1851

The world of franchising offers opportunities for franchisees to manage a broad portfolio of options while benefiting from a connection to brands that are widely known and have established strong customer appeal.

Most franchisees start with a single brand. Some buy in with a multi-pack of that brand. The more ambitious franchisees, those who are not only multi-unit operators but also multi-brand operators, elevate the investment to a different level.

From fresh-never-frozen tacos to in-home health care, multi-branding can be an ambitious endeavor that knows no boundaries. Multi-concept franchising offers entrepreneurs, investors and super-achievers great potential for investment diversity, creating a stronger business portfolio and increasing profitability.

“Since our success relies on a combination of our competence, our fellow franchisees’ competence and the competence of the franchisor, we don't completely control our own destiny,” said Bill Bass, Chairman of Black Wolf Group, the enterprise behind eight <a href="http://www.twomenandatruck.com/home?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*®</a> locations in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and one <a href="http://www.brightstarcare.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">BrightStar Care</a> franchise in Charlotte, N.C. “By operating multiple concepts, we increase the ratio that our own aptitude and skill influence our success.”

By choosing the multi-brand path, franchisees can potentially lower the risk associated with investing in a single concept, cultivate alliances between units and receive higher returns on investment. To maximize the potential of the investment, the brands that are eventually chosen should be based on carefully thought-out, personal criteria and goals.

When choosing her next concept, seasoned <a href="http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/default.aspx?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Subway</a> franchise veteran Roya Moshiri, who owns six locations in St. Louis, pursued a brand that would supplement her sandwich shops. The entrepreneur opened her first <a href="http://wingzone.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wing Zone</a> location in St. Louis in December 2013, and has plans to open 10 more units.

“We wanted to do something that would complement our existing Subway locations and we wanted a brand that had strong management in place, and with goals and a long-term vision that we could help achieve,” Moshiri said. The multi-unit franchisee also noted that to be successful, corporate support and long-term sustainability is vital.

Sean Falk currently owns and operates eight franchised business units – including three <a href="https://www.greatamericancookies.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Great American Cookies</a> in Michigan, two <a href="http://www.mrsfields.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mrs. Fields Cookies</a>, three <a href="http://www.pretzelmaker.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pretzel Makers</a> and one <a href="http://salsaritas.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina</a> in Maumee, Ohio. His criteria for pursuing a new brand? The details of the business model.

“Look for infrastructures that work for you, and either have a plan to stay small and work hard or have a plan to get big really fast,” the multi-state, multi-unit, multi-brand operator said. “Middle ground, about five to 20 units, is risky to maintain because, depending on the brand, the infrastructure you need to uphold such a size ends up costing a lot of your percentage of sales.”

Additionally, Falk advised that franchisees be aware of their surroundings.

“I was in small-town Midwest, so it wasn’t possible for me to open up five Great American Cookies in one Ohio town. I wanted to stay local and be an influence, but didn’t have the population base to put in multiple locations. I got savvier; I branched out.”

Atlanta-based multi-national, multi-state and multi-unit franchisee, Aziz Hashim president and CEO of NRD Holdings LLC, agrees, and had additional advice.

“Diversification does not imply taking more risk, it means spreading your risk,” he said. “I diversified mostly by staying in the food business, but in different markets with brands that appeal to slightly different demographics.”

Hashim also noted that, when researching your next concept, always read the agreement. Not just once. Read it twice.

“The franchise agreement has to be balanced,” he said. “If it contains clauses that aren’t keeping up with risks taken by the franchisee, then I won’t choose it. Examples include continuing guarantees upon transfer, liquidating damages if a unit fails, unclear image enhancement commitments and unclear territorial boundaries and protections.”

Choosing to diversify is a big undertaking, so before considering new concepts, be sure to reflect on the reasons why you want to differentiate, and only then divvy up your eggs and your baskets based on professional goals.

With thousands of brands on site in New Orleans for the annual <a href="http://www.franchise.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand-560" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">International Franchising Association (IFA)</a> convention, it would be difficult to find a better industry-sponsored opportunity to connect with a new brand or explore opportunities.

When choosing an industry, narrow down the list to options that will give you the greatest strategic advantage based on your parameters and proficiencies. The IFA has several resources for franchise owners looking to expand, especially sessions to take advantage of during the IFA convention. Diversifying is a great undertaking, but an enterprise that can reap lucrative benefits, if completed with thought.

“The grass is not always greener with a new brand, and you run a real risk of defocusing your current business,” Bass said. "Make sure you can continue growing your current business before tackling on a new concept."

1851 Franchise

The world of franchising offers opportunities for franchisees to manage a broad portfolio of options while benefiting from a connection to brands that are widely known and have established strong customer appeal.

Most franchisees start with a single brand. Some buy in with a multi-pack of that br.....

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

What Multi-Unit Franchisees Want in Their Next Brand

what-multi-unit-franchisees-want-in-their-next-brand

Beef 'O' Brady's

Design with photo of Mangesh Patel, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

Veteran Hospitality Leader Mangesh Patel Sets Sights on Central Georgia With Major Multi-Unit Deal

mangesh-patel-macon-georgia-expansion

Griswold

Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

Aloha State Daily: Griswold Caregiver in Hawaii Awarded National Scholarship While Pursuing Social Work Degree

griswold-caregiver-national-scholarship-hawaii

FSC Franchise Co.

With Three Brands, FSC Realizes Food Cost Savings Through Scale

with-three-brands-fsc-realizes-food-cost-savings-through-scale

The Melt

The Melt Delivered Record-High Financial Performance in 2025, Fueling System Growth and Expansion

the-melt-delivered-record-high-financial-performance-in-2025-fueling-system-growth-and-expansion

Screenmobile

image of screenmobile franchise investment opportunity

Screenmobile Finishes 2025 by Entering 13 New Territories and Earning Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 Recognition for the 27th Consecutive Year

screenmobile-2025-franchise-growth

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

The Top 10 Low-Cost Franchises With High ROI 

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

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

nothing-bundt-cakes-kkr-acquisition

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

franchise-disclosure-violations-xponential-fitness-lawsuit-ftc

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

applebees-franchisee-bankruptcy-neighborhood-restaurant-partners

Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

ai-skilled-trades-authority-brands

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems - 1851 Franchise

The Penny Shortage Is Creating a New Risk for QSR Franchise Systems

penny-shortage-restaurants-franchise-compliance

Sparkle Dog Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Sparkle Dog Care is a membership-based pet grooming franchise that blends wellness-focused hygiene services with small-box retail and community engagement.

sparkle-dog-care-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

newks-eatery-franchise-costs-fees-profit

Pause Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Tech-forward wellness studios offering science-backed recovery services such as contrast therapy, infrared sauna, float, IV drips, cryotherapy, and more. 

pause-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

visiting-angels-franchise-costs-fees-profit

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

how-much-can-franchisees-make-a-guide-expert-tips

Franchising has long proven an attractive prospect for independent-minded entrepreneurs seeking ownership. Delivering a proven system – one properly-marketed and tweaked over time – has long been one of the single most powerful franchising hallmarks. But diving into the deep end before learning to swim is risky.&nbsp;Choosing the right option takes preparation and work. So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners?“There's so much to consider,” says franchise attorney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-l-herman-b9258112a/">Mario Herman</a>. “A big part of my practice is reviewing FDDs and franchise agreements for prospective franchisees. I look for 50 separate things, including inconsistencies between disclosure documents and franchise agreements. And there's a lot of work involved. So, I’d say hire competent counsel with franchise experience.”<h2>Due Diligence</h2>For over three decades as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchise-law.com/mario-l-herman-esq.shtml#">franchise attorney</a>, Mario Herman has represented clients from more than 150 franchise systems, further testifying as an expert witness, and stresses the importance of the due diligence process when pondering the question of what’s the best franchise to buy into for beginners.Before diving in, there’s a number of questions to ponder. What kind of capital, or access to it, do you realistically have? Perhaps a low initial investment is crucial. How involved do you want to be in the daily operation of the franchise – hands-on or semi-absentee? Do you want to build an office or retail setting? Maybe a remote opportunity is best.&nbsp;Performing strong due diligence can go a long way toward ensuring prospective franchisees select the right opportunity.&nbsp;“Yeah, I mean, that's franchising for beginners. There have been books, podcasts and all kinds of stuff written about that,” Herman said. “From issues involving future royalties to the liquidity and capitalization of the franchise – how long they've been in business and how many franchises in the past have terminated or gone out of business. When doing due diligence, contact those who are still in the system and those who are no longer part of it. There are multiple parties, and due diligence with all of them is important. The process typically takes three to six months or more for bigger deals.”<h2>Where To Look</h2>So what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? It’s a big question. Luckily, there’s answers.<h3>Health &amp; Wellness</h3>If it’s the idea of aligned values that makes franchising an attractive opportunity, there are opportunities in the health and wellness sector that play out in a number of settings, ranging from traditional brick and mortar to remote or mobile opportunities, allowing the potential franchisee to deliver a valuable service at the local level. Recovery studios offer the idea of escape in a private, stress-free setting while fitness franchises continue to grow following the pandemic.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/top-10-gym-and-fitness-franchises-the-best-investment-opportunities-for-2025-2729614#stories">Pure Fitness</a> offers a high-value, low-price model in a 24/7 setting which helps build a diverse clientele while delivering health benefits within the community.<h3>Home &amp; Maintenance Services</h3>Touting a recession-resistant nature, home and maintenance services continue to flourish due to aging infrastructure and technological advancements that can protect valuable home investments.With a lower overhead and a more flexible, scalable business model, home and maintenance service franchises offer potential franchise owners a greater work-life balance, boasting home-based options. And unlike other industries,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-top-10-home-service-franchises-to-consider-2727601#stories">home services</a> draw consistent demand, allowing for stability while reducing startup costs.&nbsp;The unique combination of stability, lower investment risk and the ability to scale fast can offer a more accessible path to franchise ownership. Access Garage Doors maintains a specialized model, focusing on the installation and repair of garage doors with a low initial investment of about $50,000.<h3>Sustainable, Eco-Friendly</h3>Aligned values have driven many a beginner toward the idea of sustainable, eco-friendly franchise options.In the cleaning sphere, residential and commercial cleaning/janitorial services offer largely remote-based opportunities with lower overhead that provide a valuable, largely recurring revenue stream that’s safe and dependable.Solar energy franchises often require an initial investment starting under six figures, a drastic departure from the nationally-marketed brands that tend to define the idea of franchising for the beginner. Focused on the installation of solar panels for homes and businesses, this rapidly growing realm helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, encouraging sustainability.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/ecomaids">Ecomaids</a> features professional, non-toxic and eco-friendly home and commercial cleaning services in a primarily mobile setting which lowers overall costs.<h3>Tech-Driven Food &amp; Retail</h3>The quick onset of tech like AI, robotics and automation has begun to upend the restaurant industry experience, increasing efficiency while delivering crucial data to the astute franchise owner – as well as franchisees looking to assess the best franchises to buy in 2026.Some restaurants have experimented with concepts like AI drive-thrus while other franchised chains, especially in the pizza sector, have toyed with the concept of fully automated kitchens, lowering overhead while addressing the tricky idea of staff retention.Domino’s Pizza has utilized robotics to drive consistent production of pizza while enlisting automation as a significant part of the delivery process. Elsewhere, Donato’s has experimented with fully automated kitchens.&nbsp;POS systems simplify while delivering data and in the retail setting while AI can assist with real time inventory and supply chain management, improving logistics while reining in costs.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/batteries-plus-bulbs-community-driven-approach-and-proprietary-products-continue-to-bring-in-returning-customers-2712298">Batteries Plus</a> uses tech to manage an extensive product selection while many chains use it to encourage ideas like ordering online or curbside delivery.<h2>The Takeaway</h2>So, what is the best franchise to buy for beginners? The answer to that question requires a proactive look within, honestly assessing ideas like available funds, desired work-life balance, and preferred location.&nbsp;Proper due diligence can help the prospective franchisee accurately assess opportunities in franchising realms ranging anywhere from health and wellness to eco-friendly cleaning or even the restaurant industry.But as the old adage goes, buyer beware. Teaming with qualified counsel to take a deep dive into any opportunity can go a long way toward properly assessing the best franchises to buy in 2026.“There’s an old saying in franchising: ‘If you can fog a mirror, you can buy a franchise,’” Herman said. “Many people think buying a franchise is like a cookie-cutter system where everything will be done for them – including marketing, basic P&amp;L skills and operations. But you have to maintain costs, labor and compliance with rules and regulations. You really have to be careful.”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.

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners?

What is the best franchise to buy for beginners? Franchise attorney Mario Herman shares expert tips on due diligence, top sectors and avoiding common mistakes.

What Multi-Unit Franchisees Want in Their Next Brand

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS