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Veteran:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymadams?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-entered-franchising-tony-adams-daddys-chicken-shack-2726607" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tony Adams</a>Franchise:&nbsp;<a href="https://franchising.daddyschickenshack.com/ownership-journey/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-entered-franchising-tony-adams-daddys-chicken-shack-2726607" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Daddy's Chicken Shack</a>After the 2007 market crash, 25-year-old Tony Adams realized it was time to leave the mortgage industry. So, he decided to follow another passion — he joined the Army as an Infantry Team Leader and Combat Medic. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 before leaving the service two years later. That military experience has provided him with a unique skill set that has been instrumental in his franchising success. After his service, Adams pursued higher education and eventually teamed up with experienced franchisors, including executives from&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-remax-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721018">RE/MAX</a>, to build Daddy's Chicken Shack.&nbsp;Today, as president of Daddy's Chicken Shack, Adams works hard to ensure the brand stands out as a prime franchise opportunity for veteran entrepreneurs, bringing his story full circle.&nbsp;“I think franchising is a great fit for veterans overall,” he said. “We're very systems-oriented people, and franchising lays out a system for how to operate a business. That's very much how veterans are wired. If you can follow a system and a process, you can really run with it.”&nbsp;1851 Franchise recently spoke with Adams to learn more about his military background, how leveraging technology has enhanced the brand's operations and customer experience, his advice for veterans transitioning to franchising and more.1851 Franchise: Tell me a little bit about your background. What was your military background, and what was your career trajectory before franchising?Tony Adams:&nbsp;I joined the military a little bit late in life. I joined when I was 25. Before that, I worked in the mortgage industry and owned a mortgage company. When the mortgage meltdown hit in 2007, I got faced with 50 emails in one day saying, “Hey, we are no longer accepting wholesale loans,” which pretty much ruined my business. But I had always wanted to join the Army, so at age 25, I did. I went into a Combat Arms role and ended up deploying to Afghanistan in 2009. I got out in 2011. Throughout all of that, I had never received a formal education.&nbsp;The military gave me the opportunity to go to college. I got my undergraduate degree from the University of Denver. While I was there, I started a hair salon business with my ex-wife. Later on, after my undergrad, I got my Executive MBA. Through that process, I teamed up with an executive from my MBA class who was with RE/MAX World Headquarters, one of the top 10 franchisors in the world. I got invited to work there and I headed up a couple of divisions. That was my entry into franchising, and I've been with that team ever since. Daddy's Chicken Shack is owned by Area 15 Ventures, and I'm an employee of theirs. We specialize in franchising, with the founder of RE/MAX, as well as several executives and board members, also involved. It's been a wild ride.1851: How do you feel your time in the military prepared you for success in the franchising world? Do you think there are any skill sets or experiences that lend themselves to both worlds?Adams:&nbsp;Absolutely. Other than being very mission-oriented, military folks love to get things done. When there are obstacles or barriers in front of us, we get gritty. We have no problem doing hard work and seeing things through. We do whatever it takes to get things done. For franchising, that's a beautiful parallel, especially when hiring veterans onto corporate staff or even veteran franchisees. We don't let obstacles defeat us. We're very mission-oriented and passionate about getting things done and seeing things through.1851: What would you say your favorite thing is about the Daddy's Chicken Shack brand? What do you think makes it stand out as a franchise opportunity for military veterans or any entrepreneurs?Adams:&nbsp;Area 15 Ventures and Daddy's Chicken Shack are both veteran-owned and operated. I'm an Army combat vet, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-liniger/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-entered-franchising-tony-adams-daddys-chicken-shack-2726607" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dave Liniger</a>, who is the chairman of the brand, is a combat Air Force veteran and a Vietnam veteran. We love our vets. For franchising in particular, we offer a great deal: any interested veteran wanting to open a Daddy's Chicken Shack franchise receives a 50% discount on their franchise fee.1851: Looking at your franchise journey so far, what are you most proud of in general?Adams:&nbsp;I would say there are a number of things, but one of the key ones is how we've implemented and evolved technology to make the experience better for everyone. Technology will never eat a sandwich for you, but it can make it a lot easier to order, remind people about specials and help our staff make their jobs easier. The way we've leveraged technology in our brand and company is second to none.1851: Do you have any advice for other military veterans who may be getting out of service and considering transitioning to franchising? Anything you wish you knew when you were first starting that you know now?Adams:&nbsp;Definitely don't limit your learning. In business, it's fantastic to learn as much about every area as possible. In franchising, I have meetings with accounting, marketing, technology, operations, food distribution — the whole nine yards. Having a good understanding of every area of business is critical. Whether you're pursuing a degree right out of the military or trying to go into franchising, having as much knowledge about every area of business as possible is a big asset.1851: That's great advice. Is there anything else you want to share about your story or about veterans in franchising?Adams:&nbsp;I think franchising is a great fit for veterans overall. We're very systems-oriented people, and franchising lays out a system for how to operate a business. That's very much how veterans are wired. If you can follow a system and a process, you can really run with it.&nbsp;Watch the full interview&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/SL-zP05Hpso?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-entered-franchising-tony-adams-daddys-chicken-shack-2726607" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.&nbsp;Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=military-veterans-who-entered-franchising-tony-adams-daddys-chicken-shack-2726607" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

 From Combat to Franchising Success with Daddy's Chicken Shack

1851 Franchise

https://www.youtube.com/embed/SL-zP05Hpso

Tony Adams, the president of Daddy's Chicken Shack, shares his inspiring journey from his service in the U.S. Army to the world of franchising, highlighting how his background prepared him for success in this industry.

Military Veterans Who Entered Franchising: Tony Adams, Daddy's Chicken Shack

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Busy Bee Jumpers

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HomeTeam Inspection Service

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Top 5 Reasons to Buy a HomeTeam Inspection Service Franchise in 2026

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America's Swimming Pool Franchise - Justin and Kimberly Retzlaff - 1851 Franchise

How Justin and Kimberly Retzlaff Built an America’s Swimming Pool Co. Franchise and a Routine That Works

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No-H2O Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

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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.

Military Veterans Who Entered Franchising: Tony Adams, Daddy's Chicken Shack

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