Brands That Became Franchises in 2018 and What’s Next

Brands turn to franchising when their model has proven itself to be scalable, profitable and appealing. Whether a brand is on the younger side or fully established, franchising provides a great path to growth when corporate-owned locations have worked through challenges to experience success and feel prepared to take on development efforts. Here are some brands who pressed go on franchising in 2018.

Vio Med Spa

Vio Med Spa bills itself as a healthy aesthetic enhancement alternative to expensive, invasive procedures. The brand’s offerings include facials, injectables and body sculpting in a welcoming and comfortable space. Vio Med Spa staffs are comprised of medical professionals who offer individualized services to customers to help them achieve their skincare/aesthetic goals. The brand’s business model places a lot of emphasis on customer service to build a long-term relationship with customers, one of its key market differentiators. They also have a diverse range of offerings which allows franchisees to have multiple revenue streams.

Fat Tuesday

Fat Tuesday, a sister concept to the Louisiana-based chain New Orleans Original Daiquiris, specializes in frozen drinks and bringing the party atmosphere of New Orleans to tourist destinations throughout the U.S. and beyond. The brand has operated for more than 30 years and is established in many vacation destinations. Fat Tuesday turned to franchising in 2018 as part of an aggressive expansion effort aimed at bringing Fat Tuesday’s unique, established concept to new cities. The brand’s unique business model has cornered its market; few competitors exist in the quick-service frozen drink segment, giving Fat Tuesday opportunity in its strategic pursuit of growth.

Home Clean Heroes*

Home Clean Heroes provides simplified, modernized and flexible home cleaning services in various customizable packages that plug into the individual schedules of its customers. The first indoor home service brand under the Buzz Franchise Brands umbrella, Home Clean Heroes adopted the applicable systems from its sister brands to position its franchise offering as one backed by a proven formula. Home Clean Heroes turns to franchising with a tested model and strategic development plan conceived by incubating the brand at a local and regional level.

I Heart Mac & Cheese

I Heart Mac & Cheese is a Florida-based restaurant concept that specializes in customizable macaroni and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. Making a real impact on a classic comfort food with its made-to-order, personalized offering, I Heart Mac & Cheese grew its popularity and customer base in its home state for 2 years before beginning to offer franchise opportunities in 2018. The brand can operate in limited real estate due to the lack of fryers or large machinery needed to serve menu items, something the brand hopes accelerates expansion across America.

Taboonette

Taboonette Middleterranean Kitchen, the fast casual spinoff of famous New York restaurant Taboon, launched its franchise opportunity in September. Taboonette’s menu is based off of the same slow-cooked, healthy fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare made famous at Taboon, modified for a quick-service setting. The brand pointed to the established reputation of its parent restaurant as evidence of a proven concept “rather than a trendy gimmick," Taboonette president Danny Hodak said in the release.

Stacked Pickle

Stacked Pickle is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based sports bar and restaurant that prides itself on a family-friendly, community-centric atmosphere and a great menu at a low price point. Former NFL player Gary Brackett has been at the helm of Stacked Pickle since 2014, expanding what was once a neighborhood sports bar into 9 corporate locations throughout Indiana. The brand turned to franchising because of Brackett’s prior experience in the industry, whereas a franchisee, he saw how a different sports bar concept than the one he was attached to could capitalize on the opportunity in a crowded segment. Stacked Pickle has two franchised locations in development in Houston and Orlando, Florida, and is focusing on expansion in Missouri and Colorado.

Big Blue Swim School*

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2010 by competitive swimmers John Lonegran and Chris DeJong to help kids of all ages and levels develop swim skills. Big Blue Swim School hires full-time teachers who go through rigorous, continuous training to provide each child with personalized lessons and a consistent learning environment. Facilities are designed to unique specifications that promote safety and comfortability and lessons come at an affordable, flat fee that can be reduced even further if customers choose Big Blue’s recurring service offering. The brand’s emphasis on operations and technology drew attention from investors, allowing the Big Blue to pursue franchising to achieve growth beyond its Chicago-area presence, with a goal of opening 21 locations by 2021.