Be your own boss! Franchising is a way for you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Franchising is simply a method for expanding a business and distributing goods and services through a licensing relationship. In franchising, franchisors (a person or company that grants the license to a third party for the conducting of a business under their marks) not only specify the products and services that will be offered by the franchisees (a person or company who is granted the license to do business under the trademark and trade name by the franchisor), but also provide them with an operating system, brand and support. They help in every way. Becoming a franchisee and be your own boss. 

Common Franchise Terms

Business format franchise: This type of franchise includes not only a product, service and trademark, but also the complete method to conduct the business itself, such as the marketing plan and operations manuals. Fast food chains operate like this. It is a great way to be your own boss.

Disclosure statement: Also known as the FDD, or Franchise Disclosure Document, the disclosure document provides information about the franchisor and franchise system.

FDD: The Franchise Disclosure Doc-ument, FDD, is the format for the disclosure document which provides information about the franchisor and franchise system to the franchisee.

Franchise: A license that describes the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee including use of trademarks, fees, support and control.

Franchise agreement: The legal, written contract between the franchisor and franchisee which tells each party what each is supposed to do.

Franchisee: The person or company that gets the right from the franchisor to do business under the franchisor’s trademark or trade name.

Franchising: A method of business expansion characterized by a trademark license, payment of fees, and significant assistance and/or control.

Franchisor: The person or company that grants the franchisee the right to do business under their trademark or trade name. Franchisor offers the agreement.

Product distribution franchisee: A franchise where the franchisee simply sells the franchisor’s products without using the franchisor’s method of conducting business.  Gas stations operate like this; so do some repair shops.

Royalty: The regular payment made by the franchisee to the franchisor, usually based on a percentage of the franchisee’s gross sales. It is paid monthly.

Trademark: The marks, brand name and logo that identify a franchisor which is licensed to the franchisee.

There are an estimated 3,000 different franchisers (franchise business companies) operating in the U.S. today.

It is estimated that there are over 900,000 franchise businesses across 300 business categories in the U.S. which provide nearly 18 million jobs and generate over $2.1 trillion to the economy.

Franchising Facts

• According to The U.S. Census Bureau franchises accounted for 10.5 percent of
businesses with paid employees in the approximate 300 industries that
franchising data was collected from in 2007.

• According to the IFA (International Franchise Association) almost 4% of all small businesses in the USA are franchises. There are more than 300 different industries and business categories that use the franchising business model as a means to distribute goods and services.

• It is estimated that the franchise industry accounts for approximately 50% of all retail sales in the US.

• A new franchise business opens every 8 minutes of every business day.

Approximately one out of every 12 businesses in the U.S. is a franchise business and the boom continues.

• The average initial franchise investment is $250,000- excluding real estate.

The average royalty fees paid by franchisees range from 3% to 6% of monthly gross sales.

• Most franchise companies have fewer than 100 units.

• The average length of a franchise contract is 10 years.

• Top franchise business industry- Fast Food is the clear winner.

• Top franchise company- McDonalds has the most locations.

100+ Franchises To Consider Now

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas
Alamo provides a unique combination of theater and restaurant, showing both first-run and
independent films.
www.alamodrafthouse.com
512-219-7800
$$$: $1,250,000 – $2,785,000

All Tune And Lube
Total car care.
www.alltuneandlube.com
800-935-8863/410-987-1011
$$$: $11k startup cash is required.
Total investment: is $150k

Alta Mere Toys For Your Car!
Complete auto aftermarket line of accessories including security, video, GPS, and paint protection.
www.altamere.com
800-581-8468/708-389-5922
$$$: $50k-$60k.
Total investment: ranges from $131,482-$164,382

American Ramp Systems
Low priced ramps for disability access to enable the aging and disabled population to remain in there homes rather than go to a nursing home.
www.americanrampfranchise.com
800-649-5215/617-269-5666
$$$: $75k startup cash;
Total investment: $200k

Aussie Pet Mobile
Mobile pet grooming service.
www.aussiepetmobile.com
888-677-7387/949-234-0680
$$$: $35k-$75k startup cash;
Total investment: $63,437-$124,687

Bagger Dave’s Legendary Burger Tavern
Unique, family-friendly, full-service restaurant with bar and premium burger menu.
www.baggerdaves.com
248-223-9160
$$$: $700k – $1 million; $30k franchise fee

Bar 145
Gastropub: Burgers, Bands and Bourbon
www.bar-145.com
419-410-6667
$$$: Contact the company for information.

Bevinco
An independent profit control and revenue enhancement service for bars and restaurants.
www.bevinco.com
888-238-4626
$$$: $46,900 – $50,900

Bottle & Bottega, Inc.
Artistic cocktail party. Art experience with wine.
www.bottleandbottega.com
760-322-9353
$$$: $64,600-$95,400

BounceU
Indoor private events facility.
www.bounceu.com
866-632-6370/480-632-6370
$$$: $75k-$125k startup cash
Total investment: $126,647-$624,896

Budget Blinds
Window coverings.
www.budgetblinds.com
800-420-5374/714-637-2100
$$$: $55k-$150k startup;
Total investment: $79,240-$153,070

Carvel
Retail frozen dessert store.
www.carvel.com
800-CARVEL-F/404-255-3250
$$$: Total investment range is $230,624-$390,124

CertaPro Painters
The largest commercial and residential painting company in North America.
www.certapro.com
800-462-3782
$$$: $128k-$157k

Chem Dry
Carpet cleaning with patented Hot Carbonating Extraction system.
www.chemdry.com
877-307-8233/435-755-0099
$$$: $11,950-$40,750 startup;
Total investment: ranges from $27,950-$250k

Christmas Décor, Inc.
Professional holiday, landscaping service.
www.ChristmasDecor.net
800-687-9551/806-722-1225
$$$: The total investment ranges from $11k-$50k

Coffee News
Weekly publication run from home.
www.coffeenewsusa.com
207-941-0860
$$$: Contact the franchisor for details.

Colors On Parade
Leader in auto appearance technology; cost-effective, same-day, non-collision, vehicle damage repairs
www.colorsonparade.com
866-756-4207
$$$: $33,800-$103k

ComForcare Senior Services
Premier, provider of private-duty, non-medical home care.
www.ComForcare.com
800-886-4044
$$$: $80k-$115k

Comfort Keepers
An international franchise concept that provides in-home care for seniors, new mothers or other adults needing assistance.
www.ComfortKeepers.com
800-387-2415
$$$: $61,450 – $88,500

Computer Explorers
Turnkey, biz-to-biz computer tech education programs to public and private schools, daycare centers & more covering all phases.
www.computerexplorers.com
888-638-8722/281-256-4221
$$$: $35k-$49,500 startup.
Total investment: $62,925-$73,250

Contours Express
Fitness Center designed for women that uses medically-recommended weight-bearing equipment.
www.contoursexpress.com
877-227-2282/859-885-6441
Total investment required ranges from $34k to $49k

Cost Cutters
Family Hair Care Value priced, quality hair services and products for the family.
www.costcutters.com
888-888-7008
$$$: $76k-$184,800 startup cash required.

Coverall Cleaning Concepts
Commercial cleaning service.
www.coverall.com
800-537-3371/561-922-2500
$$$: $3950 to $27,200 startup.
Total investment: $10,750-$32,200

Crack Team (The)
Foundation repair specializing in the use of epoxy-injection.
www.thecrackteam.com
866-CRACK TEAM
$$$: The total investment is $38,600 to $69,100

Creative Colors International
Repair and reconditioning of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastics and carpeting in the automotive and commercial markets.
www.creativecolorsintl.com
800-933-2656/708-478-1437
$$$: Startup ranges from $19,500 to $27,500;
Total investment: $37,500-$71,400

Cruise One, Inc.
Cruise-only travel enterprise.
www.cruiseone.com
800-892-3928/954-958-3700
$$$: $9,800 startup.

Curves
Thirty-minute exercise and weight loss centers for women with locations worldwide.
www.curvesinternational.com
800-848-1096/254-399-9285
$$$: Total investment required ranges from $36,425 to $42,850

Daily Juice Group
Made-to-order juices and smoothies prepared from fresh vegetables.
www.dailyjuice.org
512-614-3355
$$$: $275k-$325k

DirectBuild Franchising LLC
Consulting programs to clients that enable them to build or remodel a home without using a contractor.
www.directbuildusa.com
877-805-9294
$$$: $72,900-$167,750

Dollar Discount
Dollar stores.
www.dollardiscount.com
888-DOLLAR1/610-497-1991
$$$: Startup is $20k-$30k
Total investment required ranges from $99k to $195k

Dr. Vinyl & Associates, Ltd.
Vinyl repair and conditioning, plus leather, plastic and windshield repair.
www.drvinyl.com
800-836-2840/816-836-0408
$$$: Startup ranges from $15k-$20k;
Total investment: $44k to $69,500

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Our local franchises provide clients the highest standard of quality for bath and kitchen remodeling.
www.dreamaker-remodel.com
800-583-9099/254-745-2461
$$$: $87,500-$314,500 startup;
Total investment: is $112k-$339k

Driveway Impressions
Decorative and architectural features.
www.drivewayimpressions.com
888-291-6719/604-574-7510
$$$: $50k-$65k startup;
Total investment: $150k-$205k

Dunkin Donuts
Coffee and baked goods.
www.dunkinfranchising.com
877-9-DUNKIN
$$$: $240,100-$1.667 million total investment.

EduFit Franchise, Inc.
A franchised fitness concept providing convenient, appointment-based personal training services at reasonable prices.
http://edufit.com
888-433-8348
$$$: $164,500 – $281,000

EmbroidMe
One-stop shop for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, personalized gifts and other items.
www.embroidme.com
800-727-6720/561-640-5570
$$$: Startup ranges from $43k-to $48k;
Total investment ranges from $179k-$185k

Express Employment Professionals
One of the nation’s largest staffing companies and it the only privately held company among the world’s 20 largest staffing firms.
www.expresspros.com
800-652-6400/405-840-5000
$$$: $153,750-$241,500

Express Oil Change
Recognized leader in the quick-lube and automotive service industry.
www.expressoil.com
888-945-1771
$$$: 300k-$350k

Extra Innings
Nation’s premier indoor baseball and softball center, with state-of-the-art facilities
www.extrainnings.net
www.eifranchise.com
978-762-0448
$$$: $220,500-$597,900

Fantastic Sams Hair Salon
A full-service cutting edge hair salon for your family.
www.fantasticsams.com
977-383-3831/978-232-5600
$$$: $50k-$75k startup.
Total investment: $125k-$231k

Flip Flop Shops
The Sunglass Hut of Flip Flop Shops
www.flipflopshops.com
770-424-0027
$$$: $25k startup cash.
Total investment: $167,300-$245,500

Floor Coverings International
Shop-at-home floor covering retailer offering more than 3000 flooring options from top brands at competitive prices.
www.floordoveringsinternational.com
770-874-7600
$$$: $160k-$250k

Future Stars Sports Photography
Providing high quality and innovative sports photography products and services.
www.future-stars-sp.com
800-461-6575/905-643-4299
$$$: $19,500-39k startup.
Total investment: $19,500-$45k

Geeks On Call
On-site computer solutions for businesses and residential clients.
www.geeksoncall.com
800-905-4335/757-466-3448
$$$: $60k-$121k startup.
Total investment: $60k-$180k

Get In Shape For Women
Small group, personal training for women.
www.getinshapeforwomen.com
781-444-1913
$$$: $64k-$178,250

Glass Doctor
Glass replacement for homes, businesses and autos.
www.glassdoctorfranchise.com
800-280-9858/866-696-1504
$$$: $75k startup.
Total investment: $109,681-$261,681

Golftec
Lessons and instructions.
www.golftec.com
877-446-5383/303-779-9900
$$$: $35,000 startup cash.
Total investment. $111,475-$427,675

Great Play Franchising
Gym concept for kids offering motor and sport skills, phys ed classes
www.greatplay.com
203-904-5013
$$$: $150k-$337,5000

Grout Doctor
Maintenance and repair of grout.
www.groutdoctor.com
877-476-8800/480-924-2271
$$$: Total investment ranges from $19,280-$34,075

Growth Coach (The)
Small business coaching, goal-setting franchise.
www.TheGrowthCoach.com
888-292-7992/513-563-0570
$$$: $7k-$33,900 startup.
Total investment: $38,200-$58,400

Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries
American class dining experience with quality food in casual, full-service, 50’s-diner style setting.
www.hwy55burgers.com
919-635-0902
$$$: $170k-$240k

HobbyTown USA
World’s largest retail hobby franchise offering hobby, toy and entertainment products.
www.hobbytown.com
800-858-7370/402-434-5064
The total investment: $175,000 to $350,000

Home Helpers
Home-based non-medical personal care for the elderly.
www.HomeHelpers.CC
800-216-4196/513-563-8339
$$$: $7k to $31,900 startup.
Total investment: $41,700 to $73,300

Home Instead Senior Care
Companionship and home care services for the elderly.
www.homeinstead.com
888-484-5759/402-498-4466
$$$: $39,050 to $52,050 total investment.

HomeTeam Inspection Service
The leading residential home inspection service in North America.
www.hometeaminspection.com
513-831-1300
$$$: $58,000 – $71,500

House Doctors
A nationally franchised, professional handyman service and a leading property repair, remodeling and maintenance company in North America.
www.housedoctors.com
513-831-0100
$$$: $86,000 – $112,500

Hungry Howies’s Pizza, Inc.
Originator of Flavored Crust Pizza; one of the nation’s largest pizza franchises.
www.hungryhowies.com
248-414-3300
$$$: $172,100-$345,900

Huntington Learning Center
Tutoring and exam preparation.
www.HuntingtonFranchise.com
1-800-653-8400
$$$: $98,300-$198,200
Total Investment: $98.3K – $198.2K

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems
Commercial cleaning.
www.jan-pro.com
866-355-1064/678-336-1780
$$$: $950-$36,500 startup required.
Total investment: $2800-$44k

Jani-King International, Inc.
World’s largest commercial cleaning franchise.
www.janiking.com
800-552-5264/972-991-0900
$$$: $2,000 to $70,300 startup.
Total investment: $8,170 to $74,000

Jet Black
Beautifies and maintains asphalt & concrete pavement.
www.jet-black.com
888-538-2525/952-890-8343
$$$: Total investment ranges from $35k -$100k

JuiceItUp! – Balboa Brands
Smoothie & juice bar chain that specializes in blended-to-order real fruit smoothies & fresh-squeezed juices.
www.juiceitup.com
949-475-0146
$$$: $137,200-$325k; $20k franchise fee.

JumpBunch, Inc.
Preschool and school age sports and fitness programs held at day care centers and other venues.
www.jumpbunch.com
866-826-5645/410-703-2300
$$$: The total investment is $35,200 to $41,200

Just-A-Buck
Diverse selection of quality merchandise for just-a-buck.
www.just-a-buck.com
800-332-2229
$$$: Total investment ranges from $136,900 to $228,200.

Kennelwood Pet Resorts
Safe & healthy pet boarding.
www.kennelwood.com
877-447-4173/314-446-1013
$$$: $55k startup cash.
Total investment: $799,287-$1,059,499

Kinderdance
Dance, gymnastics, motor skills for kids.
www.kinderdance.com
$$$: $12,000-$40,000 startup.
Total investment: $14,950-$46,100

Kindergolf PTE LTD
Children’s golf.
www.kindergolf.com
658-322-6168
The company is based in Singapore.
$$$: visit the website for information.

Kitchen TuneUp
Residential and commercial remodeling business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, tub lining systems, closet organizers and more.
www.kitchentuneup.com
800-333-6385/605-225-4049
$$$: The total investment ranges from $83k-$90k

Lawn Doctor
Tree, shrub, lawn care services.
www.lawndoctorfranchise.com
800-452-9637/732-946-0029
$$$: $60k-$74,900 startup.
Total investment: $89k-$99,900

LED Source
LED Lighting supplier that specializes in full-scale evaluations and retrofits, plus consultation with these energy-efficient lighting solutions.
www.ledsource.com
866-900-4LED
$$$: $163,200-$403,900

Liberty Tax Service
Computerized tax preparation service that specializes in electronic filing and refund loans.
www.libertytaxfranchise.com
800-790-3863/757-493-8855
$$$: Total investment ranges from $35,350-$63,900

Liquid Capital Corp.
International network that helps small-and-medium sized businesses grow via factoring.
www.liquidcapitalcorp.com
877-228-0800
$$$: $58,200-$95,100

MAACO Franchising, Inc.
Driven Brands, Inc. “America’s body shop” with nearly 500 franchised locations across North America. Auto paint and auto body reapir.
www.maaco.com
704-644-8194/800-275-5200
$$$: $385k-$472k

McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Corporation Quick/casual restaurant chain featuring efficient counter ordering, high-quality deli-style foods and great price value.
www.mcalistersdeli.com
888-855-DELI (3354)/601-952-1100
$$$: $400,000-$1,475,000 total investment.

McDonald’s Corporation
Quick service restaurant.
www.mcdonalds.com
630-623-6196
$$$: The total investment ranges
from $551,750-$1,791,000

Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc.
Driven Brands, Inc. Full-service auto maintenance and repair specializing in brakes and general repair.
www.meineke.com
704-644-8194/800-275-5200
$$$: $182k-$427k

Merry Maids
Maid service.
www.merrymaids.com
800-798-8000/901-597-8100
$$$: $21k-$29k startup.
Total investment: $26,350-$57,450

Money Mizer Pawn & Jewelry
Combining traditional financing services as well as upscale store setting offering quality retail products.
www.moneymizerfranchises.com
706-563-5015
$$$: $500k-$600k

Mountain Mudd Espresso
Specialty coffee kiosk.
www.mountainmudd.com
800-218-6833
$$$: $66k-$203,500 total investment.

Nerd Force
Mobile computer and technology service.
www.nerdforce.com
800-979-NERD/718-370-6147
$$$: $30k-$54k total investment.

Nitelites Outdoor Lighting
Residential and commercial outdoor lighting.
www.nitelites.com
877-821-4148/513-424-5510
$$$: $84k-$164,050 total investment.

Newk’s Franchise Company, LLC
Express casual dining experience with emphasis on fresh, flavor & quick service.
www.newks.com
601-982-1160
$$$: $719,500-$1,054,000

Nutrilawn, Inc.
Lawn care service offering minimal or no pesticide treatments to primarily residential homeowners.
www.nutrilawn.com
800-396-6096/416-620-7100
$$$: $75k to $125k total investment required.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Residential and commercial architectural and landscape lighting and lighting control automation.
www.olpfranchise.com
877-898-8808/704-841-2666
$$$: total investment $77,500-$215,000

OXXO Care Centers
Boutique-style more eco-friendly dry cleaners.
www.oxxousa.com
866-GO2OXXO/954-921-6111
$$$: Total investment range $100,000-$1 million

Panchero’s Mexican Grill
A quick-service, fresh-Mexican franchise concept featuring homemade tortillas.
www.pancheros.com
319-545-6565
$$$: $305,175 – $629,000

Paws & Remember LLC
Pet memorialization and cremation.
email: rbinstock@pawsandremember.com
708-356-3200
$$$: Contact the franchisor for information;in biz since 1997, franchising since 2007.

