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<ul><li>Brand:&nbsp;<a href="https://theslimekitchen.com/about/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-slime-kitchen-2731312" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Slime Kitchen</a></li><li>Number of Units: 18 stores open or under development</li><li>Initial Investment Range: Not publicly available</li><li>ROI Potential: Not publicly available</li><li>Units Sold Last Year: Not publicly available</li></ul>Slime Kitchen has officially earned a place on 1851 Franchise’s&nbsp;2026 Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises list — a recognition that highlights brands shaping the future of franchising through innovation, momentum and strong demand. As interest from franchisees continues to climb, Slime Kitchen is entering a pivotal phase of expansion.“Looking ahead to 2026, we see the growing demand for experiential retail playing a big role in our growth,” a representative of the Slime Kitchen team said. “Families are being more thoughtful about how they spend their money, and they’re seeking out experiences that feel hands-on, creative and truly worth it. That’s why the coming year feels like such an important one for Slime Kitchen as we continue to grow, offering experiences that bring people together through creativity in more places across the country.”<h2>History and Origin Story</h2>Founded in 2021 in the San Francisco Bay Area by Kathy Ando, a former Apple Inc. and tech marketing executive, The Slime Kitchen grew from pandemic-era slime-making at home into a hands-on, make-your-own retail experience and has since expanded through franchising.“The Slime Kitchen’s journey started at our kitchen table during the pandemic when we were looking for ways to keep our family entertained,” the Slime Kitchen team said. “What surprised us was how quickly slime became something we bonded over, and how much joy came from creating together. That same sense of connection and creativity is still driving our momentum today. In fact, it inspired our mission to Give Good. We utilize slime as our conduit to gather friends, families, and the community because the world needs more opportunities to come together for good.”<h2>Why the Franchise Stands Out</h2>The Slime Kitchen stands out by turning slime from a product into a guided, hands-on experience. Instead of selling only premade items, its stores are built around a DIY “slime kitchen” process where guests customize their slime with colors, textures, scents and mix-ins and leave with something they created. The model also broadens the occasion mix with structured offerings like workshops and hosted birthday parties, which helps position the concept as experiential retail for families rather than a typical novelty retailer.“What really sets our franchise model apart is the experience itself,” said the Slime Kitchen team. “At Slime Kitchen, you’re not sitting back and being entertained — you’re fully in control of the process. We like to say that guests step into the role of ‘chef’ when they participate, choosing their colors, textures, mix-ins, and creating something entirely from scratch.”<h2>System Growth and 2026 Momentum</h2>Over the past year, The Slime Kitchen expanded beyond its early West Coast base, including a February 2025 opening at Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, Iowa, with reports at the time describing the brand as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegazette.com/people-places/north-liberty-family-brings-new-creative-outlet-to-eastern-iowa-with-slime-kitchen/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=1851-franchises-fastest-growing-emerging-franchises-of-2026-slime-kitchen-2731312" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">having nine locations and additional units in the pipeline</a>, including the Des Moines metro. It also added momentum in Southern California with a Mission Valley opening on Aug. 1, 2025, and a Chula Vista grand opening event promoted for Nov. 22, 2025, while its published location listings signal additional markets in progress, including Florida and Kentucky.“Over the past year, we’ve opened several new locations, from our first store on the East Coast, to our 10th in California,” the Slime Kitchen team said, “and the response from families has been consistently strong because the experience hasn’t changed.”<h2>Why Now Is the Moment for New Franchisees</h2>Slime Kitchen is well-positioned for franchise growth right now because it sits at the intersection of two trends that are attracting families: experiential retail and screen-free, hands-on activities. The brand is also proving it can scale without diluting the experience, with new locations opening and a format built around guest participation rather than passive entertainment. For franchisees, that combination matters. It creates a business that feels timely to today’s consumer, repeatable from market to market, and differentiated in a retail landscape where customers are looking for outings that feel worth the spend.“For parents, the concept is especially appealing because it’s screen-free, sensory play that keeps their children engaged and builds confidence by allowing them to make their own decisions,” said the Slime Kitchen team. “The shared excitement on both sides makes for a memorable experience that keeps families coming back.”<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>In 2026 and beyond, The Slime Kitchen plans to keep expanding into new cities while protecting the hands-on, participatory experience that drives repeat visits. Alongside new store growth, the brand is looking to broaden how customers engage with Slime Kitchen through more workshops, pop-ups and events, using themed activations and culturally relevant ideas to keep the experience fresh. The strategy points to steady, intentional market entry paired with new formats that deepen community engagement and create more reasons for families to return.“Looking ahead to 2026, we see the growing demand for experiential retail playing a big role in our growth,” the Slime Kitchen team said. “Families are being more thoughtful about how they spend their money, and they’re seeking out experiences that feel hands-on, creative, and truly worth it. That’s why the coming year feels like such an important one for Slime Kitchen as we continue to grow, offering experiences that bring people together through creativity, in more places across the country.”As Slime Kitchen accelerates into 2026, its appeal is coming into focus for both families and franchisees: a repeatable, screen-free experience that feels timely in a retail landscape increasingly driven by hands-on outings. With new markets opening, more locations in development and additional engagement formats on the roadmap, the brand is building momentum without losing what made it work in the first place. For operators looking to enter experiential retail with a concept that can travel, Slime Kitchen’s next phase is shaping up to be its most important yet.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 in the industry.

1851 Franchise’s Fastest Growing Emerging Franchises of 2026: Slime Kitchen

Slime Kitchen: Fastest Growing Emerging Franchise 2026 | 1851

1851 Franchise

How Slime Kitchen is redefining the experiential children’s entertainment space and accelerating into its next phase of growth.

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Franchise

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USA Ninja Challenge

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Santa Maria Sun: A Santa Maria Obstacle Course Helps Kids Build Confidence and Stay Active

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Beansquad

Last Call for Clean Books Before Tax Season: The Hidden Revenue Franchisees and Franchisors Lose When They Wait

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SweatHouz

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SweatHouz Partners With ApplePie Capital to Launch Core Loan Program

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Woodhouse Spas

Woodhouse Spas Identifies Development Potential for 100+ New Spas Nationwide

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

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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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Caring Senior Service Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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

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

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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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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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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

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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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For 10 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcosentino/">Giovanni Cosentino</a> built a corporate career as an executive assistant and project manager in various industries, including electric vehicles, blockchain, finance and adtech. Then, after a 2024 end-of-year layoff, Cosentino saw an opportunity to take control of his career path. Rather than jumping back into the corporate job market, he decided to apply his robust background in management and leadership to a new adventure, business ownership, recognizing that his background in organizing complex projects would serve as the perfect foundation for running a small business.Motivated to become his own boss, Cosentino turned to franchising. He liked the stability of service-based businesses and the demand for reliable home improvement. From here, he began narrowing down the opportunities. This led him to&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise. He's now getting ready for his official grand opening and excited to begin serving the Westchester community.Cosentino took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Giovanni Cosentino:&nbsp;My father was a dentist for almost 45 years in the Hudson Valley, and I admired his work ethic and his ability to make people smile with his sense of humor and skill. I grew up locally and earned my degree at Purchase College here in Westchester County. I’ve always wanted to be helpful to others, doing something similar to what my father was able to achieve, but in my own way.&nbsp;I’ve always been an independent person and a leader, managing people and projects really well. If something has my name on it, it will be good work. That's how I live my life: doing the best I can at whatever I put my hands to.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Cosentino:&nbsp;I spent nearly 10 years in my career as an executive assistant and project manager, but unfortunately, layoffs impacted my position at the end of 2024.Following that, the job search felt different from any other time. I looked at my skill set and knew my experience would translate well into business ownership. I realized this was an opportune time to bet on myself.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Cosentino:&nbsp;I explored over a dozen franchises, but I was being very selective as I didn’t like what their FDD stats were or the niche element of their business model. I was almost ready to move on and figure something else out, but then I spoke with&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> as my last franchise for consideration. It was the only one that felt like I could make it work. Having navigated multiple economic challenges, I’ve learned that blue-collar trades are always in demand. Painting, in particular, is a recession-resistant industry that tends to thrive even in uncertain times.Fresh Coat allows owners the flexibility to operate their business how they see fit while providing essential guidance and support, like an onboarding coach and a business coach. I also really appreciate the community of other franchisees; experienced members have been exceptionally helpful. Having this network resolves issues of not knowing where to turn or encountering challenges for the first time.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Cosentino:&nbsp;My plan is to bring a new level of professionalism to the industry. I want to be known as someone who can deliver outstanding results, managing a crew of well-trained and vetted painters using the highest quality products. We want to transform client spaces into a personal retreat, an oasis of atmosphere, or a comfortable abode.&nbsp;Over time, we will expand to provide full interior and exterior house painting, eventually lending our services and ethos to improving commercial spaces. We are also considering expanding to decks, cabinet painting, power washing and removing or adding popcorn ceiling and wallpapering.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Cosentino:&nbsp;Just like any other kind of business, make sure you have the appropriate amount of funds available for your venture. The initial franchise fee is not the only cost; you need additional capital for the “runway” before you actually generate revenue.&nbsp;Understand that it will take a large amount of your time, energy and resources to bring it all to life. But in the end, I genuinely believe it could be one of the most worthwhile endeavors anyone can do, with results that can sustain a family and bring great value to your clients and community.ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 190 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.&nbsp;

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