5 Emerging Franchises That Are Thriving During COVID-19

Joining a franchise in its earliest stages often gives the new franchisees an opportunity to really hone in on the craft the brand provides. Direct contact with corporate during the elementary stages can be critical to success, and is perhaps more important than ever given the pandemic economy.

If you are one of the many Americans who are looking to reinvent their careers during this time, you may be considering buying into a franchise to take greater ownership over your income. Here are five brands that are not only up-and-coming, but also have business models built to sell in the pandemic climate.

Deezfruta Juice & Smoothies

• Franchising since: 2018
• Units: 1+

With so many Americans staying at home and living less active lifestyles, many are looking for healthier food options. Deezfruta is a specialty smoothie and juice shop that features a menu filled with smoothies, juices, blends and healthy food items. The brand, founded in 2016, currently only has one company-owned location, so it’s the perfect time to join while the brand is young. The brand provides on-site training and endless resources that make it easy to join the franchise in any economic climate.

DEA Music & Art*

• Franchising since: 2003
• Units: 4

DEA Music & Art School is the perfect opportunity to work with kids and work in the arts. The franchise offers numerous programs including specific instruments, musical theatre & summer programs that kids of any age will love. The brand has also since adopted their programs under the COVID-19 pandemic, offering brand new online classes that allow their instructors to connect with students anywhere. If you are passionate about developing young minds through a creative outlet, DEA Music & Art is the perfect opportunity.

Idea Lab Kids

• Franchising since: 2011
• Units: 26+

Idea Lab Kids is another excellent opportunity to work with kids educationally and productively. Their proven STEAM curriculum was designed by IDEA Lab for IDEA Lab students. This ranges from 3D printing, augmented reality, coding, and science investigation, to visual arts and culinary arts. Idea Lab's Research and Development team regularly works to come up with new, cool and innovative hands-on learning programs. These programs are perfect for kids stuck at home under COVID-19 conditions, and for parents looking for a reprieve as they look to balance at home work and childcare.

MidiChi Pizza

• Franchising since: 2015
• Units: 22+

Pizza brands are seeing a spike in sales overall in light of the pandemic — partly because most of their models are built to mitigate contact. If owning a pizza joint has ever been your dream, now’s the time to invest and MidiChi Pizza is the brand to buy. Founded in 2015, the pizza franchise features a menu of delicious neapolitan pizzas and fosters a warm, family atmosphere. The brand is growing at a steady pace, and with continued sales and remote customer access, is built to be pandemic-proof.

Ziggi's Coffee Franchise, LLC

• Franchising since: 2016
• Units: 21+

Headquartered in Colorado, Ziggi’s Coffee franchise is a brand that’s growing swiftly in Colorado and surrounding states. The founders, husband and wife duo Brandon and Camrin Knudsen, developed the brand to provide superior coffee with superior service. Coda Coffee, a local coffee roaster and supplier based out of Denver, Colorado, is the partner and supplier for Ziggi's Coffee and is well known for their high standard beans. The company is dedicated to the success of their franchisees and provides a model that is impervious to the pandemic, specifically because each location is drive-thru capable. 

If you’re seeking a change in your career, each of these franchises is built to sell in a tough economy. Before buying into any brand, make sure they provide strong corporate support options, a product or service that will always be in demand, and that customers can access that service in a safe manner.