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A labor of love from the very beginning, <a href="http://1851franchise.com/honestlash/info">Honest Lash</a>, the emerging lash extension franchise, was born out of a COVID-triggered pivot by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ellis-a5b716122/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=honest-lash-brings-the-best-of-giant-brands-to-a-local-people-first-model-2723204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jonathan Ellis</a>, president and CEO of the brand. As a third-generation McDonald’s franchisee who later owned both a Signarama business and 15 Sylvan Learning locations, Ellis had experienced many phases and models of franchised businesses and hand-selected the best aspects of each for his new brand.&nbsp;As a franchised lash extension business,&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.honestlash.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=honest-lash-brings-the-best-of-giant-brands-to-a-local-people-first-model-2723204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Honest Lash</a> has created a medium through which Ellis can pass along the expertise he has built over the years while building a close-knit family-style network of local owners.“We’re very clearly a family business. My dad and grandfather taught me valuable business lessons; I’m benefitting from their experiences,” said Ellis. “It’s time to pay that forward. We accept challenges head-on, and we don’t fold when faced with adversity. I want to step into that leadership role and show both my kids and franchisees what it means to run a strong business.”<h3>Ellis Was Raised in a Franchise Family, and He Has Carried Lessons Learned into the Development of Honest Lash</h3>As a third-generation McDonald’s franchisee, Ellis grew up watching his grandfather and father navigate business ownership through multiple stages of franchise growth. In his younger years, Ellis worked at the store level, helping his father prepare for grand openings, taking orders at the register and cooking fries in the back. After college, he was able to take on a leadership role and run multiple restaurants for himself.“I’m very lucky, pleased, honored and privileged to have been born into a family that is not only entrepreneurial, but a restaurant family, a franchise family and a family that believes in worth ethic,” said Ellis. “We believe in the value of paying it forward and the possibilities that hard work, a good work ethic and a positive mindset can bring to the table.”Through his early experiences with his family's businesses, Ellis experienced the operational techniques, strategy and sheer grit necessary to build a successful business. Throughout his franchising journey, Ellis also invested in both one Signarama unit and 15 Sylvan Learning locations, but when the pandemic presented rough waters for the education world, Ellis was forced to pivot.<h3>Backed into a Corner by COVID and Its Consequences, Ellis Pivoted</h3>Just two years into his ownership with Sylvan, Ellis was working to manage over one dozen learning centers while supporting his employees and navigating the new, highly digital world. In a strategic business move, he chose to sell the majority of his units back to Sylvan’s corporate team and surrounding franchisees. With three buildings left, he began to think of ways that he could continue along the entrepreneurial journey and launch a profitable operation that would serve as a counterbalance to the financial stress he sustained during the pandemic.“Honest Lash is essentially a COVID pivot. I mean, we were 1,000% born because of 2020. We were born out of tenacity, out of being painted into a corner and out of not knowing where we were going,” said Ellis. “I looked at this lash business as I can pull all of my desks and chairs and learning equipment out, install lash chairs and lash equipment, and it's very much a low investment cost to swap out furniture, fixtures and equipment. I knew a couple of people in Austin that were cosmetologists and estheticians, and I just realized, ‘Hey, let's go. Let's go open a lash business.’”As Ellis works to grow Honest Lash, this won’t-stop attitude is something he has baked into the business model and aims to foster with new owners. In addition to the practical knowledge he gained through experience with the family business, Ellis said he saw his father and grandfather “keep coming back” in spite of the challenges they experienced.Because Honest Lash is a beauty and wellness business that was built during one of the worst possible times for the industry, the business model is specifically designed weather any storm and was built to scale.“It's the benefits and the luxuries of life that McDonald's showed me, and I don't mean just money and profit,” said Ellis. “I mean, what McDonald's has baked into our life and our livelihood and how we do things and accept challenges head-on... That's what I want to pay forward.”<h3>What Honest Lash Brings to the Franchise Market</h3>With the best pieces of the McDonald’s, Signarama and Sylvan business models, alongside generations of firsthand experience and well-developed expertise, Honest Lash presents a franchise opportunity that is more about the “why” than the “what.”Within an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/cmo/beauty-personal-care/united-states?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=honest-lash-brings-the-best-of-giant-brands-to-a-local-people-first-model-2723204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">over $90 billion</a> beauty and personal care market, lash extensions alone accounted for $1.36 billion in 2020 and are projected to reach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/lash-extension-market/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=honest-lash-brings-the-best-of-giant-brands-to-a-local-people-first-model-2723204" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$2.31 billion by 2028</a>. With an initial investment starting around $100,000, Honest Lash presents a lucrative business opportunity that has a relatively low barrier to entry and, more specifically, is more affordable than its lash-specific competitors.Though the demand for lash extensions and the state of the beauty market in the U.S. is an important part of the equation, how Ellis has created the business and what he will offer new franchise owners is just as crucial.In the Honest Lash network, franchisees are viewed as active participants in a family business style relationship.“It's very much a relationship, very much a marriage. It's very much a binding contract, of course, but also, at the end of the day, it's a relationship,” said Ellis. “We lean on each other in good times and bad times.”&nbsp;As Ellis takes on his first journey as a franchisor, he is looking to create the strong relationships he felt in successful times as a franchisee, leveraging the close connection to pass along the knowledge he has gained over the years.“We’re small, quick, nimble and able to move on our feet,” said Ellis. “This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Rather, we take the approach of learning from each other. This is a family business; let’s solve challenges together.”<h3>Honest Lash Is Positioned to Take Over the Lone Star State</h3>With three existing corporate territories and three franchise agreements signed within the first 90 days of offering franchises, it’s clear that Honest Lash is bringing an in-demand business model to both franchisees and lash customers.As it grows, Honest Lash will open in El Paso, Houston and San Antonio, and the team is looking to continue awarding franchises through the end of the year with intentions to sign agreements for 10 total units by 2024.Franchise owners with Honest Lash can take advantage of a caring leadership team that is devoted to passing along the strategy, persistence and passion that served to build and grow a family empire over the span of decades.“We’re building in-house systems that are very much McDonald’s-proven systems,” said Ellis. “With these, we will create Honest Lash University where strong teams and corporate infrastructure is built and franchisees are trained to create the strongest franchise system possible.”Honest Lash is looking to expand with passionate owners who have hospitality, management, beauty or leadership experience. As it works to sell out its home state of Texas and subsequently explode nationwide, Honest Lash presents a prime opportunity for prospective owners who are interested in taking control of their futures.&nbsp;“There will always be someone who is motivated and ready to take on a challenge,” said Ellis. “I’m looking for a spirit, a mindset and a ‘prove you wrong’ mentality. That’s what Honest Lash was born out of. I love the idea of someone taking our brand and utilizing it to say, ‘This is who I am, and this is how I approach the world.’ If we see that spirit, the other details like liquidity and professional background are less important.”To learn more about franchising with Honest Lash, visit https://franchise.honestlash.com/

Honest Lash Brings the Best of Giant Brands to a Local, People-First Model

1851 Franchise

The lash extension franchise marries the expertise of a former McDonald’s, Signarama and Sylvan Learning franchisee with a supportive, family-business model.


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Right at Home

Right at Home Margaret Haynes?Named 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor Honoree

Right at Home Leader Margaret Haynes Named 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Hall of Honor Honoree

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Wild Bill's Craft Beverage Company

How This Franchisee Built a Sustainable Business With Wild Bill’s Craft BeverageCo.

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

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Why Layne’s Chicken Fingers Shines as the Real Chicken Finger Contender: What Franchisees Should Know

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Right at Home Targets Clermont County and Nearby Rural Communities for In-Home Care Growth

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Minuteman Press International

Minuteman Press franchise team, Galveston, Texas.

Minuteman Press Franchise Owner Dennis Murray Talks Career Change to Printing in Galveston, TX

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McDonald’s and Burger King Take the QSR Burger Wars to Social Media

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Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

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

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Restaurants Stand Out in 2025 Hiring as Consumers Look for Simple Treats

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KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

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IFA Releases 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook Report, Predicting Over 12,000 New Franchised Businesses This Year

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Ellianos Coffee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A drive-thru specialty coffee franchise focused on speed, quality and Southern hospitality.

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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.

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No-H2O Franchise Deep Dive - Costs, Fees, Profit and Data - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: No-H2O is a waterless, app-driven car-care model with mobile, pop-up or static formats, low infrastructure, quick ramp-up, matched marketing and systemwide accounts.

No-H2O Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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Nashville Hot Chicken franchise deep dive

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Nashville Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in spicy, cayenne-pepper-infused fried chicken.

Nashville Hot Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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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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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">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.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

Hardee’s Lawsuit Targets Franchisee as 77 Restaurants Prepare to Shut Down

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For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-these-tenured-franchisees-continue-to-grow-with-trublue-2726985">Tim and Kay Diemont</a>, owning a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> franchise in Yorktown, Virginia, is a shared purpose. Over the past decade, the couple has built one of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> most successful and enduring operations, all while strengthening their marriage, deepening their community connections and setting an example for what family-owned franchising can achieve.By the time TruBlue came into their lives, both Tim and Kay were ready for a new chapter.“Tim was working as a regional director of stores and in charge of the East Coast. I had been with the same architectural firm for 20 years,” Kay said. “Tim was tired of the corporate demands, traveling and wanted to be home more. He also wanted to be doing something that would be rewarding and help in our community — the community where we raised our two sons. My employer was getting ready to retire and, since [Tim and I] had always wanted to work together, the timing seemed perfect for both of us.”The couple’s shared vision aligned perfectly with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-a-strong-franchise-choice-in-the-growing-senior-industry-2728519">TruBlue’s mission of helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes with ease and peace of mind</a>.<h2>From Marriage Partners to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from life partners to business partners came naturally to the Diemonts.“Since we were already partners, this new partnership was an easy transition,” Kay said. “Tim knew how to manage people and had been in a leadership position for many years. I was already trained administratively and had worked in marketing for both the architectural firm and for a local mayor. So, my community connections were very strong in this area.”Their complementary skill sets have proven invaluable. A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Michigan, Tim brought strong operational and leadership experience from his years managing retail teams. Kay, who has lived in the Yorktown area her entire life, leveraged her local relationships and administrative background to handle marketing and office management.The couple’s oldest son, Derrick, is a systems engineer who has contributed to the business over the years. “His expertise with setting up our computer needs and just his overall help with the business was and continues to be a huge plus,” Kay said.The Diemonts say that working together has improved their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible-2728825">work-life balance</a> rather than complicating it. “Since we work together, our schedules are the same,” Kay said. “We can take as much time off as we want or need, and we enjoy traveling extensively every year.”<h2>Choosing TruBlue for Their Family’s Next Chapter</h2>When the Diemonts first began exploring franchise ownership, they were drawn to opportunities that allowed them to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-25-franchise-brands-committed-to-serving-their-communities-2724335">serve their community</a>.“Tim was looking into a senior care franchise and at the time the one he was interested in pursuing was already taken in our area,” Kay said. “The person he was speaking with at&nbsp;<a href="https://strategicfranchising.com/">Strategic Franchising</a> mentioned a new franchise they were developing. It sounded like a perfect fit for someone who already knew managerial and handyman skills. We were one of the first to open a TruBlue, and we have been the proud owners since 2013.”The TruBlue model — focused on home maintenance, handyman services and senior safety — felt like the right blend of purpose and practicality. “Tim always had faith and knew we would be a success,” Kay said. “The model for TruBlue was perfect! Our co-workers, family and friends loved the concept, and we had customers lined up before we ever purchased our territory.”<h2>Family Ownership in Action</h2>As business partners, the Diemonts run their franchise with the same&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-a-franchisor-can-cultivate-a-strong-franchise-community-2722789">teamwork and communication</a> that have defined their marriage for nearly five decades.“We have great partners, who are like-minded to bounce ideas through,” Kay said. “All our employees know they can come to either one of us with a question or a problem and 98% of the time, they will get the exact response from us. The other small percentage is only due to Tim’s knowledge of certain handyman jobs and mine would be administrative questions regarding invoicing or payroll.”That united front has helped them build a loyal team and a strong reputation throughout Yorktown and the surrounding Peninsula communities. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service at a great value, and it is continually growing,” Kay said. “Our employees are happy to be a part of our team and we are sure all of them would stay with or continue with any new owner, whether it be family or someone new.”<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>After more than 10 years in business, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue grow from a small emerging concept into a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum-2730055">nationally recognized brand</a>. But for them, the most important growth has been personal — and local.“Hopefully, we have built a business that either one of our sons would be proud to carry on in the future,” Kay said. “Our client base is strong because we provide our customers with a good service, at a great value and it is continually growing.”The couple takes special pride in supporting local seniors, veterans and busy families. “Making our customers and employees happy and doing something good within our community for our seniors and veterans has been the most rewarding,” Kay said. “As a veteran and family-owned business, we take great pride in providing a service to those who have served our country and to their families. For our seniors and busy adults, providing them with peace of mind and someone they can trust in their homes is a very big deal to us as a company and as a family. Everyone’s home is their castle, and we always hope TruBlue of Yorktown makes them feel that way.”<h2>The Rewards of Working Together</h2>When asked about the hardest or most surprising part of running a family business, Kay didn’t hesitate: “Probably how easy it has been to work together. Nothing has been hard about it for us personally. Our skill sets matched pretty good.”For Tim and Kay, the past decade has been defined by collaboration, connection and community — and the next one promises more of the same.“Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true,” Tim said. “This is a great way of life.”

Discover how Tim and Kay Diemont leveraged their personal partnership to create a thriving, lasting legacy in the home maintenance franchise space.

Honest Lash Brings the Best of Giant Brands to a Local, People-First Model

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