8 Emerging Franchise Brands With Fewer Than 10 Locations

If you have ever considered starting your own business, you know the logistics and investment can be daunting. Buying into a franchise solves a lot of these challenges, and that goes double for emerging franchises, which typically have lower initial investments and a lot of room for growth

If you’re new to business ownership and are looking for the opportunity to eventually expand your business, check out these emerging franchise brands that are well positioned for substantial growth in the next few years.

‘Ohana Bros

Locations: 1

‘Ohana Bros is a hot new snack company tha features Hawaiian-inspired treats developed by brothers Cary, Steve, Greg and Michael Ritter. Growing up in Santa Clara, the brothers developed a love of the taste of snacks they could find locally, such as homemade artisan chips, popcorn, fries and Hawaiian shaved ice. Now, the brothers own and run their own snack shop with recipes they perfected themselves over the years. Word of the brothers’ treats are spreading fast, and their diversified snack offering gives them the edge against other competitors.

Marilyn Monroe Spas

Locations: 3

If you’re looking to invest in a new spa concept, you might want to give Marilyn Monroe Spas a look. The small brand is growing swiftly, with 3 actual locations and multiple in development. Honing in on the legend of 1960’s starlet Marilyn Monroe, the brand is built around her girl-next-door approachable beauty and glamorous Hollywood lifestyle. The spa offers two business formats suited for large and small scales, allowing potential franchisees maximum flexibility.

Little Medical School

Locations: 1

Founded by Dr. Mary Mason in 2015, Little Medical School takes kids “playing doctor” to a whole new level. The school engages students 4–14 by encouraging the act of role-play for kids, and gives them the space to play dress-up while being introduced to the real tools doctors, nurses, pharmacists and veterinarians use. While at the school, children perform unique activities that mimic what real healthcare professionals do on a daily basis. The idea is to encourage today’s children to develop a curiosity for medicine. As the pandemic continues, many parents will be compelled to educate their kids about the importance of healthcare in their communities.

Beerhead Bar & Eatery

Locations: 4+

You’ve seen the stickers that read “drink local” everywhere over the years — craft beer has come to dominate the beer scene and has inspired many entrepreneurs to go into business for themselves to develop delicious brews. Now, with Beerhead Bar & Eatery, beer connoisseurs can try an assortment of craft beers all under one roof. The brand offers a menu of “pub grub” that pairs well with any of their 365 beer selections, and is built to sell in a world where the desire for new and exciting brews isn’t going anywhere fast.

AWAT Fit

Locations: 2

If you’re interested in investing in a flexible business model in the fitness industry, AWAT Fit is built for growth. The “anywhere, anytime” fitness concept is growing quickly, with two official locations and several more in development. Franchisees can leave the expensive brick-and-mortar concepts behind by investing in one of AWAT’s trucks, which are built with all the equipment needed to provide quality training for customers. The truck model allows for outdoor training in the great outdoors and is perfect for social-distancing requirements.

Roman Candle Pizzeria

Locations: 3

Roman Candle Pizzeria is a fresh-to-order pizza joint that brings the art of quality and craft to the dinner table. Their dough is made from scratch every day, and their pizza ingredients are all sourced locally in Wisconsin. The premium-flavored pizza brand is worth the investment because it stands out against pre-made pizza concepts. In a time when fresh and local is king, this pizza franchise is built to grow.

WaterWalk Hotel Apartments

Locations: 7

The concept for WaterWalk Hotel Apartments is pretty simple: The brand offers apartment-sized and styled hotel rooms that are perfect for long stays. Whether customers require an apartment for one week or one year, WaterWalk rents furnished and unfurnished apartments to accommodate their needs. The hotel-apartment concept goes beyond a traditional hotel offering; they strive to make customers feel genuine at home. The brand is growing quickly in the Southwest, so now is the perfect time to invest.

Twinkle Brown Sugar

Locations: 2

Twinkle Brown Sugar is a tea-bar concept that provides a relaxed atmosphere for customers to come together over a drink. Their menu, though focused heavily on tea drinks, carries everything from coffee to smoothies. Based in California, the brand has a simple business model and low entry-point level that is perfect for tea-enthusiasts looking to get into business for themselves.