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You have already heard it. Today, there are more franchisors than ever before and, unfortunately, less prospects.

That, however, will not be the cause of the next recession.

Hear about that thing called <a href="https://www.grubhub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-next-recession-could-make-franchisors-rich-2705475" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GrubHub</a>? Yeah, they have the largest restaurant menu in the world. They are also teaching us a thing or two about the consumer. The consumer is perfectly fine paying the same price they would to experience (yes, experience) your restaurant&mdash;plus a delivery fee, plus a generous tip&mdash;to eat the food that they want, when they want it and where they want it.

This is nothing new. The consumer screamed at us when self-serve frozen yogurt busted onto the scene. &ldquo;If I want 10 pounds of chocolate yogurt with another 10 pounds of cookies on top, who are you to say I can only have one, two or three scoops?&rdquo;

But what does this create or eliminate? Blend an in demand world with technology and more regulations &ndash; this means job elimination. And that elimination isn&rsquo;t happening at the top or middle, but at the bottom first. The bottom is made up of the tire kickers everyone complains about.

The stock market is teaching us a thing or two about investments. While franchising has done a solid job at educating the marketplace that it is a viable way to return your investment, the stock market (at the moment) is providing a better return on investment. And there&rsquo;s more to it. A good economy means job stability. Job stability means that while I may be interested in owning a franchise someday, I am in no rush. I am intrigued, but in no rush at all.

So, how could the next recession make franchisors rich? Wait for it, not yet.

Let&rsquo;s talk about expectations and goals (not the other way around). CEOs in franchising have high expectations. These, somehow, are solely (in many cases) placed on the development team.

&ldquo;I want 20 franchises next year,&rdquo; says Bob the CEO.

&ldquo;But sir, last year we only did 10, how will we do 20?&rdquo; says Stan the salesperson.

&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, that&rsquo;s your problem. But, back to the 20. I want 20 and those 20 should equal $500,000 in franchise fees,&rdquo; says Bob the CEO.

&ldquo;Sir, what budget do I have to get that $500,000?&rdquo; asks Stan the salesperson.

&ldquo;Stan, you have $150,000,&rdquo; says Bob the CEO.

&ldquo;But sir, last year we spent $125,000 and got 10. That means we spent $12,500 per deal on franchise marketing. Therefore, this year you can expect 12,&rdquo; Stan the salesperson explains.

&ldquo;You&rsquo;re the salesperson, figure it out,&rdquo; says Bob the CEO, as he scrolls through LinkedIn wondering if it&rsquo;s time to get a new salesperson.

What Bob the CEO is missing is how franchise development works. A few points:

<ul style="margin-left: 40px;">
	<li>There are no silver bullets. Your sales team is not only not sophisticated enough to find them, they don&rsquo;t exist. Sending him or her out on a voyage to find them will only be a waste of time. And I promise you, they are certainly not nested away in one of those regurgitated conference presentations that are given by the same people year after year.</li>
	<li>Sales is not the responsibility of the salesperson. It is the responsibility of the entire team. From operations to marketing, you are a franchise brand and you need to make sure everyone understands that the way they keep their jobs when expectations don&rsquo;t meet goals is by collectively working on the most important aspect of sales &ndash; validation.</li>
	<li>You go on GrubHub to buy food (duh). You want spicy ramen. Ramen place one has three stars and ramen place two has four. Which one do you buy? Duh. The same goes for validation. Stop simply comparing your pizza to the other pizza brand. Compare your internal validation. If franchisees are telling prospects, &ldquo;Eh, I like the brand, but I probably would not buy another location,&rdquo; prospects will get scared. When the economy is good, they have good jobs and are making good money &ndash; THEY WON&rsquo;T TAKE A RISK.</li>
	<li>Data is data is data. If it cost you $40,000 per deal to get it done last year, this year it will cost you more. Why? More franchisors, less deals. Come on people &ndash; this is easy math. And if validation is turbulent, tack on more.</li>
</ul>

Now, here&rsquo;s what happens when expectations don&rsquo;t meet goals. Bob the CEO cuts the budget, thinks about replacing Stan the salesperson and blames the wrong people. After a good product, strong leadership and profitable investment (hopefully that&rsquo;s already a given), then sales becomes this equation: validation + a great website + a strong digital strategy + a good (organized would be better) salesperson = winning. Period, period, period, period.

Now, how can franchisors get rich (those who didn&rsquo;t already get rich by selling to the super hungry private equity firms that understand the success equation and blame you, Bob the CEO/sometimes founder, for not meeting brand potential and uncovering tons of money on the table that they will eat like ramen and spit out to another private equity firm, thus taking money away from you and them winning, oh and yes, I said that in one breath)?

By not stopping. By continuing to invest. By looking at the top sales indicators &ndash; quality leads and quality franchisees. By giving two $hit$ about franchise fees and understanding the lifetime value of a deal is a ton &ndash; especially when it comes time to sell.

Spend money now. Don&rsquo;t scale back, because you will be left in the dust by others who continue to push forward.

More franchisors, less deals. Ugh.

It will cost more per deal (read the last paragraph again). Get over it. Invest. Invest in the growth of your brand. You made the decision to franchise; commit to it.

And then, when the $hit hits the fan by whatever crazy #realnews event happens next and when everyone else is panicking and hiding their kids and hiding their wives, you will be winning (Charlie Sheen will be jealous).

You don&rsquo;t scale back. Not now. Now is the time to invest in that giant pile of cash you will get because you were prepared for the war. You WILL be prepared to make a lot of money. You WILL understand that Stan the salesperson is not the only one responsible for sales (but better be calling those hungry leads back). You WILL enjoy that pi&ntilde;a colada on the beach.

Or, you won&rsquo;t, and I will. And chances are, because I am still a supplier, I will be buying you that drink anyway.

The Next Recession Could Make Franchisors Rich

1851 Franchise

Invest in the growth of your brand. Don’t scale back, because you will be left in the dust by others who continue to push forward.

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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? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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What industries are trending in franchising? As consumer behavior continually shifts and technology continues to drive the further evolution of operations, some franchising sectors are gaining momentum, offering opportunities for franchise owners at any experience level.A proper assessment of trending franchise industries can help zees ensure alignment of the investment against lifestyle goals, scalability of a given model and general demand over the long-term.<h2>Why Certain Franchise Industries Are Gaining Traction</h2>Franchise trends are often driven by lifestyle changes, demographic shifts and evolving expectations in terms of desired flexibility and convenience. Lifestyle-driven franchising is playing a growing role and industries that combine the notion of service-based models (with flexibility and less overhead) are also increasingly attractive.“Recently, during our 2025 national conference, our co-CEO mentioned that this has been a booming time for leisure travel,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://worldtravelholdings.com/">World Travel Holdings</a> Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-cadigan-3a156b86/">Michael Cadigan</a>. “Not just for people booking trips but for those entering the industry because of the lifestyle it offers.”<h2>Trending Industries</h2>So, what industries are trending in franchising?&nbsp;Here are five that stand out:1.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-are-the-best-travel-agency-franchises-2721343">Travel And Leisure</a> Franchises tied to leisure travel are benefiting from renewed demand and remote-friendly operations.&nbsp;“As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can stay plugged in with clients and customers,” Cadigan said. “Being able to work from anywhere allows people to enjoy the lifestyle they’re looking for.”2.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/low-cost-home-service-franchises-2729482">Home And Property Services</a> Maintenance, repair and specialty home services remain popular due to aging housing stock and infrastructure, which can deliver something close to recession-resistant demand. These franchises often feature lower startup costs and scalable operations.3.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-health-and-wellness-franchises-2026-2730886">Health, Wellness And Recovery</a> From fitness studios to recovery and wellness concepts, franchises focused on physical and mental health are continuing to grow as American consumers prioritize long-term general health.4.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/exploring-eco-friendly-franchises-for-world-environment-day-2725492">Eco-Friendly And Sustainable Services</a> Franchises focused on cleaning, energy efficiency and sustainability-focused services appeal to entrepreneurs prioritizing values (they also tend to tout recurring revenue and tighter operating models).5.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology-2730903">Technology-Enabled Retail And Services</a> Brands utilizing tech like automation (or data and digital platforms) are improving overall efficiency while minimizing labor challenges (rendering tech-forward franchises en vogue).<h2>Key Takeaways</h2><ul><li>Follow lifestyle-driven demand (as opposed to hype) &nbsp;</li><li>Assess scalability and overhead (before investing) &nbsp;</li><li>Seek out industries with recurring or essential services &nbsp;</li><li>Assess whether the business model supports flexibility &nbsp;</li><li>Align industry trends with your long-term goals</li></ul><h2>The Bottom Line</h2>So, what industries are trending in franchising? Travel services, home services, wellness, sustainability and tech-enabled concepts are all experiencing continual momentum at the moment. By developing a thorough understanding of where demand is growing and why, prospective franchise owners can make better decisions and invest with confidence in industries well-positioned for strong long-term success.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.

What industries are trending in franchising?

What industries are trending in franchising? From travel and wellness to home services and eco-friendly concepts, these industries are trending as demand grows for flexible, scalable business models.

What Industries Are Trending in Franchising? A Guide For Prospective Franchisees

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Franchisors often face one very serious question: how do I protect my brand? Maintaining quality and core values consistently, regardless of location, can help deliver a strong customer experience, an essential ingredient when it comes to the idea of long-term success. Expert guidance from seasoned franchisors can help safeguard the brand while scaling the business.<h2>Expert Insight: Building Consistency Across Locations</h2>So, how do I protect my brand as a franchisor? According to&nbsp;<a href="https://biscuitbellyfranchise.com/">Biscuit Belly</a> CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-c-4663465b/">Chad Coulter</a>, detailed systems can play a significant role in establishing brand consistency. Careful selection of potential franchise owners can also help.“Franchisees can make or break you pretty quickly… If something does not smell right, does not sound right, does not feel good, then we are probably going to respectfully decline that person in our system. Because these are long-term relationships,” said Coulter. “For every item, we have a very detailed procurement schedule… prep instructions, cooking instructions and pictures of the final product. We also provide build cards called Biscuit Buddies: quick, visual guides for staff to follow. Then we send emails, videos and reminders before any new menu launch.”<h2>Practical Steps to Protect Your Brand</h2><ol><li>Create Detailed Operations Guidelines – Developing clear manuals, visual aids and step-by-step instructions for every facet of the franchised business can help deliver consistency and clear expectations, ultimately&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-brand-protection-long-term-success-2730580">protecting the brand</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>Implement Strong Training Programs – Ensuring new franchise owners (and their staff) understand the systems and model can help avoid costly mistakes. Regular refresher courses help maintain quality and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-maintain-consistency-across-multiple-franchise-locations-2717735">consistency</a>, too. &nbsp;</li><li>Select Franchisees Carefully – Prioritize partners who are well aligned with your mission and values. Early franchising relationship set a tone. &nbsp;</li><li>Monitor Compliance Regularly – Conduct audits, deploy mystery shopper visits and check in regularly to confirm standards are followed on a consistent basis. &nbsp;</li><li>Constant Communication – Keeping franchise owners informed about business updates, product launches and other operational changes with clear and timely communication can help drive long-term success.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>As a franchisor, proper&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-role-of-franchise-legal-partners-in-protecting-your-brand-2728724">protection of the brand</a> requires a combination of systems, training, careful selection of potential franchise owners and strong, ongoing communication.&nbsp;So, how do I protect my brand as a franchisor? By implementing solid operational procedures and finding alignment with franchisees who share its values, a franchise business can be scaled with confidence while maintaining consistency and protecting the brand.“Make sure whatever your mission is, whatever your core values are, that you are using those to select good franchisees,” Coulter said. “Following this approach helps franchisors grow responsibly while keeping their brand strong and consistent.”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 do I protect my brand as a franchisor?

How do I protect my brand as a franchisor? In this guide with expert tips, learn how communication, strong systems, consistent training and careful franchisee selection can protect and scale a brand.

How Do I Protect My Brand as a Franchisor? A Guide For Prospective Franchisees

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When evaluating a franchise opportunity, there’s an important early step: how do I research franchise complaints? Understanding the issues both current and former franchise owners have experienced can help prospective franchisees make better-informed decisions that increase the likelihood of selecting a brand aligned with their business goals.Franchise consultant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/franchise-guru/">Lisa Welko</a> of&nbsp;<a href="https://integrityfranchisegroup.com/">Integrity Franchise Group</a> emphasizes the importance of validating information through direct research. “The most important thing about researching any franchise is the opportunity to validate with franchise owners personally,” Welko said. “Use the reviews to formulate your questions and opinions. And then validate those findings with actual owners in the system.”<h2>Start With The Basics: Public Records And Online Tools</h2>How do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;It starts with sources that are accessible and objective.<ul><li>Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/understanding-item-3-of-the-franchise-disclosure-document-litigation-history-2703061">FDD Item 3</a>, litigation history, lists pending litigation or past legal issues involving franchisees that can be potential&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/red-flags-to-look-out-for-when-doing-franchise-research-2723769#stories">red flags</a>. &nbsp;</li><li>State Regulatory Agencies: Many states publish franchise or business complaints (including the Attorney General’s office). &nbsp;</li><li>Online Reviews and Forums: While helpful for providing additional context, they should not be used as the only source of research. “Just like anything on the internet, we need to remember ‘Buyer Beware,’” said Welko. “Online reviews can be a helpful tool. But we need to remember that it’s one tool in the arsenal. So, don’t let one bad review torpedo your research.”</li></ul><h2>Speak Directly With Franchise Owners</h2>Nothing replaces firsthand insights. Contacting current – and former – franchise owners to ask about their experience with franchisor support, operations and growth potential is a critical part of the validation process. It’s essential to pay attention to recurring themes in their feedback, both positive and negative, to identify potential risks (or opportunities) correctly.&nbsp;<h2>Practical Takeaways For Evaluating Franchise Complaints</h2><ol><li>Verify Patterns, Not One-Offs – A single complaint may be an isolated incident. Look for repeated issues that may indicate systemic challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Check The Age Of Complaints – Older complaints may reflect resolved issues or changes in leadership (while recent complaints can indicate ongoing issues). &nbsp;</li><li>Ask Specific Questions – When speaking with franchisees, ask about areas like training, corporate support and general operational challenges. &nbsp;</li><li>Evaluate The Brand’s Response – How a franchisor addresses complaints can reveal the level of transparency, responsiveness and commitment provided to franchise owners. &nbsp;</li><li>Integrate Findings Within Decision-Making – Use complaint research as part of a larger due diligence process (along with financials, market analysis and personal goals).</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, how do I research franchise complaints?&nbsp;Doing so is essential. Utilizing a combination of public records, online insights and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-the-value-of-franchisee-validation-in-the-franchise-sales-process-2703208">direct validation with franchisees</a> (past and present), potential franchise owners can better evaluate both risk and opportunity. By following a structured approach, actionable insights that build confidence in the franchise decision-making process can be identified.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 do I research franchise complaints? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to uncover patterns, validate insights with franchisees and make informed franchise investment decisions.

How Do I Research Franchise Complaints? A Guide For Prospective Franchisees

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The Next Recession Could Make Franchisors Rich

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