1851

The franchising industry is a dynamic and influential sector of the global economy — creating jobs and providing valuable services. Like every industry, it has its perks and challenges. Here are 10 facts and franchise industry trends that might surprise even the most seasoned franchise aficionado.Beyond Fast FoodWhen people hear “franchise,” they often think “fast food,” but the franchise sector&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/2023-Franchising-Economic-Report.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">spans a wide range of over 300 business categories</a>, including&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/from-india-to-austin-this-fintech-executives-global-journey-to-empower-children-through-education-with-lightbridge-academy-2722761#most-recent-stories">technology</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/griswold/home-health-care-news-2024-executive-forecast-2724487#most-recent-stories">health</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mathnasium/mathnasium-learning-centers-franchise-expands-rapidly-to-meet-the-need-for-supplemental-math-instruction-2724708#most-recent-stories">education</a>.But Food Still Rules&nbsp;Quick service restaurants&nbsp;<a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/growth/emerging-concepts/fast-food-franchising-experiencing-growth-boom?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">make up nearly half of all franchise employment in the U.S.</a> while full-service restaurants make up about 13%.Economic Powerhouse&nbsp;In the U.S. alone, the franchise industry’s economic impact was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/2023-Franchising-Economic-Report.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">projected to increase to $860.1 billion in 2023</a>, up from $825.4 billion in 2022??. The International Franchise Association will likely release its 2024 forecast in April. In the meantime,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/19-of-the-best-emerging-franchises-to-invest-in-for-2024-2724709#stories">check out our list of the best emerging franchise brands to invest in</a>.Job Creation Engine&nbsp;The franchise industry continues to see year-over-year employment growth, and currently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/2023-Franchising-Economic-Report.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">supports more than 8 million jobs</a>.Success in Diversity&nbsp;The franchise industry&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/the-50-franchise-companies-doing-the-most-to-champion/432780?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">has been focusing on increasing diversity among its owners</a>, with initiatives to encourage more women and minority entrepreneurs to become franchisees. Black-owned franchises&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nixonpeabody.com/insights/alerts/2022/09/29/current-dei-trends-in-the-franchise-industry?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bring in more than twice the revenue</a> of Black-owned independent startups, while Hispanic-owned franchises see nearly double the sales of Hispanic-owned independent companies.A Big Opportunity for VeteransVeterans have a major presence in the franchisee world,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise.org/franchise-information/veterans?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">making up 14% of franchise owners compared to 7% of the U.S. population</a>. Organizations from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.va.gov/fund/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs</a> to the International Franchise Association have programs designed to support veterans in the industry.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/army-vet-achieves-dream-of-owning-gym-with-workout-anytime-franchise-2724769#most-recent-stories">Meet some veterans</a> who’ve&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/footprintsfloors/footprints-floors-founder-bryan-park-infuses-military-background-into-franchise-system-2724573#most-recent-stories">opened up their own franchises</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/veterans-and-franchising-make-the-perfect-combination-2724723#most-recent-stories">find out why veteran franchise ownership is often a great option</a> through our coverage at 1851 Franchise.Global Reach and SupportThe franchise model has seen global expansion, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296321003118?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115#:~:text=By%202016%2C%20China%20had%20nearly,to%20the%20Brazilian%20Franchising%20Association." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">significant growth in emerging markets such as China, Brazil and India</a>.As franchising goes global, franchise associations around the world advocate for the industry, provide resources and set ethical standards. The International Franchise Association (IFA) in the U.S., the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebfa.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">British Franchise Association</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chinaretail.org.cn/enwebsite/index.jsp?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">China Chain Store &amp; Franchise Association</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://franchise.org.au/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise Council of Australia</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://cfa.ca/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Canadian Franchise Association</a> are just a few examples.And if you’re just in the mood for some international cuisine,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-international-cuisine-franchises-over-50-units-2708393#most-recent-stories">here are some great franchise restaurants to check out!</a>Still, the U.S. Reigns Supreme When It Comes to Franchise HQsNine out of the 10 top franchises worldwide are headquartered in the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/top-global-ranking?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to Entrepreneur’s rankings</a>. The exception? Japanese educational network Kumon, which also happens to be one of only two nonfood franchises that made the list along with Hampton by Hilton (HQ: McLean, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C., suburbs).The State Where Franchise Owners Earn the Most? Not Where You Might ExpectThe Last Frontier state might be the first state you want to look at when opening a franchise. A franchisee in Alaska, on average, earns 7.8% more than the national average salary — $138,007 versus $127,973 —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Franchise-Owner-Salary-by-State?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to ZipRecruiter.</a>Most U.S. Pro Sports Teams Are Literally FranchisesThey don’t just call your favorite NBA, NHL or NFL team a “franchise.”&nbsp;<a href="https://sportsmanist.com/why-do-they-call-nba-teams-franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">It likely&nbsp;is a franchise</a>. Each team operates as an independent business under the umbrella of the league, with its own management and business operations. The concept of franchises in these leagues is not just limited to the business side but extends to aspects such as team formation, historical development and league expansions.&nbsp;Athletes get in on the franchise game too: Former NFL star quarterback Peyton Manning&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-ever-happened-with-peyton-mannings-papa-johns-franchise-empire-2724678#most-recent-stories">once owned 31 Papa Johns stores</a>; and former NBA hero (and current all-around superstar) Shaquille O’Neal&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/shaqs-franchise-ownership-makes-sports-star-restaurant-king-2724677#most-recent-stories">owns over 100 restaurants, 150 car washes, 40 gyms and a movie theater</a>.The franchise industry in 2024 stands out for its diversity, innovation and significant economic contributions. It's a sector marked by adaptability and global influence, making it a critical component of the world economy. If you’re looking to buy your first franchise or build out your portfolio, 1851 Growth Club is here to guide you through the buying process with honesty and integrity.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=surprising-facts-about-franchising-2725115" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Contact us today to take the next step that’s right for you</a>.

10 surprising facts about the franchise industry

10 Interesting Facts About Franchises That Might Surprise You

1851 Franchise

From food to football, the franchise sector is a cultural and economic powerhouse

10 Surprising Facts About The Franchise Industry in 2024

surprising-facts-about-franchising

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of four HomeTeam Inspection Service inspectors

The HomeTeam Advantage: 30 Years Strong and Still Growing

hometeam-30-year-legacy

Mathnasium

Mathnasium Franchise - James Temple - 1851 Franchise

Fast Growth and Bold Moves: James Temple’s Journey to Franchise Ownership With Mathnasium Learning Centers

mathnasium-franchise-james-temple

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Accelerates Growth in 2025 With Record-Breaking Midyear Momentum

trublue-accelerates-growth-in-2025-with-record-breaking-midyear-momentum

Caring Transitions

Building a Legacy With Caring Transitions: How Franchisees Create Lasting Impact While Growing a Successful Business

building-a-legacy-with-caring-transitions-how-franchisees-create-lasting-impact-while-growing-a-successful-business

Why Andrew Boules Chose Mathnasium Learning Centers and Built a Six-Unit Franchise Portfolio Fast

mathnasium-franchise-andrew-boules-six-locations

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

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

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

U.S. Budget Deficit Rises as Tariff Revenues Increase — Potential Considerations for Franchising

us-budget-deficit-rises-as-tariff-revenues-increase-potential-considerations-for-franchising

Dickey's Franchisee Backlash - Lawsuits - Disputes - 1851 Franchise

Texas-Based Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Grapples with Franchisee Backlash

dickeys-barbecue-pit-franchisee-lawsuits

Design with person in blazer, with laptop, holding sign that reads "LOOKING FOR A JOB"

Uptick in Jobless Claims Points to Continued Instability in Labor Market

jobless-claims-franchise-growth

Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

extraordinary-brands-cyclebar-rumble-boxing-acquisition

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

1851 Keyword - The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

The Secret To Succeeding With a Part-Time Franchise Is Picking the Right Model

part-time-franchises-picking-the-right-model

graphic for a spotlight from 1851 franchise featuring Kevin Rarick from caring transitions

Army Veteran Returns Home To Launch Caring Transitions Franchise in Reading, Pennsylvania

kevin-rarick-caring-transitions-reading-pa

1851 Franchise Deep Dive graphic with Sparkle Squad logo

10 Surprising Facts About The Franchise Industry in 2024

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS