Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
10 of the Best Franchise Investments Under $1 Million
These brands offer a good bang for your buck.
Chances are you’ll never forget the purchase of your first car. The sense of freedom and exhilaration of ownership were probably enough to make your heart skip a beat. But, signing on the dotted line may also have induced a bit of heartburn. Big financial investments are supposed to do that.
And, buying a franchise is no exception.
We’re all looking for the best value that will also give us the biggest—and fastest—return on investment. But, with literally thousands of options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? The simple answer is: a little advice and a lot of research. Here are 10 exciting brands to start with that have investments between $500,000 and $1 million. Check them out before you drive off into the sunset:
Famous Toastery
Like breakfast food? So does the rest of the country. And no one’s doing it better than Famous Toastery. The brand has set itself apart in the “better breakfast” segment by combining new twists on culinary classics while using only the highest-quality ingredients. Famous Toastery is focused on rapid expansion across the East Coast in 2016, and franchisees are perfectly positioned for quick ROI thanks to the brand’s unique self-sustaining business model. Plus, it’s breakfast, so owners—and employees—can be home by 4 p.m. every day.
Checkers* & Rally’s
Over the last 30 years, Checkers & Rally’s has steadily grown to become one of the country’s most recognized brands. With a track record of success spanning three decades, it’s no wonder the brand’s fans are fanatic about the bold flavors offered across the menu—especially its world famous seared burgers and instantly recognizable seasoned fries. The strong flavors will drive even stronger growth in new cities for the brand in 2016, and expansion in existing markets as well. With an initial investment as low as $155,400, franchisees are well positioned for rapid ROI through a proven business model that’s been tried and tested in more than 800 markets nationwide.
Slim Chickens
In the South, great chicken is the key to a great meal. And, with roots planted firmly in the Delta, Slim Chickens is serving up the real deal. Based on the belief that traditional southern hospitality drives a great fast casual dining experience, Slim Chickens is serving up fresh, made from scratch food, from hand-breaded chicken tenders to fresh Buffalo wings and handmade dipping sauces. With an initial total investment as low as $400,450, franchisees can also serve up quick success.
Beef 'O’ Brady’s
For more than three decades, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has thrived under the motto: “Game Time Meets Family Time.” For its passionate fans, Beef’s is both a neighborhood based full service casual restaurant with a game room to keep the kids entertained, and a place to watch your favorite game in full HD, complete with a full bar. Franchisees work under an owner-operator model, and are expected to be partners in the communities they serve. Low initial franchise fees and strong corporate support also help make Beef’s a winning option.
Bojangles'
Under the motto “our food is famous, our customers love us,” Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits has built an empire of more than 250 company owned and operated restaurants, and more than 350 franchise locations. From mouth-watering flavors to exceptional training, the brand is focused on giving franchisees everything they need to keep building passionate fans, affectionately known as “Bo-natics.” Owners see strong earnings early in the day, with up to 40% of average sales coming during traditional breakfast periods. But, with dining opportunities available all the way through midnight, franchisees can also set themselves up for quick revenue growth.
The Brass Tap*
The Brass Tap is an upscale beer bar that offers up to 80 different craft beers on tap, more than 300 varieties of imports, local craft beers, and a large selection of premium wines and cigars. The brand has built its reputation on offering quality craft selections that are constantly rotating, so thirsty customers always have something new to try. Add in live musical entertainment and plenty of sports on TVs across the upscale space, and you’ve got a recipe for success. With a total estimated initial investment as low as $421,500, driven franchisees can quickly toast to their success.
Dairy Queen*
With more than 65 years of franchising experience, Dairy Queen boasts one of the strongest success records in the industry. When the American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) launched the DQ Grill & Chill concept in 2002, fans who already craved the cool treats the brand was founded on got a new option on the hot side of the grill too. With more than 1,000 DQ Grill & Chill locations now open, the brand is on the hunt for entrepreneurial minded partners, hungry for even more strong growth ahead.
Dunkin’ Donuts
When the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opened in 1955, one of the world’s most beloved comfort brands was born. Since then, Dunkin’ has captured the market lead in coffee sales, and now boasts more than 10,000 locations worldwide. With the addition of a second option to add the Baskin Robbins brand to a franchise location, Dunkin’ Brands offers strong value and a tried and tested corporate support model to franchisees, with no signs that the rapid pace of growth will slow anytime soon.
Papa Murphy’s
The world loves pizza. But, by the time it finally gets delivered, sometimes it’s not as fresh as you’d hoped for. That’s why Papa Murphy’s started what it calls the ‘take and bake revolution.’ Pizzas are made in store using fresh ingredients. Customers then bake the pies of their choosing in their own ovens at home—to rave reviews. Business is booming at the brand’s more than 1,500 stores. Franchisees are benefit from the brand’s simple, proven business model, which boasts an average unit volume of $608,715 per year, according to the latest earnings claim.
The Halal Guys
The third highest searched American eatery on Yelp last year, The Halal Guys have created an almost legendary following in their founding city of New York. Known best for their ‘never ending line since 1990,’ The Halal Guys made waves when they announced deals for 225 new units during their first year of franchising. The concept originated with a simple food cart in Manhattan and quickly grew into a leading tourist destination for mouth-watering American Halal fare, including chicken, gyro and falafel platters. The brand now has plans to go global, growing a fan base worldwide through the signature tastes it’s developed.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.
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