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

Voodoo Brewing Co.

Voodoo Brewing Co. Welcomes Spring With Bold New Cocktails and a Margarita Flight

Voodoo Brewing Co. Welcomes Spring With Bold New Cocktails and a Margarita Flight Fit for Cinco de Mayo

voodoo-brewing-spring-cocktails-margarita-flight-2025

Why I Bought: How Alex and Chrissy Bergren Turned Their Passion for Craft Beer Into a Thriving Voodoo Brewing Co. in Virginia Beach

why-i-bought-how-alex-and-chrissy-bergren-turned-their-passion-for-craft-beer-into-a-thriving-voodoo-brewing-co-in-virginia-beach

Beef 'O' Brady's

Beef 'O' Brady's - Brass Tap - Q1 2025 Momentum - 1851 Franchise

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s and The Brass Tap Kick Off 2025 With Growth, Innovation and Record Sales for Q1

fsc-franchise-co-q1-2025-momentum

BoConcept

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Space: BoConcept’s Tips for Making Outdoor Living Cozy and Stylish

creating-the-perfect-outdoor-space-boconcept

Right at Home

Albano Mahilaj Turned Personal Challenges Into a Purpose-Driven Right at Home Franchise

right-at-home-franchise-albano-mahilaj

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

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

10 Surprising Facts About The Franchise Industry in 2024

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS