1851

<div id="pastingspan1">The concept of fast food has to tip its cap to the burger. These juicy sandwiches have been a staple for quick service restaurants <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2014/05/31/fast-food-chains-origins/9729901/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">since the 1920s</a>. And for the past 90 decades, this classic item has helped sustain the success of hundreds of franchises&#8212;the burger industry alone brings in <a href="https://www.franchisehelp.com/industry/burger-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">$100 billion in revenue</a> each year. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Today, consumers are eating burgers in records numbers. In 2014, Americans <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/americans-ate-9-billion-burgers-in-2014?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ate 9 billion burgers</a>. According to Franchise Help, 91 percent of Americans said they will have a hamburger at least once a month, and 44 percent would have a burger once a week. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">But with so many different restaurants on the market dishing up this beloved American staple, it may be tough to determine which burger trumps the other. The staff of <a href="http://1851franchise.com/" target="_blank">1851 Franchise</a> is here to help consumers and prospective franchisees solve that conundrum. Our hungry staff of burger aficionados tasted some of the best ones the franchising world has to offer. Meat was consumed, toppings were analyzed and we spent a lot of time deciding if we wanted to splurge on a side of fries. After much deliberation, we decided upon the best burger franchises.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">We judged the burgers on a handful of criteria, such as the quality of their meat, toppings, and bread. To protect you against the impending disaster of a burger-tomato-ketchup tectonic shift, we also had to make sure the burgers stayed intact after one bite. We wanted a controlled test, so we went with each franchise&#8217;s standard cheeseburger offering; no gimmicks needed here. Our belly sizes may have grown during this delectable taste test, but we did this to help you, the readers!</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Here is our analysis:</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1"><a href="http://www.mooyahfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MOOYAH Burger, Fries &amp; Shakes</a></div><div id="pastingspan1">Headquarters: Plano, Texas</div><div id="pastingspan1">Year it began franchising: 2007</div><div id="pastingspan1">Number of stores: 92 Worldwide</div><div id="pastingspan1">Total Investment: $383,350 to $593,300</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1"><a href="http://mooyah.1851franchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a> is looking to stand out from the pack. That&#8217;s why, the &#8220;better burger&#8221; franchise offers lighter options, including black bean veggie burgers, unique toppings and their own in-house baked bread. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">For this tasting, we went with their MOOYAH Style option&#8212;their standard burger. With a great sear and the perfect crust to juiciness ratio, their classic burger was far from ordinary. We went with the topping regiment of American cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, grilled onions and MOOYAH sauce, and each topping had a crisp bite to them. Some lettuce can be hit or miss depending on its freshness, and MOOYAH did not disappoint&#8212;you could hear the crunch as you sank your teeth into each bite. One of the brand&#8217;s claims to fame is their house-baked bread. One tester was mesmerized by this process saying, &#8220;seeing the buns being baked behind the cash register was a cool touch. We knew we were in for some good buns right away.&#8221;</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Overall, MOOYAH stood out as one of the best fast casual burger tastings and we give them extra points for their perfectly baked in-house bread.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1"><a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/contact-us/franchise-opportunities?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Five Guys Burgers &amp; Fries</a></div><div id="pastingspan1">Headquarters: Lorton, Virginia</div><div id="pastingspan1">Year it began franchising: 2003</div><div id="pastingspan1">Number of stores: 1,000+</div><div id="pastingspan1">Total Investment: $152,000 to $360,000</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Five Guys Burgers and Fries is one of the largest fast casual burger franchises on the market. The brand&#8217;s menu is no-frills, offering standard hamburgers and cheeseburgers, with the luxury of adding bacon to each. The brand has been successfully delivering quality burgers and fries since it opened up shop in 1986.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Five Guys keeps their burgers pretty simple; a patty, a bun and classic toppings. The most exotic topping you will see on a burger may be relish and hot sauce. But don&#8217;t let that deter you&#8212;Five Guys&#8217; charm is in its minimalism. For our taste test, we went with the double patty cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup and mustard. After taking the first bite, our testers could taste the cheese right off the bat. The brand perfectly melts the cheese to give the perfect consistency&#8212;we&#8217;d say it&#8217;s somewhere between &#8220;right out of the fridge&#8221; and &#8220;gooey nacho cheese.&#8221; As a two patty burger with a mountain of toppings, we took no shame in having to grab onto it with two hands, and we&#8217;re happy to report that the burger and the soft, delicious sesame seed bun stayed intact.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Overall, we felt Five Guys mastered the art of modernizing the old diner-style burger. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1"><a href="http://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/Company/Franchise-With-Us/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dairy Queen</a></div><div id="pastingspan1">Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota</div><div id="pastingspan1">Year it began franchising: 1940</div><div id="pastingspan1">Number of stores: 6,700 Worldwide</div><div id="pastingspan1">Total Investment: $779,675 to $1.7 million</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">For most consumers, they may not associate burgers with Dairy Queen. A flavorful Blizzard may come to mind first, but Dairy Queen has reinvented themselves as an all-encompassing restaurant thanks to its Grill and Chill menu. The ice cream magnate has come a long way since it was founded in 1940, and today, artisan-style sandwiches, chicken strips and hamburgers are all now iconic parts of the brand&#8217;s delectable menu. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Of the Grill and Chill menu, we decided to taste their standard cheeseburger. Condiments remained simple with lettuce, tomato, pickle, cheese and ketchup, with the vegetables in particular tasting extremely fresh. The crux of a good burger is the patty and bun combination. A stale bun and rubbery patty can be a disappointment for a hungry consumer, but we were happy to report those two components passed with flying colors. According to one of our testers, the bun in particular was a standout, as it was &#8220;nice and fluffy, and had a refreshing taste to it.&#8221;</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Overall, we have to give a huge two thumbs up to the brand&#8217;s Grill and Chill menu. The staff was incredibly helpful in navigating us through the menu, and we are looking forward to going back to try other items as well. </div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1"><a href="http://smashburger.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=burger-taste-test-3555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smashburger</a></div><div id="pastingspan1">Headquarters: Denver, Colorado</div><div id="pastingspan1">Year it began franchising: 2008</div><div id="pastingspan1">Number of stores: 150</div><div id="pastingspan1">Total Investment: $330,250 to $787,250</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">From the beginning, Smashburger has been known for their new spin on classic flavors. Their menu is packed with interesting options, including the Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger and its Chicago-inspired Wind City Burger, which comes with haystack onions and spicy mustard. The brand has also tweaked its expansion methods over the years by opening in non-traditional locations, such as airports. We stopped by the local Chicago chain to see if the hype was real.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">Our Second City bias may have swayed us to the Windy City Burger, but we went with the brand&#8217;s Classic Smash Burger for this taste test. The mountain of fresh toppings included lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles, cheese and the usual condiment spread of ketchup and mustard. While the toppings were a colorful focal point of the burger, what stood out were the perfectly seared patties. Many eaters seem to want the biggest patties possible, but bigger does not always equal better. Smashburger&#8217;s thinner patties were a refreshing highlight of the burger. It&#8217;s also good to know their patties are fresh and, as the restaurant name implies, they are smashed to cultivate as much juiciness as possible.</div><div id="pastingspan1"> </div><div id="pastingspan1">With a perfectly toasted bun, evenly seared patty and a cavalcade of fresh toppings, Smashburger was a standout burger.</div>

1851 Franchise

Thinking of investing in a burger franchise? The 1851 Franchise staff tasted some of the country’s top burgers to guide your decision.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Burger Taste Test    

burger-taste-test

Caring Transitions

Is Now the Best Time to Invest in a Senior-Focused Franchise?

is-now-the-best-time-to-invest-in-a-senior-focused-franchise

Children's Lighthouse

An Inside Look at Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Conference Recap and Award Winners

an-inside-look-at-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-conference-recap-and-award-winners

What the First 90 Days Look Like as a New Caring Transitions Franchise Owner

what-the-first-90-days-look-like-as-a-new-caring-transitions-franchise-owner

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Photo of Keke's Breakfast Cafe owners Neetu and Sanjeev Bali

Denny’s Veterans Bring Keke’s Breakfast Cafe to the Sacramento Area

sacramento-franchise-expansion

Comfort Keepers

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Comfort Keepers® Franchise?

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Comfort Keepers® Franchise? A Clear Look at the Investment and Growth Potential

comfort-keepers-franchise-cost

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-growth

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

ai-skilled-trades-authority-brands

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems - 1851 Franchise

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems

penny-shortage-restaurants-franchise-compliance

<a href="https://princestreetpizza.com/">Prince St. Pizza</a> has partnered with a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-daves-hot-chicken-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723529">Dave’s Hot Chicken</a> franchisee to support its national expansion,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news/prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-expansion/#:~:text=Prince%20St.%20Pizza%2C%20a%20New%20York%2Dbased%20pizzeria,the%20country%2C%20according%20to%20a%20press%20release.">Pizza Marketplace recently reported</a>. The New York-based brand has joined forces with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencekourie/">Lawrence Kourie</a>, founder and largest franchisee of Dave’s Hot Chicken, to grow its footprint across the country. Kourie’s experience opening and operating locations in multiple markets will help the brand as it enters new territories."Lawrence has built and operated one of the fastest-expanding restaurant concepts in the country, but what stands out is his disciplined approach to growth and brand integrity," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-longo-342856/?skipRedirect=true">Lawrence Longo</a>, CEO of Prince St. Pizza. "He understands how to develop a concept without losing what made it special in the first place, which is critical as we enter this next phase."The expansion will use Kourie’s existing infrastructure and operations to introduce Prince St. Pizza into new markets. Each location will aim to reflect the same experience as the brand’s original Nolita shop."I have spent years evaluating restaurant concepts, and it is rare to find one that delivers both a strong product and a clear identity," Kourie said. "What Prince St. has built is difficult to truly replicate. The focus now is on growing the brand in a way that preserves that foundation while introducing it to new communities."Kourie is a key operator within the Dave’s Hot Chicken system,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion-2729557#stories">which Roark Capital acquired in a $1 billion deal in 2025</a>. The partnership connects Prince St. Pizza to an operator with experience scaling a brand that has attracted major private equity investment.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pizzamarketplace.com/news/prince-st-pizza-partners-with-daves-hot-chicken-franchisee-for-national-expansion/#:~:text=Prince%20St.%20Pizza%2C%20a%20New%20York%2Dbased%20pizzeria,the%20country%2C%20according%20to%20a%20press%20release.">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Prince St. Pizza is teaming up with a leading Dave’s Hot Chicken franchisee to expand nationwide, tapping proven operator experience to drive growth.

<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/">Yum! Brands</a> is considering a potential sale of Pizza Hut and plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">recent article on Simply Wall St</a>. For the franchising industry, the significance is less about the stock and more about what it says about how large franchisors are managing brand portfolios in a high-cost operating environment.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pizza-hut-franchise-deep-dive-2722519">Pizza Hut</a> is one of the most recognizable names in franchising. If Yum! decides to sell it, that would be a notable shift for a company built on a multi-brand platform. For years, large brand groups have argued that operating multiple concepts creates advantages, including shared resources, stronger purchasing power and the ability to invest in technology across the system. A sale would suggest Yum! believes those benefits no longer outweigh the effort required to improve Pizza Hut’s performance.The planned closures may have the most immediate impact on franchisees. When a franchisor reduces its footprint, it can change how the brand performs in local markets. Fewer locations can mean less convenience for customers, which can hurt overall traffic. It can also weaken the effect of local advertising when there are fewer restaurants supporting promotions in the same trade area.Closures can also affect store-level economics in ways that go beyond the locations that shut down. In some markets, remaining franchisees may pick up some displaced demand. In others, customers may switch to competitors. The changes can also affect local co-op advertising budgets and, depending on how purchasing and distribution are structured, can influence costs tied to volume.The move comes as competition in pizza remains intense, with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724607">Papa Johns</a> continuing to push delivery, digital ordering and value-focused offers. Simply Wall St notes Yum! has been rolling out its Byte digital platform across brands. If Yum! changes Pizza Hut’s role in the portfolio, it could also change where the company focuses its technology and marketing investment.For franchise systems watching from the outside, Yum!’s review is a reminder that growth is not always the main priority. Sometimes the bigger decision is whether a legacy brand can be improved inside a platform or whether it will perform better under a different owner and a different plan.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">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.

Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Yum! is reviewing the brand and closing 250 U.S. locations, a move that could affect franchisees and reshape its restaurant portfolio.

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

yum-brands-pizza-hut-sale

Private equity firm&nbsp;<a href="https://skylineinv.com/">Skyline Investors</a> has acquired rent-to-own franchisor&nbsp;<a href="https://buddysfranchising.com/">Buddy’s Home Furnishings</a> in a deal that signals continued investor confidence in franchise-based retail models, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/mergers-and-acquisitions/rent-to-own-franchisor-buddys-home-furnishings-purchased-by-private-equity-firm">report from Retail TouchPoints</a>. The transaction, announced Feb. 4, brings new ownership to a system of more than 220 locations across 18 states and Guam, positioning Buddy’s for its next phase of growth within the franchising sector.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition reflects a broader trend of private equity firms targeting established franchise brands with recurring revenue and strong unit-level performance. For Buddy’s, which specializes in furniture, electronics and appliances, the partnership is intended to strengthen its operational platform and expand long-term opportunities for franchisees.“This is an exciting new chapter for Buddy’s,” CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-bennett-cfe-a9309538/">Michael Bennett</a> said in a statement. “Skyline brings a collaborative mindset that our franchisees and customers will feel immediately. We’re not just changing ownership; we’re gaining committed partners who understand our business, value our franchise network and are ready to invest in our collective success.”Skyline structured the investment alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-jaeger-bb48b43/">Jeffrey Jaeger</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-alter-7aa99311/">Scott Alter</a>, co-founders and principals of affordable housing developer&nbsp;<a href="https://standard-communities.com/">Standard Communities</a>. Their involvement adds financial and strategic expertise aimed at supporting capital formation, balance sheet management and disciplined expansion.For franchise operators, the deal offers potential benefits in the form of increased corporate resources, enhanced systems and renewed investment in technology and infrastructure. Private equity-backed franchisors often prioritize scalability, data-driven decision-making and operational consistency, all of which can influence franchisee performance and long-term brand stability.Skyline brings prior experience in the rent-to-own space, including investments in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gomajik.com/">Majik Rent-to-Own</a>, which may help accelerate Buddy’s development efforts and refine its franchise support model. Company leaders say the firm’s approach is centered on partnership rather than short-term returns.“Buddy’s represents exactly the type of platform opportunity we’re built to support,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevintom/">Kevin Tom</a>, founder and managing partner at Skyline Investors, said in a statement. “With Buddy’s proven brand and strong franchise network, there’s a clear runway for growth.”As private equity continues to expand its footprint in franchising, deals like this highlight the sector’s appeal to institutional investors. For Buddy’s franchisees, the acquisition marks a transition that could shape everything from marketing strategies to multi-unit development in the years ahead, reinforcing the brand’s position in the competitive rent-to-own marketplace.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/mergers-and-acquisitions/rent-to-own-franchisor-buddys-home-furnishings-purchased-by-private-equity-firm">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Buddy's Home Furnishings Acquisition - Skyline Investors - 1851 Franchise

Skyline Investors’ acquisition highlights how rent-to-own operators with dense unit networks and steady demand are drawing long-term capital and operational playbooks.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings Deal Signals More Private Equity Interest in Franchise Retail

buddys-home-furnishings-acquisition-skyline-investors-private-equity

<a href="https://kbpbrands.com/">KBP Brands</a>, the multi-brand franchisee group with over 1,100 restaurants across 32 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbp-brands-doubles-down-on-sonic-with-78-restaurant-acquisition-302695591.html">has announced</a> its acquisition of 78 additional SONIC units. The new units are spread across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.This is the second SONIC acquisition KBP has completed in less than two years, and it makes KBP the fourth-largest SONIC franchisee in the system with 164 total locations across eight states.“We’ve had a successful five-year partnership with Inspire Brands and have seen strong results from our initial SONIC purchase,” KBP CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kulp-820820">Mike Kulp</a> said in a statement. “We look forward to expanding that with a larger footprint and additional operational efficiencies.”KBP is one of the country’s largest franchisee groups, reporting approximately $1.5 billion in annual sales across its portfolio, which includes KFC, Taco Bell and Arby’s, another Inspire Brands franchise."Our relationship with KBP Brands continues to grow due to their operational excellence and our shared commitment to guest satisfaction and a culture that champions innovation," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kelly-b48426b">John Kelly</a>, brand president at SONIC. "KBP's expansion with SONIC demonstrates their dedication to our vision and the brand's long-term growth."Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbp-brands-doubles-down-on-sonic-with-78-restaurant-acquisition-302695591.html">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Photo of SONIC franchise logo against blue sky backdrop

The franchisee group, which already operates over 1,100 units, is growing its portfolio with the quick-service brand, becoming one of SONIC’s largest franchisees.

KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

kbp-brands-sonic-acquisition

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

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

Amada Senior Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Amada Senior Care is a non-medical home care, assisted living placement, and related senior-support services with multiple revenue streams.

amada-senior-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit

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


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

newks-eatery-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? For many&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/a-beginners-guide-to-franchising-how-the-model-works-2724686">prospective entrepreneurs</a> weighing the idea of ownership, the answer to that question can be both yes and no. Franchising offers a proven system and built-in support. Starting from scratch allows greater flexibility and control. And a proper understanding of the trade-offs can help potential owners decide which path is most aligned with their business goals.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://drymedicfranchise.com/">DRYmedic Restoration</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-carlson-29b0a930/">Keith Carlson</a>, the appeal of franchising often starts with structure. “The yes is that you have an automatic blueprint,” he said. “You’re in. You don’t have to think of everything. You don’t have to come up with your business plan or your marketing plan.”As Carloson noted, franchisors generally provide detailed guidance on everything from licensing and certifications to business structure. “All of those things are done. Or they’re in a list or part of a large checklist,” he said. “From that perspective, it’s simpler on the back end.”<h2>Franchising Vs. Starting From Scratch: Key Considerations</h2>So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buying-a-franchise-vs-starting-from-scratch-2725815">is franchising better than starting a business from scratch</a>? Here are five areas to consider:1. Built-In Systems Vs. Total Control Franchising provides a tested playbook. But it comes with rules. “If you’re in a franchise, every time you want to do something that’s outside their playbook, you have to ask permission,” Carlson reminds. Independent owners, on the other hand, can pivot freely but must build systems from the ground up (which takes time and resources).2. Fees and Royalties Franchise fees and royalties are part of the deal. It’s important to both understand and plan for them accordingly.3. Experience and Support One of franchising’s biggest advantages is access to experienced operators. Carlson recalled his first job after signing his initial work order: “I was nervous. But I had somebody on the phone within 10 minutes saying, ‘You’ve got to do this, this and that,’” he said. “It was so easy to get through that first job because there was no guesswork.”4. Following The System (With Local Flexibility) While local nuances aren’t always captured in a national system, the strength of a proven system remains a franchising hallmark.5. Long-Term Upside Starting a business from scratch can be more lucrative. “But it depends on the level of effort you want to put in,” Carlson reminds potential zees.<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>So, is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-and-the-american-dream-2730380">Franchising</a> can reduce risk, shorten the learning curve and provide critical support (especially early). Independent startups can offer more autonomy and, potentially, greater long-term rewards. Therefore, an honest assessment of tolerance for structure, fees and self-direction can help those considering entrepreneurship to properly assess the ownership situation best aligned with one’s goals for success in the business opportunity.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.

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? Franchising offers a proven system and support. Starting from scratch provides flexibility and control. Here’s how to assess the tradeoffs.

Is Franchising Better than Starting a Business from Scratch? A Guide

is-franchising-better-than-starting-a-business-from-scratch-a-guide

When evaluating a franchise opportunity, there’s an important early step: how do I research franchise complaints? Understanding the issues both current and former franchise owners have experienced can help prospective franchisees make better-informed decisions that increase the likelihood of selecting a brand aligned with their business goals.Franchise consultant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchise-guru/">Lisa Welko</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/">Integrity Franchise Group</a> emphasizes the importance of validating information through direct research. “The most important thing about researching any franchise is the opportunity to validate with franchise owners personally,” Welko said. “Use the reviews to formulate your questions and opinions. And then validate those findings with actual owners in the system.”<h2>Start With The Basics: Public Records And Online Tools</h2>How do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;It starts with sources that are accessible and objective.<ul><li>Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-item-3-of-the-franchise-disclosure-document-litigation-history-2703061">FDD Item 3</a>, litigation history, lists pending litigation or past legal issues involving franchisees that can be potential&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-doing-franchise-research-2723769#stories">red flags</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>State Regulatory Agencies: Many states publish franchise or business complaints (including the Attorney General’s office). &nbsp;</li><li>Online Reviews and Forums: While helpful for providing additional context, they should not be used as the only source of research. “Just like anything on the internet, we need to remember ‘Buyer Beware,’” said Welko. “Online reviews can be a helpful tool. But we need to remember that it’s one tool in the arsenal. So, don’t let one bad review torpedo your research.”</li></ul><h2>Speak Directly With Franchise Owners</h2>Nothing replaces firsthand insights. Contacting current – and former – franchise owners to ask about their experience with franchisor support, operations and growth potential is a critical part of the validation process. It’s essential to pay attention to recurring themes in their feedback, both positive and negative, to identify potential risks (or opportunities) correctly.&nbsp;<h2>Practical Takeaways For Evaluating Franchise Complaints</h2><ol><li>Verify Patterns, Not One-Offs – A single complaint may be an isolated incident. Look for repeated issues that may indicate systemic challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Check The Age Of Complaints – Older complaints may reflect resolved issues or changes in leadership (while recent complaints can indicate ongoing issues). &nbsp;</li><li>Ask Specific Questions – When speaking with franchisees, ask about areas like training, corporate support and general operational challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate The Brand’s Response – How a franchisor addresses complaints can reveal the level of transparency, responsiveness and commitment provided to franchise owners. &nbsp;</li><li>Integrate Findings Within Decision-Making – Use complaint research as part of a larger due diligence process (along with financials, market analysis and personal goals).</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, how do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;Doing so is essential. Utilizing a combination of public records, online insights and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-the-value-of-franchisee-validation-in-the-franchise-sales-process-2703208">direct validation with franchisees</a> (past and present), potential franchise owners can better evaluate both risk and opportunity. By following a structured approach, actionable insights that build confidence in the franchise decision-making process can be identified.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 do I research franchise complaints? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to uncover patterns, validate insights with franchisees and make informed franchise investment decisions.

Burger Taste Test

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS