1851

It’s a bellwether for presidential elections, but for many franchises, the state of Ohio — and specifically the city of Columbus —&nbsp;is also a geographically desirable place to establish a foothold.&nbsp;According to <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-sebazco-ab355211/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mike Sebazco</a>, vice president of operations for <a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a>, the 87-unit “better burger” franchise, Columbus’ geographic location on the far eastern side of the Midwest will provide proximity to key markets in the Midwest, the Northeast and the growing Mid-Atlantic region.“We’re already in Cleveland and doing really well there,” Sebazco said. “Besides the fact that Columbus is the biggest city in Ohio, it’s also a regional hub. Securing a foothold in Columbus will help parlay us into Toledo, Dayton, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, among others.”Columbus is the 14th-largest city in the United States and was recently recognized as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest, thanks to its diverse economy comprising retail, apparel and manufacturing industries.“The geography in Columbus makes it simple for multi-unit operators,” said Sebazco. “It’s an ideal location for supply chain and distribution operations,” he added, noting Columbus is a 10-hour drive from almost 50% of U.S. markets.Columbus is also a two-hour drive from Cincinnati airport, the sixth-largest air-cargo station in North America and home to Amazon Air’s first nationwide hub. The massive facility, which opened last month, will bring 2,000 jobs to the greater metropolitan area.For MOOYAH and other franchises, Columbus’s demographics are yet another factor that make it attractive.“There’s a certain quotient of expendable income that we look for, something that we see in our Orlando and Dallas markets,” he said. “Matching those up is where we — and our franchise owners — are going to be successful. When you look at Columbus, discretionary spending is above the national level, unemployment is at a manageable level, there’s an available labor pool and population growth is ahead of the national average. Businesses are moving to Columbus, and obviously that’s drawing those families.”<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/w-faulkner/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Will Faulkner</a>, brand lead for power-washing brand <a href="https://www.renewcrewclean.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Renew Crew</a>, said the brand has its eyes on Columbus for similar reasons.“We have pinpointed Columbus as an attractive market for growth based on its similar demographics to other markets we have succeeded in,” Faulkner said. “The area features a robust real estate market, with a strong number of residential, suburban buildings and commercial areas.”When it comes to the landscape of the real estate market, Columbus also features a large number of owner-occupied housing units and dual-income households, according to the <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/columbuscityohio?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">U.S. Census Bureau</a> — something that’s attractive to many businesses, including blow dry bar franchise <a href="https://www.drybarshops.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Drybar</a>, which is looking to expand its beauty concept in Columbus.“Drybar is growing fast, and we’re looking for qualified, passionate partners in Columbus who want to invest in an Amazon-proof, membership-based business that is more relevant than ever,” says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenwanamaker/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lauren Wanamaker</a>, senior director of development for <a href="https://wellbizbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio-2716465" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">WellBiz Brands, Inc.</a> According to Wanamaker, Drybar typically attracts women ages 35 to 55 from dual-income households.&nbsp;Fast-casual burger brand MOOYAH is projecting up to 10 new locations in the Buckeye State over the next five years, targeting Columbus as its first priority.“We look at Columbus as a Midwest foundation for us to execute our plans,” Sebazco said.

Where Franchisors Are Looking to Grow Next: Columbus, Ohio

1851 Franchise

The largest city in Ohio offers a corporate-friendly tax structure and key geographic benefits. 

where-franchisors-are-looking-to-grow-next-columbus-ohio

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

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 Development Website Builder

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

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Where Franchisors Are Looking to Grow Next: Columbus, Ohio

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS