5 Emerging Entertainment Franchises to Buy in 2022

While the entertainment industry took a significant hit with the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans are more eager than ever to invest in entertainment and enjoy a nice night out. As a result, the entertainment and leisure industry is set for a massive boom, and many of the most exciting franchise concepts are just getting started. From music to bowling to movies to ax throwing, here are some of 1851 Franchise’s favorite emerging entertainment franchise brands for 2022.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House

• Startup Cost: $350,000 – $550,000
• Units: 32

Stumpy’s Hatchet House gives customers a fun way to let out a bit of extra energy with friends in a controlled atmosphere: hatchet-throwing. As people look for new and exciting group activities, the franchise fosters a lively atmosphere for small groups to come together and practice their aim. Since starting to franchise in 2017, Stumpy’s has been offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the growing hatchet-throwing trend and currently shows no signs of slowing down.

810 Billiards & Bowling*

• Startup Cost: $1,800,000 – $3,000,000
• Units: 3

In the six years since its founding, 810 Billiards & Bowling has established itself as one of the most innovative and exciting new entertainment brands in franchising. The full-service dining and gaming concept, which bills itself as an “eatertainment” franchise, currently has six units in markets across the U.S., three of which were opened just last year.

Urban Air Adventure Park

• Startup Cost: $1,152,000 – $1,609,500
• Units: 136

Launching its franchise opportunity in 2014, Urban Air Adventure Park offers more than just trampolines. The adventure park offers bumper cars, zip lines and more. The brand has rebounded nicely from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Franchise Times, since reopening their facilities in March of 2021, Urban Air Adventure Parks “has been in the top 10 in revenue across the 150 active parks in the Urban Air franchise system”.

Ninja Nation

• Startup Cost: $791,000 – $1,300,000
• Units: 5

Inspired by the game "American Ninja Warrior", the Ninja Nation business launched in 2017 and began franchising in 2019. Earlier this year, Franchise Times reported the entertainment franchise signed a 10-unit development deal in Texas. With just five units open, the deal is poised to triple Ninja Nation's footprint.

Pinot’s Palette

• Startup Cost: $92,400 – $237,300
• Units: 100

For parents looking for a night out or adults looking to catch up with old friends, Pinot’s Palette offers anyone 21 and older to bring their own drinks for in-studio paint classes and private parties. The brand claims to be the “paint and sip franchise industry leader,” and that statement isn’t unfounded — since starting to franchise only a decade ago, the concept has already grown to over 100 units.