2016's Top Four Industries for Growth

Each year, new franchise concepts are launched, new categories are created and fresh ideas are realized to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers. But with new ideas and concepts come steadfast models that have proven their success and are ready to shine.

We caught up with founder and president of Services4Franchising Rick Robinson who shared his thoughts on the top four franchise categories for growth in 2016 and beyond.

1. Better Pizza

One of the interesting things about franchising is that through the years, all it takes is one break through concept to lay claim, and just like that, a new category is born. For example, 2014 and 2015 were the years of the “Better Burger,” a term that didn’t exist too long before that.

Alas, Robinson says 2016 and 2017 will be the years of the “Better Pizza.”

“I’m talking Neapolitan style, thin crust pizza,” explained Robinson. “The ability to choose all of your own toppings and even customize the way your pizza is prepared in some cases.”

Restaurants donning traditional brick ovens hot enough to cook a pizza in 90 seconds are also serving custom craft beer and wine pairings with their fresh pizza. Robinson points to one up and coming concept that’s a perfect model for the trend; he says Midici, with its lively, hip and upscale dining area and fast, yet casual environment is perfect for a night out.

“This is the type of pizza consumers want, because it comes to their table just the way they like it,” he said.

2. Hair Salons for Men

Robinson says he actually finds it surprising this model took as long as it did to really catch hold.

“What man hasn’t felt uncomfortable when walking into a predominantly female salon for a haircut?” Robinson asked.

Salons that cater to the specific needs of men are taking the franchise industry by storm and satisfying a niche that was long neglected between the eras of traditional barber shops and today. One brand to watch, 18/8, offers a full suite of services just for men, including haircuts and styling, facial treatments, scalp and nail treatments, shaves, waxing and coloring services.

“Believe it or not, men in their own way like to feel pampered too,” said Robinson. “These salons offer an experience and atmosphere where men feel comfortable enough to even take advantage of aromatic towel treatments and a shoulder, neck and scalp massage after their haircut.”

3. The “Not Your Cookie Cutter” Pub & Grill

The Pub & Grill alone is not new, but the Pub & Grill that creates Instagram-worthy moments catering to the way people enjoy socializing and dining out today is.

“Think ordering a Bloody Mary so large and unique and cool-looking that your first instinct is to take and share a photo before indulging,” said Robinson. “We’re talking about a Bloody Mary that not only quenches your thirst, but comes with small and savory meal inside the glass.”

On top of unique menu offerings that compliment top-notch pub favorites, Robinson says some concepts are now breaking away from the traditional franchise model in the sense that the atmosphere and design of each location is different and customized to offer a local and personal feel.

Who should we be watching this year? Robinson says Sobleman’s Pub & Grill. The concept is built on the foundation of seeking unique, one-of-a-kind and often historic buildings for each location, offering a really unique and customized experience in the community in which it serves. And the menu itself is second to none.

“In order to survive, pubs will need to get away from slapping a greasy burger and fries on a plate,” said Robinson. “Concepts like Sobleman’s that offer the pub atmosphere with a higher caliber culinary experience will continue to grow.”

4. Senior Care

This segment will continue to grow and grow according to Robinson. With 10,000 people a day turning 65, and the number of people over the age of 80 doubling over the next decade, this industry is simply a product of a far-from-met demand.

“Most adults today have probably thought once or twice about who will take care of mom and dad,” said Robinson. “Whether a loved one has had a hip or knee replacement and needs some temporary rehabilitation or they have begun to exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s and will need more around the clock care for the remainder of their life, there is certainly a great need for these services in a society where most people work so much they couldn’t provide the care themselves.”

Robinson says one industry leader to watch is Executive Care. The brand not only provides basic companion care, but also offers on-call nursing and medical care services that can be tough to find all from one source. Robinson says the peace of mind this brand is able to offer makes them a clear industry-leader.

After working in the franchise industry for more than 32 years and having assisted more than 800 entrepreneurs in the purchase of a franchise that’s best suited for them, it’s safe to say Robinson’s expertise lies in the top industry trends and where franchise concepts are headed.

While these are his top four picks for growing industries this year, there are many more doing well, too. Robinson is happy to assist and advise anyone who is considering franchising, but may be unsure of the best industry for them with the potential to grow. He can be reached at [email protected] or (754) 888-5775.