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Since&nbsp;<a href="https://voodoofranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintrees-partnership-with-voodoo-brewery-leads-to-incredible-national-franchise-growth-2718632" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Voodoo Brewery’s</a> founding in 2005, the brand has found a way into the hearts of&nbsp; communities across the nation by crafting the best beer, as well as fostering a no-hassle, laid-back environment to socialize and listen to live music. In 2021, the popularity for Voodoo and its small-town pub feel grew even stronger after a year of pandemic-related shutdowns. The partnership between industry-leading franchise sales and marketing company Raintree and Voodoo also began in 2021, and the leaders at both companies —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-edwards-748b109a/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintrees-partnership-with-voodoo-brewery-leads-to-incredible-national-franchise-growth-2718632" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Edwards</a>, co-founder and president at Raintree,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-dowling-?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=raintrees-partnership-with-voodoo-brewery-leads-to-incredible-national-franchise-growth-2718632" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brent Dowling</a>, co-founder and CEO of Raintree and Matteo Rachocki, CEO of Voodoo Brewing, had one mission: growth while still maintaining the unique pub environment at each location. Now, well into 2022, the craft beer franchise has exceeded the companies’ goal of selling seven franchise locations.Looking into the plans for continued growth with the partnership with Voodoo, Raintree is prepared to position the brand as a leader in the $33 billion craft beer industry by offering franchise opportunities in cities nationwide. And amid the rapid growth, Raintree has also stayed true to Voodoo’s culture in its marketing materials and continues to encourage individuality among franchise owners to make their locations their own.&nbsp;“At the end of the day, craft beer is about community,” said Rachocki. “And we've always said that craft beer without community is just beer. What's different about our concept is that we already built a massive production brewery that can service an infinite number of independent locations. We have a brew pub that doesn't have the headache of a manufacturing arm attached to it and it makes it a lot more approachable.”Rachocki mentions that all of the brand’s locations — seven corporate-owned, with franchise units currently opening in&nbsp;CO, FL, KY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX — become vital businesses in the community, and that’s what makes the franchise so unique as it continues to grow across the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We think of our stores as community projects,” said Rachocki. “We get involved immediately with the local groups, associations and chambers of commerce and get involved in local charities and nonprofits. And that's because these franchisees are from these communities — they have a vested interest in immersing the business in the community they live in. It’s often where they grew up, where they're settling down or where they're growing their families and they are looking for opportunities to drive business in their hometown.”&nbsp;Edwards furthers Rachocki’s sentiment of Voodoo as an integral community hub, stating that as the brand continues to grow — with each location a little different based on location and owner — that the appeal of the anti-corporate brand with its flexibility and supportive leadership team will grow at a galactic pace in the next few years as more people crave small social gatherings.&nbsp;"There is a tribal need to meet in the community and share meals and beer; it's a tradition that is thousands of years old," said Dowling.&nbsp;Rachocki stresses that in today’s post pandemic environment that so many people are looking for, regardless of their state, a place where they can do everything in one spot.&nbsp;“To have a place where your entire family can go, you can have a little bit of entertainment, a good time out, you can interact with your community, you can have excellent food and drink — that’s what people are leaning toward now,” said Rachocki.&nbsp;Also as a result of the pandemic, Rachocki notes that it has been a very interesting time for young professionals reconsidering their desk jobs and looking for an opportunity to be an entrepreneur with a company like Voodoo, where there is so much room for individuality.&nbsp;Dowling also mentions that the franchise model of Voodoo continues to be a very approachable concept due to the brand’s streamlined, vertical integration.&nbsp;“We have some of the best beers on the planet and there’s real validation behind the quality of the product,” said Dowling. “But even with this superior quality, franchisees don't have to brew it themselves; corporate delivers it and franchisees get to be the hero. That makes it a much simpler model.”&nbsp;&nbsp;As the brand continues to garner interest from both franchise brokers and individual candidates, Rachocki says the goal of the brand for 2022 with Raintree’s partnership is to build the infrastructure a year ahead of time on the development and support side, with the goal of doubling franchise count year after year.&nbsp;“It's been really nice to see Voodoo blossom and build the infrastructure accordingly, and we're going to continue to do that. We want to make sure that we're able to offer the same support to our 35th location that we did to the fifth.”&nbsp;

Raintree’s Partnership with Voodoo Brewery Leads To Incredible National Franchise Growth

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The Denver-based franchise sales company acquired the franchising arm of Voodoo at the height of the pandemic in 2021 and has exceeded sales goals by over 300%, selling 20 franchises while maintaining a small-town pub feel at each location.

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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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Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? For many&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/a-beginners-guide-to-franchising-how-the-model-works-2724686">prospective entrepreneurs</a> weighing the idea of ownership, the answer to that question can be both yes and no. Franchising offers a proven system and built-in support. Starting from scratch allows greater flexibility and control. And a proper understanding of the trade-offs can help potential owners decide which path is most aligned with their business goals.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://drymedicfranchise.com/">DRYmedic Restoration</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-carlson-29b0a930/">Keith Carlson</a>, the appeal of franchising often starts with structure. “The yes is that you have an automatic blueprint,” he said. “You’re in. You don’t have to think of everything. You don’t have to come up with your business plan or your marketing plan.”As Carloson noted, franchisors generally provide detailed guidance on everything from licensing and certifications to business structure. “All of those things are done. Or they’re in a list or part of a large checklist,” he said. “From that perspective, it’s simpler on the back end.”<h2>Franchising Vs. Starting From Scratch: Key Considerations</h2>So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/buying-a-franchise-vs-starting-from-scratch-2725815">is franchising better than starting a business from scratch</a>? Here are five areas to consider:1. Built-In Systems Vs. Total Control Franchising provides a tested playbook. But it comes with rules. “If you’re in a franchise, every time you want to do something that’s outside their playbook, you have to ask permission,” Carlson reminds. Independent owners, on the other hand, can pivot freely but must build systems from the ground up (which takes time and resources).2. Fees and Royalties Franchise fees and royalties are part of the deal. It’s important to both understand and plan for them accordingly.3. Experience and Support One of franchising’s biggest advantages is access to experienced operators. Carlson recalled his first job after signing his initial work order: “I was nervous. But I had somebody on the phone within 10 minutes saying, ‘You’ve got to do this, this and that,’” he said. “It was so easy to get through that first job because there was no guesswork.”4. Following The System (With Local Flexibility) While local nuances aren’t always captured in a national system, the strength of a proven system remains a franchising hallmark.5. Long-Term Upside Starting a business from scratch can be more lucrative. “But it depends on the level of effort you want to put in,” Carlson reminds potential zees.<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>So, is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchising-and-the-american-dream-2730380">Franchising</a> can reduce risk, shorten the learning curve and provide critical support (especially early). Independent startups can offer more autonomy and, potentially, greater long-term rewards. Therefore, an honest assessment of tolerance for structure, fees and self-direction can help those considering entrepreneurship to properly assess the ownership situation best aligned with one’s goals for success in the business opportunity.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.

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch?

Is franchising better than starting a business from scratch? Franchising offers a proven system and support. Starting from scratch provides flexibility and control. Here’s how to assess the tradeoffs.

Is Franchising Better than Starting a Business from Scratch? A Guide

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When evaluating a franchise opportunity, there’s an important early step: how do I research franchise complaints? Understanding the issues both current and former franchise owners have experienced can help prospective franchisees make better-informed decisions that increase the likelihood of selecting a brand aligned with their business goals.Franchise consultant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchise-guru/">Lisa Welko</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/">Integrity Franchise Group</a> emphasizes the importance of validating information through direct research. “The most important thing about researching any franchise is the opportunity to validate with franchise owners personally,” Welko said. “Use the reviews to formulate your questions and opinions. And then validate those findings with actual owners in the system.”<h2>Start With The Basics: Public Records And Online Tools</h2>How do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;It starts with sources that are accessible and objective.<ul><li>Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-item-3-of-the-franchise-disclosure-document-litigation-history-2703061">FDD Item 3</a>, litigation history, lists pending litigation or past legal issues involving franchisees that can be potential&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-doing-franchise-research-2723769#stories">red flags</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>State Regulatory Agencies: Many states publish franchise or business complaints (including the Attorney General’s office). &nbsp;</li><li>Online Reviews and Forums: While helpful for providing additional context, they should not be used as the only source of research. “Just like anything on the internet, we need to remember ‘Buyer Beware,’” said Welko. “Online reviews can be a helpful tool. But we need to remember that it’s one tool in the arsenal. So, don’t let one bad review torpedo your research.”</li></ul><h2>Speak Directly With Franchise Owners</h2>Nothing replaces firsthand insights. Contacting current – and former – franchise owners to ask about their experience with franchisor support, operations and growth potential is a critical part of the validation process. It’s essential to pay attention to recurring themes in their feedback, both positive and negative, to identify potential risks (or opportunities) correctly.&nbsp;<h2>Practical Takeaways For Evaluating Franchise Complaints</h2><ol><li>Verify Patterns, Not One-Offs – A single complaint may be an isolated incident. Look for repeated issues that may indicate systemic challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Check The Age Of Complaints – Older complaints may reflect resolved issues or changes in leadership (while recent complaints can indicate ongoing issues). &nbsp;</li><li>Ask Specific Questions – When speaking with franchisees, ask about areas like training, corporate support and general operational challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate The Brand’s Response – How a franchisor addresses complaints can reveal the level of transparency, responsiveness and commitment provided to franchise owners. &nbsp;</li><li>Integrate Findings Within Decision-Making – Use complaint research as part of a larger due diligence process (along with financials, market analysis and personal goals).</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, how do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;Doing so is essential. Utilizing a combination of public records, online insights and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-the-value-of-franchisee-validation-in-the-franchise-sales-process-2703208">direct validation with franchisees</a> (past and present), potential franchise owners can better evaluate both risk and opportunity. By following a structured approach, actionable insights that build confidence in the franchise decision-making process can be identified.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 do I research franchise complaints? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to uncover patterns, validate insights with franchisees and make informed franchise investment decisions.

Raintree’s Partnership with Voodoo Brewery Leads To Incredible National Franchise Growth

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