1851

Search engine optimization is often a top priority for companies, the franchising industry included, And if it&rsquo;s not, it certainly should be. 

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">1851 Franchise</a> spoke with digital marketing experts to garner their thoughts on best SEO practices for the franchising industry. 

&ldquo;It takes time, but it is the best long-term investment you can make in your marketing,&rdquo; <a href="https://www.outerboxdesign.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-tips-for-making-franchise-seo-work-better-2709123" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">OuterBox</a> founder and CEO Justin Smith said in an email. &ldquo;The amount of time to achieve results will vary depending on how old your domain is, how long you&#39;ve been around, brand recognition and much more. It will also depend on how technically sound your website is when you begin the process.&rdquo;

Here are 10 tips for making franchise SEO better. 

Make sure you have a quality website 

<a href="https://www.digitalmarketingagency.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-tips-for-making-franchise-seo-work-better-2709123" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">DMA | Digital Marketing Agency</a> CEO Solomon Thimothy noted in an email that SEO for franchises can be &ldquo;notoriously filled with issues.&rdquo; Franchise SEO, he said, begins with three main things: a good website, location pages and listings, and an online reputation. 

&ldquo;Just like any other business or industry, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-best-practices-for-launching-a-new-franchise-website-2708034" target="_blank">franchisors need to focus on having quality websites</a> that are mobile-friendly and deliver accurate, relevant and unique content about each franchise location,&rdquo; he said. 

Take a team-oriented approach

Franchise SEO is a team effort between corporate and the individual franchisees, said <a href="https://www.sharpnetsolutions.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-tips-for-making-franchise-seo-work-better-2709123" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">SharpNET Solutions</a> CEO and president Chris Sharp. The corporate team needs to stress awareness of SEO and the importance of SEO to its franchisees, he said. 

&ldquo;From a corporate perspective, I think awareness is very important so the franchisees are actually aware that it is important and [corporate team members] can provide some guidance and some tips so that they can do things that will help them,&rdquo; Sharp said. He added that franchisors can get franchisees to participate in SEO efforts and that &ldquo;these can be simple things, like getting their Google My Business system running and getting content involved and engaging in social media, which can also help with SEO.&rdquo;

Be specific

If a franchise provides services, for example, that brand would do well to make sure they specify those services, said <a href="https://www.vizioninteractive.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-tips-for-making-franchise-seo-work-better-2709123" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Vizion Interactive</a> founder, president and CEO Mark Jackson. 

&ldquo;A foundation for SEO is the curation of content that meets with searcher intent,&rdquo; Jackson said in an email. &ldquo;Do you provide services? If so, it would make a lot of sense that you have a unique page detailing specifics on each service, so that this aligns with a search being performed for that exact service. Too often, we see websites which list &lsquo;all&rsquo; services on one page. Searchers &ndash; and search engines &ndash; are looking for more detail/more specificity.&rdquo; 

Keep your website up-to-date and fresh

&ldquo;Websites must serve two masters,&rdquo; Sharp said, one being people and the other, search engines. &ldquo;Your website has to keep people happy, which means it needs to aesthetically look good, function well, have information that&rsquo;s easy to find and not be dated. A dated website is like walking into a dirty grocery store. You just don&rsquo;t want to shop. Your website is just as important as your storefront nowadays.&rdquo;

Sharp added that the website must also accommodate the search engines, have ample and descriptive content and load fast. 

Utilize a single domain

&ldquo;Our suggestion, if you were to build a new website now, would be to <a href="https://1851franchise.com/4-advantages-of-having-a-separate-url-for-franchise-development-websites-2708219" target="_blank">keep all of your content and location on one main domain</a>, meaning your location page URLs would look something like www.yourdomain.com/dallas-texas,&rdquo; Smith said in an email. &ldquo;This will then allow you to focus on optimizing one domain instead of potentially hundreds of domains (which becomes a huge pain and REALLY expensive!).&rdquo; 

Understand your customers 

Any business that is looking to improve its SEO needs to prioritize understanding its customers, Thimothy said. 

&ldquo;That means they&rsquo;ll give customers what they want, focus on the right experience, and take care of them,&rdquo; Thimothy said in an email. &ldquo;That can all be reflected in a website that delivers on customer needs and a focus on quality experiences that yield positive interactions with clients and reviews. From there, it&rsquo;s all about doing things right and consistently. Just like weight loss, there are no magic pills. It&rsquo;s consistent, quality work.&rdquo;

Avoid duplicate content 

Duplicate content in franchise businesses has always been an SEO concern, Jackson said in an email. He said his company often sees franchisees developing websites that use either the same or very similar content that has been provided to them from the corporation. 

&ldquo;Google wants to see unique content,&rdquo; Jackson said in an email. 

Sharp also warned against duplicate content. 

&ldquo;The biggest problem we see with franchises [is that] each franchise mini-website is just a copy-paste of another franchise mini-site and it&rsquo;s nothing but duplicate content,&rdquo; Sharp said. &ldquo;Google will ignore the duplicate content, which means each individual franchisee has very poor opportunity to gain SEO and so the franchises need to recognize that and give the ability for the franchisees to write their own content and have their own message out there so that they have equal opportunity to capture rankings and not just get ignored by Google.&rdquo; 

Follow the rule of three 

Individual franchise websites should have a minimum of three pages, Sharp said. 

&ldquo;A lot of franchises have just a one-page landing page, basically, that has almost no content and it&rsquo;s the same content as another one,&rdquo; Sharp said. &ldquo;They need to think of this as a mini-website, not a landing page, and so they have the ability to really bring in content and capture rankings for their location and three pages or more is important for that to happen.&rdquo;

Franchisors also need to give franchisees some content leeway. 

&ldquo;A lot of franchises definitely say &lsquo;This is our message and you can&rsquo;t deviate from it,&rsquo;&rdquo; Sharp said. &ldquo;That is just a showstopper for SEO. Each individual franchisee needs to have the ability to have that unique content and say things the way they want to say them. There could be guidelines, they can even be very strict&hellip; but in the end, as long as the message is right, they need to have content.&rdquo; 

Maintain a social media presence

Franchises need to maintain their social media presence, Sharp said. Brands should also not forget to include URLs. Sharp said that when brands publish things via social media they&rsquo;ll want to occasionally make sure they include URLs that go back to their website. This, he said, will help search engines actually see that there&rsquo;s some social media buzz about the brand&rsquo;s website. 

&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want your social profiles to be in a scenario where you haven&rsquo;t updated anything for six months,&rdquo; Sharp said. &ldquo;You want to look like you&rsquo;re in the game, that you&rsquo;re caring about your customers and prospects and your company, and you&rsquo;re doing some things on your part to market yourself and communicate with the public.&rdquo;

Hire the right people

The best teams usually consist of a great partnership between an SEO agency and a few internal staff members, Smith said. 

&ldquo;Internally, it is important to have people who can help answer questions about the brand and can help to develop, or at least guide, content,&rdquo; Smith said in an email. &ldquo;While SEO companies provide content creation, it&#39;s still important to have someone within your company to review the content and make sure the brand voice is coming across. Once you&#39;re comfortable with the agency, this may not be needed forever, but it is very important at the beginning of a relationship.&rdquo;

Depending on just one person to oversee all digital efforts can be tough, especially in the case of smaller franchises, Thimothy said. 

&ldquo;Although it may sound simple, there are many aspects of SEO that franchises need to focus on,&rdquo; Thimothy said in an email. &ldquo;Generally, this requires a well-rounded person with the ability to develop fresh and engaging content, engage with customers on social channels, manage business listings, and monitor an online reputation &mdash; all on top of knowing best SEO practices from keyword research to on-page formatting and optimized content writing. This can often be a tall order for smaller franchises where every employee plays a key role in daily operations. Many franchises choose to work with agencies to ensure their online presence is taken care of.&rdquo;

Sharp stated that brands will want to hire someone who is familiar with digital marketing, as &ldquo;the traditional marketing mindset doesn&rsquo;t translate very well to digital marketing, in particular, search marketing&rdquo; and that &ldquo;search is definitely its own thing,&rdquo; so brands will want to hire someone who knows how things work in that space or hire a separate company. He noted that being good at social media is &ldquo;not going to translate into search, so someone that is specifically trained or experienced as a search marketing or SEO professional is what they would want to pursue.&rdquo;

Search engine optimization, improve franchise SEO, franchise SEO tips, SEO improvement

10 Tips for Making Franchise SEO Work Better

1851 Franchise

Avoiding duplicate content and maintaining a steady social media presence are two ways to improve franchise SEO, experts say. 

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The Melt

How The Melt Found the Magic that Keeps Guests Coming Back

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The Melt Is Building a High-Volume Burger Brand in Company Stores and Getting Ready to Franchise the Right Way

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Jollibee

How Jollibee Blends Beloved Heritage With Modern Innovation to Power U.S. Growth

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Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

Former Google Marketing Leader Launches Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions Franchise in Northeast L.A.

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Newk’s Eatery

image of Newk's Eatery Franchise fast casual food

Newk’s Eatery Offers Gold Standard for Value and Community, Winning Over Food Lovers in the Booming Casual Dining Market

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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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Buddy's Home Furnishings Acquisition - Skyline Investors - 1851 Franchise

Buddy’s Home Furnishings Deal Signals More Private Equity Interest in Franchise Retail

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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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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

callaway-sells-majority-stake-in-topgolf-to-private-equity-for-770-million

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://www.drivenbrands.com/">Driven Brands Holdings Inc.</a> has sold its international carwash business,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imocarwash.com/">IMO</a>, to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fep-us.com/">Franchise Equity Partners</a>, clearing the deck to put more attention and investment behind its franchise portfolio.The transaction,&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.drivenbrands.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2026/Driven-Brands-Announces-Closing-of-Sale-of-International-Car-Wash-Business/default.aspx">announced in a recent press release</a>, reflects Driven Brands’ broader effort to streamline its portfolio, reduce debt and concentrate resources on its core franchise systems — particularly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.take5.com/">Take 5 Oil Change</a>.“The completion of this transaction is a strategic milestone for Driven Brands, sharpening our focus on what we do best — scaling our industry-leading Take 5 business and driving consistent cash generation from our franchise brands,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannyrrivera/">Danny Rivera</a>, president and CEO. “I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work in closing the transaction. This divestiture simplifies our portfolio, strengthens our balance sheet and further positions Driven Brands to generate value for shareholders.”Under the terms of the agreement, Franchise Equity Partners paid approximately 411 million euros in total consideration. Driven Brands said most of the cash proceeds will be used to pay down debt, improving financial flexibility and reinforcing its ability to invest in franchise development, technology and operational support.For franchisees, the deal reads as a reset: fewer moving parts, clearer priorities and a leadership team signaling where it plans to spend its time and money. With IMO off the books, Driven Brands is concentrating on the brands it believes can grow predictably and profitably through franchising, with Take 5 at the top of the list. That typically means tighter attention on development, operations and marketing where it can move the needle systemwide.The company said it will report results for the Car Wash segment as discontinued operations beginning in the fourth quarter of 2025. It also plans to start reporting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autoglassnow.com/">Auto Glass Now</a> as its own stand-alone segment in the fourth quarter of 2025, a change intended to better reflect the business's organizational structure after the sale.Driven Brands said it expects to furnish a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission in mid-February. The company said the filing will include unaudited, recast quarterly operating results for the first three quarters of fiscal 2025 that reflect the new segment reporting structure.The sale also underscores where Driven Brands is placing its bets. After shedding IMO, the company is positioning itself to devote more attention and resources to Take 5 and its remaining franchise brands, with less capital tied up in businesses outside that core focus.Read the original press release&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.drivenbrands.com/news-and-events/news/news-details/2026/Driven-Brands-Announces-Closing-of-Sale-of-International-Car-Wash-Business/default.aspx">here</a>.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.

<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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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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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.”

Why Two Sisters Chose Now to Build a Purpose-Driven Home Care Business With Griswold

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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

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