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Brand acquisition can be an attractive growth strategy for franchisors&nbsp;and&nbsp;small businesses. Many small businesses find themselves at a ceiling after years of acquisition, and joining a franchise system equips them with the support and resources they need to continue scaling while bringing their product or service to more markets across the country. Franchisors, especially those looking to grow an existing system or build a multi-brand portfolio, can collaborate with these owners to propel their growth even further.While it’s often a productive way to expand, the acquisition process is a serious one. It requires thorough due diligence on both ends to ensure a mutually beneficial deal is made.&nbsp;<h3>For Franchisors Acquiring and Rebranding an Existing Business, Considerations Around Integration Are Crucial</h3>The process of bringing a new brand into an existing system requires many small changes that can quickly add up. Beyond considering whether the acquisition makes sense financially, the acquiring party should carefully determine what will be required to fully integrate the new brand into the existing one.“The economics are obviously a big [factor]; everybody’s going to look at a P&amp;L and the balance sheets to make sure that they’re understanding the numbers,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckmiller/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Beck Miller</a>, senior director of franchising at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.laundrolabfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LaundroLab</a>. “But one of the things that I think is constantly underestimated in terms of the lift and what goes into this is ‘What is the integration going to be?’ It’s hard to integrate customers that are used to a certain form of technology, a certain website, a certain point of contact — whatever it may be — into a different system that might have slightly different prices, slightly different turnaround time, slightly different standard operating procedures and so on.”Miller noted that, when thinking about the integration process, the acquiring party should not shy away from recognizing what it brings to the table. If the franchisor has a robust technology stack that will support the long-term success of all owners in the system, migrating existing teams and customers within the acquired system to the new platform is worth the effort and risk of potential customer turnover.“When we complete that transition, we’re not able to, in theory, get better unit economics,” Miller said. “So, if you’re just looking at a P&amp;L, the numbers may not be as advantageous as you want them to be, but making sure that you’re factoring in what your team brings to the table post-integration from an efficiency standpoint is really important.”<h3>Parent Franchisors Building a Multi-Brand Portfolio Should Pay Special Attention to Alignment in Purpose</h3><a href="https://horsepowerbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HorsePower Brands</a> CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyhulbert/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tony Hulbert</a> explained that the process of building a multi-brand home services franchisor company has required a commitment to the long-term vision and a discerning eye when considering which brands truly do align with the mission.“It starts with ‘What is our initiative and our purpose?’” said Hulbert. “We are building a portfolio company focused on home services concepts, so we will not be in restaurants, retail, etc. We will always be in the home. I think it’s important, as you start to identify your acquisition opportunities, to identify where you want to be and what the long-term vision is.”Hulbert said part of the strategy process involves thinking of the 10-year plan and working backward to determine the steps necessary to achieve it. While HorsePower Brands exists as a parent franchisor, the group’s long-term vision is to launch a consumer-facing parent brand,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.howieknowshow.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HOWIE</a>.“We want to be everything that has to do with the home. With respect to the homeowner, the end consumer, they’re going to look at the HOWIE brand that sits above all the brands,” he said. “So, if you’ve worked with Bumble Bee Blinds and had a great experience, you’re going to discover more services within HOWIE. That ties everything together for the franchisee and the customer, and that’s definitely tied into our acquisition strategy.”<h3>When an Acquisition Leads to the Merger of Two Franchise Brands, Any Legal Implications Should Be a Key Consideration</h3>While all franchises must operate within the bounds of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/franchise-rule?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Federal Trade Commission Franchise Rule</a>, there are some regulations that differ from state to state. A franchise should fully understand all of the protocols of the brand it aims to acquire as this can impact business practices, legal liabilities and disclosure requirements.“Under the Federal Franchise Rule, there are franchise registration states,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-white-93334614/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carlos White</a>, partner at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lathropgpm.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lathrop GPM LLP</a>. “Let’s say a state like Arkansas — they don’t have any state-specific franchise rules. There’s no private right of action for an individual franchisee; they will have to depend on the FTC. Your risk profile in offering and selling franchises in Arkansas is a lot different than in California where a franchisee might have a private right of action and have an easier way to sue a franchisor.”Franchise regulations like these make it especially important for the acquiring party to fully understand where and how the brand it plans to procure is doing business to get a full picture of the risk profile of the deal.&nbsp;“Another thing to be mindful of if you’re buying a franchise is that a lot of franchise companies have what they call an inadvertent franchise. They issue license agreements previous to developing their formal franchise program,” White said. “It’s important to understand not only the franchising program for the target business but also if they had any other licensing distribution-type programs so that we can take a further look to make sure those didn’t violate applicable franchise law.”Another risk that should be assessed is the potential for any future liability.“Technically, it depends on the structure of the deal. Typically, if you buy the equity of a company, the buyer is responsible for all of their liabilities,” White explained. “But as you can imagine, a lot of these companies negotiate and structure the deal so they can properly allocate who should be responsible for things that occurred prior to the deal.”In cases like these, the support of an experienced franchise attorney can be an invaluable resource in ensuring the acquiring party is making a fully informed decision and not taking on unnecessary risk.<h3>For Experienced Franchise Development Professionals, Acquiring Franchising Rights to an Existing Business Can Be a Lower-Risk Option</h3>Transactions of this nature involve one brand purchasing another outright, but there are other pathways to growth through acquisition.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-harper-998140125/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Aaron Harper</a>, now-CEO of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollingsudsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=acquiring-a-franchise-heres-what-you-need-to-know-successful-due-diligence-2726060" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rolling Suds</a>, took a less traditional approach: he independently acquired franchising rights to an existing business. The original founders kept their existing Rolling Suds business, and Harper became the CEO of an entirely new franchise entity.“I created a different business with the franchise,” he said. “I didn’t acquire anything other than the trademark and the IP. I think that is the least risky situation for the founders because they get to keep 100% of their business, and all of the risk is placed on me as the franchisor. But it’s actually the least risky for me, too, because I can start it from scratch. I know what needs to be done.”Sometimes, acquisitions take place when a franchisor feels it can reinvent a failing brand or lead a turnaround of sorts. While it’s possible, this is a very work-intensive process, and there is often friction between the new franchisor and existing franchisees.For entrepreneurs looking to follow the same path he did, Harper said one of the most important considerations is your own experience and capabilities. He gave an example of someone who has an idea to go buy a landscaping business with no prior experience in landscaping or franchising. The owners of the landscaping business don’t have any franchise experience either, so it would be very difficult to turn that into a national brand through franchising.“I had proven I could do it with other brands,” he said. “I became the franchisor. Me and my team, we did it all. I knew from the get-go that that’s what I wanted, so I just needed a model that I could replicate and that I believed could go in any market.”In cases like these, due diligence should be more focused on the business model and industry outlook than the business acumen and potential contributions of the original owners.Ideally, you should enter a fragmented but recession-resistant industry with a large total addressable market and a lot of customers. And, while it’s not mandatory, choosing a concept that has little-to-no competition in the franchise space can be another benefit.“A lot of what I did was just going off of gut. You can make anything work on a P&amp;L, but no one knew that we would sell 187 units in year one,” Harper said. “It has to be about ‘Do the people make sense, and does the business make sense?’ And if those questions are answered, and the answer is yes, let’s just figure out a way to get a deal done that makes everyone happy.”<h3>Any Acquisition Is a Careful Balance of Risk and Reward</h3>Growth through acquisition is a promising opportunity, but any investment also comes with inherent risks. By first choosing which acquisition approach makes the most sense for your circumstances, and then doing thorough due diligence to evaluate risks and verify claims made by the other party, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with and brings you closer to your goals.

Due Diligence in Brand Acquisition: Key Insights for Success

1851 Franchise

Franchise acquisitions come in multiple shapes and sizes, but due diligence is crucial to the success of them all. Here’s what the experts want you to know.

Acquiring a Franchise? Here’s What You Need To Know For Successful Due Diligence

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Mosquito Hunters

Photo of Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Humbug Holiday Lighting franchise owner Jake Jones

Corporate Salesperson Transitions to Entrepreneurship With Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Humbug Holiday Lighting Franchise

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Wings and Rings

Wings and Rings Serves Up Game Day Deals for the 2026 NCAA Tournament

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Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise owners Martin & Tamika Neal, Libertyville, IL.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owners Tamika & Martin Neal Celebrate 4 Years in Libertyville, IL

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The Brass Tap

The Neighborhood Bar Reimagined: Why The Brass Tap Is the Destination for Drinks, Sports, Food, and Community

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Record-Breaking $2.3 Million AUV and a Refined Model Make Now the Most Profitable Moment to Join The Brass Tap

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Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

RF Investment Partners and Burlington Capital Join Forces to Acquire Top Precision Garage Door Franchise

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Private Equity Fuels Jiffy Lube’s Next Chapter as Monomoy Strikes $1.3 Billion Deal

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McDonald’s and Burger King Take the QSR Burger Wars to Social Media

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Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Possible Pizza Hut Sale Signals Shift in Yum! Brands’ Franchise Strategy

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Restaurants Stand Out in 2025 Hiring as Consumers Look for Simple Treats

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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? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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2026 Trop Fitness & Personal Training Franchises, 12 Lists of Christmas

From 24/7 gyms to high-tech training and boutique studios, these 20 brands’ innovation, accessible models and forward-thinking approaches will define the industry in 2026.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Fitness and Personal Training Franchises for 2026

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1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas, Beauty, Spa, Personal Care Franchises

From full-service luxury spas to high-tech medspas and specialized wellness studios, these unique franchise models cater to the specialized needs of modern beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Beauty, Spa and Personal Care Franchises for 2026

