1851

<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

1851 Franchise

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.

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

fat-brands-targets-texas-and-other-southern-states-as-key-growth-markets-for-fatburger-fazolis-and-round-table-pizza

FSC Franchise Co.

Photo of Brass Tap team member serving two guests

How FSC Franchise Co. Supports Franchise Owners' Success

support-franchisees-system-growth

Beef 'O' Brady's

Design with Beef 'O' Brady's logo and food spread

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Franchise?

franchise-cost-investment-requirements

Design with photo of Mangesh Patel, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Veteran Hospitality Leader Mangesh Patel Sets Sights on Central Georgia With Major Multi-Unit Deal

mangesh-patel-macon-georgia-expansion

Griswold

Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

Aloha State Daily: Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

griswold-caregiver-national-scholarship-hawaii

With Three Brands, FSC Realizes Food Cost Savings Through Scale

with-three-brands-fsc-realizes-food-cost-savings-through-scale

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

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

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

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

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

sparkle-dog-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

Pause Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Tech-forward wellness studios offering science-backed recovery services such as contrast therapy, infrared sauna, float, IV drips, cryotherapy, and more. 

pause-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

Franchising has long proven an attractive prospect for independent-minded entrepreneurs seeking ownership. Delivering a proven system – one properly-marketed and tweaked over time – has long been one of the single most powerful franchising hallmarks. But diving into the deep end before learning to swim is risky.&nbsp;Choosing the right option takes preparation and work. So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners?“There's so much to consider,” says franchise attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-l-herman-b9258112a/">Mario Herman</a>. “A big part of my practice is reviewing FDDs and franchise agreements for prospective franchisees. I look for 50 separate things, including inconsistencies between disclosure documents and franchise agreements. And there's a lot of work involved. So, I’d say hire competent counsel with franchise experience.”<h2>Due Diligence</h2>For over three decades as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise-law.com/mario-l-herman-esq.shtml#">franchise attorney</a>, Mario Herman has represented clients from more than 150 franchise systems, further testifying as an expert witness, and stresses the importance of the due diligence process when pondering the question of what’s the best franchise to buy into for beginners.Before diving in, there’s a number of questions to ponder. What kind of capital, or access to it, do you realistically have? Perhaps a low initial investment is crucial. How involved do you want to be in the daily operation of the franchise – hands-on or semi-absentee? Do you want to build an office or retail setting? Maybe a remote opportunity is best.&nbsp;Performing strong due diligence can go a long way toward ensuring prospective franchisees select the right opportunity.&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, that's franchising for beginners. There have been books, podcasts and all kinds of stuff written about that,” Herman said. “From issues involving future royalties to the liquidity and capitalization of the franchise – how long they've been in business and how many franchises in the past have terminated or gone out of business. When doing due diligence, contact those who are still in the system and those who are no longer part of it. There are multiple parties, and due diligence with all of them is important. The process typically takes three to six months or more for bigger deals.”<h2>Where To Look</h2>So what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? It’s a big question. Luckily, there’s answers.<h3>Health &amp; Wellness</h3>If it’s the idea of aligned values that makes franchising an attractive opportunity, there are opportunities in the health and wellness sector that play out in a number of settings, ranging from traditional brick and mortar to remote or mobile opportunities, allowing the potential franchisee to deliver a valuable service at the local level. Recovery studios offer the idea of escape in a private, stress-free setting while fitness franchises continue to grow following the pandemic.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-gym-and-fitness-franchises-the-best-investment-opportunities-for-2025-2729614#stories">Pure Fitness</a> offers a high-value, low-price model in a 24/7 setting which helps build a diverse clientele while delivering health benefits within the community.<h3>Home &amp; Maintenance Services</h3>Touting a recession-resistant nature, home and maintenance services continue to flourish due to aging infrastructure and technological advancements that can protect valuable home investments.With a lower overhead and a more flexible, scalable business model, home and maintenance service franchises offer potential franchise owners a greater work-life balance, boasting home-based options. And unlike other industries,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-10-home-service-franchises-to-consider-2727601#stories">home services</a> draw consistent demand, allowing for stability while reducing startup costs.&nbsp;The unique combination of stability, lower investment risk and the ability to scale fast can offer a more accessible path to franchise ownership. Access Garage Doors maintains a specialized model, focusing on the installation and repair of garage doors with a low initial investment of about $50,000.<h3>Sustainable, Eco-Friendly</h3>Aligned values have driven many a beginner toward the idea of sustainable, eco-friendly franchise options.In the cleaning sphere, residential and commercial cleaning/janitorial services offer largely remote-based opportunities with lower overhead that provide a valuable, largely recurring revenue stream that’s safe and dependable.Solar energy franchises often require an initial investment starting under six figures, a drastic departure from the nationally-marketed brands that tend to define the idea of franchising for the beginner. Focused on the installation of solar panels for homes and businesses, this rapidly growing realm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encouraging sustainability.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ecomaids">Ecomaids</a> features professional, non-toxic and eco-friendly home and commercial cleaning services in a primarily mobile setting which lowers overall costs.<h3>Tech-Driven Food &amp; Retail</h3>The quick onset of tech like AI, robotics and automation has begun to upend the restaurant industry experience, increasing efficiency while delivering crucial data to the astute franchise owner – as well as franchisees looking to assess the best franchises to buy in 2026.Some restaurants have experimented with concepts like AI drive-thrus while other franchised chains, especially in the pizza sector, have toyed with the concept of fully automated kitchens, lowering overhead while addressing the tricky idea of staff retention.Domino’s Pizza has utilized robotics to drive consistent production of pizza while enlisting automation as a significant part of the delivery process. Elsewhere, Donato’s has experimented with fully automated kitchens.&nbsp;POS systems simplify while delivering data and in the retail setting while AI can assist with real time inventory and supply chain management, improving logistics while reining in costs.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/batteries-plus-bulbs-community-driven-approach-and-proprietary-products-continue-to-bring-in-returning-customers-2712298">Batteries Plus</a> uses tech to manage an extensive product selection while many chains use it to encourage ideas like ordering online or curbside delivery.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? The answer to that question requires a proactive look within, honestly assessing ideas like available funds, desired work-life balance, and preferred location.&nbsp;Proper due diligence can help the prospective franchisee accurately assess opportunities in franchising realms ranging anywhere from health and wellness to eco-friendly cleaning or even the restaurant industry.But as the old adage goes, buyer beware. Teaming with qualified counsel to take a deep dive into any opportunity can go a long way toward properly assessing the best franchises to buy in 2026.“There’s an old saying in franchising: ‘If you can fog a mirror, you can buy a franchise,’” Herman said. “Many people think buying a franchise is like a cookie-cutter system where everything will be done for them – including marketing, basic P&amp;L skills and operations. But you have to maintain costs, labor and compliance with rules and regulations. You really have to be careful.”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.

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners?

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners? Franchise attorney Mario Herman shares expert tips on due diligence, top sectors and avoiding common mistakes.

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS