1851

Lightbridge Academy franchisee Steve DiNunzio, along with center director Heather Semple, is gearing up to open his second Lightbridge Academy in Allentown after seeing much success with his first center in Bethlehem.

&nbsp;

&ldquo;The goal when I got into the franchise was to open more,&rdquo; said Lightbridge Academy franchisee Steve DiNunzio to Lehigh Valley Business. &ldquo;One of the things I like about it being a small, family-owned franchise is that you have access to the founder and they were going to help me be successful.&quot;

 
Read the full article <a href="http://www.lvb.com/article/20180906/LVB01/180909945/lightbridge-academy-under-construction-in-spring-view-development?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lehigh-valley-business-lightbridge-academy-under-construction-in-spring-view-development-2708062" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">here</a>.

Lightbridge Academy Breaks Ground in Allentown

Lehigh Valley Business; Lightbridge Academy under construction in Spring View development

1851 Franchise

Lightbridge Academy franchisee Steve DiNunzio breaks ground in Allentown with second location.

lehigh-valley-business-lightbridge-academy-under-construction-in-spring-view-development

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue’s Sean Fitzgerald on Aging in Place, Fall Prevention and Building a “Home Service Ally”

trublues-sean-fitzgerald-on-aging-in-place-fall-prevention-and-building-a-home-service-ally

Right at Home

Right at Home Targets Springfield, Westfield and Nearby Rural Communities for In-Home Care Growth

right-at-home-targets-springfield-westfield-and-nearby-rural-communities-for-in-home-care-growth

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Multi-Unit Franchising Conference, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Booth 1934

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Meet with Multi-Unit Candidates at MUFC 2026

multi-unit-franchising-conference-2026

Photo of Right at Home Simi Valley owner Sacha Butts

LA BUSINESS JOURNAL: Veteran Brings Right at Home to Simi Valley

la-business-journal-sacha-butts-right-at-home-simi-valley

Biscuit Belly Franchising

Biscuit Belly Targets Expansion in Houston as the Franchise Brunch Brand Seeks Texas Growth

houston-expansion-franchise-growth

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

Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

RF Investment Partners and Burlington Capital Join Forces to Acquire Top Precision Garage Door Franchise

rf-burlington-precision-garage-door-acquisition

Private Equity Fuels Jiffy Lube’s Next Chapter as Monomoy Strikes $1.3 Billion Deal

private-equity-fuels-jiffy-lubes-next-chapter-as-monomoy-strikes-13-billion-deal

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

mcdonalds-and-burger-king-take-the-qsr-burger-wars-to-social-media

Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

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

yum-brands-pizza-hut-sale

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

restaurants-stand-out-in-2025-hiring-as-consumers-look-for-simple-treats

<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

hardees-franchise-closures-arc-burger-lawsuit

<a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/">Yum! Brands</a> is considering a potential sale of Pizza Hut and plans to close 250 underperforming U.S. locations, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">recent article on Simply Wall St</a>. For the franchising industry, the significance is less about the stock and more about what it says about how large franchisors are managing brand portfolios in a high-cost operating environment.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/pizza-hut-franchise-deep-dive-2722519">Pizza Hut</a> is one of the most recognizable names in franchising. If Yum! decides to sell it, that would be a notable shift for a company built on a multi-brand platform. For years, large brand groups have argued that operating multiple concepts creates advantages, including shared resources, stronger purchasing power and the ability to invest in technology across the system. A sale would suggest Yum! believes those benefits no longer outweigh the effort required to improve Pizza Hut’s performance.The planned closures may have the most immediate impact on franchisees. When a franchisor reduces its footprint, it can change how the brand performs in local markets. Fewer locations can mean less convenience for customers, which can hurt overall traffic. It can also weaken the effect of local advertising when there are fewer restaurants supporting promotions in the same trade area.Closures can also affect store-level economics in ways that go beyond the locations that shut down. In some markets, remaining franchisees may pick up some displaced demand. In others, customers may switch to competitors. The changes can also affect local co-op advertising budgets and, depending on how purchasing and distribution are structured, can influence costs tied to volume.The move comes as competition in pizza remains intense, with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dominos-pizza-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2725506">Domino’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724607">Papa Johns</a> continuing to push delivery, digital ordering and value-focused offers. Simply Wall St notes Yum! has been rolling out its Byte digital platform across brands. If Yum! changes Pizza Hut’s role in the portfolio, it could also change where the company focuses its technology and marketing investment.For franchise systems watching from the outside, Yum!’s review is a reminder that growth is not always the main priority. Sometimes the bigger decision is whether a legacy brand can be improved inside a platform or whether it will perform better under a different owner and a different plan.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/consumer-services/nyse-yum/yum-brands/news/yum-brands-weighs-pizza-hut-sale-as-portfolio-reset-accelera">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.

Yum! is reviewing the brand and closing 250 U.S. locations, a move that could affect franchisees and reshape its restaurant portfolio.

<a href="https://kbpbrands.com/">KBP Brands</a>, the multi-brand franchisee group with over 1,100 restaurants across 32 states,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbp-brands-doubles-down-on-sonic-with-78-restaurant-acquisition-302695591.html">has announced</a> its acquisition of 78 additional SONIC units. The new units are spread across Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.This is the second SONIC acquisition KBP has completed in less than two years, and it makes KBP the fourth-largest SONIC franchisee in the system with 164 total locations across eight states.“We’ve had a successful five-year partnership with Inspire Brands and have seen strong results from our initial SONIC purchase,” KBP CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-kulp-820820">Mike Kulp</a> said in a statement. “We look forward to expanding that with a larger footprint and additional operational efficiencies.”KBP is one of the country’s largest franchisee groups, reporting approximately $1.5 billion in annual sales across its portfolio, which includes KFC, Taco Bell and Arby’s, another Inspire Brands franchise."Our relationship with KBP Brands continues to grow due to their operational excellence and our shared commitment to guest satisfaction and a culture that champions innovation," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kelly-b48426b">John Kelly</a>, brand president at SONIC. "KBP's expansion with SONIC demonstrates their dedication to our vision and the brand's long-term growth."Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kbp-brands-doubles-down-on-sonic-with-78-restaurant-acquisition-302695591.html">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Photo of SONIC franchise logo against blue sky backdrop

The franchisee group, which already operates over 1,100 units, is growing its portfolio with the quick-service brand, becoming one of SONIC’s largest franchisees.

KBP Brands Acquires 78 SONIC Locations Across Five States

kbp-brands-sonic-acquisition

The fast-food “burger wars” have gained new momentum following the launch of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mcdonalds-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2720737">McDonald's</a> newest oversized menu item, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/big-arch-burger.html">Big Arch Burger</a>. The sandwich is designed to appeal to customers who want a larger burger than the traditional Quarter Pounder offerings, and it represents a major product push for the company. CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskempczinski/">Chris Kempczinski</a> has been closely associated with the launch and even promoted the burger on his Instagram channel, where he frequently posts videos about menu items, travel and career advice.Kempczinski posted a promo video where he filmed himself with the Big Arch Burger, commenting on its size before finally taking a bite. But let's just say social media wasn't buying it.&nbsp;<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTZ_ilDl41/"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDUTZ_ilDl41%2F" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>People immediately criticized the clip, suggesting his tiny bite and general way of acting seemed fake. The video blew up and became a big meme, with people poking fun at the whole moment and wondering if the CEO's reaction was even real.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://x.com/TrungTPhan/status/2028174448646594902"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FTrungTPhan%2Fstatus%2F2028174448646594902" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>Rival chain&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-burger-king-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720751">Burger King</a> seized the opportunity to poke fun at the situation. The company reposted a video of its North America president,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-curtis-43646018">Tom Curtis</a>, taking an exaggeratedly large bite of a Whopper — complete with mayonnaise on his face — in a playful jab at McDonald’s viral moment.&nbsp;<a href="https://news.bk.com/blog-posts/burger-king-elevates-its-most-iconic-product-the-whopper-r">Burger King recently updated its Whopper recipe</a>, making the timing of the social media exchange particularly fitting.<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVZoZQJjti8/"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><iframe src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?app=1&amp;api_key=fd3b6b3731f34f55ba1fe3&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fp%2FDVZoZQJjti8%2F" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div></div></figure>Criticism aside, the video sparked chatter at the perfect time, just ahead of the Big Arch Burger’s nationwide launch. The takes were all over the map, but the attention lift was real for both brands. These days, the burger wars don’t just happen at the counter — they happen in the feed.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

A viral video of McDonald’s CEO’s tiny bite sparks online jokes, brand rivalry and fresh buzz as the Big Arch Burger enters the fast-food battle.

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

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.

ellianos-coffee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas, Beauty, Spa, Personal Care Franchises

From full-service luxury spas to high-tech medspas and specialized wellness studios, these unique franchise models cater to the specialized needs of modern beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Beauty, Spa and Personal Care Franchises for 2026

top-beauty-spa-franchise

The automotive industry continues to show resilience, and its growth is largely driven by steady demand for accessible, high-quality car care. The United States automotive service market was valued at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-automotive-service-market">over $199 billion this year</a>, and it’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.98% over the next five years, representing a projected value of over $266 billion by 2030.For entrepreneurs, this stability and the variety of opportunities available in the automotive space make it an attractive industry for investments.Here are the top 15 automotive brands to consider for 2026:<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-aamco-transmissions-and-total-car-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726640">AAMCO Transmissions &amp; Total Car Care</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchises.aamco.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/aamco-transmissions-franchise-opportunity">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$236,800 - $361,200</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;530+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>AAMCO is a trusted name in the auto repair space, specializing in transmission work and other, more complex car care services. With over 60 years of experience, the brand is a true category-leader with a strong reputation among consumers.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mighty-auto-parts-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724565">Mighty Auto Parts</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.mightyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/mighty-auto-parts-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$247,000 - $595,600</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;95&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Mighty Auto Parts focuses on the distribution of auto parts, lubricants and shop supplies for automotive service providers. With an efficient parts system and rapid order fulfillment capabilities, franchisees can run an efficient, high-volume business.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/milexmr-transmission-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728544">Milex/Mr. Transmission</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/milex-auto-care-franchise">Milex Franchise Website</a></li><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/mr-transmission">Mr. Transmission Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/milex-mr-transmission-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$267,300 - $362,700</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;111&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Milex and Mr. Transmission are part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/">Moran Family of Brands</a>. With the option to develop individual Milex or Mr. Transmission businesses as well as co-branded Milex&nbsp;and Mr. Transmission locations, franchisees have flexibility in their investment and are able to tap into multiple revenue streams under one roof.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/turbo-tint-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728451">Turbo Tint</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.turbotint.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/turbo-tint-automotive-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$295,510 - $415,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Turbo Tint offers window film services, a high-margin and relatively niche service. With efficient operations thanks to installs that can typically be completed in about an hour, Turbo Tint franchisees benefit from a high-volume, relatively low-complexity business model.<h2>HardTop Hotel</h2><ul><li><a href="https://hardtophotelfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/hardtop-hotel-franchise-opportunities">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$120,200 - $193,460</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>HardTop Hotel is a specialized concept catering to owners of hard- and soft-top vehicles, offering installation services, hard- and soft-tops for rent and sale, and storage solutions for those who like to remove the tops of their vehicles for the warmer seasons. In addition to the revenue created by sales, rentals and installation services, franchisees benefit from the longer-term stability of the storage model.<h2>Christian Brothers Automotive</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.christianbrothersfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$550,250 - $680,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;300+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service repair franchise that focuses on great customer service. With a values-driven brand, Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees have an opportunity to build a more meaningful, community-centric business in an industry that is often viewed by customers as highly commodity-driven.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-grease-monkeys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721791">Grease Monkey</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://greasemonkeyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$291,320 - $1,972,033</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;370+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Grease Monkey is a quick-service auto franchise known primarily for its efficient oil changes and preventative maintenance services. By focusing on ease and efficiency in an industry that can sometimes be unpredictable or deliver subpar customer service, Grease Monkey franchisees can become the trusted resource for regular car care in their communities.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jiffy-lube-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720873">Jiffy Lube</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.jiffylube.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$232,000 - $520,000 (excluding real estate costs)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;2,000+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Jiffy Lube is one of the largest quick-service oil change and maintenance brands. The business model is designed for volume, and it encourages repeat visits from individual customers, creating strength and stability for franchisees.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-maacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724767">Maaco</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://maacofranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$196,000 -&nbsp; $3,994,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;360+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Maaco is an automotive franchise providing painting, cosmetic services and collision repair. Because Maaco is a body shop, as opposed to a standard maintenance brand or express oil change establishment, it leverages more specialized services and can stand out in the auto industry at large.&nbsp;<h2>Midas</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.midasfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$106,650 - $1,132,640 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;975 in the U.S., 2,000+ worldwide&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Midas is a full-service auto repair and maintenance brand, offering both new-unit and business conversion options. With a few key service areas, including brakes, exhaust, tires, oil, steering, suspension and wheels, Midas can market multiple services to a single customer base, positioning franchisees to capture additional revenue.<h2>No-H2O</h2><ul><li><a href="https://noh2o.com/car-wash-franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$134,550 - $162,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;30&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>No-H2O is a waterless, mobile car wash and detailing franchise. By excluding the use of water, No-H2O is more mobile and flexible than traditional wash and detail concepts, and it appeals to the growing eco-conscious crowd.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-take-5-oil-changes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723018">Take 5 Oil Change</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://take5franchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$287,145 - $2,053,642 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,100+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Take 5 Oil Change is a convenience-driven oil change franchise that allows customers to stay in their cars for the duration of the service and targets a 10-minute maintenance time. This makes throughput more straightforward for franchisees and their teams, and it appeals to the busy customers of today.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-tint-world-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723226#stories">Tint World</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$239,950 - $449,950</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;135+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tint World is a specialized vehicle and window film franchise offering tinting, detailing and other “automotive styling” services. By combining frequently sought services, like window tinting, with more specialized ones, like audio, lighting and other accessories, Tint World franchisees are positioned as the one-stop shop for vehicle enhancement.<h2>Tommy’s Express Car Wash</h2><ul><li><a href="https://tommys-express.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$4,976,759 - $8,522,378</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;215+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tommy’s Express Car Wash operates high-volume, express tunnel car-wash facilities that focus on speed without sacrificing quality. With precise equipment that automates much of the wash process, franchisees can keep labor costs low and scale more efficiently.<h2>Valvoline Instant Oil Change</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.viocfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$192,375 - $3,483,550</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,875&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Valvoline is a prominent national brand offering oil changes and preventative maintenance services. The brand boasts 18 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, and though it’s a nationally recognized brand, Valvoline notes there are still prime territories available, offering a unique combination of brand strength and recognition and future growth potential.From national giants like Jiffy Lube and Valvoline to specialty brands like Turbo Tint and HardTop Hotel, the automotive franchise space offers a diverse range of opportunities for all kinds of investors. Whether you’re drawn to the stability of recurring maintenance services or the innovation of tech-driven, specialized brands, these top franchises have the power necessary to drive your dreams forward.For more information on automotive franchise opportunities, check out these related resources from 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvx0H511MtQ">Why Buy an Automotive Franchise? Drive Your Business to Success</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/automotive-franchises-are-driving-into-the-future-with-tech-and-trust-2730075">Automotive Franchises Are Driving Into the Future With Tech and Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/industry/best-automotive-franchise-opportunities">How To Start an Automotive Franchise Business</a></li></ul>

1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas - Top Automotive Franchises

From express oil change and car wash concepts to specialized “automotive styling” brands, these 15 auto franchises will help you drive your future forward.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Automotive Franchises for 2026

top-automotive-franchise-opportunities

2026 Trop Fitness & Personal Training Franchises, 12 Lists of Christmas

From 24/7 gyms to high-tech training and boutique studios, these 20 brands’ innovation, accessible models and forward-thinking approaches will define the industry in 2026.

Lehigh Valley Business; Lightbridge Academy under construction in Spring View development

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS