-brands-in-the-biz-2717970">WellBiz Brands</a>, the multi-brand beauty and wellness franchising platform, has been acquired by&nbsp;<a href="https://transomcap.com/">Transom Capital Group</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxwoodpartners.com/press-releases/boxwood-partners-advises-wellbiz-brands-on-its-acquisition-by-transom-capital-group-gcnzr">according to a recent press release</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxwoodpartners.com/">Boxwood Partners</a> advised on the transaction. WellBiz was previously backed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslcapital.com/">KSL Capital Partners</a>. The deal positions WellBiz to continue scaling its portfolio of category-leading brands while strengthening infrastructure and franchisee support.<a href="https://www.wellbizbrands.com/">WellBiz</a> operates a diversified collection of nationally recognized beauty and wellness concepts, including&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-drybar-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722321">Drybar</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/elements-massage-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730049">Elements Massage</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-amazing-lash-studio-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722527">Amazing Lash Studio</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://fitnesstogether.com/">Fitness Together</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-radiant-waxing-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724336">Radiant Waxing</a>. The platform has demonstrated consistent growth through unit expansion and operational excellence across multiple wellness verticals, making it an attractive investment for an operationally focused private equity partner.“Partnering with Transom represents an exciting new chapter for WellBiz Brands,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-clark-05098a4">Amanda Clark</a>, CEO of WellBiz Brands. “Their operational focus and experience scaling consumer and franchise platforms align well with our long-term vision. This transaction positions our brands and franchise partners to benefit from continued investment while maintaining the culture and performance standards that have driven our success.”The WellBiz–Transom deal is another clear signal that&nbsp;<a href="https://stachecow.com/ready-to-exit-guide-to-setting-up-your-franchise-for-sale-why-private-equity-understanding-the-appeal-for-franchisors-709">private equity’s appetite for franchising remains strong and highly strategic</a>. Deals like this underscore a broader trend: private equity isn’t just buying growth in franchising — it’s betting on the model’s long-term resilience, provided firms respect the franchisee relationship and invest with alignment.Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boxwoodpartners.com/press-releases/boxwood-partners-advises-wellbiz-brands-on-its-acquisition-by-transom-capital-group-gcnzr">here</a>.&nbsp; Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

WellBiz Brands Acquired by Transom Capital, Backing the Platform’s Next Stage of Expansion

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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<a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise">Chick-fil-A</a> is one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant industry. With its signature chicken sandwiches, customer-first culture and impressive per-unit sales, the brand is often at the top of the list for entrepreneurs researching restaurant franchises. But if you’re wondering how to buy a franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483#stories">Chick-fil-A</a>, you’ll quickly realize that this opportunity comes with a unique set of requirements — and not everyone qualifies.<h2>Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements</h2>Chick-fil-A is different from most restaurant franchises because it doesn’t take a large amount of money to get started.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278#stories">The franchise fee is $10,000</a>, and applicants don’t need to show a specific net worth or liquid assets. The lower cost, however, comes with a trade-off. The company has one of the toughest application processes in franchising and places strict rules on how the business must be run.To be considered for a Chick-fil-A franchise, applicants need to show that they can legally run a business in the United States and have a solid professional background. The brand generally looks for people with at least five years of work experience and some history of leading teams. A clean financial record is important, too, since anyone with a bankruptcy on file won’t move forward in the process. The $10,000 franchise fee has to come directly from the candidate’s own funds rather than loans or gifts. On top of that, operators are expected to commit to the restaurant full time, which means stepping away from other active business ventures and putting all of their focus into building and leading their Chick-fil-A location.Candidates also need to be fluent in written and spoken English and commit to full-time, hands-on involvement in the restaurant. In fact, Chick-fil-A expects its franchisees to divest from any other active business ventures so that they can focus entirely on operating their location.Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Chick-fil-A receives tens of thousands of applications each year but approves only about one percent, making the opportunity one of the most competitive in franchising.<h2>A Hands-On, Operational Model</h2>One thing that makes Chick-fil-A stand out is how it expects its restaurants to be run. Owners can’t just hire managers and step back like in many other franchises. Instead, operators are expected to be hands-on with the daily business.Chick-fil-A also keeps more control over key parts of the operation than most franchisors. The company chooses the location, builds the restaurant and provides the equipment. The operator’s main role is to deliver excellent service and lead a team that meets the brand’s standards.This is not a passive investment or a multi-unit opportunity. Chick-fil-A intentionally limits each franchisee to a single location, ensuring that operators are deeply engaged in leading their restaurant and contributing to the surrounding community. For many, this model is appealing because it emphasizes leadership and culture-building rather than simply financial investment.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>For people thinking about franchising, Chick-fil-A’s requirements show why the brand is both appealing and difficult to get into. The low cost to start, the strong name recognition and the sales numbers make it one of the most appealing restaurant franchises out there, but the rules and competitive selection process make it a tough opportunity to land.On the other hand, the strict operational structure, high profit-sharing arrangement and extremely competitive application process can make it a tough fit for entrepreneurs who want more flexibility or who prefer to run multiple concepts at once.If you are considering how to buy a franchise with Chick-fil-A, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether you align with the brand’s expectations. The operators who tend to do well are the ones who like being in the restaurant every day, working with their team and serving customers. For people who want to be closely involved in one business, the Chick-fil-A model can be both profitable and satisfying.For more info on Chick-fil-A, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-takes-the-crown-as-the-nations-premier-chicken-chain-2727486#stories">Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown as the Nation’s Premier Chicken Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069#stories">The Pros and Cons of Owning a Chick-fil-A Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-emerges-as-the-leader-in-the-us-chicken-chain-industry-2727457#stories">Chick-fil-A Emerges as the Leader in the U.S. Chicken Chain Industry</a></li></ul>

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

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COLUMBUS, Miss. —&nbsp;<a href="https://newks.com/franchise/">Newk’s Eatery</a>,&nbsp;the 100+ unit fast-casual brand known for craveable, made-from-scratch food and category-defining menu innovation, has announced a new franchise signing for Columbus, MS, led by experienced multi-unit operators Vikas and Jaimin Patel. The restaurant is slated to open Fall 2026 at 2400 Highway 45 N., Suite 2, a high-visibility trade area where the Patels already operate&nbsp;<a href="https://beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a>, part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fscfranchiseco.com/">FSC Franchise Co.</a> system, leveraging existing real estate and market familiarity to accelerate development.Before joining the FSC Franchise Co. system, the Patels spent years building a strong foundation in the food service and hospitality sector. Their early experience managing operations at Dairy Queen sparked a desire to bring something new to their community – a concept that blended great food, family-friendly comfort and a gathering place for sports fans.&nbsp;That vision led them to open the first Beef ’O’ Brady’s locations in Mississippi, where they quickly became known for creating welcoming spaces designed for families, kids and game-day regulars alike. With deep knowledge of local community preferences, a passion for hospitality and a proven track record of operating successful restaurants, the Patels see Newk’s as a natural next step in expanding their footprint and continuing to meet the needs of guests in markets they know and love.“Columbus is home for us,” Jaimin said. “We found a great spot that already fits what we need, so we can move quickly and keep things simple. Newk’s feels like the kind of place our family would eat every week – fresh food, made right and a comfortable vibe.”The restaurant will include a drive-thru, an optional addition that Jaimin says Newk’s is introducing at select new locations to enhance guest convenience.The Patels’ decision underscores the advantages of FSC Franchise Co.’s multi-brand platform, which includes Newk’s Eatery and Beef ‘O’ Brady’s. By adding Newk’s to their portfolio, the group expects to streamline development, supply and support while broadening day-part coverage across lunch, dinner, catering and off-premise occasions. The Patels are also slated to open a new Beef ’O’ Brady’s in Flowood, MS in December 2025, further expanding their presence within the FSC Franchise Co. family of brands.“Welcoming the Patels to the Newk’s system in Columbus is an exciting milestone for our brand and for FSC,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-paci-8b1a56a/">Frank Paci</a>, CEO of Newk’s Eatery. “They are disciplined operators with deep ties to the market and a track record of running great restaurants. Their ability to activate an existing site, paired with FSC’s shared resources, makes this a strong win for guests and for our growth in Mississippi.”The Columbus project will emphasize Newk’s signature operational model and digital convenience, including off-premise channels and loyalty, aligned with the brand’s systemwide focus on technology, training and operational excellence.About Newk’s EateryFounded in 2004 and headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Newk’s Eatery is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature hospitality and scratch-made meals. With nearly 100 locations across 12 states, Newk’s offers a diverse menu of hand-crafted salads, sandwiches, soups, and pizzas — all made in-house with fresh, premium ingredients and without the use of fryers or microwaves. Guests can also enjoy convenient grab-and-go options and mobile ordering through the Newk’s app, available on Google Play and the App Store, for curbside, in-store pickup, or delivery.Newk’s has earned national recognition from Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Business, and Entrepreneur, and continues to be celebrated for food quality and guest loyalty. To learn more, visit Newks.com, join the Newk’s Rewards program, or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. For franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.newks.com">franchise.newks.com</a>.

Newk's Eatery Franchise - Columbus, Mississippi Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Newk’s Eatery Taps Seasoned Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Multi-Unit Operators for New Columbus, Mississippi Expansion

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Family has always been at the heart of everything for sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor-2730454">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor,</a> so when they began looking for a new business venture, it only made sense that they’d do it together. Today, the pair are proud&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> franchisees, combining their complementary skills and shared compassion to make a difference in the lives of seniors and&nbsp; families in their community. For Zirn-Kashoor and Landis, the decision to go into business together was as natural as their lifelong connection.“The short answer,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “is that it’s always the right time as a family to be together. We were both in the right place to start that one.”Though life had taken them in different directions — with families, careers and homes of their own — the sisters never lost touch. “We were always in contact,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Almost every year we saw each other. So when the idea of the business came, it was only natural that we were both ready for it and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”That shared readiness made the decision simple: it was time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-home-care-provided-a-more-meaningful-career-for-these-franchisees-amid-the-pandemic-2715838">build something meaningful together</a>.<h2>From Sisters to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from family members to business partners came smoothly for the pair. “Because we know each other quite well, it came very naturally,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We recognized my strength, her strength, where we can complement each other — and it’s working so far.”The two sisters developed a natural division of responsibilities, allowing each to focus on what she does best. That balance has only strengthened their bond. “It brought us even closer to each other,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Usually, when you have family, each one goes to their business or work and then maybe you meet at dinner or on weekends. Now we are combining all this — we see each other even more now. It added positively to the dynamic.”<h2>Why Griswold?</h2>When it came time to choose a brand, Landis led the research — and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> quickly stood out. “She asked around, looked into different franchises, and it was the reputation of Griswold,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “From the first moment we spoke with them, it felt like we were joining a family.”That sense of belonging only deepened as they met other franchisees. “They are very professional, but there is also a warm environment,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “When we met other franchisees at a couple of events, it felt like family. It just enhanced our feeling that this is the right company we want to join.”<h2>A Family-Owned Business With a Human Mission</h2>As sisters and co-owners, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis believe their family connection adds real value to how they lead their business and care for their clients. “It’s an added value to be family working together,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We know how to divide the work, who’s responsible for what, and sometimes we combine our efforts on certain areas where we can bring an even better outcome.”That collaboration is rooted in shared purpose. For the sisters, Griswold’s mission resonated deeply. “The story of Jean Griswold is very touching and impressive,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “It’s not money-oriented — it’s very human and people-oriented. That’s what really drove us. Otherwise, any business you can start somewhere and think about profit. This is not the easiest one, but we chose it on purpose because we can relate to it … When you think about it, we are helping vulnerable people — people in need — and that’s something we are already proud of.”<h2>Building a Legacy of Care and Connection</h2>More than just a business, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis see their Griswold franchise as a legacy — one rooted in compassion and community. “We are certain that our hard work will bring very fruitful income,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “and we hope that this is the legacy we can keep as a name for us, for our children and for our family later on. There cannot be a better legacy than helping people in need and caring for the community.”Even amid the challenges of launching a business, the sisters have found unexpected joy in the journey. “The most surprising part is how much fun we are having,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We knew we would enjoy it, but we didn’t know it would start from day one. We keep reminding each other not to forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.”

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