1851

On March 26th, Impact RTO Holdings, the retail division of Tampa-based holdings company Impact Properties, closed a contract to purchase 31 corporate owned <a href="https://www.rentacenter.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=impact-rto-holdings-purchases-an-additional-31-rent-a-centers-2706100" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rent-A-Center</a> stores from Jacksonville, FL to Savanna, GA. With 45 existing locations, Impact RTO was already Rent-A-Center&rsquo;s largest franchisee even before taking on the new stores. Now the holding company is on track to reach 100 stores over the next few years, a goal Impact RTO&rsquo;s president, Shirin Kanji, said he&rsquo;s held since he first approached Rent-A-Center in 2014.

&ldquo;We laid out an ambitious plan when we started, and this deal brings us one step closer,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;This is a unique business, and we&rsquo;re excited to get an even bigger chunk of it.&rdquo;

Impact RTO&rsquo;s Rent-A-Centers represent the first investment in the retail industry for Kanji, as well known hotel brands previously made up the majority of their franchise portfolio.

&ldquo;I grew up in the hotel industry, literally,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;My parents purchased some small mom-and-pop hotels in Florida, and we lived in a small home behind the front-desk building. We started with budget hotel brands and then added some bigger hotel names as we grew. I went to college at NYU Stern and worked on Wall Street for a few years after graduating before I decided to move back into the family business.&rdquo;

Kanji returned to the hotel business in 2008&mdash;a difficult time for just about every industry&mdash;but particularly hazardous for hotels, which rely on a surplus of expendable income among middle and upper class consumers. In 2009, Kanji decided he needed to diversify his investments to include businesses that were less reliant on a healthy economy. That&rsquo;s when he began researching the rent-to-own segment.

&ldquo;When I came back in 2008, we were finishing two major construction projects with our hotel franchises,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;They opened in 2009 when the economy really bottomed out. So, it was not great timing. We managed to fulfill all our contracts and we did okay, but it became clear that being fully invested in real estate, and especially hotels, put us at a real disadvantage. We started thinking about how to stabilize our portfolio. There aren&rsquo;t too many very stable sectors out there, but rent-to-own is one, and once we wrapped our heads around that, it made a lot of sense to us.&rdquo;

Just as hotels rely on the spending habits of a particular demographic, rent-to-own stores are designed to appeal to lower-income consumers who are often unable or less willing to pay for common high-price items in one upfront payment. For Kanji, that model offered a perfect complement to his hotel investments.

&ldquo;The folks that travel to our hotels are mostly high-income,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;They have a certain job profile and a certain set of spending patterns. We realized that our entire business was catering to this very specific demographic, and if anything happened to that demo or if they started spending less for any reason, we were exposed to risk. To balance that out, we wanted a business that catered to a different demographic.&rdquo;

Kanji shopped around a number of different retail concepts for a few years before reaching out to Rent-A-Center in 2014. After years of researching his ideal consumer profile, Kanji said that the rent-to- business stood out as the best model for his portfolio, and from there it didn&rsquo;t take long to settle on Rent-A-Center.

&ldquo;Rent-A-Center is the largest, most well-known and all-around best brand in the rent-to-own space, so once we were settled on that model, it wasn&rsquo;t a difficult choice,&rdquo; Kanji said.

Kanji was determined to have Rent-A-Center make a quick and dramatic impact on his holdings, so he and the brand&rsquo;s development team got to work preparing a large-scale growth plan, eventually agreeing on a 40-store deal across eight states, the largest deal the franchise has ever made with a single franchisee.

According to Michael Landry, Rent-A-Center&rsquo;s vice president of franchise development, the brand was looking at a number of similarly large deals with multi-unit investors before the deal closed with Kanji, and he has little doubt that they chose the right partner.

&ldquo;We were looking at several potential partners for a large-scale deal back in 2015,&rdquo; Landry said. &ldquo;Looking back, choosing to work with Shirin and Impact RTO was among the best decisions we&rsquo;ve made as a company. He&rsquo;s become a shining example of the type of multi-unit franchisee community we want to build.&rdquo;

In Kanji&rsquo;s three years with Rent-A-Center, he has worked closely with the brand to make sure that he is taking full advantage of its unique business model.

&ldquo;Especially in the beginning, there was a lot of coordination with Rent-A-Center to make sure that everything was running efficiently,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;Unlike most other stores, Rent-A-Center has a recurring payment model, which makes it much more of a relationship business than most other concepts. So, we were careful to make sure that we fully understood how to manage that model and make the most of it.&rdquo;

Both Kanji and Rent-A-Center see Impact RTO&rsquo;s recent investment in 31 new locations as a clear indication that the partnership is meeting the lofty expectations of both parties.

&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve found exactly what we were looking for with Rent-A-Center,&rdquo; Kanji said. &ldquo;Not only does the model work perfectly for us, but the corporate team has been a fantastic partner to work with.&rdquo;

As Impact RTO Holdings further pulls away as the largest Rent-A-Center franchisee, Landry said he hopes to replicate their success with new multi-unit investors.

&ldquo;Shirin has really brought us into our future, and it&rsquo;s exactly the type of relationship we&rsquo;re looking to find more of. He gets our system and follows the model, but he also sees the business from a fresh perspective and gives us new ideas. We are learning together and building an incredibly strong franchise organization. We&rsquo;re eager to find that same passion and sophistication from new investors as we look to expand our system of multi-unit franchisees.&rdquo;

Impact RTO Holdings Purchases an Additional 31 Rent-A-Centers

1851 Franchise

With more than 75 locations, the Tampa-based holding company is the rent-to-own brand’s largest franchisee.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

impact-rto-holdings-purchases-an-additional-31-rent-a-centers

Jollibee

How Jollibee Blends Beloved Heritage With Modern Innovation to Power U.S. Growth

how-jollibee-blends-beloved-heritage-with-modern-innovation-to-power-us-growth

Griswold

Griswold Celebrates National Caregivers Day by Announcing Winter Scholarship Winners Through the Jean Griswold Foundation

griswold-celebrates-national-caregivers-day-by-announcing-winter-scholarship-winners-through-the-jean-griswold-foundation

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

Former Google Marketing Leader Launches Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions Franchise in Northeast L.A.

former-google-marketing-leader-launches-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-franchise-in-northeast-la

Newk’s Eatery

image of Newk's Eatery Franchise fast casual food

Newk’s Eatery Offers Gold Standard for Value and Community, Winning Over Food Lovers in the Booming Casual Dining Market

newks-eatery-fast-casual-dining-fresh-made-to-order

Why Franchisees Are Betting on Newk’s Eatery in the $84 Billion Fast-Casual Industry (and Why Now Is the Moment to Join)

newks-eatery-franchise-loyal-guests-disciplined-growth

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Restaurants Eye $1.55 Trillion in 2026 Sales as Value and Cost Pressures Define the Year

restaurants-eye-155-trillion-in-2026-sales-as-value-and-cost-pressures-define-the-year

Kevin Hart Is the Latest Celebrity to Enter the Franchising Game

kevin-hart-is-the-latest-celebrity-to-enter-the-franchising-game

Driven Brands IMO Sale - Franchise Equity Partners - 1851 Franchise Agg

Driven Brands Sells IMO, Doubles Down on Take 5 and Franchise Portfolio

driven-brands-imo-sale-franchise-equity-partners

Authority Brands Closes Out 2025 With Strong Franchise Growth

Authority Brands Closes Out 2025 With Strong Franchise Growth, Building on a Three-Year Acceleration in New Franchise Owners and Territories  

authority-brands-2025-franchise-growth

Buddy's Home Furnishings Acquisition - Skyline Investors - 1851 Franchise

Buddy’s Home Furnishings Deal Signals More Private Equity Interest in Franchise Retail

buddys-home-furnishings-acquisition-skyline-investors-private-equity

Family has always been at the heart of everything for sisters&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold-franchise-oklahoma-city-north-manar-landis-maha-zirn-kashoor-2730454">Manar Landis and Maha Zirn-Kashoor,</a> so when they began looking for a new business venture, it only made sense that they’d do it together. Today, the pair are proud&nbsp;<a href="https://griswoldhomecarefranchise.com/">Griswold</a> franchisees, combining their complementary skills and shared compassion to make a difference in the lives of seniors and&nbsp; families in their community. For Zirn-Kashoor and Landis, the decision to go into business together was as natural as their lifelong connection.“The short answer,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “is that it’s always the right time as a family to be together. We were both in the right place to start that one.”Though life had taken them in different directions — with families, careers and homes of their own — the sisters never lost touch. “We were always in contact,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Almost every year we saw each other. So when the idea of the business came, it was only natural that we were both ready for it and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”That shared readiness made the decision simple: it was time to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/how-griswold-home-care-provided-a-more-meaningful-career-for-these-franchisees-amid-the-pandemic-2715838">build something meaningful together</a>.<h2>From Sisters to Business Partners</h2>Transitioning from family members to business partners came smoothly for the pair. “Because we know each other quite well, it came very naturally,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We recognized my strength, her strength, where we can complement each other — and it’s working so far.”The two sisters developed a natural division of responsibilities, allowing each to focus on what she does best. That balance has only strengthened their bond. “It brought us even closer to each other,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “Usually, when you have family, each one goes to their business or work and then maybe you meet at dinner or on weekends. Now we are combining all this — we see each other even more now. It added positively to the dynamic.”<h2>Why Griswold?</h2>When it came time to choose a brand, Landis led the research — and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/info">Griswold</a> quickly stood out. “She asked around, looked into different franchises, and it was the reputation of Griswold,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “From the first moment we spoke with them, it felt like we were joining a family.”That sense of belonging only deepened as they met other franchisees. “They are very professional, but there is also a warm environment,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “When we met other franchisees at a couple of events, it felt like family. It just enhanced our feeling that this is the right company we want to join.”<h2>A Family-Owned Business With a Human Mission</h2>As sisters and co-owners, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis believe their family connection adds real value to how they lead their business and care for their clients. “It’s an added value to be family working together,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We know how to divide the work, who’s responsible for what, and sometimes we combine our efforts on certain areas where we can bring an even better outcome.”That collaboration is rooted in shared purpose. For the sisters, Griswold’s mission resonated deeply. “The story of Jean Griswold is very touching and impressive,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “It’s not money-oriented — it’s very human and people-oriented. That’s what really drove us. Otherwise, any business you can start somewhere and think about profit. This is not the easiest one, but we chose it on purpose because we can relate to it … When you think about it, we are helping vulnerable people — people in need — and that’s something we are already proud of.”<h2>Building a Legacy of Care and Connection</h2>More than just a business, Zirn-Kashoor and Landis see their Griswold franchise as a legacy — one rooted in compassion and community. “We are certain that our hard work will bring very fruitful income,” Zirn-Kashoor said, “and we hope that this is the legacy we can keep as a name for us, for our children and for our family later on. There cannot be a better legacy than helping people in need and caring for the community.”Even amid the challenges of launching a business, the sisters have found unexpected joy in the journey. “The most surprising part is how much fun we are having,” Zirn-Kashoor said. “We knew we would enjoy it, but we didn’t know it would start from day one. We keep reminding each other not to forget to have fun and enjoy the journey.”

Why Two Sisters Chose Now to Build a Purpose-Driven Home Care Business With Griswold

why-two-sisters-chose-now-to-build-a-purpose-driven-home-care-business-with-griswold

For 10 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gcosentino/">Giovanni Cosentino</a> built a corporate career as an executive assistant and project manager in various industries, including electric vehicles, blockchain, finance and adtech. Then, after a 2024 end-of-year layoff, Cosentino saw an opportunity to take control of his career path. Rather than jumping back into the corporate job market, he decided to apply his robust background in management and leadership to a new adventure, business ownership, recognizing that his background in organizing complex projects would serve as the perfect foundation for running a small business.Motivated to become his own boss, Cosentino turned to franchising. He liked the stability of service-based businesses and the demand for reliable home improvement. From here, he began narrowing down the opportunities. This led him to&nbsp;<a href="http://freshcoatfranchise.com">Fresh Coat Painters</a>, the national painting franchise. He's now getting ready for his official grand opening and excited to begin serving the Westchester community.Cosentino took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Giovanni Cosentino:&nbsp;My father was a dentist for almost 45 years in the Hudson Valley, and I admired his work ethic and his ability to make people smile with his sense of humor and skill. I grew up locally and earned my degree at Purchase College here in Westchester County. I’ve always wanted to be helpful to others, doing something similar to what my father was able to achieve, but in my own way.&nbsp;I’ve always been an independent person and a leader, managing people and projects really well. If something has my name on it, it will be good work. That's how I live my life: doing the best I can at whatever I put my hands to.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Cosentino:&nbsp;I spent nearly 10 years in my career as an executive assistant and project manager, but unfortunately, layoffs impacted my position at the end of 2024.Following that, the job search felt different from any other time. I looked at my skill set and knew my experience would translate well into business ownership. I realized this was an opportune time to bet on myself.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Cosentino:&nbsp;I explored over a dozen franchises, but I was being very selective as I didn’t like what their FDD stats were or the niche element of their business model. I was almost ready to move on and figure something else out, but then I spoke with&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/freshcoat/info">Fresh Coat Painters</a> as my last franchise for consideration. It was the only one that felt like I could make it work. Having navigated multiple economic challenges, I’ve learned that blue-collar trades are always in demand. Painting, in particular, is a recession-resistant industry that tends to thrive even in uncertain times.Fresh Coat allows owners the flexibility to operate their business how they see fit while providing essential guidance and support, like an onboarding coach and a business coach. I also really appreciate the community of other franchisees; experienced members have been exceptionally helpful. Having this network resolves issues of not knowing where to turn or encountering challenges for the first time.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Cosentino:&nbsp;My plan is to bring a new level of professionalism to the industry. I want to be known as someone who can deliver outstanding results, managing a crew of well-trained and vetted painters using the highest quality products. We want to transform client spaces into a personal retreat, an oasis of atmosphere, or a comfortable abode.&nbsp;Over time, we will expand to provide full interior and exterior house painting, eventually lending our services and ethos to improving commercial spaces. We are also considering expanding to decks, cabinet painting, power washing and removing or adding popcorn ceiling and wallpapering.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Cosentino:&nbsp;Just like any other kind of business, make sure you have the appropriate amount of funds available for your venture. The initial franchise fee is not the only cost; you need additional capital for the “runway” before you actually generate revenue.&nbsp;Understand that it will take a large amount of your time, energy and resources to bring it all to life. But in the end, I genuinely believe it could be one of the most worthwhile endeavors anyone can do, with results that can sustain a family and bring great value to your clients and community.ABOUT FRESH COAT PAINTERS:Fresh Coat Painters, the residential and commercial painting franchise under the Strategic Franchising Systems umbrella, offers a low-cost business model that gives entrepreneurs from all walks of life the chance to become successful business owners in the communities they serve. Since starting in 2004, Fresh Coat has expanded to over 190 franchise locations nationwide. Thanks to its unparalleled professionalism and affordable business model, it has become one of the leading concepts in the booming residential and commercial painting segment. With continued year-over-year growth, Fresh Coat is well on its way to achieving its overall goal of becoming a truly iconic painting brand.&nbsp;

Former Project Manager and Executive Assistant Swaps Corporate Life for Fresh Coat Painters Ownership

former-project-manager-and-executive-assistance-swaps-corporate-life-for-fresh-coat-painters-ownership

Twin brothers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-VKBlQiiWI">Stephen and Matthew Westerman</a> have spent their entire lives building things together — from homes in high school with their father to managing&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK&nbsp;</a>locations to running a bathroom remodeling business. Now, the brothers are turning the page to their next chapter: opening a&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.twomenandajunktruck.com/">TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK</a> franchise in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. With deep operational experience and a shared entrepreneurial spirit, they’re bringing trusted junk removal services to the Gulf Coast — and building a family-owned business that reflects years of teamwork and trust.<h2>Finding the Right Time — and the Right Partner</h2>The Westermans’ journey into franchising was a natural evolution of a lifetime spent working side by side.“We’re twin brothers — grew up together, been best friends our whole life and share most of our life experiences,” Stephen said. “We went into business together 12 or 13 years ago, starting with a bathroom remodeling business. We were looking for areas to explore and started looking into TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK. We’ve been working together our whole lives — we both went to college at the same time.”“We always wanted to work together, and that really started back in high school when we were building houses with our dad,” Matthew said. “After we got separate jobs post-college, we decided we really wanted to open a business together.”That shared foundation made launching a new venture together feel like the natural next step — not just as brothers, but as equal partners ready to build something lasting.<h2>From Movers to Owners</h2>Both Stephen and Matthew got their start in franchising years ago with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/twomenandatruck/info">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK</a>, where they gained firsthand experience in every role from movers to general managers.“We both got our master’s degrees and ended up getting jobs as movers at TWO MEN AND A TRUCK,” Stephen said. “We worked with them while getting our degrees — did that for about two years — and eventually moved through almost all the positions at that location, up to general managers. We stayed there until we opened our bathroom remodeling business. We always liked the franchise system with that brand. When we decided we wanted to add another business line, we didn’t immediately think of franchising, but we were open. When we realized there was a junk franchise connected, we thought it might be the right concept.”That experience taught them how to lead, how to serve customers and how to operate efficiently — lessons that they’re now carrying into their own&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/choosing-the-right-franchise-for-your-family-2727865">family-run franchise</a>.<h2>Why TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK?</h2>The decision to join TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK was fueled by familiarity, trust and confidence in the team behind the brand.“What sold us on this franchise was our experience with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK,” Stephen said. “We were already really drawn to the junk industry, and when we saw that TWO MEN was behind this too, we knew they had the strength of the corporate office. Once we saw the team behind it, we realized it was a really brilliant team for support, and that made us a lot more comfortable moving forward.”For the Westermans, franchising with a brand they already knew and believed in provided the perfect blend of independence and structure — giving them the support they needed to launch confidently while allowing them to build something of their own.<h2>Family-Owned and Built on Shared Values</h2>Working together as twin brothers has helped the Westermans naturally divide responsibilities and lean into their strengths. Their mutual trust makes decision-making simple and collaboration second nature.“We’ve been working together our whole lives,” Stephen said. “We know how to play to each other’s strengths and stay focused on the same goals.”Their family dynamic also shapes how they lead their team and serve their customers. By modeling teamwork, communication and respect, they’re building a company culture that reflects the same values they were raised with. “Our intention is to turn this into a multi-million dollar franchise,” Stephen said. “But our most important goal is just customer service — to serve the Gulf Coast and help remove stress from people’s lives by removing the junk in their spaces.”“Our end goal would be sweeping the Gulf Coast — that would be about three franchises total,” Matthew said.<h2>Building a Family Legacy</h2>While their new Fort Walton Beach location marks the beginning of this business venture, it’s also a continuation of a lifelong partnership — one rooted in family, ambition and shared purpose.“Life is risky,” Stephen said. “Don’t be afraid of risk. The only real risk in life is taking no risk at all.”For the Westerman brothers, taking this leap together is about more than business ownership — it’s about carrying forward the lessons they’ve learned, the values they share and the legacy they’re building as a family.&nbsp;

Why Two Brothers With a Lifetime of Building Together Chose Now to Launch a TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK Franchise

why-two-brothers-with-a-lifetime-of-building-together-chose-now-to-launch-a-two-men-and-a-junk-truck-franchise

