Growth Club
1851 Growth Club
The Top 10 Emerging Franchises of 2018
These 10 brands each bring something unique to their respective industries, making them concepts to watch over the course of the year.
There’s never a shortage of brands and concepts that are attempting to break into the franchising industry. Whether there’s a brand that has an innovative take on an existing segment or there’s a new concept that’s doing something completely different and carving out its own unique niche, franchisors are consistently on the lookout for driven entrepreneurs to take their concept and replicate it in new markets.
To help navigate the ever-evolving landscape that comes with emerging franchises, 1851 rounded up 10 top opportunities that are poised for growth in 2018, even though they’re new to the franchising industry.
Amazing Athletes combines two industries that are consistently experiencing growth: fitness and childcare. The brand has created an educational sports program that’s designed to help kids develop skills beyond athletics, including teamwork and confidence. Amazing Athletes also goes beyond a traditional fitness center or childcare program by developing a specific curriculum for its coaches to follow.
2. Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids
While the haircut and styling segment of the franchising industry is crowded with concepts geared towards both men and women, haircut franchises for kids are just beginning to make their mark. Cookie Cutters for Kids is specifically designed to provide haircut services to kids, with locations including in-store playgrounds and televisions at each station to entertain, distract and keep children happy.
Health and wellness have proven that they’re segments of the franchising industry that are here to stay. That’s why Juice it Up! is an emerging brand to watch in 2018. The brand offers smoothies and juices that are made from fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients that are made to order. Juice it Up! also offers bowls to tap into the food side of the health and wellness industries.
The next generation of American consumers is committed to their pets. As the number of pet owners continues to climb across the country, Pet Wants is catering to that consistently rising demand by offering people a healthier alternative to traditional pet food. The brand is also delivering that pet food right to its customers’ doors, giving it a competitive edge in a booming industry.
Frozen treats have long been a hit amongst consumers. Now, Popbar allows customers to indulge in that traditional dessert by putting a modern spin on it. The brand serves gelato on a stick, and is designed to create a unique experience for every guest that can also be customizable. Popbar is a brand to watch in 2018 because of its ability to innovate in a segment that’s often free of change.
Physical therapy is no stranger to the franchising industry. But Physical Therapy Now is breaking into the segment with its mission to provide reliable and excellent medical care that’s also convenient and cost effective. Franchisees can choose to either open a new location or convert their existing physical therapy business into a Physical Therapy Now unit.
Trampolines are proving to be popular in the franchising industry as the segment continues to become more popular. Rockin’ Jump is an emerging franchise within this unique niche, and it’s created to be a family friendly concept that promotes both fun and fitness. With over 90 locations sold, the franchise is expected to continue to build momentum throughout 2018.
While the acai trend might be new, it’s resonating with consumers and entrepreneurs alike. One brand that’s tapping into that growth potential is SoBol, an East Coast franchise that’s quickly expanding outside of its home region. With 10 locations currently open for business and over 35 signed franchisee contracts—including multi-unit agreements—SoBol is poised to continue growing alongside the increasingly popular acai segment.
As the economy continues to recover and the housing industry improves, it’s a segment of the franchising industry that’s poised for consistent growth. That’s what makes Showhomes a standout concept in 2018—the brand’s ability to go beyond traditional home staging through its Home Manager Program ensures that it stands out from the competition while also demonstrating that staging is critical in the home selling process.
Asian cuisine is a popular choice for consumers across the globe, putting fast casual concept Teriyaki Madness in a position to thrive. The brand is currently building on six years of consecutive same store sales growth, proving that it’s food quality and business ownership opportunity are both resonating with the right audiences.
