Spotlight on Franchising in Indiana

Franchising is a major part of Indiana. According to the International Franchise Association, there are 18,350 franchise establishments in the state, which provide 216,000 jobs and $15.5 billion in economic output.

But where is the boom coming from?

For Wild Birds Unlimited*, Indiana has been the perfect state from which to launch its brand. In 1981, Jim Carpenter wanted to make his passion for nature and bird watching a thriving business. With this big dream and a small inheritance, Carpenter quickly found a little storefront for rent in Indianapolis. Within a few short months, he became the new owner of his very first Wild Birds Unlimited store. Since then, thanks to Indiana's nurturing economy, Wild Birds Unlimited has become the country's first and largest franchise system of backyard bird feed stores. In Indiana alone, there are more than 10 Wild Birds Unlimited locations, and the state remains an important hub for the rapidly-growing brand.

Other examples of Indiana-based franchisors include, Steak ‘n Shake, Wings Etc., and CompuChild, according to the International Association’s Fast Facts on Indiana.

While Pita Pit isn’t based in Indiana, the brand has still found a sweet spot in Indianapolis, with multiple franchisees developing across the region. Pita Pit also recently signed a four-store deal for locations in Valparaiso, Merrillville and Schererville.

“People in the Midwest have an extremely positive response to Pita Pit which I think is why we’ve found such success in Indiana,” said Pita Pit’s Vice President of Franchise Development Bill Wilfong. “The brand has a strong name and we’re finding passionate buyers who are interested in representing our healthy concept.”

Another example of a brand that is targeting the Hoosier State is Ritter’s Frozen Custard, which launched as a seasonal concept in Franklin, Indiana but expanded to offer year-round custard in warm weather climates like Texas and Florida. Indiana remains a key development market for the brand, where Ritter’s continues to evoke nostalgic feelings for its passionate fans.

The brand recently launched a fast-casual prototype with a premium, high-end menu that they will be able to operate 12 months of the year in any climate. The goal is to bring that concept to Indiana and continue development across the state in markets like Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville and Richmond.

“Indianapolis to Dayton is the sweet spot for us; it’s where Ritter’s was born,” said President and Chief Development Officer for TRUFOODS, LLC., parent company to Ritter's Frozen Custard, Gary Occhiogrosso. “We can develop an end-cap with a drive-thru and interior seating at a reduced cost compared to a traditional stand-alone buildout. We’re anticipating extremely positive feedback across Indiana to the franchise opportunities this new format will create.”

These brands are just the tip of Indiana’s franchise iceberg, and in the years ahead, many more franchises are looking to grow. The Brass Tap*, Workout Anytime, Christian Brothers, Toppers Pizza* and Miracle Method are all targeting Indiana to expand their footprint. Alair Homes, an award-winning contracting company, signed a master franchisee for the entire state of Indiana in 2015, and within the next two years, the brand aims to add five to six units.