For&nbsp;Sandeep KesiReddy and his business partner,&nbsp;Siddhartha “Sid” Parepally, the decision to enter the franchise world was less about a career change than the fulfillment of a 20-year-old promise. Having known each other since their teens, the duo always envisioned building a business together.While life momentarily interrupted their plans — sending KesiReddy into the world of Bay Area tech startups, and Parepally into high-level operations — the desire to build something for themselves never faded. When they finally got serious about scouting for the right opportunity, they found&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com/">Paris Baguette</a> in a sea of process-heavy legacy brands.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette/info">Paris Baguette</a> resonated with their own generation and offered an attractive approach to operational strategy.&nbsp;Now, KesiReddy and Parepally are looking to lead the brand’s growth in the Seattle market. Despite being told by corporate and construction teams that a store build-out would take six to eight months, the duo utilized their business and operations backgrounds to navigate permits and construction in just under three months. Starting with their flagship location in Bellevue, the partners are already looking to expand the brand’s footprint across Washington.&nbsp;KesiReddy took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Sandeep KesiReddy:&nbsp;My business partner Sid and I go back a long, long time. We have known each other for 15 plus years.We went to college together and always had this thing about opening a business together. Then, our paths diverged for a while; I went into entrepreneurship, running a startup in the Bay Area, and Sid became a head of operations for a global company on the West Coast. We were scouting for what we could do, and then came Paris Baguette. They just lined up so well for us as a rising brand that resonates with the current generation.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?KesiReddy: I run a startup in the Bay Area and Sid manages operations for a global company. We realized Paris Baguette vibes very well with our synergies. They are an “ops-ish” restaurant rather than “ops-heavy.” You bake in the morning and sell in the afternoon, so it boils down more to a numbers and strategy problem rather than a time-efficiency problem that most restaurants have. That made it much more comfortable for us to jump into.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?KesiReddy:&nbsp;Before entering this, we were not keen on looking at franchising or the food business at all. Typically, our perception was that franchising involved a lot of red tape and processes that take away freedom from the owner to add their own flavor. Now, I want people to know that franchising can be very attractive if you find a brand that plays to your strengths. Seldom do you find a concept that has processes that actually empower you, help you run it right, and push towards higher revenues and profit margins. Paris Baguette has a unique combination of making the kitchen and the front of the store run as two independent operations, taking away most of the complexity of a restaurant.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?KesiReddy:&nbsp;They were not one of those old-school brands stuck with lots of processes; they were flexible and quick in responding. What excites me most is the branding and the presence the brand has with Gen Z and millennials. Also, the flexibility the team had to understand our unique location was nice to have. I could just text my construction manager and have her fly in to help us out; I don’t see that happening often with other franchise brands.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?KesiReddy:&nbsp;We want it to be one of the top-performing stores. Our goal is to make Bellevue a top-quartile store for Paris Baguette. We are already looking at expansion in the next fiscal year. You’ll see another store open in the Bothell/Woodinville region, and there is more to come.&nbsp;1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?KesiReddy:&nbsp;Having a brand that has an appetite to grow is very important when you have similar ambitions. Most brands look at their franchisees through a single lens, but there are a thousand variables that make every location unique. Having an ear to listen to the story and being flexible while working toward a common goal is very important, and that is what Paris Baguette gave us. We navigated through the curveballs of construction and permits to launch our first store in three months, which the corporate team challenged us on, saying it would take six to eight. We’re excited to keep that momentum going.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?KesiReddy:&nbsp;The power of a franchise is the process, the setup, and the safety net that comes with it. For a first-time business owner, there are very few things to figure out because there is always someone you can call and ask a question. There are many other franchisees who have been through similar situations. That mentorship is very important. Anyone trying to get into franchising should look at a brand that is ready to mentor them rather than just having them open a restaurant.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ownaparisbaguette.com">https://ownaparisbaguette.com</a> or&nbsp; <a href="https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette">https://1851franchise.com/parisbaguette</a>.ABOUT PARIS BAGUETTE:&nbsp;With a projected 1,000 bakery cafés in North America by 2030, Paris Baguette is on a mission to reestablish the neighborhood bakery café as the heart of the community. Paris Baguette serves craveable baked and brewed treats and creates warm and welcoming experiences through a blend of gracious service, expert craftsmanship and community connections. From decisions made behind a desk to smiles offered behind a counter, the desire to spread joy and make the world a happier place drives everything we do. Being a neighborhood bakery café means caring about those around us and finding ways to make a real impact. We do so through our "Love Baked In" programs that bring to life our commitment to serving local communities through various charitable programs and initiatives. Paris Baguette is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences and a network of successful franchisee relationships. For information and to find the Paris Baguette location closest to you, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.parisbaguette.com">www.parisbaguette.com</a>.

image of Sandeep KesiReddy and Siddhartha Parepally, paris baguette franchise owners