Penn Station
Hot and cold subs, renowned for Philadelphia Cheesesteak sub, hot, fresh on freshly baked bread.
www.penn-station.com
513-474-5957
$$$: $255,944-$451,655

Perma-Glaze, Inc.
Multi-surface restoration, specializing in the renewal of worn or damaged kitchen fixtures and bathrooms.
www.permaglaze.com
800-332-7397/520-722-9718
$$$: Startup $3,500 to $5,000
Total investment: ranges from $29,500 to $42,500

Pillar To Post
Professional home inspection detailing more than 1600 key compenents of a home.
www.pillartopost.com
U.S.: 877-604-8584
Canada: 416-620-3960
$$$: $30k

Pirtek USA
Pirtek is the world’s leading service provider of ETA 1 Hour On-Site Hose Replacement centers and a fleet of 1,500 mobile units
www.pirtekusa.com
888-774-7835/321-504-4422
$$$: $120k-$150k startup;
Total investment: $500k-$600k

Printwear Xpress Franchising Corp.
Personalized branded apparel.
www.printwearxpress.com
888-241-0337/303-771-7100
$$$: Startup $40k-$50k;
Total investment: $148k-$170k

Retrofitness, LLC
A chain of 1980s-themed fitness centers with exciting and affordable workout environments for all fitness enthusiasts.
www.retrofitness.net
800-738-7604
$$$: $638,900 – $1,452,000

Salsarita’s Franchising
Fresh Mexican Cantina with bright, colorful atmosphere
www.salsaritas.com 704-540-9447
$$$: $317,500-$607,500

ShelfGenie
A franchise concept that designs, builds and installs Glide-Out shelving systems
www.shelfgenie.com
877-434-3643
$$$: investment range is $70,100 to $125,500

Sign-A-Rama
World’s largest sign franchise.
www.signarama.com
800-286-8671/561-640-5570
$$$: $44k-$46k startup.
Total investment: $148k-$155K

Signs By Tomorrow
Visual communications consultant that utilizes state-of-the-art sign-making technology to offer a wide variety of customized sign products and services that provide creative and affordable solutions to businesses.
www.signsbytomorrow.com
800-765-7446
$$$: $19,000-$263k total investment.

Smoothie King
Smoothies, nutritional snacks, vitamins under one roof.
www.smoothieking.com
800-577-4200/985-635-6973
$$$: The total investment ranges from $148k -$229k

Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp.
Traditional and organic lawn and tree care services nationwide.
www.springgreenfranchise.com
800-777-8608
$$$: $99,314-$212,150

Steamatic, Inc.
Cleaning & disaster recovery services worldwide.
www.steamatic.com
800-544-1303/817-332-1575
$$$: Startup $25k-$80k
Total investment: required $55k-$150k.

Subway
Freshly made sub sandwiches and more.
www.subway.com
800-888-4848/203-877-4281
$$$: The total investment ranges from $101,500-$195k.

Supercuts
Value hair salon owned by Regis Corporation.
www.regisfranchise.com
952-918-4732
$$$: Net worth of $300k and liquid capital of $100k req.

Sweet & Sassy
Children’s retail, spa and party.
www.sweetandsassy.com
817-756-6523
$$$: In business since 2004, franchising since 2005.
Contact company for details.

Taste of Mediterranean
Serves delicious and nutritious Greek and Lebanese Food. Franchising in Canada and the U.S. 3 concepts,Restaurants, Food Court and Kiosk Locations.
www.tasteofmediterranean.com
416-821-5561
$$$: As low as $95,000, their Franchise Fee is $20,000 (one time only) and they charge a flat royalty fee of $1000 a month.

Tasti D-Lite
World’s leading provider of good-for-you products served in a happy environment. Signature soft-serve, dairy-based frozen dessert is lower in calories, fat.
www.tastidlite.com
615-550-3110
$$$: contact the company for info

TSS Photography, Inc.
Youth sports, school and event photography.
www.tssphotography.com
866-877-4746/678-740-0800
$$$: Startup range $15,500-$29,660.
Total investment: $38,750-$74,150

Value Place
An economy extended-stay lodging and short-term residential property brand.
www.valueplace.com
866-456-8737
$$$: $3,500,000 – $7,000,000

We The People
Afranchised high-quality, affordable legal document preparation service for consumers who choose to represent themselves in simple, uncontested legal matters.
www.wethepeopleusa.com
866-429-2785
$$$: $123,200-$169,500

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