Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Midas offers an automotive repair franchise backed by a trusted brand, with training, marketing and ops support for brakes, tires, oil changes and general car care.
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Midas is a franchised chain of automotive service centers that provide a wide range of car care services, including oil changes, brake work, tires, exhaust systems and other maintenance and repair services.
With roots dating back to 1954, and a name referencing Greek mythology, Midas began franchising in 1956 and today operates nearly 1,000 locations in the United States and Canada, performing routine maintenance and repairs such as brake work, oil changes, tire services and exhaust repair. Midas also handles steering and suspension work, battery services and engine diagnostics and repair.
Mission: Midas’s mission is to make car care better for everyone by creating a transparent, pressure-free experience that gives honest, straightforward information so drivers can make confident decisions.
Vision: Midas' vision is to become the trusted dealership alternative by pairing community-first service with modern innovation — like required Digital Vehicle Inspections and ADAS expertise — across North America.
Midas boasts franchise opportunities in the United States and Canada, including priority markets in California (Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco), Connecticut (Hartford, New Haven) Florida (Jacksonville, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando/Daytona), Georgia (Atlanta), Massachusetts (Boston), Michigan (Detroit), Minnesota (Minneapolis/Saint Paul), Missouri (St. Louis), New York (New York City), North Carolina (Raleigh/Durham), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), South Carolina (Charlotte), Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth) and Washington, D.C.
Initial Costs: The total investment necessary to begin operation of a new 8-bay Midas Shop franchise ranges between $341,650 and $924,890. To convert an operating or previously operated automotive repair facility to a Midas Shop ranges between $106,650 and $925,640. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | New Midas Shop | Converted Midas Shop | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Initial Franchise Fee, Site Payment or Deposit | $10,000 | $35,000 | $10,000 | $35,000 |
| Marketing Support/Grand Opening Advertisement | $20,000 | $25,000 | $20,000 | $25,000 |
| Training Expenses | $1,000 | $7,800 | $1,000 | $7,800 |
| Security, Deposit, Licenses & Permits | $0 | $50,000 | $0 | $50,000 |
| Rent & Real Estate Taxes | $15,000 | $75,000 | $15,000 | $75,000 |
| Equipment & Tools | $175,000 | $375,000 | $15,000 | $375,000 |
| Equipment Shipping & Installation Costs | $15,000 | $40,000 | $0 | $40,000 |
| Computer, Hardware & Telephone System | $10,300 | $30,000 | $0 | $30,000 |
| Office & Waiting Room Furniture | $10,000 | $30,000 | $0 | $30,000 |
| Branding | $10,000 | $40,000 | $0 | $40,000 |
| Signage Shipping & Installation Costs | $5,000 | $25,000 | $0 | $25,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $25,000 | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 |
| RO Writer License & Training Fees | $0 | $10,500 | $0 | $10,500 |
| RO Writer Software Maintenance Fee (3 Months) | $0 | $1,200 | $0 | $1,200 |
| RO Writer Data Conversion Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 | $750 |
| Smart eCat Epicor Parts & Labor Guide Subscription (3 Months) | $0 | $390 | $0 | $390 |
| Insurance (3 Months) | $1,500 | $4,500 | $1,500 | $4,500 |
| Legal & Accounting | $1,000 | $3,500 | $1,000 | $3,500 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $40,150 | $67,000 | $40,150 | $67,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $3,000 | $5,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The standard initial franchise fee is $35,000. The fee is generally required to be paid in a lump sum upon the execution of the franchise agreement.
For converting an independent automotive business, the initial franchise fee is reduced to $17,500. Discounts are also available for existing Midas franchisees opening additional shops ($10,000 for the first, $5,000 for each additional).
A waiver of the initial franchise fee is also available for qualifying U.S. military veterans and first responders (for their first franchise).
For full-time employees of Midas with at least five uninterrupted years of employment, the initial franchise fee is discounted by 50% (currently $17,500) for a newly developed Midas Shop.
For an applicant who has been a majority owner or senior manager of one or more automotive repair facilities for ten or more consecutive years, the initial franchise fee is discounted by 50% (currently $17,500) for a newly developed Midas shop.
Ongoing Fees: Midas franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing fees, according to the 2025 FDD:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty | 2-10% of net revenue/month |
| Warranty Registration Fee | Brake pads or shoes: $2.43/axle/month Shocks & Struts: $1.04/each/month Missing/Unknown: $2.43/each/month |
ROI Potential: According to the brand’s 2025 FDD, the 438 Midas outlets operating for the entirety of FY 2024 reported the following total income:
| Quartile | Average | Median | High | Low |
| Top Quartile (109) | $2,181,224 | $1,822,754 | $6,541,249 | $1,593,300 |
| 2nd Quartile (110) | $1,335,101 | $1,335,826 | $1,573,594 | $1,179,026 |
| 3rd Quartile (109) | $1,046,362 | $1,024,502 | $1,178,431 | $909,236 |
| 4th Quartile (110) | $760,966 | $743,286 | $906,855 | $423,536 |
| Total (438) | $1,328,735 | $1,178,729 | $6,541,249 | $423,536 |
Midas provides a thorough pre-opening program that covers technical skills, business management and customer service, then continues with ongoing coaching after launch. Field teams stay involved to help with hiring, implementing new software and regular performance reviews, and franchisees benefit from national marketing education, networking and R&D updates over the life of the business.
From day one, owners get hands-on guidance from field operations during the 4-6 week store-opening process and beyond, including day-to-day operations help, recruiting assistance, and an integrated marketing engine that spans national advertising and localized digital tactics. The system also leverages deep vendor relationships, national programs and multiple revenue streams to support growth.
Midas positions itself as a dealership alternative with required Digital Vehicle Inspection (DVI) in all new stores and early adoption of ADAS service capabilities — paired with the training and operational backing to use them effectively. These tech standards are designed to elevate transparency, speed diagnosis and open additional revenue opportunities as vehicles become more complex.
No prior automotive experience is required. Candidates with strong leadership, customer focus and a willingness to follow a proven system can qualify, supported by comprehensive training and ongoing coaching.
Midas is set up for active, owner-led operations: the brand highlights that its most successful franchisees stay involved in hiring, vendor relations, marketing and day-to-day shop management (while noting some owners use trusted managers).
Midas emphasizes hands-on ownership and does not market a semi-absentee model, even though some owners may delegate to management teams.
Midas does not work with any banks, SBA lenders or third-party financing partners, but may refer candidates to lending institutions or leasing companies.
“Owning a Midas business is a dream come true. Being my own boss, I enjoy the freedom. It takes a lot of discipline, but it’s very satisfying. I joined Midas two years ago, and as soon as I did, I found there’s a lot of great support. Showing me the ropes and helping with any questions I have are some of the most valuable things I wouldn’t get anywhere else. One of the parts I love most is that I get to build the team I want to work with every day. That doesn’t feel like work at all, because I get to do it my way.”
- Dave Dennesen, Franchise Owner — Acton, Massachusetts
With nearly 300 million vehicles on the road, the car care industry continues to grow, with the automotive services sector expected to reach $237 billion by 2028. A greater complexity amongst contemporary vehicles as well as an aging vehicle population in America means more auto repairs, fuelling industry growth.
Midas distinguishes itself in the franchised automotive services realm via strong branding and the idea of trust, utilizing its unique guarantee system to build consumer loyalty.
In terms of competition, Midas faces several notable players in the franchised car care market, including Meineke, Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys and Take 5. However, while these institutions offer various automotive services, Midas’s unique focus on a guarantee system builds loyalty and consumer trust, further driving growth.
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