Meet the Two Best Friends Opening a Paris Baguette Franchise in Record Time

sandeep-kesireddy-paris-baguette-bellevue-franchise

<a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise">Chick-fil-A</a> is one of the most recognizable names in the quick-service restaurant industry. With its signature chicken sandwiches, customer-first culture and impressive per-unit sales, the brand is often at the top of the list for entrepreneurs researching restaurant franchises. But if you’re wondering how to buy a franchise with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-rise-of-chick-fil-a-americas-number-one-chicken-franchise-2727483#stories">Chick-fil-A</a>, you’ll quickly realize that this opportunity comes with a unique set of requirements — and not everyone qualifies.<h2>Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements</h2>Chick-fil-A is different from most restaurant franchises because it doesn’t take a large amount of money to get started.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-cost-2715278#stories">The franchise fee is $10,000</a>, and applicants don’t need to show a specific net worth or liquid assets. The lower cost, however, comes with a trade-off. The company has one of the toughest application processes in franchising and places strict rules on how the business must be run.To be considered for a Chick-fil-A franchise, applicants need to show that they can legally run a business in the United States and have a solid professional background. The brand generally looks for people with at least five years of work experience and some history of leading teams. A clean financial record is important, too, since anyone with a bankruptcy on file won’t move forward in the process. The $10,000 franchise fee has to come directly from the candidate’s own funds rather than loans or gifts. On top of that, operators are expected to commit to the restaurant full time, which means stepping away from other active business ventures and putting all of their focus into building and leading their Chick-fil-A location.Candidates also need to be fluent in written and spoken English and commit to full-time, hands-on involvement in the restaurant. In fact, Chick-fil-A expects its franchisees to divest from any other active business ventures so that they can focus entirely on operating their location.Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Chick-fil-A receives tens of thousands of applications each year but approves only about one percent, making the opportunity one of the most competitive in franchising.<h2>A Hands-On, Operational Model</h2>One thing that makes Chick-fil-A stand out is how it expects its restaurants to be run. Owners can’t just hire managers and step back like in many other franchises. Instead, operators are expected to be hands-on with the daily business.Chick-fil-A also keeps more control over key parts of the operation than most franchisors. The company chooses the location, builds the restaurant and provides the equipment. The operator’s main role is to deliver excellent service and lead a team that meets the brand’s standards.This is not a passive investment or a multi-unit opportunity. Chick-fil-A intentionally limits each franchisee to a single location, ensuring that operators are deeply engaged in leading their restaurant and contributing to the surrounding community. For many, this model is appealing because it emphasizes leadership and culture-building rather than simply financial investment.<h2>Why It Matters</h2>For people thinking about franchising, Chick-fil-A’s requirements show why the brand is both appealing and difficult to get into. The low cost to start, the strong name recognition and the sales numbers make it one of the most appealing restaurant franchises out there, but the rules and competitive selection process make it a tough opportunity to land.On the other hand, the strict operational structure, high profit-sharing arrangement and extremely competitive application process can make it a tough fit for entrepreneurs who want more flexibility or who prefer to run multiple concepts at once.If you are considering how to buy a franchise with Chick-fil-A, it’s important to carefully evaluate whether you align with the brand’s expectations. The operators who tend to do well are the ones who like being in the restaurant every day, working with their team and serving customers. For people who want to be closely involved in one business, the Chick-fil-A model can be both profitable and satisfying.For more info on Chick-fil-A, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-takes-the-crown-as-the-nations-premier-chicken-chain-2727486#stories">Chick-fil-A Takes the Crown as the Nation’s Premier Chicken Chain</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-owning-a-chick-fil-a-franchise-2725069#stories">The Pros and Cons of Owning a Chick-fil-A Franchise</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chick-fil-a-emerges-as-the-leader-in-the-us-chicken-chain-industry-2727457#stories">Chick-fil-A Emerges as the Leader in the U.S. Chicken Chain Industry</a></li></ul>

Do You Qualify? A Look at the Chick-fil-A Franchise Requirements

do-you-qualify-a-look-at-the-chick-fil-a-franchise-requirements

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? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

LAKEWOOD, Colo.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weareradianceholdings.com/">Radiance Holdings</a>, the parent company of both&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a>, the 750-unit salon suites franchise, and&nbsp;<a href="http://ownawoodhouse.com">Woodhouse Spas</a>, the over-90-unit luxury day spa franchise, has appointed franchise veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-sizemore-85992074/">Keith Sizemore</a> as its new chief development officer. With extensive experience in the franchise industry, Sizemore will support Radiance Holdings in its next phase of strategic expansion.In his new role, Sizemore will oversee the franchise development strategy for both brands, focusing on filling in key markets for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/sola-salons/info">Sola Salons</a> and accelerating growth for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/woodhouse-spas/info">Woodhouse</a> as it approaches the 100-unit milestone. With consistent momentum in the beauty and wellness sectors and both brands seeing steady growth over recent years, Sizemore joins the brand at a pivotal time for growth.“I’m excited to join Radiance Holdings at such a momentous time in the company’s journey,” Sizemore said. “Sola Salons has built an incredible foundation with 750 locations, and now, we have the opportunity to identify key markets where we can continue strategic growth. At the same time, Woodhouse is perfectly positioned to expand and bring its one-of-a-kind model to new territories nationwide.”Prior to joining Radiance Holdings, Sizemore held leadership roles at Marco’s Pizza and Shipley Do-Nuts, where he identified high-potential markets and supported franchisee growth and success from day one.&nbsp;“Keith’s career trajectory has been impressive, and his expertise in franchise development will be invaluable as we enter this next stage of growth,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjonessola/">Ben Jones</a>, CEO of Radiance Holdings. “His ability to identify the right markets, attract quality franchisees and drive sustainable growth will be instrumental in achieving our goals.”As Sizemore steps into his new role, the team is focused on key markets for both brands. Sola Salons is targeting expansion in high-potential markets like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago, while Woodhouse is prioritizing development in major metropolitan areas like Seattle, New York City, Phoenix and Boston. Within these key markets, Radiance is looking to partner with driven, passionate franchisees who are committed to providing an exceptional experience to beauty professionals and guests in their markets and building thriving businesses in the beauty and wellness sectors.ABOUT SOLA SALONS:In 2004, Sola Salons was established with the opening of its first location in Denver, Colorado. Now with 750 locations open in the U.S. and Canada, Sola is proud to offer 22,000+ independent beauty professionals the freedom and benefits of salon ownership without the risk and overhead of opening a traditional salon. Its innovative salon model empowers hairdressers, estheticians, nail techs, massage therapists and other like-minded professionals to take control of their lives and their careers. Sola provides beauty professionals with beautiful, fully-equipped salon studios alongside the support and tools they need to launch their salon business in no time. For more information about Sola Salons, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solasalonstudios.com/">https://www.solasalonstudios.com/</a>.&nbsp;ABOUT WOODHOUSE SPAS:Woodhouse Spas is a leading luxury spa franchise that offers resort-style spa experiences in local communities. Founded in 2001 in Victoria, Texas, Woodhouse Spas has grown to more than 90 locations across the United States. The brand provides a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services, all designed to offer personalized care and enhance wellness. Woodhouse franchise owners benefit from comprehensive support, including training, site selection, construction management, marketing, and operational advice. For more information about Woodhouse Spas, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woodhousespas.com/.">https://www.woodhousespas.com/.</a>&nbsp;

Keith Sizemore headshot, Radiance Holdings

Radiance Holdings Names Keith Sizemore Chief Development Officer

keith-sizemore-radiance-holdings-cdo

Callaway has agreed to sell a 60% stake in its Topgolf and Toptracer divisions to private equity firm Leonard Green &amp; Partners (LGP)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">in a deal that values the Topgolf business at roughly $1.1 billion</a>. The transaction will bring in about $770 million in net proceeds for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/">Topgolf Callaway Brands</a>, according to regulatory filings. The move is part of a broader restructuring plan the company had been pursuing since same-venue sales softened and former Topgolf CEO Artie Starrs stepped down in August.Callaway and Topgolf originally merged in 2021 to accelerate the growth of the eatertainment brand, but separating the businesses is now seen as a way to sharpen strategic focus, streamline operations and better allocate capital. While the company initially explored selling as much as 80% of Topgolf, it ultimately selected LGP as a buyer because of the firm’s strong track record with high-growth consumer brands. The private equity group has backed chains such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zaxbys.com/franchise">Zaxby’s</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.velvettaco.com/international-partner/">Velvet Taco</a> and previously&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shake-shacks-unusual-international-business-strategy-2710292">Shake Shack</a>.Despite earlier declines, Topgolf’s performance has begun to rebound. The company posted slightly positive same-venue sales in the third quarter of 2025, driven primarily by its core guest segment — players who use one or two hitting bays — which accounts for 80% of annual revenue. Traffic in that category returned to strong double-digit growth, aided by value promotions like Sunday Funday and weekday discounts. Operational upgrades, including improvements to the digital channel and the rollout of Toast’s point-of-sale system, have also increased efficiency and boosted spending per visit.The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. After the transaction, Topgolf Callaway Brands will rebrand as Callaway Golf Company and continue operating its core portfolio, which includes Callaway, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio, while LGP guides Topgolf into its next phase of expansion.Read the full press release&nbsp;<a href="https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com/news-releases/news-release-details/topgolf-callaway-brands-announces-agreement-sell-majority-stake">here</a>.&nbsp;

Impact RTO Holdings Purchases an Additional 31 Rent-A-Centers

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS