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Many franchises have busy times throughout the year, but there are many brands that are very seasonal in nature, with starker peak periods. Most outdoor brands, like pool servicing, mosquito control, lawn care and more, have high peak seasons (which can differ across the country), and low off-seasons. Many franchisees focus their marketing efforts on the peak season, but should be spending the off-season laying the groundwork for a successful peak season. 

Rob Krohn, Vice President of Marketing at <a href="https://epconfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=making-the-most-of-a-seasonal-franchise-business-2708721" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Epcon Franchising, one of the 50&nbsp;largest home builders in the country</a>, manages the brand&rsquo;s marketing co-op program and assists franchise builders with all forms of marketing. He also oversees marketing guidance, program implementation and analytic evaluation for the franchisor&rsquo;s digital marketing strategy and has helped Epcon achieve a 200 percent lead increase over the past three years. 

&ldquo;As a homebuilding company, seasonal weather plays havoc with construction schedules. The home buying process is seasonal as well, with most people buying in the spring and fall,&rdquo; Krohn said. &ldquo;It important in these &lsquo;down&rsquo; times to make sure [our franchisees] are sowing the seeds for success for when the weather or the season changes. Are you reviewing your profitability? Are you creating new marketing assets or ensuring you are consistently investing in marketing and advertising campaigns? Are you planning and preparing for the busy season to maximize your productivity when it hits?&rdquo; 

Krohn adds that many companies stop marketing when they are busy and can&#39;t afford to market when they are not, but encourages franchisees to be consistent in their effort and investment into marketing to be set up for success year-round, and to catch prospects during the research phase, which can happen at any point during the year. 

&ldquo;If you are only marketing when things are good or in-season, you are missing a great deal of opportunity that could come your way when people are plotting their decisions,&rdquo; said Krohn. &ldquo;In many industries, especially homebuilding, the sales process is long and customers are thinking about their options even during your slow season. Marketing year-round ensures that they don&rsquo;t miss your brand in the early stages of their research.&rdquo;

Dan Shube, Chief Marketing Officer of <a href="https://www.laborfinders.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=making-the-most-of-a-seasonal-franchise-business-2708721" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Labor Finders International, Inc., a franchise that specializes in industrial labor staffing</a>, adds that in addition to maximizing profits during the peak season, the off-season is a time for short and long-term planning, including researching new business options that could be a complementary revenue stream. Shube notes that since much of the brand&rsquo;s temporary staffing business is in construction, he has seen firsthand how winter weather can cause construction sites to slow down, causing costly delays, and that many companies opt to open another business that has an opposite peak season. 

&ldquo;There are two options for a seasonal brand to get through the off-season: Diversify, or not,&rdquo; said Shube. &ldquo;If selecting to diversify, try to find a business that is similar or complementary. If you clear snow in winter, perhaps look into power washing when the snow melts. Before jumping in, test your business idea, or consider an acquisition or bringing on someone with experience in the new area you want to move in to.&rdquo; 

Whether franchisees of a seasonal brand choose to diversify their portfolios with a complementary business or not, they should make the most of their down time during the off-season to build a year-long marketing strategy to build brand awareness and be top of mind for customers in the peak season.

Making the Most of a Seasonal Franchise Business

1851 Franchise

Experts provide advice for franchisees of seasonal businesses on marketing strategy and when to consider diversifying their portfolios to make the most of the off season and set themselves up for success year-round.

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TruBlue Home Service Ally

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Right at Home

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

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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

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Photo of Right at Home Simi Valley owner Sacha Butts

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

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Biscuit Belly Franchising

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

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Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

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

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

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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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<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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<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://www.mcpfunds.com/">Monomoy Capital Partners</a> has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jiffy-lube-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720873">Jiffy Lube International</a> from Shell for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcpfunds.com/news/monomoy-capital-partners-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-jiffy-lube-from-shell/">approximately $1.3 billion</a>.Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Jiffy Lube helped pioneer the fast oil change industry and today operates more than 2,000 service centers across North America. The brand serves roughly 19 million customers each year and has expanded beyond its core oil change service to include a broader range of automotive maintenance offerings, such as brake, battery and tire services through its Jiffy Lube Multicare model. Over the past four decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-steve-isom-jiffy-lube-2726482">the company has built a significant franchise network</a> that has helped maintain its position as a leader in the quick-service automotive maintenance sector.“Few brands have the heritage and scale of Jiffy Lube,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-mlotek-344a795">Lee Mlotek</a>, managing director of Monomoy, in a press release. “As the original pioneer of the fast oil change, Jiffy Lube reshaped the industry and remains the market leader today. We are incredibly excited to partner with our franchisees to enhance the customer experience and value proposition that has made Jiffy Lube a trusted name for generations.”The private equity firm, which manages more than $5.3 billion in assets across its investment funds, has a history of investing in middle-market manufacturing, distribution and service companies.&nbsp;The deal also reflects a broader trend of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-franchising-and-private-equity-make-such-a-good-match-2720921">private equity investment in franchising</a>, as institutional investors increasingly view franchise systems as attractive platforms for long-term growth. Franchise brands often combine predictable revenue streams, strong brand equity and scalable expansion models, making them appealing targets for private equity firms seeking stable cash flow and opportunities for operational improvement.&nbsp;Read the original press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mcpfunds.com/news/monomoy-capital-partners-signs-definitive-agreement-to-acquire-jiffy-lube-from-shell/">here</a>.&nbsp;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.

Monomoy Capital Partners’ acquisition from Shell positions the iconic automotive service franchise for independent growth across its 2,000-location North American network.

According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">recent release</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://rf-partners.com/">RF Investment Partners</a>, a group focused on flexible capital solutions and value-add support to lower-middle-market businesses, has teamed up with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burlingtoncp.us/">Burlington Capital Partners</a>, a group focused on family, founder and operator-owned lower-middle-market businesses, to acquire a prominent multi-territory&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.neighborly.com/precision-door">Precision Garage Door Service</a> franchise.The investment marks the seventh platform for RF within the service space. Precision Garage Door Service, which is part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.neighborly.com/">Neighborly</a> ecosystem, specializes in the installation, maintenance and repair of garage doors.&nbsp;“We are proud to partner with management and the Burlington team to support continued growth by investing in people and operational excellence,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fidler-6787143">Peter Fidler</a>, managing partner and co-founder of RF Investment Partners, said in the release. “The sector continues to present compelling opportunities given the essential nature of garage door repair, and we look forward to building on Precision’s strong foundation to drive long-term value.”This deal is part of the broader trend toward institutionalized multi-unit and multi-territory operators. Previously, franchising was largely viewed as the place for “mom-and-pop” businesses. And while franchises remain small, local businesses, the aggressive entry of private equity firms focused on operators (franchisees) rather than the brand (franchisor) is bringing new energy to small business ownership.Read the full release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260312305776/en/RF-Expands-Residential-and-Commercial-Services-Portfolio-with-Investment-in-Precision-Garage-Door-Service-Franchisee">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.

The strategic investment marks the seventh residential services platform for RF and reflects a growing institutional desire for high-potential, operator-led franchises.

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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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.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Fitness and Personal Training Franchises for 2026

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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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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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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.

Making the Most of a Seasonal Franchise Business

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