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

Home Halo

Home Halo’s 160-Step Launch Process: Setting Franchisees Up for Success

home-halo-franchise-launch-process

VA Reimbursement: A Unique Opportunity for Home Halo Franchisees

va-reimbursement-a-unique-opportunity-for-home-halo-franchisees

Home Halo’s "Frank" Method: Coaching Franchisees to Greatness

home-halos-frank-method-coaching-franchisees-to-greatness

home-halo-dan-deak-personal-journey-headshot

Dan Deak's Personal Journey: From Caring Son to Home Halo CEO

dan-deaks-personal-journey-from-caring-son-to-home-halo-ceo

10 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Home Halo Franchise

10-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-a-home-halo-franchise

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 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

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

What You Need To Know About Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities

what-you-need-to-know-about-low-cost-franchise-opportunities

Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

sola-salons-franchisee-grows-salon-freedom-into-a-multi-state-powerhouse

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville 

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville, Illinois

dan-yangas-brings-family-flooring-legacy-full-circle-with-footprints-floors-franchise-in-naperville-illinois

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Sean Phelan & Caring Transitions logo

From Tech to Transitions: Why This Caring Transitions Franchisee Left the Corporate World To Help Families Navigate Life’s Hardest Moves

sean-phelan-caring-transitions-franchise-austin

10 Surprising Facts About The Franchise Industry in 2024

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS