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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-espinosa-6a8923255/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-this-former-nightclub-director-is-bringing-new-energy-to-wings-and-rings-in-chicago-2728676" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Gustavo Espinosa</a> has always been drawn to fast-paced, customer-focused businesses. He started in the nightclub industry, moved into food franchising with Jimmy John’s, and eventually took ownership of multiple Papa John’s locations, turning struggling restaurants into thriving operations.But he wasn’t done yet. Espinosa wanted a bigger challenge, and in November 2024, he took over a&nbsp;<a href="https://ownwingsandrings.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-this-former-nightclub-director-is-bringing-new-energy-to-wings-and-rings-in-chicago-2728676" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wings and Rings*</a> location in Chicago. Now, he’s working to build a strong management team, create new opportunities for his employees and establish the restaurant as a go-to spot for great food and a welcoming atmosphere. For Espinosa,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wingsandrings/info">Wings and Rings</a> isn’t just another business venture, it’s a chance to grow, give back and help others succeed along the way.1851 Franchise spoke to Espinosa about his experience as a Latino franchise owner and plans for the future .&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Gustavo Espinosa:&nbsp;After graduating college, I got into an unconventional business — running nightclubs. I worked my way through that industry, starting as an intern before moving up to marketing director and eventually director of operations. That experience shaped me because I saw firsthand what it was like to be an entrepreneur. I worked for a couple of guys who owned the company, and that exposure to business ownership stuck with me.After that, I went to graduate school and earned my MBA. I was fortunate enough to be the valedictorian and had the honor of speaking at graduation. At that point, I was at a crossroads. I decided to take a different path, one that moved me away from the nightclub industry, and into QSR franchising.That’s when I started with Jimmy John’s as an operating partner. My partner and I grew from one unit to four in just four years — though he owned many more. Franchising, particularly in food, felt like a natural fit for me. My background in operations and marketing, combined with my passion for service and taking care of people, made it an ideal path. I loved the idea of being part of something essential to people’s lives, and that kept pushing me forward.Eventually, I decided to branch out on my own. I left my partnership and used what I had to start with my own Papa John’s. At the time, Papa John’s was in a tough spot, dealing with PR crises and struggling sales. Restaurants were shutting down left and right. I took over a unit in Burbank, Illinois, that was on the verge of closing. I turned it into a $1.2 million business and even bought another location during that time.Then, I started asking myself, “What’s next?” Just because I was a franchisee didn’t mean I couldn’t elevate my career. For me, it wasn’t just about the bottom line, it was about challenging myself, finding bigger opportunities, and helping others grow on a larger scale.So, I sold my businesses. That was a scary moment, but taking risks is part of the game. Then, I found a new opportunity. It took me about 15 minutes to make an offer because I knew it was the right fit. It was a great restaurant with a tremendous history. I had been there before and knew exactly what it was.After struggling for eight months to finalize everything, I finally closed in November. Now, I feel like I’ve reached the top of the franchise world — the echelon of full-service restaurants. This is a much higher volume and a much bigger undertaking than anything I’ve done before, and I couldn’t be prouder.This is my life’s work. I feel like I’ve made it. Of course, there’s always room to grow, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’re building right now.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Espinosa:&nbsp;I think, like anything, you really have to have a passion for it. Franchising is something that never truly turns off. Even after I close my restaurant, I still need to know what’s happening. The only way to do that is to stay engaged. For example, I closed at 1:00, left the building and by 6 a.m., my phone calls had already started. But if you truly feel it — if you know franchising is for you — you’re going to be successful in it.For me, I have a passion for serving people and constantly challenging myself, whether through growth, leadership development or overcoming challenges like COVID. That’s really important to me. I’ve been impacted by so many people along the way, and I know there are people in the food service industry who might not even realize the opportunities that lie ahead for them.I had a partner who showed me the ropes. I invested a little money, and he gave me the opportunity to run a business, to learn the ins and outs and to grow because I put in the work and time. That experience changed my life. The truth is, I didn’t have enough money to start a franchise on my own. That’s why I always recommend partnering with someone who knows what they’re doing. The opportunities in franchising are endless, but many people — whether they’re cooks, servers or in another position — don’t realize just how much is out there.Not everyone gets the chance to go to business school, so a lot of what I’m trying to do now is develop new business leaders. I teach them marketing, back-of-house operations, goal setting, financials — everything they need to understand how every decision impacts the business and its sustainability. Transparency is a big part of that. When I took over, the management team ended up being incredible, but they told me that no one had ever really shown them how the business worked. No one had ever challenged them to set goals. That’s something I think is really important.At the end of the day, growing as a leader, growing those around you and dedicating yourself to serving people — that’s what franchising is all about. If that excites you, then franchising might be the right path for you1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Espinosa:&nbsp;The food. Amazing food. I challenge anybody to compare their menu to ours. I think we have an incredible menu — it’s been around for 40 years and has had tremendous success.It’s funny. People always mention that our location was featured on Undercover Boss years ago. Over the years, Wings and Rings has been featured on so many media outlets, which is how a lot of people first hear about it. The brand is in this unique position where it’s both a national and worldwide brand, yet it still feels like a neighborhood restaurant. When you walk into our location, it has that neighborhood feel. We’re driven by our regulars — we know their faces, their names. Our staff is local — out of 45 employees, I’d say 40 are from the neighborhood and walk to work. It’s incredible to see how much this brand can impact communities.There’s really nothing else like it. Wings and Rings also has great foresight in choosing locations, franchisees and their approach to growth. They’re constantly evolving. They recently launched Noble Chicken, a quick-service restaurant (QSR) concept, and I love that they continue to innovate. Over the past 40 years, you can clearly see the evolution of this brand — whether it’s internal improvements, menu innovation, or expansion strategies.What also excites me is the leadership. I can literally call the founder or anyone on the executive team right now. They were all present in every meeting during the vetting process and took the time to ensure I was the right fit for the brand. They didn’t just hand it over — they vetted me thoroughly. I think they saw my passion and knew I would elevate this restaurant, which is very important to the company.So, to answer your question — what excites me most is the food, the brand’s continuous evolution and its leadership. And I’m definitely planning to explore Noble Chicken as well.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Espinosa: I think it all starts with the people around me. Right now, I have a management team and I’m setting goals, structuring bonuses and putting everything in place to prepare for growth. It’s all very transparent. I’ve told them that within the next two years, I’d like to either open another Wings and Rings or three Noble Chicken locations in the area.The way we grow is by developing well-rounded managers. That means ensuring they have a strong grasp of food and labor costs, marketing, liquor (if applicable), staffing and hiring needs. The more well-rounded my managers become, the easier it is to expand — one manager can go here, another can go there and so on. That’s what we’re working on right now.But my ultimate goal isn’t just to grow my company. What’s most important to me is being in a position to do for others what someone once did for me. Someone gave me an opportunity — a chance to invest, prove I had skin in the game and earn my way into a partnership. I want to do the same for others. If someone works hard, is dedicated and shows potential, they deserve a stake in this business. They deserve an opportunity to grow, to become an operating partner and to change their own life just like I did.So, my goals are to grow the company, franchise more units and give others the opportunities I’ve had. I believe I’m young enough to continue operating alongside my management team, and I’m excited to be part of a brand that shares this vision. It would mean the world to me to pass on these opportunities because this business has changed my life — and it’s an incredible life.1851:&nbsp;What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Espinosa: I think one of the coolest parts of my story is that I’m a Latino business owner in a predominantly Latino neighborhood. In franchising, the percentage of Latino owners is growing, but it’s still not a huge percentage. I think it’s pretty great that I’ve had the opportunity to speak at colleges, share my story with younger people and show them that there are incredible opportunities in the food industry.A lot of people see food service as a dead-end job, but it can be so much more. It can elevate your career and open doors you never expected. I take a lot of pride in being a Latino franchise owner in this neighborhood and in what I’ve been able to achieve.Wings and Rings, as a company, has provided opportunities to a lot of different people, and I really appreciate that. They don’t focus on where someone comes from or who they are — they care about what you bring to the table. That openness and willingness to support diverse owners mean a lot to me.There’s definitely a badge of honor in this. I wouldn’t say I’m one of the only Latino franchise owners, but I am one of the few who have had this opportunity, and I hope to see that number continue to grow. Franchising can be an incredible outlet for our community, and I’m excited to be part of that progress.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Espinosa: It’s very simple — I tell everyone the same thing. Save some money, work in the industry, understand what it’s really like and find a partner. Don’t go into it alone right away. If you’ve never done it or never worked in the industry, let someone with experience help guide you. When you do that, opportunities will start to open up.Going in blind can be overwhelming. If franchising isn’t the right fit, it can wear you down because it’s a big commitment. But if you take the right steps — gain experience, find the right partner and truly understand the business — you’ll set yourself up for success.And always operate your own business. I’ve spent the last 10 years essentially being a general manager or area manager, working every day. It’s not what people think — you don’t just kick back and relax. You have to be hands-on and deeply involved. But if you’re passionate about it, it won’t feel like work.ABOUT WINGS AND RINGSEstablished in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is THE club-level sports restaurant and bar with Craveworthy Wings and Rings, My Place Service and a Club-Level Ambiance, all to encourage social connections. Whether it’s enjoying a bit of banter, catching up over the game, finding new craft beer favorites, or celebrating a big win, Wings and Rings is the place where everyone can kick back, enjoy life, and champion everyday moments. With 85 units across the globe, Wings and Rings is changing the sports restaurant category, making elevated food and beverage experiences accessible to all fans. For more information, please visit www.WingsandRings.com and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ownwingsandrings.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=how-this-former-nightclub-director-is-bringing-new-energy-to-wings-and-rings-in-chicago-2728676" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.OwnWingsandRings.com</a>.&nbsp;

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Wings and Rings Chicago Franchise Expands with New Ownership

1851 Franchise

After years of building successful restaurants, Latino business owner Gustavo Espinosa is taking on his biggest challenge yet — running a Wings and Rings franchise in Chicago.

How This Former Nightclub Director Is Bringing New Energy to Wings and Rings in Chicago

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Beansquad

BeanSquad - Franchisee Profile - Steve Bjorkman - The UPS Store - 1851 Franchise

Franchisee Spotlight: How One Boise UPS Store Owner Keeps a Growing Operation Financially Organized

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DRYmedic Restoration

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DRYmedic Restoration Caps Banner Year With 25 Territories Awarded, Sets Sights on Strategic Growth in 2026

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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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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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After losing his corporate job, Don Bosko convinced Beef ‘O’ Brady’s founder to take a chance on him and helped turn a single restaurant into a scalable franchise model.

30 Years of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s: How This Franchise Owner Turned His Family’s Favorite Restaurant Into a Multi-Generational Career 

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-bailey">John Bailey</a> has spent most of his career figuring things out as he goes. He started in the automotive industry, where he worked for more than 20 years, before teaming up with his brother to run a home renovation business. When the 2009 recession forced that business in a new direction, he took it as an opportunity to go out on his own. He wasn’t just looking for another job. He wanted something stable, something with a recognizable name behind it and a system he didn’t have to build from scratch. That search led him to&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®</a>, the international, full-service franchised moving company.Sixteen years later, that decision has grown into a five-location operation serving Midtown, Downtown, the Beaches, Thornhill and Vaughan. Bailey runs his teams with a simple mindset: He treats his movers like athletes and puts a heavy emphasis on showing up for customers the right way every time. It’s a big reason why most of his business now comes from referrals. Today, his crews handle everything from everyday family moves to high-profile clients like the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs, while still staying involved in the community through efforts like<a href="https://twomenandatruck.ca/movers-for-moms-program">&nbsp;Movers for Moms®</a>.1851 Franchise sat down with Bailey to discuss his journey as a business owner with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/twomenandatruck">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a>. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?John Bailey:&nbsp;I am 63 years old and live in the Scarborough area of Toronto. We opened our TWO MEN AND A TRUCK location at 153 Bridgeland Avenue 16 years ago, and we are moving into our 17th year soon. We run a very team-oriented company culture, and I actually see our business as a sports franchise. Our movers are essentially athletes who lift and move furniture all day.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Bailey:&nbsp;Prior to franchising, I worked in the automotive industry for 21 years. After that, I was involved in a home renovations business with my brother, which eventually grew to serve all of Ontario and Alberta. Around 2009, the recession led to a shift in that home renovations business, so I decided to pursue a different direction. I wanted to do my own thing, separate from working with my brother, so I started with one TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise and have since expanded to five units.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Bailey:&nbsp;I initially viewed franchising as just buying into an established brand and system, noticing that many large businesses like McDonald’s and Tim Hortons operate that way. Now that I am in it, I highly recommend becoming a franchisee because of the incredible support system available when challenges arise. However, I want people to know that a good brand does not automatically run itself. Starting a new business requires immense effort and hard work; you have to be actively involved in making it grow.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Bailey:&nbsp;I chose TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for the stability and the support system it provides, allowing for communication and problem-solving with other individuals in the system. It has a great brand name, but a key reason for selecting this brand specifically was the ability to work on the business rather than in it. I am most excited by the corporation’s genuine care for its franchisees and their desire for everyone to succeed and achieve a better quality of life.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Bailey:&nbsp;I aim for continued growth and financial stability in my business, and I would be interested in acquiring more territories if they become available. Culturally, my goal is to always exceed customer expectations and create “raving fans” rather than just satisfied customers. That commitment to service has resulted in a consistently high referral rate that often exceeds 96% every year.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Bailey:&nbsp;We do a lot of exciting commercial work, maintaining contracts with high-profile clients like the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Maple Leafs. We handle complex, last-minute moves, like shipping a player’s belongings from Florida to Sacramento during the pandemic, which really demonstrates our commitment to finding solutions for any problem. We are also heavily involved in charity events, including the annual&nbsp;Movers for Moms initiative, and for the last five or six years, we have coordinated Christmas shoebox deliveries for women in shelters and in abusive relationships across Toronto.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Bailey:&nbsp;New owners must be ready to work hard and stay closely involved in the business, especially in the early stages. I have always believed in being available when needed, and I still share my cell phone number for direct contact. Hard work is a big part of success.ABOUT TWO MEN AND A TRUCK:TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is an international, full-service franchised moving company with more than 430 locations and 3,000 trucks operating in 48 U.S. states in addition to Canada, Ireland, and the UK. Each location is independently owned and operated, and together, the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK network has performed more than 10 million moves since its inception in 1985. The moving company has been in Canada for the past 20 years, and more than 30 franchise locations are operating within Canada. In 2024, the Canadian locations moved 26,000 customers while maintaining a 95% referral rating, living up to the brand’s tagline as the Movers Who Care®.&nbsp; TWO MEN AND A TRUCK offers comprehensive home and business moving services, professional packing and unpacking, and storage and junk removal services.

image of franchisee John Bailey Two Men and a Truck owner from toronto 

After losing a business in the 2009 recession, Bailey found a new path, and sixteen years in, his leadership and commitment to service continue to shape the way he runs and grows his business.

 How John Bailey Rebuilt After the Recession and Grew to Five TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Locations

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Based in Sumter, South Carolina,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-dubose-sphr-shrm-scp/">Jason DuBose</a> has built his career on a simple philosophy: people’s stories matter. Having navigated the complexities of caring for his own parents and now supporting his mother-in-law, DuBose is turning his dedication to service into a business with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.griswoldcare.com/">Griswold</a> to provide reliable in-home care to families in South Carolina.Today, after officially opening his doors in March 2026, DuBose serves six counties, including Sumter and Kershaw. His mission is fueled by the faces he saw while responding to welfare checks as a volunteer firefighter — people who just needed a helping hand to stay safe at home. By combining his HR expertise with a genuine love for people, DuBose is proving that the best business owners aren’t just managers; they are our neighbors who care.DuBose sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss his whirlwind transition from the beauty industry to home care and why he’s ready to “pound the pavement” for the people of South Carolina. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Jason DuBose: I’m a proud Texan by birth, but South Carolina has been home since my youth. My father was in the Air Force, which is how we came to Sumter. This is where I met my wife, Tracy. I was actually her first kiss in middle school! We’ve been together for nearly 30 years and married for over 20, and our 18-year-old son, Mason, graduates from high school this year.Family is the center of my universe. Between Tracy and me, we have one surviving parent, her mother, Pailyn. She goes by Lyn and is just about the sweetest, toughest little old lady I’ve ever met. She’s survived multiple bouts of cancer and still manages a koi pond and four big rescue dogs. Being her support team is an example of exactly what Griswold is about.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?DuBose:&nbsp;I spent almost 30 years in human resources across a wild range of industries, everything from timber processing and meatpacking to my last role in the "clean and conscious" beauty space.I'd always thought about maybe starting a business of my own, but the moment actually kind of came through volunteering. I went through rookie school to become a volunteer firefighter at age 50. While out on calls, I kept seeing seniors struggling with falls, welfare checks and other situations where they simply needed help. I looked at various service brands, but home care was the only thing that touched me personally.1851: What was your perception of franchising before becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?DuBose:&nbsp;I don’t think a lot of people realize that two out of three businesses they pass on the road are actually franchises. I knew I wanted to build something, but I didn’t necessarily have a unique idea in mind. Franchising offered a proven system I could get behind.Now that I’m in it, I realize how much the new owner perspective matters. During my research, I specifically asked to talk to people who had been in business for less than six months. Hearing about their current pain points, the startup challenges, was much more relevant to me than talking to someone ten years in. It prepared me for the reality of the daily grind.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?DuBose:&nbsp; It started with a social media outreach from Griswold. The team was infectious. They didn't just talk about numbers. They related everything back to me as a person and my family.What excites me is my cohort of fellow new owners. We have an open chat running constantly, where we celebrate a win or share advice on everything from hiring to growing the business. Having this tether to a group of people going through the exact same whirlwind is a godsend.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;DuBose:&nbsp;I hope that we can do a lot of good first and foremost. If we're doing it right, and this is one of the big takeaways I took from the training with Griswold, we're not recreating the wheel. People have been providing care to their loved ones and others for thousands of years. I just want to do the small things incrementally better than everyone else.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?DuBose:&nbsp;Starting this business has been a whirlwind. I’m a high-energy person, and I’ve realized that while I’m blessed to be on this journey, I have to stay grateful and grounded. I want people to know that I’m not just running a business, I’m one of their neighbors.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?DuBose:&nbsp;You have to believe in something to be able to promote it, otherwise it shows all over your face. Also, do your research on the logistics. I wish I’d had a deeper understanding of the ROBS funding process before I started. Most importantly, find a brand that fits you. When things get tough, that personal connection to the work is what keeps you moving forward.ABOUT GRISWOLD:With over 200 locations across 30 states, Griswold is one of the country’s top home care companies, providing and referring professional, compassionate Caregivers around the clock. Griswold’s “Live Assured” promise gives both clients and their loved ones peace of mind, so they can live without the weight of worry. Griswold helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age, onset of illness, or post-surgery recovery through services including companion care, home services, personal care and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. Griswold has been recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® and named a 2023, 2024 and 2025 Best of Home Care® Endorsed National Provider. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.griswoldcare.com">www.GriswoldCare.com</a> or call 215.402.0200.

image of griswold home care franchisee in south carolina, jason dubose

After responding to welfare checks as a volunteer firefighter and navigating care for his own family, Jason DuBose opened Griswold to help seniors remain safe at home in Sumter and beyond.

Driven by a Heart for Service, One South Carolina Entrepreneur Turns to Griswold After 30 Years in HR

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Having built a 120-location telecom network and portfolio of hotel franchises, you’d never guess that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawad-rawra-86843462/">Jawad Rawra</a> came to the United States without a dollar to his name.&nbsp;Before his personal American Dream was set in motion, Jawad spent his early career working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week at an AT&amp;T Wireless outlet. He kept hustling during the five years he worked for AT&amp;T, sprinkling in odd jobs in between shifts. Jawad always carried the entrepreneurial spirit he inherited from his family and kept searching for the right opportunity to build something on his own.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2007, after facing rejections from major telecommunications giants like Verizon, AT&amp;T and Sprint, T-Mobile opened a door. With that chance, Jawad built his way up until he was one of the largest franchisees in the nation with 120 locations across 14 states. In 2016, he diversified his portfolio by expanding into real estate and the hospitality industry with Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt hotel franchises.Today, Jawad is continuing his trend of diversifying his portfolio while preparing to open his first&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/">Layne's Chicken Fingers</a> location in Rockwall, Texas, slated for April 2026. Layne's stood out to him because of its cult-like following in his Houston community and passionate leadership team. Having built an impressive portfolio in hospitality, telecom and now restaurants, Jawad says his true American Dream has always been his wife and their three amazing daughters.&nbsp;He says everyone in his household loves&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/layneschickenfingers/info">Layne’s</a>, and he can’t wait to leverage this new location as a legacy for his family.&nbsp;1851 Franchise sat down with Rawra to discuss the launch of his new business. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Jawad Rawra: I'm an immigrant who came to this country with no money in my pocket. I had a struggling life, had multiple jobs, and worked seven days a week, 12 hours a day. My first job was with AT&amp;T Wireless in the telecommunication world, but I also worked some odd jobs in the mall during the days I wasn’t working at AT&amp;T. I worked there for five years, but due to the entrepreneurial mindset that I inherited from my family, I always knew I wanted to do something on my own. I started my first business with a couple of friends back in 2007.&nbsp;That's my story… at least, that’s where my journey began.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Rawra: At that point, the only experience I had was in the telecommunication world—I knocked on doors of Verizon, AT&amp;T, Sprint, and T-Mobile and got rejections everywhere. Then T-Mobile gave me a chance, so that's where I signed my first contract and opened up our first location. It wasn't about franchising making sense necessarily… My sentiment was that I wanted to operate a business, and that was the first door that opened as an opportunity. I knocked on it, opened my first location, and became one of the largest franchisees in the nation, growing to 120 locations in 14 different states. In 2016, I started diversifying in different businesses, including hospitality by becoming a franchisee for Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and other real estate investments.1851: What do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Rawra: It comes with a responsibility. You agree to put the brands’ best interest alongside yours by following their rules and regulations. It might be tricky and not everyone's cup of tea, but the idea of building your own business while playing within the sandbox is something that comes naturally to me. When the mutual partnership is strong, growth and success follow organically.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Rawra: In the mindset of diversifying businesses in my portfolio, I was looking into different industries, QSR and Layne’s specifically being one of them. Layne’s food and quality always stood out to me when comparing it with Raising Cane's and other chicken finger brands out there. Anytime I have taken my family or friends to Layne's, the consensus is the same time and time again, that there is no comparison, Layne’s is a tier above the rest. They're passionate about their food, which ties right back to their leadership. They are hardworking, like-minded people who align with the way I think for my vision and growth. It just felt like the right&nbsp;fit.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Rawra: The first step is to get into the system, open the first location, and get accustomed to the business. There’s something new to learn every day, so you do just that till the day you multiply. The vision is not to sit at one location. The vision is to go from one to two, two to five, five to 10, and grow beyond Texas when the opportunity presents itself.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?&nbsp;Rawra: I would say to go with a brand that aligns with your vision and growth. There's a lot of research that goes behind it. Before signing up, talk to the other franchisees in the system and make sure they're satisfied, happy, and content. Most importantly, in the end, go with your gut.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Rawra: I'm a family man. I have a beautiful wife, and three amazing daughters, who are my life. Everybody in my family loves Layne's, and my goal is to leave a legacy for my family.ABOUT LAYNE'S CHICKEN FINGERS:Founded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&amp;M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. While opening corporate locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the leadership team focused on fine tuning its operations and starting to franchise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising&nbsp;<a href="https://layneschickenfranchising.com/?utm_source=mainland&amp;utm_medium=google-search&amp;utm_campaign=franchise&amp;utm_id=v2&amp;utm_term=combined_theme&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23232906617&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAq5XMG3fsexiCdJ6e2BdCT5cm6dFQ&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwpcTNBhA5EiwAdO1S9u1_eY6k9ocjRUqPZ3JGdqT7zQqJ-pLgEM-81PSa-RHg3f_6oYUmixoCU4MQAvD_BwE">here</a>.

image of Jawad Rawra, Franchise owner of Laynes Chicken fingers in Rockwall, TX

After building in telecom and hospitality, Jawad is opening in Rockwall with plans to learn the business, grow beyond one unit and create something lasting for his family.

Jawad Rawra Is Betting on Layne’s Chicken Fingers as His Next Big Growth Play

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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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