Why Edible® Is a Better Franchise Opportunity Than the Restaurant Business

The restaurant industry has long been associated with demanding hours, large staff requirements and constant pressure to maintain profitability in a competitive market. However, owning an Edible® franchise offers a refreshing alternative with a business model designed for flexibility, efficiency and balance. Here’s why Edible, a franchise brand synonymous with innovation and delight in the $300 billion global gifting market, stands out as a better opportunity than the restaurant business.

Flexible Hours and Work-Life Balance

One of the biggest challenges in traditional restaurant ownership is the long hours, often spanning late nights and early mornings. In contrast, Edible’s business model allows for a more flexible schedule. With a focus on corporate gifting and special occasions, Edible franchisees can enjoy steadier, more predictable hours.

“Edible’s business model is not just about selling a product; it’s about creating moments of joy for people,” said Chief Development Officer, Mark Mele. “This allows franchisees to have a balance between their personal and professional lives while running a successful business.”

For many franchisees, this means they can spend more time with family, avoid the grueling late-night shifts typical of traditional restaurants and have a better work-life balance. The nature of the business also allows owners to structure their days in a way that aligns with their personal lives, whether that means being available for family or simply having the freedom to manage their time effectively.

A Profitable Business Without the Restaurant Grind

Edible’s business model offers the best aspects of a traditional retail and e-commerce operation without the grind of a typical restaurant. Thanks to its strong e-commerce platform, franchisees benefit from multiple revenue streams including in-store sales, online orders, deliveries and catering.

“We've designed the business to allow for various revenue streams, all while ensuring it can be run with a lean team,” said Mele. “This makes it easier for our franchisees to scale their operations while maintaining profitability.”

The ability to generate revenue from multiple channels not only provides financial stability but also allows Edible franchisees to grow their business without taking on the enormous operational overhead of a full-service restaurant. From deliveries to catering, Edible’s flexibility ensures that franchisees can adapt to market trends and customer preferences, providing long-term growth potential.

Streamlined Operations and Minimal Staffing

Unlike traditional restaurants that require large kitchen and waitstaff teams, an Edible franchise operates with a much smaller crew. Most stores only require about five employees, even during the busy holiday seasons. This dramatically reduces the complexities of hiring, training and managing staff while also keeping labor costs low.

“Our expansion into other items and diverse revenue streams means our franchisees can operate efficiently with minimal staff, making it easier to manage the day-to-day operations,” said Mele.

With fewer employees to manage and train, Edible franchisees can focus on delivering excellent customer service and maximizing profitability without the headaches that come with managing large teams. Additionally, this streamlined operation allows franchisees to maintain higher efficiency and cut down on operational challenges that are common in the traditional restaurant space.

Community Engagement with a Purpose

For many Edible franchisees, the satisfaction of running their business comes from being a meaningful part of their community. Unlike the transactional nature of restaurants, Edible focuses on providing memorable and emotional experiences for customers. Whether it’s a corporate gift, a birthday celebration or a simple thank-you, Edible franchisees play a role in life’s most special moments.

“I wake up excited every morning to come to work, and that’s because it doesn’t feel like work,” said Anita Bustos, an Edible franchise owner in Chicago and the Franchisee of the Year in 2023. “I had to save every penny to be able to purchase this franchise. I was by no means wealthy, and it was scary to put all the eggs in one basket, but it’s something I enjoy doing, so I knew I would never have to work another day in my life. We had over 900 orders this past Valentine’s Day and it didn’t feel like work at all. It was just nice to see the happy faces and feel like we made a real difference.”

Overall, for those looking to invest in a business with the perks of the restaurant industry but without the heavy demands, Edible is a sweet opportunity worth exploring.

For more information on franchising with Edible®, visit: https://franchise.edible.com.

About Edible® 

Founded in 1999, Edible® has revolutionized the gifting industry, uniquely leveraging the synergistic power of an innovative e-commerce hub and locally owned brick-and-mortar locations across the globe. Edible's platform seamlessly blends the convenience of online shopping with a vast retail footprint that services over 80% of U.S. households within an hour. Expanding beyond its iconic fruit arrangements, Edible has a range of offerings, including delectable dessert boards, cookies, brownies, cakes, farm-fresh flowers and more – perfect for every celebratory occasion and any treat-yourself moment. For more information, visit edible.com.