Today, there are over 3,000 franchise systems in the United States. Acquiring a franchise is a well-known business model, since it’s usually the easiest way to start a business - already with a brand name and at relatively low initial investments. Client fidelity is also linked to the brand, meaning customers should come once they see the familiar name.
Below you will find some of our top picks for franchises, based on their reputation, revenue and accessibility.
Anytime Fitness
In 2014 it was called the fastest growing fitness club for the 7th year in a row, and later, Anytime Fitness was Entrepreneur’s #1 Top Global Franchise both in 2015 and 2016. The biggest differential against other fitness installations is that Anytime Fitness stays true to its name: it’s open 24 hours, 365 days a year. It’s already available in 20 countries, with over 3000 franchised locations.
Anytime Fitness was founded in 2002 by Chuck Runyon, Dave Mortensen, and Jeff Klinger. Its headquarters is in Woodbury, Minnesota. In February 2005, Anytime Fitness opened its 77th club, the first location outside of the United States, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. By 2012, the franchise had opened locations in Australia, Canada, Grand Cayman, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, New Zealand, Qatar, and the United Kingdom. (Twin Cities Business)
Other franchises of interest:
Supercuts
A Hair Salon with over 2000 locations in the US, currently expanding to Europe and Canada. Named #3 Top Global Franchises by Entrepreneur. “With complete operating, marketing, and financial systems, you can focus your talents on growing your Supercuts stores. While competitors are cutting hair, you're leveraging a proven franchise system to create successful manager-run stores.” (Supercuts)
GNC Franchising
Vitamins and nutritional supplements. “GNC is the world's LEADING specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplement products, sports nutrition products and diet products.” (GNC Franchising)
Massage Envy
Therapeutic massage and spa services. Since 2002 offering a membership-based model for cheaper massage services. “As one of the fastest growing franchises, Massage Envy is expanding its presence across the US and internationally. With consumers spending between 11-12 billion dollars annually on massage therapy, now is the ideal time to capitalize on the unprecedented growth and demand.” (Massage Envy)
7-Eleven
The world’s largest convenience store chain in operation. They have stores all over North America, and in some parts of Asia and Europe, but they’re constantly expanding their reach. According to 7-Eleven, “most franchise systems require royalty payments based on a percentage of base sales. With the 7‑Eleven system, we share gross profits with our franchise owners, which is sales receipts less the cost of the merchandise sold.”
7-Eleven has been around since the late 1920’s, under the name Tote’m Poles. After various trials and tribulations facing the Great Depression, the company recovered after World War II, being renamed to 7-Eleven and experimenting with the 24 hours schedule. It’s currently headquartered in Irving, Texas, and has over 56.000 locations worldwide.
Other franchises of interest
Circle K
A convenience store much like 7-Eleven. Some stores also sell gasoline, and there are over 10.000 locations worldwide. “For more than 60 years, Circle K has been building today's extensive portfolio of worldwide business systems and supplier relationships.” (Circle K)
Arco + ampm
A gas station and convenience store franchise. “Opening your own business with ARCO and ampm franchises gives you an opportunity to join one of the most successful petroleum and convenience store franchises in the Western United States.” (ampm)
Bernstein Painting
A great opportunity for new investors, Bernstein Painting is relatively small, but already accumulates satisfied customers and interested franchisers nationwide. "Being a Bernstein Painting franchisee has been very rewarding both personally and financially. I have met wonderful people in their network, and have begun to fulfill myself financially”, said Edward from Hartford, CT, on the official website.
“Bernstein Painting makes the difficult and boring tasks of painting your interior, power washing your exterior, sealing your deck, along with others, easy and exceptional. We make sure that all our teams across the United States are properly prepared and equipped to perform the best quality service possible.” (Official Bernstein Painting Website) Bernstein’s services include Exterior Painting, Interior Painting, Deck Staining and Sealing, Fence Staining and Sealing, Commercial Painting, and other Residential Services.
Other franchises of interest
Pillar to Post Home Inspection
The largest home inspection company in North America, with 530 franchises nationwide.“Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions and one of the biggest investments you will ever make. A Pillar To Post home inspection will give you a clear, unbiased evaluation of a home's condition, answer any questions you may have, and help give you peace of mind.” (Pillar to Post)
Subway
Named the #5 franchise of 2016 and #3 Top Global Franchise by Entrepreneur, Subway proved to be a great franchise to work with. The public in general is very open to their food options, and recently Subway has been implementing healthier meals, which greatly improved their acceptance.
Subway was founded in 1965 with the name “Pete’s Super Submarines”, being renamed to “Subway” in 1968. It’s headquartered in Milford, Connecticut, and currently has over 44.000 locations worldwide, spread across 112 countries. In 2010, it became the largest food chain worldwide, surpassing McDonald’s by 1,012 locations. In 2016, it’s still the largest, surpassing McDonald’s by 8.327 locations.
Other franchises of interest:
McDonald’s
One of the biggest names in franchises and currently the largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurant in the world. “McDonald's continues to be recognized as a premier franchising company around the world. More than 80% of our restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by our Franchisees.” (McDonald’s)
Auntie Anne’s Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels
It has been growing by offering a different product than most food networks, and it’s the only one to offer it in such a large quantity. “We’re continuously looking for passionate and motivated franchisees. Whether you’re looking to open a new location in an identified growth market or for a franchise business opportunity within an existing location, there are plenty of ways to become an Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels franchisee.” (Auntie Anne’s)
What are your favorite franchises? Did we miss any you consider a great opportunity for new investors? Feel free to tell us in the comments and be sure to follow us on Facebook for cool articles every week!