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The automotive industry continues to show resilience, and its growth is largely driven by steady demand for accessible, high-quality car care. The United States automotive service market was valued at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-automotive-service-market">over $199 billion this year</a>, and it’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.98% over the next five years, representing a projected value of over $266 billion by 2030.For entrepreneurs, this stability and the variety of opportunities available in the automotive space make it an attractive industry for investments.Here are the top 15 automotive brands to consider for 2026:<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-aamco-transmissions-and-total-car-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726640">AAMCO Transmissions &amp; Total Car Care</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchises.aamco.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/aamco-transmissions-franchise-opportunity">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$236,800 - $361,200</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;530+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>AAMCO is a trusted name in the auto repair space, specializing in transmission work and other, more complex car care services. With over 60 years of experience, the brand is a true category-leader with a strong reputation among consumers.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mighty-auto-parts-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724565">Mighty Auto Parts</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.mightyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/mighty-auto-parts-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$247,000 - $595,600</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;95&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Mighty Auto Parts focuses on the distribution of auto parts, lubricants and shop supplies for automotive service providers. With an efficient parts system and rapid order fulfillment capabilities, franchisees can run an efficient, high-volume business.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/milexmr-transmission-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728544">Milex/Mr. Transmission</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/milex-auto-care-franchise">Milex Franchise Website</a></li><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/mr-transmission">Mr. Transmission Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/milex-mr-transmission-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$267,300 - $362,700</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;111&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Milex and Mr. Transmission are part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/">Moran Family of Brands</a>. With the option to develop individual Milex or Mr. Transmission businesses as well as co-branded Milex&nbsp;and Mr. Transmission locations, franchisees have flexibility in their investment and are able to tap into multiple revenue streams under one roof.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/turbo-tint-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728451">Turbo Tint</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.turbotint.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/turbo-tint-automotive-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$295,510 - $415,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Turbo Tint offers window film services, a high-margin and relatively niche service. With efficient operations thanks to installs that can typically be completed in about an hour, Turbo Tint franchisees benefit from a high-volume, relatively low-complexity business model.<h2>HardTop Hotel</h2><ul><li><a href="https://hardtophotelfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/hardtop-hotel-franchise-opportunities">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$120,200 - $193,460</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>HardTop Hotel is a specialized concept catering to owners of hard- and soft-top vehicles, offering installation services, hard- and soft-tops for rent and sale, and storage solutions for those who like to remove the tops of their vehicles for the warmer seasons. In addition to the revenue created by sales, rentals and installation services, franchisees benefit from the longer-term stability of the storage model.<h2>Christian Brothers Automotive</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.christianbrothersfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$550,250 - $680,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;300+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service repair franchise that focuses on great customer service. With a values-driven brand, Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees have an opportunity to build a more meaningful, community-centric business in an industry that is often viewed by customers as highly commodity-driven.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-grease-monkeys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721791">Grease Monkey</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://greasemonkeyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$291,320 - $1,972,033</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;370+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Grease Monkey is a quick-service auto franchise known primarily for its efficient oil changes and preventative maintenance services. By focusing on ease and efficiency in an industry that can sometimes be unpredictable or deliver subpar customer service, Grease Monkey franchisees can become the trusted resource for regular car care in their communities.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jiffy-lube-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720873">Jiffy Lube</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.jiffylube.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$232,000 - $520,000 (excluding real estate costs)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;2,000+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Jiffy Lube is one of the largest quick-service oil change and maintenance brands. The business model is designed for volume, and it encourages repeat visits from individual customers, creating strength and stability for franchisees.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-maacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724767">Maaco</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://maacofranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$196,000 -&nbsp; $3,994,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;360+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Maaco is an automotive franchise providing painting, cosmetic services and collision repair. Because Maaco is a body shop, as opposed to a standard maintenance brand or express oil change establishment, it leverages more specialized services and can stand out in the auto industry at large.&nbsp;<h2>Midas</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.midasfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$106,650 - $1,132,640 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;975 in the U.S., 2,000+ worldwide&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Midas is a full-service auto repair and maintenance brand, offering both new-unit and business conversion options. With a few key service areas, including brakes, exhaust, tires, oil, steering, suspension and wheels, Midas can market multiple services to a single customer base, positioning franchisees to capture additional revenue.<h2>No-H2O</h2><ul><li><a href="https://noh2o.com/car-wash-franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$134,550 - $162,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;30&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>No-H2O is a waterless, mobile car wash and detailing franchise. By excluding the use of water, No-H2O is more mobile and flexible than traditional wash and detail concepts, and it appeals to the growing eco-conscious crowd.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-take-5-oil-changes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723018">Take 5 Oil Change</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://take5franchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$287,145 - $2,053,642 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,100+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Take 5 Oil Change is a convenience-driven oil change franchise that allows customers to stay in their cars for the duration of the service and targets a 10-minute maintenance time. This makes throughput more straightforward for franchisees and their teams, and it appeals to the busy customers of today.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-tint-world-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723226#stories">Tint World</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$239,950 - $449,950</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;135+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tint World is a specialized vehicle and window film franchise offering tinting, detailing and other “automotive styling” services. By combining frequently sought services, like window tinting, with more specialized ones, like audio, lighting and other accessories, Tint World franchisees are positioned as the one-stop shop for vehicle enhancement.<h2>Tommy’s Express Car Wash</h2><ul><li><a href="https://tommys-express.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$4,976,759 - $8,522,378</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;215+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tommy’s Express Car Wash operates high-volume, express tunnel car-wash facilities that focus on speed without sacrificing quality. With precise equipment that automates much of the wash process, franchisees can keep labor costs low and scale more efficiently.<h2>Valvoline Instant Oil Change</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.viocfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$192,375 - $3,483,550</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,875&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Valvoline is a prominent national brand offering oil changes and preventative maintenance services. The brand boasts 18 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, and though it’s a nationally recognized brand, Valvoline notes there are still prime territories available, offering a unique combination of brand strength and recognition and future growth potential.From national giants like Jiffy Lube and Valvoline to specialty brands like Turbo Tint and HardTop Hotel, the automotive franchise space offers a diverse range of opportunities for all kinds of investors. Whether you’re drawn to the stability of recurring maintenance services or the innovation of tech-driven, specialized brands, these top franchises have the power necessary to drive your dreams forward.For more information on automotive franchise opportunities, check out these related resources from 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvx0H511MtQ">Why Buy an Automotive Franchise? Drive Your Business to Success</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/automotive-franchises-are-driving-into-the-future-with-tech-and-trust-2730075">Automotive Franchises Are Driving Into the Future With Tech and Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/industry/best-automotive-franchise-opportunities">How To Start an Automotive Franchise Business</a></li></ul>

1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas - Top Automotive Franchises

From express oil change and car wash concepts to specialized “automotive styling” brands, these 15 auto franchises will help you drive your future forward.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Automotive Franchises for 2026

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Acquiring a Franchise? Here’s What You Need To Know For Successful Due Diligence

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