1851

There are many factors that franchisees need to consider when choosing a location: Demographic considerations such as population density, high-income zip codes and the average age of the population can be important factors, for example.But that’s not the only factor to consider.&nbsp;<h4>Smaller Markets Can Mean Smaller Store Footprints</h4>For instance, <a href="https://www.810bowling.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market-2716446" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">810 Billiards &amp; Bowling</a>, a rapidly expanding location-based entertainment (sometimes known as an LBE) franchise, looks for markets that suit its size.&nbsp;“We decided that we’re going to be the smaller footprint venue, middle-market solution in the entertainment franchise space because that opens up a lot of smaller markets that the larger competitors can't justify,” said <a href="https://patch.com/arizona/phoenix/meet-810-billiards-bowling-president-michael-siniscalchi?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market-2716446" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Siniscalchi</a>, 810’s president. “We don’t have to open a 60,000 square foot space to work. A smaller footprint can work very viably and very profitably, and for a reasonable investment cost.”It currently has three corporate-owned South Carolina locations in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Conway and has a franchise slated to open in Greenville. Additionally, it just opened a franchise location in Chandler, Arizona and has plans to open another location in Fort Smith, Arkansas.&nbsp;From a business perspective, Siniscalchi says 810 requires a smaller investment than its 60,000-square foot competitors that are restricted to places with large population centers.&nbsp;<h4>Think About What Your Unique Brand Experience</h4>Beyond the demographics of an area, consumer behavior is also important. Franchises use complex models to determine the audience demographics, market saturation and behavior of an audience to help narrow the search.&nbsp;“Two factors become especially critical when selecting sites for LBES, consumer profiles and content mix,” said <a href="https://www.buxtonco.com/about/leadership/tim-white?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market-2716446" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tim White</a>, vice president at <a href="https://www.buxtonco.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market-2716446" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">consumer intelligence firm Buxton</a>. “It is important to find pockets of consumers who are interested in not just the general activity, like skydiving, but also in your specific brand’s version of that experience. From a content perspective, LBEs tend to thrive in areas with other entertainment draws – like restaurants and movie theaters.”<h4>Do Some On-The-Ground Investigating</h4>But you can drill down even further when examining market potential. After you do your analysis on the computer, White says people should physically visit the site they’re considering to understand traffic patterns, foot traffic, entrances and exits to a parking lot, the kind of neighbors a shop will have and other variables that can have an impact on a store’s performance.&nbsp;But even then, that may not be enough. <a href="https://franchise.pinotspalette.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market-2716446" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pinot’s Palette</a>, a franchise that offers a “paint and sip” experience allowing customers to learn to paint in a social environment, advises that it can be tricky to balance finding the right site even in a market.&nbsp;“We’ll go ahead and tell you a secret,” the brand writes on its website. “There’s almost no such thing as the perfect site. Site selection is a thoughtful balance of numerous factors. In addition to a desirable zip code, consider site-specific details like visibility from main thoroughfares and what kind of customers patronize the neighboring businesses. The most attractive spots come with the highest rents, so if it’s your first franchise, don’t expect to have it all.”

What Do Entertainment Franchises Look For in a Market?

1851 Franchise

Market demographics are not the whole story when it comes to finding the perfect place to open a location-based entertainment franchise. You need to see a place in person, too.

what-do-entertainment-franchises-look-for-in-a-market

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why TruBlue is the Ideal Franchise for Multi-Unit Owners: Scalable Growth With a Purpose

why-trublue-is-the-ideal-franchise-for-multi-unit-owners-scalable-growth-with-a-purpose

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Koji Kanematsu Turned a 2,000-Year-Old Japanese Staple Into One of the Most Scalable Restaurant Franchise Models

koji-kanematsu-turned-a-2000-year-old-japanese-staple-into-one-of-the-most-scalable-restaurant-franchise-models

Lindora

Celebrating the Nurse Behind the Mission: How Melinda Endricks Is Powering Lindora’s Growth and Impact Nationwide

celebrating-the-nurse-behind-the-mission-how-melinda-endricks-is-powering-lindoras-growth-and-impact-nationwide

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

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

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

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

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

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

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

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

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

Health Care Professional in the Non-Profit Space Brings TruBlue to North Pittsburgh

health-care-professional-in-the-non-profit-space-brings-trublue-to-north-pittsburgh

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

What Do Entertainment Franchises Look For in a Market?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS