1851

Brand:&nbsp;<a href="https://justpoke.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-just-poke-2731486" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Just Poké</a> Number of Units: 32 Initial Investment Range: $250,000 - $500,000 ROI Potential: Not publicly available Units Sold Last Year: 8+ new units awardedJust Poké has earned a place on 1851 Franchise’s 2026 Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises list, a recognition honoring brands that are accelerating rapidly into their next era of expansion.&nbsp;<h2>History and Origin Story</h2>Back in 2016, a couple of Seattle locals took a trip to Hawaii and absolutely fell in love with the simple, fresh perfection of poké. They came home and created Just Poké, aiming to bring that same authentic quality and flavor back with them, but served up in a fast-casual spot designed for today's busy, modern crowd.Right from the start, Just Poké was a blend of real culinary care and a commitment to the community. They promised to use only sustainably sourced, sushi-grade fish, try to buy from local suppliers whenever they could, and run the whole business with an eye toward good environmental practices.The result was a model that resonated quickly — Just Poké expanded to 11 stores within its first five years.<h2>Why the Franchise Stands Out</h2>The Just Poké franchise is designed for simplicity, both in how it operates and in the modern experience it offers customers. Because its quick-service model doesn't need as much costly kitchen infrastructure as traditional restaurants, franchisees can spend more on getting top-notch ingredients and delivering great service.The brand has built a loyal following by committing to sustainability, from the way it sources its fish to the materials used in building its stores. Plus, the menu is focused, offering easy-to-customize bowls, chef-designed options, and rotating seasonal items.Just Poké’s expansion into nontraditional and high-traffic locations has also helped broaden its reach. As part of its growing portfolio, the company recently introduced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.catchbyjustpoke.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-just-poke-2731486" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Catch by Just Poké</a>, a flexible-format concept designed for strategic environments like retail partners and smaller footprints.“We’re thrilled to grow our fanbase through this strategic partnership with Walmart. It enables us to meet the growing demand for our offerings while introducing poké and Hawaiian-inspired food to a wider audience, including those trying it for the first time,” said Norman Wu, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.conscioushospitalitygroup.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-just-poke-2731486" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Conscious Hospitality Group</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prweb.com/releases/pacific-northwest-favorite-just-poke-opens-catch-in-two-eastern-washington-walmart-stores-302475851.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-just-poke-2731486" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">in a press release</a>. “We chose to make these locations Catch by Just Poké to differentiate with a smaller menu that can be customized to the specific location and customer demographic.”<h2>System Growth and 2026 Momentum</h2>Since launching its first store in 2016, Just Poké has expanded to 32 locations, including entry into British Columbia and new retail partnerships. The brand is on track to surpass 40 restaurants by 2026, driven by demand for healthier fast-casual options and its strong regional identity in the Pacific Northwest.Just Poké is growing fast by mixing things up. By using smaller, "micro-format" stores and setting up shop in nontraditional spots, the brand is reaching all sorts of different customers and making sure more people know who they are in a bunch of markets.<h2>Why Now Is the Moment for New Franchisees</h2>People are really looking for healthier meal options these days, and the poké trend is absolutely booming in the fast-casual restaurant scene. Just Poké is hitting the sweet spot by aligning with several major consumer priorities: being good for the planet, offering super-fast service, looking great on social media, and providing seriously high-quality nutrition.The brand uses a business model that's simple and efficient, all while being driven by a clear mission. This framework lets new franchise owners quickly establish themselves and really grow within their communities. With expansion territories now opening up beyond its original locations in Washington and British Columbia, those who jump in early have a huge advantage in snagging the best spots before everyone else catches on.<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>With projections to exceed 40 restaurants by 2026, Just Poké is preparing for multi-region growth. The company plans to continue evolving its store formats, menu innovations, and sustainable practices, all while preserving its Pacific Northwest roots.As the brand enters its next chapter, Just Poké remains focused on responsible scaling that ensures every new location delivers the same experience that made the brand a regional favorite.Stay tuned throughout the rest of the month for 1851 Franchise’s full Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises series to explore the other innovative brands making waves across the franchising industry.

Just Poké Franchise Opportunity: Fastest Growing Emerging Brand

1851 Franchise

How Just Poké is redefining the healthy fast-casual dining space through sustainability, streamlined operations and flexible formats as it expands beyond the Pacific Northwest.

1851 Franchise’s Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises of 2026: Just Poké

1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-just-poke

Pool Scouts

Pool Scouts Appoints Mike Hysick as Director of Operations to Deepen Franchisee Support

pool-scouts-names-mike-hysick-director-operations

Express Employment Professionals

How This Franchisee Earned Back His Full Franchise Fee With Express Employment Professionals

express-franchisee-earns-back-franchise-fee-union-nj

DRYmedic Restoration

Photo of DRYmedic franchisees Keith and Jessica Carlson

A Family-First Approach to Franchising Sparks a New DRYmedic Restoration Venture

family-first-drymedic-restoration-franchise-the-carlsons-colorado

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of trays of Layne's fries, chicken fingers, wrap and toast on a table

Who Is the Ideal Layne’s Chicken Fingers Franchisee?

franchisee-traits-requirements

Strategic Franchising

The Rise of Service-Based Franchises: Why They’re Booming

the-rise-of-service-based-franchises-why-theyre-booming

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Photo of SONIC franchise logo against blue sky backdrop

KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

kbp-brands-sonic-acquisition

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

2026-franchising-economic-outlook-report

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

restaurants-eye-155-trillion-in-2026-sales-as-value-and-cost-pressures-define-the-year

Kevin Hart Is the Latest Celebrity to Enter the Franchising Game

kevin-hart-is-the-latest-celebrity-to-enter-the-franchising-game

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

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

driven-brands-imo-sale-franchise-equity-partners

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

sparkle-dog-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

No-H2O Franchise Deep Dive - Costs, Fees, Profit and Data - 1851 Franchise

No-H2O Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

no-h2o-franchise-deep-dive

Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

ellianos-coffee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Nashville Hot Chicken franchise deep dive

Nashville Hot Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

nashville-hot-chicken-franchise-deep-dive-costs-fees

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

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

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

why-two-sisters-chose-now-to-build-a-purpose-driven-home-care-business-with-griswold

For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Why This Couple Left Corporate America to Build a Community-Focused TruBlue Business in the Town Where They Raised Their Sons

why-this-couple-left-corporate-america-to-build-a-community-focused-trublue-business-in-the-town-where-they-raised-their-sons

Family has always been the center of life for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/local-siblings-launch-caring-transitions-of-somerset-county-to-build-legacy-and-serve-seniors-with-compassion-2730564">Ashley and Tarik “Sal” Seawright</a>, siblings and co-owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/">Caring Transitions</a> of Somerset County, New Jersey, which opened in September 2025. For this brother-sister duo — who come from a family of 13 siblings — launching their own business wasn’t just a professional milestone, but a continuation of their family’s legacy of care, connection and service. After years of building successful careers outside of the senior care industry, both Ashley and Sal recognized a deeper call to service. For Ashley, this meant leveraging her extensive experience in corporate organization and management to find a purpose-driven venture.“In all of my experiences, I’ve focused on moving forward and on family,” Ashley said. “But I needed to find something that would allow me to run it on my own and give back. Making a daily impact was missing for me.”<h2>When Family Timing Meets the Right Opportunity</h2>For Ashley, family has always guided her path. “The main thing for us is always legacy and family,” she said. “That is really how we’ve lived our whole lives. There are 13 of us in our immediate family, and that’s why family has been at the forefront.”After 20 years in corporate America, working in office and event management roles — including time at the Food Network — Ashley was ready for a new challenge.&nbsp;Sal, meanwhile, had spent nearly a decade running his own moving business. His introduction to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/info">Caring Transitions</a> came by chance. “I met an owner of Caring Transitions who hired me to do some moving for him,” he said. “He later told me I already had the crew, the skills and the reliable service — I understood what it would take to do this type of work.”That experience stuck with him. “My father always had a dream of us opening a business together,” Sal said. “Knowing this business and knowing the ins and outs, I knew it would be hard to handle all of it myself. Ashley seemed like the best person professionally and the best person to bring in on this endeavor.”<h2>Why Caring Transitions?</h2>With Sal’s operational experience and Ashley’s organizational and management background, Caring Transitions — a franchise focused on senior relocation, downsizing and estate sales — was a perfect fit.“The market was a big selling point,” Sal said. “I already had a lot of clients in 55-and-older communities. It takes a particular skill to do that work with compassion and care. We grew up around older family members, so we understand that generation and the patience it requires. There’s a lack of compassion in this field, and we knew we could bring that human touch.”Ashley agrees, noting that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/caringtransitions/10-reasons-why-caring-transitions-stands-out-among-other-franchises-2727831">Caring Transitions felt different from the start</a>. “It’s important to live the brand,” she said. “Everyone we met was so passionate about what they do. Caring Transitions stood out more than any other franchise — especially since Sal already had the experience. The support you get from corporate is unprecedented. They really want you to have the tools to succeed.”Together, they’ve divided their responsibilities based on their strengths. “I’m the COO and she’s the CFO,” Sal said. “I handle operations, moving and customer service. Ashley ensures everything is paid and invoiced correctly, and she’ll be leading our estate sales.”&nbsp;“I’m handling the behind-the-scenes work, connecting with leads and doing consultations,” Ashley said. “I love talking with people, and I’m looking forward to expanding that aspect with the brand.”<h2>Building a Business and a Legacy</h2>The Seawrights’ vision&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mastering-multi-unit-franchise-ownership-2725555">goes beyond a single franchise</a> — it’s about growth, sustainability and impact. “By this time next year, we’re looking at having five franchises,” Sal said. “We’re hoping to add two more by the end of next year. The goal is to make it as big as possible.”Ashley emphasizes that their growth ambitions are rooted in legacy and community. “We want to expand our legacy as a family with Caring Transitions,” she said. “We can work together and work for our family. We want to make sure we have the right systems and support in place for our employees — they’re good at what they do, and we want to give them every tool they need.”<h2>Lessons in Family and Franchising</h2>While many people warn against going into business with family, Ashley and Sal have a different perspective. “When people say don’t go into business with family, it’s because they can’t separate the business from the personal,” Sal said.“Don’t go into business with your family unless you’re clear on your goals,” Ashley said. “You have to understand each other’s strengths. Sal has the operational skill set, and he’s also aware of what he needed to add — my skills. Siblings know what the other is good at. It’s about cultivating your talent and delegating it out. It’s not always smooth sailing, but we trust each other’s judgment. For families in franchising, you need candor, trust, and a shared goal. Who can you trust if you can’t trust your family?”

Why Two Siblings Saw a Growing Need for Compassionate Senior Support — and Chose Caring Transitions to Build Their Family Legacy

why-two-siblings-saw-a-growing-need-for-compassionate-senior-support-and-chose-caring-transitions-to-build-their-family-legacy

<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

1851 Franchise’s Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises of 2026: Just Poké

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS