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Operating a franchise can be a rewarding venture, but inevitably there comes a time when franchisees need to plan for their exit. Whether it’s in the form of retiring, selling the franchise or pursuing other endeavors, having a well-thought-out franchisee exit strategy is essential. This will not only help you maintain a positive relationship with the franchisor but also ensures the overall stability of the business.&nbsp;The<a href="https://www.franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;International Franchise Association (IFA)</a> emphasizes the benefits of a well-planned exit strategy, noting that it can be a lengthy and complex process that requires careful consideration.“Developing a plan three or more years before exiting is wise,”<a href="https://www.franchise.org/franchise-information/finance/exit-planning-strategies-for-franchise-owners?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;the IFA noted</a>. “Many franchisees wrongly assume this is a simple process. However, a multi-dimensional plan is required and can be complex to develop and implement.”Prepare to ExitTo begin preparing for your exit, start by thoroughly reviewing your franchise agreement and engaging in open communication with your franchisor.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalykim/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Kimberly Daly</a>, a franchise consultant, advises reaching out to your franchisor and informing them of your intentions as soon as possible.“You should alert your franchisor because the franchisor can then alert consultant groups that they have a resale and might be able to find you a buyer for your business,” said Daly.Besides contacting your franchisor, there are several other steps you should take while preparing for your exit.&nbsp;<ol><li>Create an exit roadmap that outlines your desired departure time frame, contractual obligations and potential market conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Review your financial statements, and assess the overall health of your franchise. By understanding the value of your franchise, which includes its revenue, expenses and profitability, you can work toward making it more appealing to potential buyers or successors.</li></ol>Both of these tips will make resale easier for you and make your exit a simpler experience.Identify a SuccessorIdentifying a suitable successor is another significant aspect of the franchisee exit process. Something you’ll have to determine when it comes time to exit is whether you want to transfer the business to a family member, another franchise owner, a third party or back to the franchisor.&nbsp;Consider the guidelines set by the franchisor in your franchise agreement, as this party may influence or limit your options. In some cases, franchisors may require their owners to find their own replacements, while others may provide active assistance in the search, as noted by Daly. If you wind up being responsible for finding a prospective buyer on your own, enlisting the services of a broker can also greatly facilitate your search and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.As mentioned, it’s crucial to assess the overall value of your franchise. Potential investors will want to go through the financials with a fine-tooth comb to ensure they’re not jumping on a sinking ship. Finding a successor isn’t easy and can take time.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclital/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclital/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dr. Ben Litalien</a>, the franchise management program director at Georgetown University, told the IFA that he believes many franchise owners are failing to prepare for their eventual exit.“The research clearly indicates that franchise owners are way behind the curve in preparing for succession,”<a href="https://www.franchise.org/franchise-information/finance/exit-planning-strategies-for-franchise-owners?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Litalien told IFA</a>. “Given the global demographic shift and the rapidly increasing value of franchised businesses, this needs to be a top priority.”And Litalien’s suggestion doesn’t stand alone. In fact, the<a href="https://cfa.ca/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)</a> also believes succession planning is important but isn’t focused on nearly as much as it should be.“Succession planning in the event of the franchisee’s retirement or death is essential, yet often overlooked,”<a href="https://cfa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Helen-and-Derek-Exit-Strategies-Paper-FINAL.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=chapter-19-franchisee-exit-strategies-and-succession-planning-2722792" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;noted the CFA</a>. “The effectiveness and level of sophistication of a franchise succession plan is context-sensitive, depending largely on the nature of the business, the ease with which franchisees may be replaced upon exit and the value of the parties’ investment in the franchise.”Prepare for the FutureWhen it comes time to exit a franchise, careful planning is vital for a smooth transition. By developing a comprehensive exit strategy, being upfront with your franchisor and evaluating the health of your business, franchise owners will be able to identify a suitable successor. By doing all of the above, this will make the process of leaving their franchise much simpler. &nbsp;

Chapter 19: Franchisee Exit Strategies and Succession Planning

1851 Franchise

By preparing a well-thought-out exit strategy, franchise owners can ensure a smooth transition when it comes time to inevitably stepping down from their franchise.

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Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

This Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchisee Built a Family Business that is Opening Doors for Women Across the Trades

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Right at Home

Right at Home Franchisees Awarded Franchisee Excellence Award by Franchise Business Review

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KidStrong Franchising, LLC

How This Former Sales Executive Is Building Confident Kids Across Orange County With KidStrong

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Why This Orangetheory Operator Chose KidStrong As His Next Family-Business Venture in South Florida

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Your Future Franchise

5 Common Mistakes First-Time Franchisees Make, And How to Avoid Them

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Jersey Mike's Takes First Steps Towards Initial Public Offering

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

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

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

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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

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

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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

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<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.

North County Pizza Inc., a major&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a> franchisee, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection,&nbsp;<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/major-pizza-chain-franchisee-files-173300667.html">Yahoo! Finance recently reported</a>. The bankruptcy filing gives North County Pizza time to restructure its debt and reorganize its business, while pausing any legal actions against the company during the process.The Oceanside, California-based franchisee did not explain why it filed for bankruptcy or whether it plans to close locations or lay off employees. Franchisees across the restaurant industry have pointed to tough competition, higher labor and food costs, and expensive leases as reasons for restructuring or filing for bankruptcy.The franchisee filed for bankruptcy on March 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of California, reporting $100,000 to $1 million in assets and $1 million to $10 million in liabilities.The announcement follows recent news that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724607">Papa Johns</a> plans to close 300 underperforming restaurants, including 200 by the end of 2026, and cut 7% of its workforce. It also comes just weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/">Yum! Brands</a> announced it was&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/yum-brands-pizza-hut-sale-2731599#franchise-news">considering a sale of Pizza Hut</a> and plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations.Together, these moves could point to a broader reset across the pizza franchise sector. For franchisees, this environment raises the stakes around site selection, cost control and operational efficiency, while also creating potential opportunities to capture market share as weaker locations exit the market.Read the original article <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/major-pizza-chain-franchisee-files-173300667.html">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">&nbsp;www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Large Domino’s Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The California-based franchisee seeks to restructure debt as closures and strategic shifts continue across major pizza brands like Pizza Hut and Papa Johns.

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<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

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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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Big O Tires Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Big O Tires is a full-service auto care franchise offering tires, brake repair, alignments, oil changes and preventive maintenance under a nationally recognized brand.

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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.


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

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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.

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BrightStar Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: BrightStar Care is a home health care franchise that provides both medical and non-medical services.

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JEI Learning Center Franchise Deep Dive 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: The low-cost supplemental education franchise leverages diagnostic testing and a unique Self-Learning Method to support students’ growth.

Chapter 19: Franchisee Exit Strategies and Succession Planning

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