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<a href="https://www.fatbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FAT Brands</a>, a leading global franchising company with over 2,300 restaurants worldwide, has spent previous years acquiring and developing some of the most sought-after fast casual, QSR, casual and polished casual dining brands in franchising. Now, it looks to leverage its diverse portfolio of brands to support extensive franchisee growth, aiming to exceed 2,500 restaurants in 2023. With this goal in mind, the team has identified several target markets primed for growth, including Texas.&nbsp;“We know markets like Texas are very conducive to business,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-wiederhorn-2101102a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taylor Wiederhorn</a>, Chief Development Officer at FAT Brands. “The economics are strong and there are a lot of prime real estate opportunities to develop locations, including drive-thrus or different restaurant models that can increase revenue and profitability for our potential franchise partners.”Texas has the&nbsp;<a href="https://businessintexas.com/news/texas-enters-2021-as-worlds-9th-largest-economy-by-gdp/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ninth-largest economy in the world</a> because of the state’s business-friendly climate and robust infrastructure. Not only is it great for small business owners, but it is also seeing a massive influx in residents following the pandemic-fueled housing boom. The Houston metro area, for example, is home to 6,603,000 people, which is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/23014/houston/population?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025#:~:text=The%20current%20metro%20area%20population,a%201.88%25%20increase%20from%202020." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1.73% increase from its population in 2021</a>. The Dallas metropolitan area, which is home to 7.5 million people, has grown by more than 120,000 people since the pandemic, making it the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/subscribe?csrc=6438&amp%3Bcx_productId=8net8wmtfcao&amp%3Bcpncd=4wkb&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025#cxrecs_s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">fastest-growing metro area</a> last year in the United States.&nbsp;Additionally, as the population grows, commercial real estate construction is also picking up at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tpr.org/business/2021-12-08/texas-commercial-real-estate-market-heats-up-like-nowhere-else-in-the-country?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">breakneck speed</a> within Texas. Houston had the highest volume of commercial real estate transactions of any city in the country in 2021, and Dallas came in at No. 3. For companies like FAT Brands, this means more opportunities to secure prime real estate locations.&nbsp;&nbsp;All of these factors equate to a particularly hot restaurant market in Texas. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/fast-food-restaurants-in-texas-united-states/">IBIS World</a>, the revenue of the fast food restaurant market in Texas came in at $34.8 billion in 2022, and is expected to increase 7.3% by the end of the year.“Restaurants in Texas tend to have some of the highest AUVs in the industry,” said Wiederhorn. “Part of our thinking was — the more stores we open in these markets, the more interest we get. The best thing for new growth is to have potential franchisees try the product and experience the brand first-hand.”FAT Brands currently owns 17 restaurant brands:&nbsp;<a href="https://roundtablepizzafranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Round Table Pizza</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fatburgerfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fatburger</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://marbleslabfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Marble Slab Creamery</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.johnnyrockets.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Johnny Rockets</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://ownafazolis.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fazoli’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twinpeaksfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Twin Peaks</a> and more. While some concepts already have an established presence in Texas, others offer franchisees the opportunity to tap into wide-open territory availability and be the first to market. Overall, Wiederhorn says the primary strategy is to open restaurants in any market that makes sense for the individual brand and more importantly the franchisee. Some of the brands they are looking to grow in Texas include: Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express, Fazoli’s and Round Table Pizza. Along with further establishing FAT Brands’ presence in the market for many of their brands, they see great opportunity in expanding upon the growth of brands who already have a strong footprint in Texas such as Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery.“For many of our concepts, there is a great opportunity to go into these underserved markets and provide the customer base an experience they aren't already getting,” said Wiederhorn. “And a lot of our brands are iconic. People get excited when they enter a new market. Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Great American Cookies, Round Table Pizza —these are all first in their category and people are big fans even if they don't live in a market where there currently is a location.”Best of all, franchisees do not have to start with just a single brand or location; people can come into the system and choose multiple different concepts. Multi-unit operators in turn are paired with a management team that works to help them grow and expand wherever possible. And, should a franchisee fully saturate a single brand within their market, management can support them in pivoting to another brand within FAT Brands.&nbsp;Those shared resources extend even to the store level, where co-branded franchise opportunities allow franchisees to offer two restaurants in one unit, with one streamlined operational model, potentially doubling revenue without increasing overhead.&nbsp;Now, as the FAT Brands team looks to leverage this impressive portfolio to accelerate franchise growth, Wiederhorn says the main focus is on finding the&nbsp;right franchisees and providing them with all of the support and resources they need to develop in a new market.“Our success is dependent on the franchisee and the candidate we decide to do business with,” said Wiederhorn. “We offer franchisees real estate support, which means someone will come in and help them find the location, vet the site and design the restaurant. We also set up the supply chain and purchasing to ensure franchisees have access to the most competitive pricing possible. From there, we will send franchisees to training, help them with marketing support, operational support and introduce them to third party financing companies FAT already has relationships with. With FAT Brands, you are not getting into business for yourself and by yourself. It's for yourself and with significant support.”In addition to Texas, Wiederhorn says the FAT Brands team is seeking passionate and growth-oriented operators in several other markets across the country, including all of Southeastern U.S., Arizona and Northern California. Speaking to FAT Brands’ expansion target areas, they recently signed master franchise deals for Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express throughout the state of Arkansas and in the cities of Orlando, Florida and Tampa Bay, Florida.Investment ranges for FAT Brands franchises range from $349,000.00 to $5,107,000.00. Learn more about franchising opportunities at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fatbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza-2719025" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.fatbrands.com/</a>.FAT Brands Company ProfileFAT Brands, Inc operates as a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 17 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe &amp; Express, Hurricane Grill &amp; Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill &amp; Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses.

FAT Brands Targets Texas and other Southern States as Key Growth Markets for Fatburger, Fazoli’s and Round Table Pizza

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As the FAT Brands profile continues to grow rapidly, the multi-brand restaurant franchisor has its sights set on the Lone Star State due to its business-friendly economy, available real estate and well-established restaurant market.

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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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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

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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.

FAT Brands Targets Texas and other Southern States as Key Growth Markets for Fatburger, Fazoli’s and Round Table Pizza

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