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If you're exploring how to buy a franchise, the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-buy-a-franchise-what-is-an-fdd-2724901">Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)</a> is a critical piece of the puzzle. This legal document, mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is designed to give prospective franchisees a clear, transparent view of the franchise business opportunity before making a financial commitment.Unlike typical business brochures or sales materials, the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/wait-its-how-many-pages-how-to-read-a-franchise-disclosure-document-for-the-first-time-2721854#stories">FDD</a> is a standardized, legally required document that contains 23 key sections — or “Items” — to help you evaluate the risks and rewards of joining a franchise system.<h2>Why the FDD Matters</h2>The FDD is your first real opportunity to understand what you're buying into. It reveals important information about the franchisor’s history, the cost of entry, ongoing fees, legal obligations, restrictions and support systems. It’s meant to give you the full picture so you can make a confident, informed decision — not just based on a sales pitch, but on verified data and legal terms.In short, the Franchise Disclosure Document protects you. It provides consistent, comparable data across brands and allows you to identify opportunities that align with your financial goals and business vision.<h2>A Breakdown of What’s Inside</h2>The FDD is divided into 23 standard sections. Here are a few of the most critical components:<h3>Items 1-4: Background and Legal History</h3>These items provide an overview of the franchisor, the parent companies (if any) and the executives. It also includes disclosure of litigation history and bankruptcy, which could indicate potential red flags.<h3>Item 5-7: Fees and Investment</h3>These sections explain your initial franchise fee and other startup costs, and provide the estimated total investment required to open the business. Understanding these numbers is essential when assessing how to buy a franchise within your budget.<h3>Item 11: Franchisor Support</h3>Here, you’ll learn what kind of training and ongoing support the franchisor provides to help you succeed.<h3>Item 12: Territory</h3>This section describes your protected territory (if any) and explains any circumstances under which other franchisees or company-owned units may operate nearby.<h3>Item 19: Financial Performance Representations</h3><a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-buy-a-franchise-exploring-item-19-of-the-fdd-2724955">Item 19</a> offers insight into the average or projected revenue and profitability of franchise units. This information can be incredibly helpful when comparing franchise business opportunities, but may require a little effort (and/or the help of an expert) to fully understand. The specific information provided will differ from brand to brand, and some franchisors may not provide it at all.<h3>Item 22-23: Contracts and Receipts</h3>You’ll find the actual franchise agreement and other pertinent contracts, along with&nbsp; a receipt you’ll need to sign acknowledging you received the FDD.<h2>How To Review an FDD the Right Way</h2>Reading through a Franchise Disclosure&nbsp; Document can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to franchising. That’s why many prospective owners work with a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-a-franchise-lawyer-and-why-would-i-need-one-2725334">franchise attorney</a> or consultant to interpret the FDD and identify anything that might not align with their expectations or goals. Look closely at the franchise agreement section to ensure you understand your legal and financial obligations.It’s also a good idea to compare FDDs from multiple brands. Many franchise buyers find that contrasting the support systems, fees and Item 19 disclosures helps narrow down their list of top contenders.Buying a franchise is a major investment, and the Franchise Disclosure Document is one of the most powerful tools you have to evaluate that investment. It takes you beyond flashy marketing materials and into the reality of franchise ownership. From legal background to financial performance, it lays the groundwork for understanding what you’re really signing up for when you ink a franchise agreement.Take your time, ask questions and get professional help if needed. When used properly, the FDD can steer you toward franchise business opportunities that align with your financial goals and lifestyle vision — and help you avoid ones that don’t.Every great franchisee had help. Franchisees turn to Growth Club to leverage its 100+ years of franchise experience to help navigate the difficulty of finding the right franchise opportunity. Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=understanding-the-franchise-disclosure-document-whats-inside-and-why-it-matters-2729366" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and see what we can do for you.

Understanding the Franchise Disclosure Document: What’s Inside and Why It Matters

What Is a Franchise Disclosure Document? A Complete Guide

1851 Franchise

The FDD is one of the most important resources for prospective franchisees, providing a transparent, detailed look into the opportunity before you sign a franchise agreement.

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Image Studios

How a Former Sherwin-Williams VP Found His Next Chapter with an IMAGE Studios Franchise

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ServiceMaster Restore

How ServiceMaster Restore Franchisees Offer Flexibility in Finance Options

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BIGGBY COFFEE

Luck Is Brewing: BIGGBY® COFFEE Brings Back Fan-Favorite Irish Cream Lineup for St. Patrick’s Day

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Mosquito Hunters

Photo of Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Humbug Holiday Lighting franchise owner Jake Jones

Corporate Salesperson Transitions to Entrepreneurship With Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Humbug Holiday Lighting Franchise

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Wings and Rings

Wings and Rings Serves Up Game Day Deals for the 2026 NCAA Tournament

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Large Domino’s Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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Design with Precision Garage Door Service team members

RF Investment Partners and Burlington Capital Join Forces to Acquire Top Precision Garage Door Franchise

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Private Equity Fuels Jiffy Lube’s Next Chapter as Monomoy Strikes $1.3 Billion Deal

private-equity-fuels-jiffy-lubes-next-chapter-as-monomoy-strikes-13-billion-deal

McDonald’s and Burger King Take the QSR Burger Wars to Social Media

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Yum! Brands Pizza Hut Sale - 1851 Franchise

Possible Pizza Hut Sale Signals Shift in Yum! Brands’ Franchise Strategy

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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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1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas, Beauty, Spa, Personal Care Franchises

From full-service luxury spas to high-tech medspas and specialized wellness studios, these unique franchise models cater to the specialized needs of modern beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Beauty, Spa and Personal Care Franchises for 2026

top-beauty-spa-franchise

The automotive industry continues to show resilience, and its growth is largely driven by steady demand for accessible, high-quality car care. The United States automotive service market was valued at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-automotive-service-market">over $199 billion this year</a>, and it’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.98% over the next five years, representing a projected value of over $266 billion by 2030.For entrepreneurs, this stability and the variety of opportunities available in the automotive space make it an attractive industry for investments.Here are the top 15 automotive brands to consider for 2026:<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-aamco-transmissions-and-total-car-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726640">AAMCO Transmissions &amp; Total Car Care</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchises.aamco.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/aamco-transmissions-franchise-opportunity">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$236,800 - $361,200</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;530+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>AAMCO is a trusted name in the auto repair space, specializing in transmission work and other, more complex car care services. With over 60 years of experience, the brand is a true category-leader with a strong reputation among consumers.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-mighty-auto-parts-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724565">Mighty Auto Parts</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.mightyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/mighty-auto-parts-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$247,000 - $595,600</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;95&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Mighty Auto Parts focuses on the distribution of auto parts, lubricants and shop supplies for automotive service providers. With an efficient parts system and rapid order fulfillment capabilities, franchisees can run an efficient, high-volume business.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/milexmr-transmission-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728544">Milex/Mr. Transmission</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/milex-auto-care-franchise">Milex Franchise Website</a></li><li><a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/mr-transmission">Mr. Transmission Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/milex-mr-transmission-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$267,300 - $362,700</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;111&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Milex and Mr. Transmission are part of the larger&nbsp;<a href="https://moranfamilyofbrands.com/">Moran Family of Brands</a>. With the option to develop individual Milex or Mr. Transmission businesses as well as co-branded Milex&nbsp;and Mr. Transmission locations, franchisees have flexibility in their investment and are able to tap into multiple revenue streams under one roof.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/turbo-tint-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2728451">Turbo Tint</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.turbotint.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/turbo-tint-automotive-franchise">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$295,510 - $415,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;20&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Turbo Tint offers window film services, a high-margin and relatively niche service. With efficient operations thanks to installs that can typically be completed in about an hour, Turbo Tint franchisees benefit from a high-volume, relatively low-complexity business model.<h2>HardTop Hotel</h2><ul><li><a href="https://hardtophotelfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/hardtop-hotel-franchise-opportunities">Growth Club Website</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$120,200 - $193,460</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;5&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>HardTop Hotel is a specialized concept catering to owners of hard- and soft-top vehicles, offering installation services, hard- and soft-tops for rent and sale, and storage solutions for those who like to remove the tops of their vehicles for the warmer seasons. In addition to the revenue created by sales, rentals and installation services, franchisees benefit from the longer-term stability of the storage model.<h2>Christian Brothers Automotive</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.christianbrothersfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$550,250 - $680,400</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;300+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Christian Brothers Automotive is a full-service repair franchise that focuses on great customer service. With a values-driven brand, Christian Brothers Automotive franchisees have an opportunity to build a more meaningful, community-centric business in an industry that is often viewed by customers as highly commodity-driven.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-grease-monkeys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721791">Grease Monkey</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://greasemonkeyfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$291,320 - $1,972,033</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;370+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Grease Monkey is a quick-service auto franchise known primarily for its efficient oil changes and preventative maintenance services. By focusing on ease and efficiency in an industry that can sometimes be unpredictable or deliver subpar customer service, Grease Monkey franchisees can become the trusted resource for regular car care in their communities.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-jiffy-lube-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720873">Jiffy Lube</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://franchise.jiffylube.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$232,000 - $520,000 (excluding real estate costs)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;2,000+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Jiffy Lube is one of the largest quick-service oil change and maintenance brands. The business model is designed for volume, and it encourages repeat visits from individual customers, creating strength and stability for franchisees.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-maacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2724767">Maaco</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://maacofranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$196,000 -&nbsp; $3,994,000</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;360+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Maaco is an automotive franchise providing painting, cosmetic services and collision repair. Because Maaco is a body shop, as opposed to a standard maintenance brand or express oil change establishment, it leverages more specialized services and can stand out in the auto industry at large.&nbsp;<h2>Midas</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.midasfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$106,650 - $1,132,640 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;975 in the U.S., 2,000+ worldwide&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Midas is a full-service auto repair and maintenance brand, offering both new-unit and business conversion options. With a few key service areas, including brakes, exhaust, tires, oil, steering, suspension and wheels, Midas can market multiple services to a single customer base, positioning franchisees to capture additional revenue.<h2>No-H2O</h2><ul><li><a href="https://noh2o.com/car-wash-franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$134,550 - $162,500</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;30&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>No-H2O is a waterless, mobile car wash and detailing franchise. By excluding the use of water, No-H2O is more mobile and flexible than traditional wash and detail concepts, and it appeals to the growing eco-conscious crowd.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-take-5-oil-changes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723018">Take 5 Oil Change</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://take5franchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$287,145 - $2,053,642 (including both new and conversion opportunities)</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,100+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Take 5 Oil Change is a convenience-driven oil change franchise that allows customers to stay in their cars for the duration of the service and targets a 10-minute maintenance time. This makes throughput more straightforward for franchisees and their teams, and it appeals to the busy customers of today.<h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-tint-world-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2723226#stories">Tint World</a></h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.tintworld.com/franchise-opportunities/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$239,950 - $449,950</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;135+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tint World is a specialized vehicle and window film franchise offering tinting, detailing and other “automotive styling” services. By combining frequently sought services, like window tinting, with more specialized ones, like audio, lighting and other accessories, Tint World franchisees are positioned as the one-stop shop for vehicle enhancement.<h2>Tommy’s Express Car Wash</h2><ul><li><a href="https://tommys-express.com/franchise/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$4,976,759 - $8,522,378</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;215+&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Tommy’s Express Car Wash operates high-volume, express tunnel car-wash facilities that focus on speed without sacrificing quality. With precise equipment that automates much of the wash process, franchisees can keep labor costs low and scale more efficiently.<h2>Valvoline Instant Oil Change</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.viocfranchise.com/">Franchise Website&nbsp;</a></li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$192,375 - $3,483,550</li><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;1,875&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>Valvoline is a prominent national brand offering oil changes and preventative maintenance services. The brand boasts 18 consecutive years of same-store sales growth, and though it’s a nationally recognized brand, Valvoline notes there are still prime territories available, offering a unique combination of brand strength and recognition and future growth potential.From national giants like Jiffy Lube and Valvoline to specialty brands like Turbo Tint and HardTop Hotel, the automotive franchise space offers a diverse range of opportunities for all kinds of investors. Whether you’re drawn to the stability of recurring maintenance services or the innovation of tech-driven, specialized brands, these top franchises have the power necessary to drive your dreams forward.For more information on automotive franchise opportunities, check out these related resources from 1851 Franchise:<ul><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvx0H511MtQ">Why Buy an Automotive Franchise? Drive Your Business to Success</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/automotive-franchises-are-driving-into-the-future-with-tech-and-trust-2730075">Automotive Franchises Are Driving Into the Future With Tech and Trust</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/industry/best-automotive-franchise-opportunities">How To Start an Automotive Franchise Business</a></li></ul>

1851 Franchise 12 Lists of Christmas - Top Automotive Franchises

From express oil change and car wash concepts to specialized “automotive styling” brands, these 15 auto franchises will help you drive your future forward.

The 12 Top Franchise Lists of Christmas: Automotive Franchises for 2026

top-automotive-franchise-opportunities

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-coffee-franchises-thrive-2025-2729271">The coffee landscape</a> continues to evolve rapidly, with convenience now arguably the most critical factor for consumers. With daily routines accelerating and convenience reigning supreme, the drive-thru model has cemented its status as the most sought-after route for securing that vital caffeine boost.Below is an examination of seven leading drive-thru coffee franchises projected for substantial expansion through 2026.<h3><a href="https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com/">1. Scooter’s Coffee</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 849</li><li>Investment Range: $692,150 - $1,523,400</li></ul>Scooter’s is a national, drive-thru-first system with a mature playbook and heavy franchisor support. The brand publicly positions its model around speed, small footprints and kiosk/drive-thru formats, with disclosed fees and requirements for new operators.<a href="https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://www.ziggiscoffee.com/franchise/">2. Ziggi’s Coffee</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;100</li><li>Investment Range: $581,500 - $1,759,500</li></ul>Colorado-born Ziggi’s offers flexible drive-thru formats to suit various locations, including single-sided and double-sided drive-thrus, as well as a full café combined with a drive-thru.<h3><a href="https://franchise.thehumanbean.com/">3. The Human Bean</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;158</li><li>Investment Range: $562,090 - $1,290,931</li></ul>A pure drive-thru specialist with decades in the lane. Notably,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-the-human-bean-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726955">The Human Bean</a> markets no ongoing royalty fee (operators should still review marketing and other fees in the FDD). The system highlights nationwide growth via franchised drive-thrus.<a href="https://franchise.thehumanbean.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://franchising.aromajoes.com/">4. Aroma Joe’s</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;100+</li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$597,821 - $1,825,221</li></ul>New England-rooted and expanding, Aroma Joe’s self-describes as a “drive-thru coffee and energy drink franchise.” The brand specializes in unique flavor combinations for its drinks.<h3><a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/">5. Dunkin’</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 8,499</li><li>Investment Range:&nbsp;$526,900 - $1,832,500</li></ul>A legacy brand with a huge installed base of drive-thrus and a well-documented franchise process and training. For operators seeking scale and national brand power,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-dunkin-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2720835">Dunkin’</a> remains a top consideration.<a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/faqs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">&nbsp;</a><h3><a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/">6. BIGGBY® COFFEE</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count:&nbsp;440+&nbsp;</li><li>Investment Range: $296,250 - $1,011,500</li><li>1851 Franchise Newsroom:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee">https://1851franchise.com/biggbycoffee</a></li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-biggby-coffees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721631">BIGGBY®</a> is a fully franchised system (no company-run stores) with substantial growth momentum. The brand’s relatively moderate entry cost in the white-box format makes it a more accessible option, and it explicitly offers drive-thru formats (modular and site built) that align with the high-speed, convenience-first consumer trend.<h3><a href="https://corporate.thecoffeebeanandtealeaf.com/franchising">7. The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf</a></h3><ul><li>Unit Count: 1,232 globally, 130 in the U.S.</li><li>Investment Range:<ul><li>Traditional Store: $940,665 – $1,430,177</li><li>&nbsp;Kiosk Format: $551,500 – $916,059</li></ul></li></ul>A legacy premium coffee brand with more than six decades of history, The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf is actively repositioning for modern convenience-led growth. While historically associated with café formats, the system offers kiosk and non-traditional footprints that align well with drive-thru, high-traffic and limited-space environments.To continue your research, check out some of these related 1851 Franchise articles:<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/why-coffee-franchises-thrive-2025-2729271">Why Coffee Franchises Are Thriving in 2025</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-low-cost-coffee-franchise-opportunities-of-2024-2727679">Top 10 Low-Cost Coffee Franchise Opportunities of 2024</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/15-best-coffee-restaurant-franchises-2726869">15 Best Coffee Restaurant Franchises to Consider for 2024</a></li></ul>

For entrepreneurs looking to invest, the drive-thru coffee segment offers high-growth potential, leveraging consumer demand for quick convenience and optimized, small-footprint franchise models.

The 7 Best Drive-Thru Coffee Franchises To Buy in 2026

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<a href="https://hardeesfranchising.com/">Hardee’s</a>, a 65-year-old burger chain best known for its Thickburgers and breakfast biscuits, is facing a fast-moving round of closures driven by a franchise dispute rather than a bankruptcy filing.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">Inc. recently reported that</a> 77&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-hardees-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2721286">Hardee’s</a> restaurants are expected to close within two weeks as one of the brand’s largest franchisees exits the system.&nbsp;According to the report, Hardee’s is suing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.arcburger.com/">ARC Burger</a> — a franchise operator owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.highbluffcap.com/">High Bluff Capital Partners</a> — alleging the company fell behind on required payments and other contract obligations. Twenty-eight locations had already gone dark as of late December, with remaining sites scheduled to shutter across eight states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina and Wyoming.&nbsp;At the center of the complaint is the franchising “stack” of ongoing fees and pass-through costs that keep a system running. ARC Burger allegedly owes more than $6.5 million, including royalties, advertising fund contributions, technology and training fees, rent and taxes, and that payments stopped in December 2024. Hardee’s also argued in the lawsuit that the franchisee’s cash flow was not being used to bring accounts current.&nbsp;Hardee’s, for its part, is framing the shutdowns as a contractual enforcement issue, not a brand-wide retrenchment. “These closures are a result of ARC Burger’s failure to cure its defaults under its franchise agreements, despite solid sales,” a Hardee’s spokesperson said.&nbsp;The situation highlights a familiar franchising pressure point: unit economics. Inc. reported that Hardee’s operates more than 1,800 U.S. restaurants and that average annual sales per location are less than $1.2 million, well below averages cited for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-wendys-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722520">Wendy’s</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-buy-a-mcdonalds-franchise-2724654#stories">McDonald’s</a>. Lower volumes can leave franchisees with less room to absorb higher labor, food and occupancy costs while staying current on fees.&nbsp;Hardee’s said it is working to limit fallout for workers and communities and is looking for ways to reopen closed restaurants. For franchising, the next chapter will likely involve finding replacement operators, transferring sites and rebuilding compliance — a reminder that franchise growth depends as much on franchisee solvency and execution as it does on consumer demand.Read the original article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/hardees-shutting-dozens-restaurants/91282586">here</a>.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

Hardee's Franchise - ARC Burger Lawsuit - 1851 Franchise

The closures stem from alleged unpaid royalties and missed franchise obligations by a major operator, not a broader chainwide collapse for the Hardee’s system.

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