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As&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-signs-lease-for-first-florida-location-plans-to-grow-throughout-the-sunshine-state-2718715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy</a> announces its first lease in the state of Florida, the&nbsp;Innovators in Educational Child Care®, are now targeting the Sunshine State for widespread expansion to meet the growing demand for quality child care.Expanding in Florida is part of the brand’s greater plan as it aims for 11 new locations open by the end of the year, putting the brand on track to reach its larger goal of 150 locations by 2026.Lightbridge’s first franchisee in Florida, Al Ferrari, has already signed a franchise agreement for an upcoming location in Port St. Lucie, which is expected to open in Spring 2023. The brand then plans to open locations in the Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, and Palm Beach areas creating up to 40 jobs with each location.&nbsp;“We will be the pioneers in Florida, and we want to make a difference,” said Ferrari, who plans to share the business with his sons — and eventually pass the business on to them. “We want to demonstrate that this is a different type of child care, one that is involved in and an asset to the community.”Ferrari says Port St. Lucie used to be a small town with few jobs, but now, due to a $38 billion project to bring jobs into the community, the area has grown substantially and the need for quality child care centers for working parents is in high demand.&nbsp;“By the time we open our doors, there will be many families needing our services,” said Ferrari. “There's only a few small daycares in the area and with roughly 6,500 kids in a five-mile radius, many parents are facing the challenge of being put on waitlists.”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-dirugeris-cfe-6226151a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-signs-lease-for-first-florida-location-plans-to-grow-throughout-the-sunshine-state-2718715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jim DiRugeris</a>, SVP of Franchise Sales for Lightbridge, acknowledged the tremendous impact Lightbridge Academy will bring to communities in Florida, as the state continues to grow at a rate of about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bdb.org/news/2021/05/25/financial-services-news/900-people-a-day-are-moving-to-florida-many-fleeing-tax-hell-in-new-york-and-new-jersey-the-state-s-cfo-said/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-signs-lease-for-first-florida-location-plans-to-grow-throughout-the-sunshine-state-2718715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">900 people a day</a>.&nbsp;DiRugeris says over the past few years, the brand has focused its efforts on remaining operationally strong and building out the areas of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.&nbsp;“We wanted to build out the infrastructure and make sure we could recreate our culture of care, support the delivery of a quality curriculum and ensure the Lightbridge Promise®, our commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of our families, before expanding further from the home base,” said DiRugeris.&nbsp;Ferrari has already forged a path for development for Lightbridge in the state of Florida and plans to open another location in the next five years, and more prospective franchisees are taking notice of the opportunity in the state.&nbsp;DiRugeris says he gets inquiries from a considerable number of existing franchisees — many in New Jersey — who are looking for new opportunities in different markets. The top two markets of discussion are the Carolinas and the state of Florida.&nbsp;“They're typically partnering up with former co-workers or family,” he said “And not only are they expanding their own network, but they're also helping us enter into new markets.”Ferrari emphasized the impact Lightbridge would have in his community and the entire state of Florida, stating that the brand is not the typical child care facility but rather, an extension of the family.&nbsp;“Lightbridge Academy is truly&nbsp;The Solution for Working Parents®,” said Ferrari. “It's tough to juggle your personal life and work — especially when both parents are working — but this brand goes above and beyond to create a quality early education program while supporting the needs of busy working parents and keeping them connected to their children’s day. I look forward to bringing such a trusted child care brand to Port St. Lucie and expanding its presence throughout Florida.”Learn more about franchise opportunities at&nbsp;<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=lightbridge-academy-signs-lease-for-first-florida-location-plans-to-grow-throughout-the-sunshine-state-2718715" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://LightbridgeAcademyFranchise.com/</a>.

Lightbridge Academy® Signs Lease for First Florida Location, Plans To Grow Throughout the Sunshine State 

1851 Franchise

Franchisee Al Ferrari plans to open his Port St. Lucie location in Spring 2023 as the early education and child care franchise prepares to expand in Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando — with 15+locations.  

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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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As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/gym-fitness-franchises/5599/">over $7 billion</a> in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown&nbsp;<a href="https://athletechnews.com/fitness-franchising-by-the-numbers-10-key-stats/">membership growth</a>, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Big Box Gyms</h3>When it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand.&nbsp;Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.<h3>The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness Concepts</h3>On the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.<h3>Finding The Right Fit</h3>As potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial.&nbsp;Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment.&nbsp;When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-franchises-2025-trends-opportunities-2729600">The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to Expect</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-health-and-wellness-franchises-2729821">Top 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fitness-wellness-franchise-guide-2729443">How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You</a></li></ul>

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

As the fitness industry continues to grow fast, the decision for potential franchisees lies in whether to invest in big box or boutique gym franchise opportunities.

Lightbridge Academy® Signs Lease for First Florida Location, Plans To Grow Throughout the Sunshine State

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