FBR Issue 4 - 2018

Franchise Business 

REVIEW 

Ratings and Reviews of Today’s Top Franchises 

Fall 2018 

Top Innovative 

Franchises P. 16 

Top Franchises 

for Veterans P. 24 

SPECIAL REPORT 

TOP 30 

FOOD 

FRANCHISES 

KONA ICE 

EAST COAST WINGS 

THE HAAGEN-DAZS SHOPPE 

PIZZA FACTORY 

CHECKERS & RALLY’S 

JASON’S DELI and more... P. 14 

FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: 

JONITA & ADAM WHITE, 

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS 

AUTOMOTIVE P. 33 

JOE COPELAND 

MINUTEMAN PRESS P. 37

Snap-on Tools Company LLC, Kenosha, WI 

Minnesota Franchise Registration No. F-2327 

TM 

THE BEST TOOLS. 

THE BEST TOOL FRANCHISE. 

Grab the wheel and find out what it’s like to be in control of your own 

future. If you’ve got what it takes to run your own business, now is the 

time to learn more about the Snap-on Tools franchise opportunity: 

– Top 50 Franchise for 11 Consecutive Years 

– Member, Franchise Business Review Hall of Fame 

– #1 tool brand in the world 

– Extensive initial training 

– Financing may be available through Snap-on Credit 

– Proven business model 

– Incentives for honorably discharged veterans 

SnaponFranchise.com

Never look at a house 

the same way again. 

(from now on, all you’ll see are dollar signs) 

PROVEN SYSTEM TO BUY & SELL HOUSES 

Be your own boss with continuous mentoring and franchise support. 

FINANCING FOR QUALIFYING ACQUISITION & REPAIRS 

We make it easy to keep your business running smoothly. 

ONGOING SUPPORT 

Learn business strategies from the franchise system that has purchased 

over 85,000 homes since 1996. 

VALUECHEK ® 

Take the guesswork out of estimating repairs with a sophisticated software 

system that helps you steer clear from making costly mistakes. 

You are in the right location at the right time to be a 

HomeVestors ® franchisee, what are you waiting for? 

HomeVestorsFranchise.com 

800-230-0385 

*Each franchise office is independently owned and operated.

From exceptional training and support 

to an extraordinary culture of care 

this is an investment worth making. 

At FirstLight Home Care, our franchise opportunity is unmatched in the industry. Our proprietary culture of care 

and step-by-step FirstPath operational model has earned FirstLight a number of important distinctions, including: 

• Top Franchise Awards from Inc., Entrepreneur, Franchise Times and Franchise Business Review 

• Top Veterans Franchise Awards from Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review 

• Top Home Care Franchise for Franchisee Satisfaction from 2011 – 2018 as determined 

by Franchise Business Review 

In addition, our franchises are some of the most successful in the home care industry with average gross revenues of 

$745,283 per location.* 

If you’d like to own a rewarding business while improving the lives of people in your community, connect with us today. 

Prime, exclusive territories are still available! 

Call or visit us online today to learn more. 

877-570-0002 

FirstLightFranchise.com 

Info@FirstLightHomeCare.com 

*Locations open at least 24 months as of 12/31/2017.

FBR SPECIAL REPORT 

Features //Fall 2018 

+ 

Reviews, interviews, satisfaction awards, 

and more resources are available at: 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

9 16 24 

7 Breaking Down 2018’s Best Brands 

in Food & Beverage 

Plus, See the Franchises Rated Highest by Veterans and 

the Most Innovative Brands on the Market Today 

9 Buying a Restaurant Franchise: 

Is It Right for You? 

The Sweet and Sour of Food Franchise Concepts 

14 Top 30 Food Franchises 

Best of the Best 

16 What Worked Yesterday Isn’t 

Always Going to Work Tomorrow 

Lessons from Today’s Most Innovative Franchise Brands 

20 Top 100 Innovative Franchises 


24 Veterans in Franchising 

The Pathway to Business Ownership for Those Who Served 

28 Top 80 Franchises for Veterans 


32 Marketplace: Franchise Opportunities 

More on the Franchisee-Approved Opportunities for 2018 

32 2018’s Top 200 Franchises 

Franchises with High Franchisee Satisfaction 

in Every Industry Sector 

Franchisee Profiles 

33 Jonita & Adam White, 

Christian Brothers Automotive 

37 Joe Copeland, Minuteman Press 

39 Dan LaBrake, HouseMaster 

41 Warren & Courtney French, 

Wild Birds Unlimited 

LEARN WHAT FRANCHISING IS LIKE 

FROM REAL FRANCHISEES 

Access insightful franchisee Q&As, strategic advice and more. 

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 5

Voted a Top Low-Cost Franchise, 

Top Franchise for Veterans, 

& Top Emerging Franchise for 2018 

ADVANTAGES OF OWNING AN IMAGE ONE ® FRANCHISE: 

CUSTOMERS 

The Corporate Sales 

Team actively assists you 

in finding the right clients 

for your franchise. We 

help you secure the leads 

and teach you successful 

selling and marketing 

strategies to close the 

deal. 

SUPPORT NETWORK 

While you get to be the 

boss of your own business, 

you’re never alone. 

We provide you with the 

tools and resources you 

need to succeed, including 

our IntelliClean 

system. You’re part of a 

team who is ready to help 

when you need it. 

ADMINISTRATIVE 

HELP 

Let’s face it. It can be 

overwhelming dealing 

with paperwork and 

collections. At Image One, 

we take care of the administrative 

duties for you. 

From billing clients to 

finding equipment at the 

best value, we handle it all. 

INSURANCE & 

BONDING 

Insurance can be confusing. 

We will help you obtain 

the required insurance 

to operate your Image 

One Franchise. We make 

sure that you are not 

under-insured so that you 

have credibility with your 

clients. 

With our commercial cleaning franchise opportunity, you can hit the ground 

running. We have a national presence you can benefit from. In fact, we were 

voted one of the Top 200 Franchise in Nation by the Franchise Business Review. 

We provide the cutting-edge technology, innovative methods, and continuous 

support you need to succeed. 

Live Your Dream. Call Today! 

Image One USA, a commercial cleaning services franchise with more 

than 100 locations across the Chicago region and expanding nationwide, 

is actively seeking qualified military veterans and other individuals to 

become franchise affiliates with the growing franchise. 

Immediate franchise and affiliate expansion plans call for locations 

across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Iowa, moving south 

into Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Texas. The Image One 

franchise model can be replicated anywhere across the United States, 

with a dedicated franchise support team to provide ongoing training 

and support to affiliates. 

If you’re interested in starting your own business, or becoming a 

franchising affiliate, Image One can help. Call Today! 

MEMBER OF 

Special Offer for Veterans 

Qualified veterans receive a discount of 

20% off the initial franchise fee. 

CONTACT 

Scott Kochanski 

scott@imageoneusa.com 

800.223.1985 

630.616.1010 

imageoneusa.com


Breaking Down 2018’s 

Best Brands in Food & Beverage 

Plus, See the Franchises Rated Highest by Veterans and 

the Most Innovative Brands on the Market Today 

Food and beverage is one of the most popular segments in franchising, 

and while it can be a challenging space to find success in, it also offers a 

fast paced and exciting environment that attracts thousands of new 

entrepreneurs every year. For those interested in a food franchise, 

understanding the long-term viability of a brand is important, especially 

in an industry that is highly impacted by fads, climate and politics. 

One of the best ways to predict long-term viability and to know if 

a franchise opportunity is really as good as it appears is to look at its 

third-party franchisee satisfaction data. Similarly, uncovering the most 

innovative franchise brands, that have a pulse on where the industry 

is headed and how they plan to evolve, is another way to understand a 

brand’s long-term relevancy—and hence understand if said franchise 

is a smart investment. 

That’s where we come in. Franchise Business Review surveys all 

kinds of franchisees at all types of franchises to come up with our list 

of top franchises based on franchisee satisfaction. 

This report—focused on food, veterans and innovation in franchising— 

is the only report in the industry that highlights the best franchises 

based on actual franchisee feedback. The franchise companies featured 

in this report are the brands that offer the greatest franchisee 

support—not just in the purchase of a franchise but in their day to 

day operations. 

Finally, in our last guide of 2018, we take a look at the best 

franchises for veterans and share some truly amazing stories from vets 

who took the leap into franchise ownership. 

We hope you enjoy this issue. For more information on any of 

the brands discussed in this guide, to submit feedback or to join our 

mailing list, please visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Happy Franchising! 

Sarah Brady, Editorial Director 

Franchise Business Review is the leading franchise market research firm that performs 

independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. 

Before you invest in any franchise opportunity, read our reports to get the facts 

from those who know best — franchisees. We publish quarterly research reports, 

examining segments of franchising including the Top 200 Franchise Opportunities, 

Top Low-Cost Franchises, Top Multi-Unit Franchises, Top Food & Beverage Franchises, 

and Top Franchises for Veterans. All publications are available digitally at 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Eric Stites, CEO & Managing Director 

Michelle Rowan, President & COO 

Sarah Brady, Editorial Director 

C.J. Fleck, Senior Web Developer 

Ali Forman, B2B Marketing Manager 

Nicole Kenney, Client Operations Manager 

Linda Lorrey, Client Consultant 

Wes Graves, Client Consultant 

Amy LaLime, Client Services Manager 

Margot Doering, Accounting 

Jenna Owens, Sales & Operations Intern 

Kayla Lutz, Editorial Intern 

The Secret Agency, Design and Production 

Call us at 866-397-6680 

HOW WE IDENTIFY THE TOP FRANCHISES 

Participation in Franchise Business Review’s franchisee satisfaction research is free for all North American franchise systems with a 

minimum of 10 franchisees. For this report we looked at franchisee satisfaction from over 27,000 franchisees representing over 300 brands that 

we collected between March 2017 and August 2018. We asked each franchisee to answer 33 benchmark questions ranking their franchise in the 

areas of financial opportunity, training and support, leadership, operations and product development, core values (e.g., honesty and integrity of 

franchisor), general satisfaction, and the franchisee community. We also asked them to answer an additional 16 questions about their market area, 

demographics, business lifestyle, overall enjoyment running their franchise, and role in the franchisee community. From this data, we identified 

our list of top food and beverage franchises, top franchises for veterans and the top innovative franchises with the highest franchisee satisfaction. 

More detailed information about our research methodology is available at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Surveys to determine the Top Franchises for 2019 are underway. If you are a franchisor and would like to participate, please call 866-397- 

6680 or contact info@FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 



Above: Pizza Factory Empowers Franchisees to be Their Neighborhood’s “Hometown Pizzeria” 

Right: Ali Dreher, Franchisee of Scooter’s Coffee 

Buying a Restaurant Franchise: 

Is It Right for You? 

The Sweet and Sour of Food Franchise Concepts 

Well-known franchise brands like McDonalds, 

Wendy’s and Chick-Fil-A have helped propel 

the food and beverage industry to the most 

popular franchise segment on the market 

today, representing 37 percent of all franchise 

establishments. 2 

The food and beverage industry, overall, 

plays a critical role in the U.S. economy, 

accounting for roughly five percent of GDP. 

In 2017, the industry brought in total sales of 

$1.4 trillion and employed roughly 1.46 million 

workers. 1 

Not only is the food industry growing, so 

too is the franchising sector. In a January 2018 

report, published by the International Franchise 

Association and IHS Markit Economics, 

it was projected that the franchise sector grew 

faster than the overall economy in 2017 and 

would do so again in 2018. 2 

Healthy market growth in both food 

and franchising makes a food and beverage 

franchise an appealing option for aspiring 

entrepreneurs looking to grab their slice of 

this popular sector. But with competition 

fierce in food and beverage, it is not the right 

move for everyone. Is it right for you? 

OWNING A FOOD FRANCHISE: 

THE SWEET AND THE SOUR 

Owning and operating a food franchise is not 

for the faint of heart. The food and beverage 

industry is very competitive, trend-driven 

and affected by global market factors such 

as climate change and politics. There is also 

high employee turnover in the industry and 

fluctuating food costs to contend with. Not to 



many other sectors. While you will put in long 

hours as a food franchise owner, the potential 

for a rewarding and satisfying career is high. 

Here’s how it breaks down. 

The Sweet 

Demand 

Until Elon Musk develops the ability for 

humans to survive off of a mere inhalation of 

air, food will always be in demand. “It takes 

a lot of hard work and tenacity to make it in 

the sector but one thing that never changes is 

people keep eating!” joked Tony Lamb, CEO 

and founder of Kona Ice. 

Relationships 

It’s hard to think of a business that is more 

relationship driven—or dependent—than the 

food and beverage industry. As Mary Rolf, 

franchise owner of Scooters Coffee in Springfield, 

MO said, “The best thing about owning 

a coffee franchise is making a difference in customers’ 

and employees’ days. The relationships 

built with both are touching. I love watching 

my employees grow with my franchise and in 

their lives.” 

Laurentiu and Casie Cernat, franchise 

owners of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, agreed, “The 

best thing about owning a food franchise is 

interacting with guests and seeing them leave 

your business satisfied by the quality of food 

and service offered.” 

Bruce Ong, Franchisee of Checkers & Rally’s 

mention, if you want to be successful, you’re 

going to have to put in long hours, day in and 

day out. Did we mention that the cost of entry 

and ongoing expenses are high when compared 

to other sectors? 

Well, that’s the “sour” of the food industry. 

Ready for the sweet? 

There’s a reason so many people open 

restaurants and food businesses every year. 

The industry is ever changing, fast paced and 

exciting. There is something special about 

food and beverage establishments; about a 

business that can make you feel so good, a 

place that people can’t wait to return to, where 

they can relax after a long day or celebrate with 

their closest family and friends. Remember 

Cheers—the hit sitcom and famous Boston 

restaurant with the catchy jingle? “Sometimes 

you want to go; Where everybody knows your 

name; And they’re always glad you came; You 

want to be where you can see; The troubles are 

all the same.” 

Plus, it’s an industry that will be forever in 

demand and is not easily outsourced like so 

High Satisfaction 

Food franchise owners are generally very 

happy business owners, reporting high levels 

of satisfaction. When surveyed, 88 percent 

of food franchisees agreed that they enjoy 

operating their business. 

The Sour 

High initial investment 

Getting started in the food sector typically 

requires a large investment, and early profit 

margins can be much lower than some other 

service industries—especially for operators 

of a high cost, single-unit business. It can 

take a long time for a new operator to recoup 

startup costs. Many franchisees choose to 

open multiple locations, so they can gain 

operational efficiencies and turn a higher 

profit (i.e., sharing employees across locations 

reduces training costs, buying products in 

larger quantities reduces per unit costs, etc.). 

10 | For more information on this report, visit: www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com


A Look at Food Franchisees 

71% 

18% 

male/female 

11% partnerships 

Ian, J-Ray and Adam Lieberman, Multi-Unit Owners, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Tampa, FL. 

Still, operating multiple business locations 

significantly increases your investment and 

the overall complexity of the business, and 

is only recommended for experienced, wellfinanced 

candidates. 

Labor challenges 

Finding and retaining quality staff is one of 

the greatest challenges for restaurateurs. As 

reported by the New York Times, 37 percent 

of National Restaurant Association members 

said labor recruitment was their top challenge, 

up from 15 percent two years prior. 

Low unemployment rates and increasing 

wage pressures have left restaurant owners 

scrambling to find the help they need. 

Low margins 

While many food franchises report relatively 

high unit-level sales, it is important to look 

at the whole picture when considering a 

franchise investment. Food businesses are 

well known for their low margins, and many 

struggle to make a profit. Successful franchise 

operators must manage their expenses very 

carefully—especially labor and food costs. 

Long hours 

If you’re looking for a business that does not 

require too much attention—that you can “set 

and forget”—the food industry is definitely 

not for you. Hours are long, and the work is 

often exhausting, but it can also be exhilarating 

and as an owner you have more flexibility 

as to how you schedule your day. 

“The best thing about owning a food franchise 

is you can set your own hours; the worst thing 

would be sometimes the business sets your 

hours for you,” said Brian Allen, a Lenny’s 

Grill and Subs franchise owner in Cape 

Coral, FL. 

Trends and competition 

Let’s face it, the food industry is a trendy one. 

You can probably think of at least five different 

diet fads that have swept the country in 

just the past few years. As a restaurant owner, 

these fads can, at times, help your business— 

but they can also hurt it. Not only that but 

competition in this industry is fierce. 

“There is so much competition out there 

that it is mind boggling!” said Lamb. “Everyone 

is competing for your mouth and stomach! 

There better be something that sets you 

apart. Fads come and go, and trends change 

continually. Even changing traffic patterns 

can ruin a thriving restaurant.” 

DIFFERENT FLAVORS OF 

FOOD FRANCHISES 

If you haven’t been scared away by the challenges 

that face food franchise owners, then 

there are countless investment options, business 

models, and formats to choose from. As a 

prospective franchisee, you can choose to run 

anything from a van-based, delivery business 

Multi-unit owners make 

up more than half of all 

food franchisees surveyed. 

51% own at least two units 

and 49% own one. 

64% 

have a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

29% 

of food franchises 

are minority-owned. 

31 % 

Nearly a third 

of food franchisees 

have been in business 

10 years or more. 



to a full-service restaurant—with dozens of 

other business types in between. 

1. Quick Service 

Most people associate quick service restaurants 

(QSR) with concepts like Wendy’s, Checkers 

& Rally’s and Church’s Chicken. Commonly 

referred to as “fast food,” speed of service and 

low price-points are the focus of QSRs. Meals 

are more often than not taken out, although 

people can dine on-site, and delivery service 

may be provided. 

2. Fast Casual 

The concept unites the quality of casual dining 

with the speed of fast food. Culvers, Captain D’s, 

and Fazoli’s are fast casual concepts you’ve 

likely seen. Typically, the food is more 

customized, freshly prepared, and higher 

quality and the environment more upscale 

and inviting than QSRs. Just like QSRs, 

customers typically order and pay at a counter, 

and then take food out or grab a tray to sit and 

eat, although sometimes minimal table service 

is provided. 

3. Full Service 

Full service restaurants serve food and drinks 

directly to the customers at their tables. They 

may sell alcoholic beverages; provide takeout, 

delivery or live entertainment. The term full 

service entails a wide array of concepts from 

Is a Food Franchise Right for You? Advice from the Front Lines. 

“Win on Hospitality” 

“The restaurant business is a demanding one and real success hinges on a restaurant team’s 

ability to consistently deliver polite and welcoming hospitality. We have tools that help 

franchisees deliver genuine hospitality, but it also takes commitment by our franchisees to 

deliver genuine hospitality to every customer. Winning on hospitality will help franchisees 

grow their guest count.” 

— Kevin Martin, CEO, 

Lenny’s Franchise System 

“Select a Franchise that Aligns with Your Morals and Values” 

“I would highly suggest anyone considering a food franchisee to make sure the 

company they select aligns with their morals, standards, and values. Make sure you feel 

a connection with the franchise, so relationships can be built because those are what help 

make you successful.” 

— Mary Rolf, Franchise Owner, 

Scooter’s Coffee, Springfield, MO 

“Gain Experience First” 

“Make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Running a food business is not 

the same as running a retail store. I would suggest spending at least a year working in a 

restaurant to make sure this career is the right move for you.” 

— Brian Allen, Franchise Owner, 

Lenny’s Grill and Subs, Cape Coral, FL 

“Every successful owner needs to have worked or labored in a restaurant position at some 

point in their life. The industry is a rare breed of people that come together for the same 

reason: good food, offered at a reasonable price with excellent service. Laur and I firmly 

believe in never asking staff members to complete tasks that we aren’t willing or able to 

complete ourselves.” 

— Laurentiu & Casie Cernat, Franchise Owners, 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Waco TX & Hewitt TX 

“Look at the Longevity of the Brand” 

“There are always new brands and concepts popping up every day, but I believe one of 

the most important aspects to look at is the history and longevity of the brand. Buying into 

a franchise is a commitment so it’s important to make sure that what is being sold to you 

today will still hold true for years to come.” 

— Mike O’Toole, Chief Growth & Support Officer 

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs Franchise System 

family-style to upscale dining such as East 

Coast Wings & Grill, Eggs Up Grill, and 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. 

4. Retail 

Retail food concepts include everything from 

ice cream and treat shops, to coffee shops, bakeries, 

convenience stores, and even vending 

machine businesses. Examples include brands 

like The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe, Nothing 

Bundt Cakes, Brioche Doree, Kona Ice, and 

Happy and Healthy Products. 

THE FUTURE OF FOOD 

If you’re considering a food franchise, it is 

important to understand the long-term viability 

of the brands you’re interested in. What 

concepts are best for today’s consumer and 

what brands will be able to match consumer 

demands into the future? 

According to the franchisees and franchisors 

named to FBR’s top brands list, convenience 

and health are two trends that are taking shape 

with growing momentum. 

“Consumers continue to spend more on 

food away from home or prepared food they 

carry into their home,” remarked Kevin Martin, 

CEO of Lenny’s Franchise System. “For 

Lenny’s, this trend has fueled the growth of 

our family meal offers. This trend is also an 

example of the growing interest in convenience. 

Consumers are looking for ways 

to simplify their lives. That movement is 

propelling the demand for delivery and online 

or mobile ordering, which I foresee only 

increasing in demand.” 

While the 1950s witnessed the rise of the 

convenient TV dinner and frozen food, today’s 

consumers are seeking convenience but with a 

twist—they don’t want sodium laden freezer 

food; they want healthy options. And they’re 

willing to pay. A 2015 study, conducted by 

Nielsen, found that 88 percent of respondents 

were willing to pay more for healthier foods. 4 

“We see consumers demanding healthy, 

functional menu options delivered in a convenient 

manner,” said Mike Rogers, chief operations 

officer at Scooters Coffee. “Our drive-thru 

kiosk is focused on meeting the need for 

amazing drinks amazingly fast, and we only 

expect that trend to continue growing.” 

As Lamb joked, “You don’t have to be clairvoyant 

to see the healthy trend keeps gaining 

ground and probably will for a long time.” 



Jim McClure, Franchisee of Captain D’s 

Mel Knight, president of Fuzzy’s Taco 

Shop, echoed those sentiments, stating, “We 

are optimistic about the future of the food and 

beverage industry. Take out and convenience 

are hot topics right now; we believe that value, 

quality and incredible guest experience will 

continue to be the staple that drives Fuzzy’s 

success.” 

EXPLORING TOP RATED FOOD BRANDS 

When you’re ready to compare your options, 

there are hundreds of food franchise brands to 

choose from, which is why it is so important 

to do thorough research. Ultimately, you want 

to find a brand that will meet your expectations 

and help you achieve your dream of 

business ownership while giving you the 

lifestyle you desire. 

Examining the reviews and feedback from 

other franchise owners is one way to get 

unbiased advice from other entrepreneurs 

who have already made the leap into franchise 

ownership and have first-hand experience 

with the brands you are considering. 

To assist you in this process, Franchise Business 

Review surveyed over 4,200 franchisees 

from many of today’s leading franchise brands. 

Each survey participant was asked 33 benchmark 

questions about their franchisor that 

focused on areas such as leadership, training, 

and core values as well 16 more personal questions 

concerning their business lifestyle and 

overall enjoyment of running their franchise. 

“We do a lot to make franchisee satisfaction 

our #1 metric that we track. After all, how can 

you add one more franchisee if the existing 

franchisees aren’t happy?” asked Lamb. 

Food and beverage franchises offer an 

exciting environment to business owners who 

don’t mind making a bigger financial investment, 

working long hours, and managing a 

large and diverse workforce. Food operators 

remain some of the most passionate in all 

of franchising, and while the investment is 

higher, so is the potential for returns. If you 

are interested in pursuing franchise ownership 

in the food sector, this year’s list of the Top 30 

Food Franchises is a great place to start. 

For more detailed research on specific food 

and beverage franchises, visit our website at 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

Sources 

1. Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board. Economic Contribution of the Food and Beverage Industry. (Arlington, Virginia, 2017). 

2. IHS Markit Economics. Franchise Business Economic Outlook for 2018. (International Franchise Association and Franchise Education and Research Foundation, 2018). 

3. Nielson, N.V. We Are What We Eat: Healthy Eating Trends Around the World. (2015). 



THE LIST 

Best of the Best: 

Top 30 Food 

Franchises 

Brioche Dorée 

Bakery Cafe 

Captain D’s 

Fast casual 

Survey 

Date 

Dec. 

2017 

July 

2018 

Initial 

Investment 

$11,300 – 

$338,394 

$771,000 – 

$1,003,000 

Cash 

Requirement 

$11,300 – 

$338,394 

Total 

Units 

542 

$350,000 523 

* Checkers & Rally’s 

Quick-service 

July 


$96,414 – 

$1,501,265 

$250,000 877 

“Becoming a Chicken 

Salad Chick franchisee 

has been a life changing 

decision for me. The 

culture of the brand 

and the actions of 

unprecedented support 

from them as a franchisor 

is unlike anything I have 

ever experienced. I could 

not be happier with 

my decision to join 

the Chicken Salad 

Chick family!” 

Chicken Salad Chick 

Fast casual 

Church’s Chicken 

Quick-service 

Culver’s 

Quick-service 

* Donatos Pizza — more on p. 33 

Quick-service 

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Systems 

Quick-service 

* East Coast Wings & Grill — more on p. 42 

Casual dining 

June 


April 


Aug. 

2017 

July 


Sep. 

2017 

April 


$336,500 – 

$539,200 

$348,300 – 

$1,556,300 

$1,845,000 – 

$4,155,000 

$375,500 – 

$699,900 

$115,500 – 

$420,000 

$658,875 – 

$1,133,502 

$336,500- 

$539,200 

42 

$600,000 1,585 

$350,000 – 

$600,000 

610 

$200,000 212 

$115,500 – 

$420,000 

37 

$250,000 35 

– Chicken Salad Chick Franchisee 

Eggs Up Grill 

Fast-casual 

Oct. 

2017 

$510,414 – 

$887,897 

$50,000 – 

$100,000 

24 

Fazoli’s Restaurants 

Fast casual 

May 


$1,098,000 – 

$1,739,818 

$250,000 210 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 

Fast casual 

Oct. 

2017 

$597,000 – 

$1,262,000 

$250,000 139 

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 

Quick-service 

Sep. 

2017 

$156,972 – 

$306,522 

$50,000 – 

$200,000 

80 

* Happy & Healthy Products 

Ice cream/Yogurt/Frozen treats 

Feb. 


$45,000 – 

$90,000 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

65 

*Franchisee Satisfaction Report available at 


* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs — more on p. 1 

Quick-service 

Nov. 

2017 

$228,300 – 

$475,000 

$100,000 548 

14 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com


Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 

Casual dining 

Jason’s Deli 

Fast casual 

* Kona Ice 

Frozen treats 

Oct. 

2017 

April 


July 


$196,055 – 

$433,055 

$905,891 – 

$905,891 

$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$125,000 149 

$905,891 – 

$905,891 

261 

$20,000 1,070 

“Over the top in quality 

and support. It would be 

hard to believe that there 

is anything out there that 

could compare to the 

extent that goes into the 

success of operations.” 

LaRosa’s Pizzeria 

Fast casual 

Oct. 

2017 

$800,000 – 

$1,000,000 

$500,000 65 

– Kona Ice Franchisee 

Lenny’s Sub Shop 

Quick-service 

July 


$188,216 – 

$396,146 

$75,000 96 

Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Snack retailer 

May 


$392,875 – 

$545,475 

$150,000 261 

Penn Station 

Quick-service 

Oct. 

2017 

$290,984 – 

$594,478 

$300,000 313 

* Pizza Factory — more on p. 39, back cover 

Fast Casual 

Rising Roll 

Quick-service 

Scooter’s Coffee 

Fast casual 

Aug. 


July 


Aug. 

2017 

$372,000 – 

$562,000 

$150,000 – 

$425,000 

$351,000 – 

$587,000 

$90,000 108 

$150,000 – 

$425,000 

19 

$100,000 200 

“The franchise system 

overall is fantastic. 

They provide an excellent 

product, advertising, 

advisory, and support 

services.” 

– LaRosa’s Pizzeria Franchisee 

* The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company 


July 

2017 

$164,158 – 

$542,408 

$80,000 – 

$200,000 

207 

The Wendy’s Company 

Quick-service 

July 


$300,000 – 

$3,000,000 

$2,000,000 6,564 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 

Fast casual 

Nov. 

2017 

$198,050 – 

$335,000 

$125,000 541 

Wings Etc. 

Fast casual 

June 

2017 

$300,000 – 

$780,000 

$300,000 – 

$780,000 

57 

Wingstop 

Quick-service 

July 


$346,775 – 

$733,249 

$600,000 725 

For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FBR50.com | 15


Above: Two Shack Shine Technicians Setting up a Christmas Light Job 

Right: Mike Sweat, Regional Director, Baltimore, MD with Team 

What Worked Yesterday Isn’t 

Always Going to Work Tomorrow: 

Lessons from Today’s Most Innovative Franchise Brands 

Remember Polaroid and Kodak, Blockbuster 

and Blackberry? While all these brands witnessed 

massive success in their day, they 

were unable to adapt to changing consumer 

demands. They fell behind and ultimately 

became defunct, losing to more innovative, 

forward-thinking brands like Apple, Google 

and Amazon. 

It’s something that every company worries 

about—from the small business down 

the street, to the largest and most successful 

companies in the world. Sheryl Sandberg, 

the COO of Facebook, once told Business 

Insider, “What Mark worries about the most 

is the lack of change, the lack of innovation, 

becoming the innovator’s dilemma company 

that gets big and stops moving and stops staying 

ahead.” 

JP Hamel, executive vice president at N2 

Publishing may have said it best, “What 

worked yesterday isn’t always going to work 

tomorrow. As a company with our eyes set on 

continued growth, as well as on improving 

the franchise experience of our current team 

members, we must keep innovating in order 

to sustain and enable this growth.” 

Innovation matters in that it could be what 

separates the best, most viable companies 

from the rest. For prospective franchisees, 

gaining insight into the franchise brands 

focused on innovation, and consequently 

long-term relevancy, is an important step in 

choosing the right franchise brand. 

Over the last 18 months, we’ve surveyed 

over 24,000 franchise owners, representing 

more than 280 brands. We asked them how 

creative and innovative they think their 

corporate franchise team is, and if their leadership 

has a clearly defined vision for where 



the brand is headed. From that research, we 

selected the franchise companies with the 

highest combined scores in innovation, leadership, 

and overall satisfaction to bring you 

2018’s 100 Most Innovative Franchises. 

WHAT IS INNOVATION? 

Innovation can be hard to define, moreover 

to understand. What qualifies as innovative? 

What makes one company more innovative 

than another? Technology often plays a role, 

but certainly many innovations have nothing 

to do with technology. “Innovation often 

creates a vision of technology, but innovation 

is also closely linked to systems, methodologies 

and new business relationships under a 

clear vision,” said Sean Manning, CEO and 

co-founder of Payroll Vault. 

Innovation is often thought of as something 

new—a breakthrough product or simply 

a better way of doing something. “Innovation 

means finding new ways to do things that may 

have been done in a less effective way in the 

past,” said Dan Hansen, director of franchise 

development at College H.U.N.K.S. 

The genesis of innovation starts with 

people, with ideas and with an unrelenting 

desire to question and improve. “Our research 

and experience suggest that inquiry is at the 

heart of it. Innovators have an inclination and 

a capacity to examine what others often leave 

unexamined,” wrote the Harvard Business 

Review. 

Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots 

remarked, “Innovation at Soccer Shots means 

‘good enough’ isn’t good enough. This mindset 

orients us to constantly seek improvements in 

the experience we provide for children and 

their parents. It also drives us to be a franchisor 

pursuing incrementally better processes 

and service to our franchise community.” 

The story of Ray Kroc and the McDonald’s 

brothers—made famous by the movie The 

Founder—is a classic example of franchise 

innovation. While Kroc got most of the credit 

for the success of the McDonald’s franchise, 

we now know that it was really brothers 

Richard and Maurice McDonald (aka “Dick” 

and “Mac”) who were the true innovators of 

operational efficiency in the blossoming fast 

food industry. Dick and Mac put the “fast” in 

fast food. 

To be clear, “innovation takes a lot more 

than just having creative, great ideas, it also 

Kelly Dunn, Franchisee, Burn Boot Camp, Wake Forest, NC 

takes execution,” said Eric Stites, CEO of 

Franchise Business Review. Take Kodak, for 

example. In its heyday, Kodak was one of the 

most powerful companies in the world. Today, 

the company has a market capitalization of less 

than $1 billion. As the company that invented 

digital photography, their decline seems all 

the more tragic—and surprising. “Spotting 

something and doing something about it are 

very different things,” wrote the Harvard Business 

Review. “Kodak created a digital camera, 

invested in the technology, and even understood 

that photos would be shared online. 

Where they failed was in realizing that online 

photo sharing was the new business, not just a 

way to expand the printing business.” 

IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE 

The franchising business model is only successful 

when people work together, trusting 

in each other’s ability to run their individual 

businesses, while building positive momentum 

for the shared brand. This, of course, 

is the beauty of franchising; that a business 

owner can find freedom and independence 

through entrepreneurship, while relying on 

the support of the franchisor and their fellow 

franchisees—as the saying goes, “in business 

for ourselves, not by ourselves.” 

To many, this larger brand and franchising 

community is vital to innovation, allowing 

brands to tap into a vast network of people all 

pursuing the same goal and a shared vision. 



It’s not about money. 

It’s about the people 

you have, how you’re led, 

and how much you get it. 

ing at least 100 times more on R&D. It’s not 

about money. It’s about the people you have, 

how you’re led, and how much you get it.” 

Investing in people is important for many of 

the brands listed on this year’s most innovative 

franchises list, as they share an understanding 

that their franchisees are their greatest assets. 

MaidPro, for example, recently launched 

MaidPro University to help engage and train 

employees. “We are a growing company, so 

we are continuously hiring and training new 

employees. MaidPro University has helped 

us tremendously, allowing us to train our 

employees in the most efficient, informative 

and engaging way,” said Yohanni Hedges, 

owner of a MaidPro franchise in Northwest 

Indiana. “It provides 20+ courses and has 

made training easier and more fun for both 

the trainee and the manager/trainer.” 

Kona Ice uses a knowledge base and 

video tutorials to collect feedback and provide 

the support franchisees need. “We own 

and operate around 20 franchise units and 

work everyday to get feedback and look for 

ways to improve the support. We also have 

a large network of veteran franchisees that 

constantly provide feedback and ideas for 

support,” said Tony Lamb, CEO and founder 

of Kona Ice. “Our online knowledge base 

is this amazing collection of every question 

asked and answered so far in our business. 

We communicate through video so our newsletter 

and tutorial videos (over 200 and counting) 

help keep everyone up to date and well 

informed. We also have several programs for 

experienced franchisees to be able to mentor 

and help newer franchisees. Can there ever be 

enough support?” 

America’s Swimming Pool Company Hosting a Pool School Training 

“For us at Soccer Shots, innovation isn’t 

‘owned’ by one person or a particular department. 

We cannot afford to be territorial or 

biased against innovative input because it 

doesn’t come from Soccer Shots Franchising,” 

said Bredeman. “We have 120 franchise 

partners, thousands of coaches, and hundreds 

of thousands of Soccer Shots families. We’re 

systematically tapping these resources to mine 

small and substantive ways we can innovate. 

Additionally, we look beyond our own system 

and industry to understand what’s working 

in other franchise systems and industries to 

determine what might drive our business 

forward.” 

Bredeman, credits much of Soccer Shot’s 

growth to their focus on people. “Much of our 

growth has to do with our focus on continually 

learning and intentionally evolving personally 

and collectively as an organization This core 

value—We Grow—when lived out consistently, 

will ensure that our brand is respected 

and healthy in the future,” he said. 

Michelle Fee, CEO and founder of Cruise 

Planners, agrees, “Since we were founded by 

travel agents, we listen to our franchisees who 

inspire innovation since the company’s overall 

success is directly driven by their success.” 

As Steve Jobs once said in an interview 

with Forbes, “Innovation has nothing to do 

with how many R&D dollars you have. When 

Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spend- 

BE READY AND WILLING TO ADAPT 

Of course, one of the keys to innovation is the 

willingness and ability to adapt to changing 

customer needs and demands—and having 

the foresight required to make those changes 

at the right time. 

“As the founder of this company, I learned 

long ago that if we didn’t evolve and do business 

differently we would become dinosaurs 

and quickly go extinct—so our company is 

constantly evolving and investing in what 

we call ‘MarTech’—the merging of strategic 

marketing powered by innovative technology,” 

said Fee. 

Jonathan Shelson, owner of a MaidPro 

franchise in Ontario, Canada, said, “As a 

millennial I was drawn to MaidPro because 

they’re so great at adapting to what the market 

demands. This has allowed us to grow continuously 

since opening.” 

This year, brands are focused on technology 

that can help them move faster to deliver 

better customer experiences. They are also 

thinking green, looking for ways to lessen 

their environmental impact. 

The College H.U.N.K.S franchise system 

has recently developed an app that allows for 

paperless transactions. As Hansen said, “We 

strive to be an eco-friendly brand by recycling 

and donating up to 60 percent of the items we 

haul away. Going paperless is the next step in 

our eco-friendly mission.” 

Other franchises are following suit, looking 

to eliminate paperwork and implement 

systems that require less reliance on physical 

assets. 



Left: Home Instead Franchisee with Client 

Right: Bobby Escobedo, Franchisee, YESCO, Houston South, TX 

FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER 

Since the birth of the internet, the creation 

of social media networks, and the expansion 

of the sharing economy, customer habits 

have been shifting. Consumers today have 

options—lots of them. And they don’t want 

to wait. In order to compete, businesses 

must innovate, coming up with new ways to 

improve the customer experience. 

Every successful brand, inside and outside 

of franchising, understands one thing: It’s all 

about the customer. 

“Customers are changing the way they buy 

and want to be serviced, so we need to keep 

up with the newest technologies, and we have,” 

said Fee. 

One challenge facing today’s innovators, 

is how to use technology most effectively, 

while providing more personalized service to 

customers. “We must leverage technology to 

increase efficiency without compromising our 

personal approach with our customers,” said 

Bredeman. 

College H.U.N.K.S is leveraging technology 

to deliver better, more personalized customer 

experiences, implementing their “speed 

to lead” initiative just this year. “We are using 

speed to lead initiatives where we contact customers 

within 60 seconds. This improves the 

customer experience because they don’t have 

to sit around and wait to be contacted,” said 

Hansen. “Clients receive an ‘on the way’ text 

message that includes an ETA, information 

about their movers, and the ability to track 

the H.U.N.K.S. to the customer’s address (like 

Uber). The ‘on the way’ text messages provide 

ease of mind for customers. With other moving 

or junk removal companies, the customer 

is required to sit at home waiting for the teams 

to arrive, but this text message lets the customer 

know exactly when they can expect the 

team to arrive and saves their time.” 

Similarly, MaidPro, another service-based 

franchise business, has also implemented text 

message reminders for clients and developed a 

custom app for staff. “What drew me to Maid- 

Pro was the incredible level of support and 

development that the home office provides,” 

said Jonathan Shelson, owner of a MaidPro 

franchise in Ontario, Canada. “As an example, 

I don’t think there’s any other service business 

with such a robust focus on technology.” 

One of the great things about buying 

into a franchise system is the access to new 

technologies and new innovative systems and 

processes. 

“We arm our franchisees with technology 

that would otherwise be unavailable and financially 

out of reach for most people starting a 

business—every franchise says they have technology, 

but our ground-breaking technology 

empowers new travel agents to operate a 21stcentury 

business model that epitomizes the 

“anytime, anywhere” mentality and allows them 

to attract, service and retain clients,” said Fee. 

Cruise Planners was the first travel agency 

to launch voice-activated, artificial intelligence, 

which they say has quickly become 

an asset for home-based franchise owners. 

Similarly, their “work-from-anywhere” platform 

and robust mobile apps have allowed 

them to provide employees with the tools they 

need to run their businesses from anywhere in 

the world, and ensure customers receive the 

customer service they want. 

EXPLORE THIS YEAR’S AWARD WINNING 

INNOVATIVE BRANDS 

There are clearly brands that prioritize and 

value innovation, and that are constantly 

looking for ways to improve. As a prospective 

franchisee, understanding which brands 

are the most innovative can help you make a 

confident and smart investment. 

In addition to checking out this year’s Top 

100 Innovative Franchises, you can learn 

more about these award-winning brands on 

our website at www.FranchiseBusinessReview. 

com. 

Before you take the plunge with any 

one brand be sure to educate yourself about 

franchising. Identify the businesses that get 

you excited. Talk with their franchise recruitment 

teams and visit with existing franchise 

partners to hear their experience. Ask the hard 

questions—of yourself and of them. 

Reach out to us any time by emailing info@ 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com if you have any 

questions or need further advice. We wish you 

the best of success! 



THE LIST 


Top 100 Innovative 

Franchises 

* 30-Minute Hit 

Boxing & kickboxing circuit 

* ActionCOACH 

Business coaching 

Aire-Master of America 

Commercial hygiene service 

Survey 

Date 

June 


Jan. 


Nov. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$98,000 – 

$147,000 

$61,250 – 

$108,441 

$39,584 – 

$142,400 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$40,000 56 

$40,000 775 

$50,000 111 

* Amada Senior Care 

In-home senior care 

Feb. 


$87,710 – 

$174,654 

$80,000 107 

* American Poolplayers Association 

Pool league 

Sep. 

2017 

$20,763 – 

$28,648 

$20,763 325 

“Quality seems second 

to none. I believe this 

franchise is of the highest 

quality in the senior 

care industry.” 

– Amada Senior Care Franchisee 

Anago Cleaning Systems 

Commercial cleaning services 

APEX Leadership Co (APEX Fun Run) 

School fundraising program 

ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Co. 

Swimming pool maintenance 

Assisting Hands 


Auto Appraisal Network 

Automotive appraisal services 

Dec. 

2017 

Oct. 

2017 

Nov. 

2017 

Sep. 


Feb. 


$197,000 – 

$298,000 

$106,000 – 

$138,700 

$85,000 – 

$110,000 

$70,550 – 

$147,500 

$12,000 – 

$30,000 

$197,000 – 

$298,000 

46 

$40,000 89 

$50,000 259 

$38,500 111 

$3,000 – 

$10,000 

27 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$65,170 – 

$540,000 

$100,000 304 

Bin There Dump That 

Residential dumpster rentals 

March 


$72,200 – 

$127,600 

$29,100 – 

$45,200 

71 

“The honesty and integrity 

of the company is second 

to none. I have always 

trusted CertaPro, its staff 

and management. We run 

our business the same 

way and that’s why 

CertaPro is a successful 

business both nationally 

and on the local level.” 

Bloomin Blinds 

Custom blinds and window coverings 

* Brightway Insurance 

Financial services 

Burn Boot Camp — more on inside back cover 

Women’s fitness center 

Captain D’s 

Fast casual 

* CarePatrol — more on p. 36 

Assisted living placement services 

* CertaPro Painters 

Painting 

Chicken Salad Chick 

Fast casual 

June 

2017 

Jan. 


Oct. 

2017 

July 


Nov. 

2017 

Feb. 


June 


$35,000 – 

$85,000 

$123,360 – 

$158,510 

$142,330 – 

$349,150 

$771,000 – 

$1,003,000 

$71,540 – 

$88,490 

$134,750 – 

$169,500 

$336,500 – 

$539,200 

$40,000 45 

$75,000 172 

$150,000 158 

$350,000 523 

$85,000 150 

$80,000 483 

$336,500 – 

$539,200 

42 

– CertaPro Painters Franchisee 

* Christian Brothers Automotive 

Automotive repair 

— more on 

p. 27, 33 

Dec. 

2017 

$458,950 – 

$555,350 

$85,000 174 

College Hunks Hauling Junk 

Junk removal services 

March 


$83,300 – 

$208,000 

$40,000 102 

Complete Weddings and Events 

Wedding & event services 

Oct. 

2017 

$30,350 – 

$48,650 

$10,000 200 

Creative Colors International 

Leather & vinyl repair services 

July 

2017 

$94,975 - 

$122,250 

$84,000 78 



* Cruise Planners 

Travel agency 

* Crunch Fitness 

Fitness club 

June 

2017 

Sep. 

2017 

$2,095 

–$23,367 

$1,200,000 – 

$1,600,000 

$10,995 2,570 

$300,000 – 

$400,000 

242 



Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Culver’s 

Quick-service restaurant 

Aug. 

2017 

$1,845,000 – 

$4,155,000 

$350,000 – 

$600,000 

610 

* Dream Vacations — more on p. 42 

Travel agency 

Oct 

2017 

$3,245 - 

$21,850 

$3,500 1,203 

* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

Home remodeling 

June 


$133,350 – 

$321,225 

$200,000 – 

$400,000 

38 

Epcon Communities 

Maintenance-free home building 

May 


$142,330 – 

$349,150 

$150,000 117 

Estrella Insurance 


Feb 


$49,950 – 

$84,000 

$25,000 – 

$50,000 

100 

Expedia CruiseShipCenters 

Travel agency 

March 

2017 

$165,000 – 

$285,000 

$100,000 256 

Fastest Labs 

Drug alcohol & DNA testing services 

Dec 

2017 

$74,650 – 

$88,900 

$50,000 26 

* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 43 

Visual business communications 

* FirstLight Home Care — more on p. 4 


FRSTeam 

Home restoration 

Garage Experts 

Garage organization 

Goldfish Swim School 

Swim lessons 



High Touch High Tech 

Hands-on science programs 

April 

2017 

May 


Nov 

2017 

Sep 

2017 

Sep 

2017 

Feb 


Aug 

2017 

$193,548 – 

$289,639 

$99,681 – 

$152,926 

$32,000 – 

$380,500 

$48,497 – 

$86,426 

$1,335,283 – 

$3,065,358 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

$62,750 – 

$69,000 

$80,000 690 

$100,000 259 

$25,000 – 

$35,000 

$30,000 – 

$803,000 

$450,000 – 

$600,000 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

56 

66 

74 

65 

$37,650 33 

“FASTSIGNS has been 

an incredible franchise 

to own and they have 

exceptional customer 

support, always there 

when we need them, very 

innovative, they keep up 

with the current trends, 

and overall we have been 

very pleased with them.” 

Home Care Assistance 


Sep 


$77,775 – 

$245,250 

$125,000 173 

– FASTSIGNS Franchisee 

* Home Instead Senior Care 


Oct 

2017 

$115,000 – 

$125,000 

$55,000 1,095 

HomeSmart International 

Real estate 

Oct 

2017 

$65,000 – 

$205,000 

$20,000 102 

* HouseMaster — more on p. 39 

Professional home inspections 

Oct 

2017 

$61,100 – 

$106,150 

$42,500 313 

* Image One — more on p. 6 


June 


$57,110 – 

$123,700 

$15,000 103 

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 

Commercial cleaning service 

Sep 

2017 

$3,985 - 

$51,105 

$1,000 9,000 

JumpBunch, Inc. 

Youth sport & fitness 

Aug 


$45,800 – 

$59,300 

$15,000 39 

Just Between Friends 

Children’s consignment 

Aug 

2017 

$32,774 – 

$45,449 

$45,000 160 

Keller Williams 

Real estate 

May 


$183,947 – 

$336,995 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

959 

* Kitchen Solvers 


Sep 


$60,000 – 

$80,000 

$75,000 52 

* Kona Ice 

Frozen treats 

July 


$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$20,000 1,070 



THE LIST 


Top 100 Innovative 

Franchises 


Fast casual 


Quick-service 

* MaidPro 

House cleaning & maid services 

Survey 

Date 

Oct. 

2017 

July 


Oct. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$800,000 – 

$1,000,000 

$188,216 – 

$396,146 

$74,560 – 

$204,450 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$500,000 65 

$75,000 96 

$75,000 256 

* Minuteman Press — more on p. 37 

Printing & marketing services 

Aug. 

2017 

$62,207 – 

$161,865 

$50,000 965 

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 

Bathroom & kitchen remodeling 

July 


$75,000 – 

$138,000 

$40,000 – 

$50,000 

162 

“I have a high level 

of respect for the 

franchisor. The corporate 

management team 

truly cares about the 

franchisees and there is 

a feeling of ‘family’ within 

the organization!” 

– Our Town America Franchisee 

Mooyah Burgers & Fries 

Burgers, shakes and fries 

* Mosquito Joe 

Mosquito control services 

My Salon Suite 

Private, spacious salon suites 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 

Office Evolution 

Virtual office services 

* Office Pride — more on p. 40 


Online Trading Academy — more on p. 44 

Trading/investment education 

July 

2017 

Feb. 


Nov. 

2017 

Oct. 

2017 

March 

2017 

Sep. 


Sep. 


$397,750 – 

$559,400 

$90,600 – 

$135,500 

$395,000 – 

$955,000 

$975 – 

$5,650 

$217,000 – 

$749,000 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$250,000 – 

$500,000 

$250,000 91 

$50,000 288 

$150,000 68 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 

$285,000 40 

$85,000 137 

$100,000 29 

Orangetheory Fitness 

Fitness club 

Nov. 

2017 

$327,600 – 

$634,100 

$150,000 722 

* Our Town America — more on p. 36 

Advertising services 

Sep. 


$63,300 – 

$86,250 

$70,000 65 

“Best business decision 

I’ve ever made. 

Completely satisfied 

with every aspect of my 

decision to buy into the 

Sandler network.” 

– Sandler Training Franchisee 

* Payroll Vault Franchising 

Payroll services 

* Pinot’s Palette 

Painting class 

PIP Printing & Document Services 


Precision Concrete Cutting 

Concrete maintenance services 

Rhea Lana’s 

Children’s consignment 

* Sandler Training 

Business consulting & coaching 

Aug. 


May 

2017 

March 

2017 

May 


Feb. 


April 


$44,369 – 

$70,569 

$97,500 – 

$204,200 

$275,000 – 

$350,000 

$150,000 – 

$176,500 

$19,050 – 

$38,950 

$88,150 – 

$105,750 

$33,600 – 

$70,569 

41 

$80,000 188 

$275,000 – 

$350,000 

83 

$100,000 55 

$15,000 – 

$13,500 

86 

$73,000 259 

Sanford Rose Associates 

Recruiting services 

Sep. 

2017 

$108,250 – 

$143,580 

$108,250 93 

* Senior Care Authority 


May 

2017 

$52,350 – 

$78,150 

$50,000 – 

$150,000 

57 

Service Team of Professionals 

Restoration services 

Sep. 


$78,600 – 

$138,500 

$56,000 34 

Shack Shine 

Interior and exterior window, house and gutter cleaning 

July 


$50,250 – 

$97,050 

$50,250 – 

$97,050 

33 

Showhomes Home Staging 

Home staging 

Jan. 


$45,300 – 

$78,000 

$10,000 55 



Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Snapology 

STEM/STEAM programs & activities 

June 


$39,000 – 

$73,500 

$32,500 64 

* Soccer Shots 

Youth sports 

Dec. 

2017 

$41,034 – 

$53,950 

$38,000 213 

Sotheby’s International Realty 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$194,650 – 

$627,000 

$63,650 – 

$206,000 

607 

* Supporting Strategies 

Bookkeeping services 

Surface Specialists Systems 


TeamLogic IT 

IT services 

TGA Premier Sports 

Youth sports 

March 


May 


March 

2017 

Aug. 

2017 

$77,130 – 

$102,390 

$43,200 – 

$56,000 

$100,000 71 

$25,000 45 

$160,000 $60,000 150 

$16,300 – 

$67,350 

$16,300 – 

$67,350 

116 

“I can’t imagine 

a franchise system 

with better training 

and support.” 

– Truly Nolen of America Franchisee 

The @WORK Group 


Feb. 


$152,000 – 

$211,000 

$150,000 100 

* The Glass Guru — more on p. 38 

Window restoration 

Oct. 

2017 

$64,150 – 

$183,000 

$64,150 89 

* The Learning Experience 

Early childhood education 

April 


$493,549 – 

$3,585,549 

$150,000 227 

Tint World 

Automotive services 

March 


$108,000 – 

$198,000 

$50,000 52 

Town Money Saver 


March 


$5,700 – 

$17,000 

$5,000 – 

$12,500 

49 


Fast casual 

Nov. 

2017 

$198,050 – 

$335,000 

$125,000 541 

* Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 35 

Pest control 

April 


$50,200 – 

$293,000 

$35,000 339 

Two Maids & A Mop 


* Two Men and A Truck 

Moving services 

United Country Real Estate 

Real estate 

USA Insulation 

Home insulation & weatherization 

* Visiting Angels 


Welcomemat Services 


* Wild Birds Unlimited — more on p. 41 

Nature retailer 

Wings Etc. 

Fast casual 

June 

2017 

March 


Sep. 

2017 

Feb. 

2017 

July 


June 


Nov. 

2017 

June 

2017 

$56,025 – 

$136,975 

$95,000 – 

$670,000 

$16,290 – 

$42,510 

$203,250 – 

$268,500 

$84,085 – 

$125,885 

$58,830 – 

$87,180 

$146,516 – 

$249,956 

$300,000 – 

$780,000 

$30,000 59 

$95,000 – 

$670,000 

385 

$15,000 443 

$75,000 38 

$54,950 643 

$75,000 75 

$40,000 351 

$300,000 – 

$780,000 

57 

“The people managing 

our franchise system are 

incredible. They have 

many years of experience 

in home care and they 

are readily accessible 

to you when you have 

questions. The materials 

they make available to 

you are invaluable.” 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

Painting 

Dec. 

2017 

$90,000 – 

$130,000 

$50,000 43 

– Visiting Angels Franchisee 

YESCO 


March 


$64,300 – 

$350,000 

$60,000 164 

Zagg 

Mobile device accessories 

July 


$10,000 – 

$30,000 

$10,000 – 

$30,000 

500 



Above: Michael Rauen and Jason Jackson, Franchisees of TSS Photography, at a School Shoot Using 

PhotoMatch Data and Image Management System 

Right: Jeremy Brown, Franchisee, Two Men and a Truck 

Veterans in Franchising: 

The Pathway to Business Ownership for Those Who Served 

In 2005, Richard Ingram lost his left arm 

after being struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq. 

Not one to be defeated, Ingram successfully 

challenged medical retirement and enrolled 

in the Army ROTC program at the University 

of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA. According 

to the Army, he was the first amputee to 

earn an Army ROTC commission. Ingram 

went on to serve as an Engineer officer, 

deploying three more times between Iraq and 

Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Star Medals 

and a Purple Heart, ultimately retiring at 

the rank of Captain. Recently, Ingram added 

entrepreneur to his already extensive—and 

impressive—resume, as the proud new owner 

of a Brightway Insurance Agency in Baton 

Rouge, LA. 

“I really think my four deployments 

molded me. In my third, as a First Lieutenant, 

I had more projects and responsibilities than 

many adults will have in a lifetime…and I was 

in my 20s! I learned prioritization, networking, 

and that if you want to succeed there is no 

9 to 5, there is only when the task is complete,” 

said Ingram. 

“In my second and fourth deployments 

I learned ‘How to Win Friends and Influence 

People.’ I worked directly with Iraqis and 

Afghans, respectively, and my job was to train 

and patrol next to them. The challenge was 

influencing them to want to do this. I would 

spend eight hours a day just hanging out with 

them to get an answer to one question; ‘Will 

you go on patrol with me today?’ and that 

started at least another eight hours of the 

actual dangerous part of the mission, patrolling! 

This was daily, but that’s what it took to 

be successful and I knew it. Veterans know 

stress and they know how to be successful. 

They are resourceful and moreover, they 

know the value of integrity through the values 

the military has taught them.” 

As a business owner and veteran, Ingram 

is not alone. One in eight franchises in 

America are owned by a veteran, according to 

Franchise Business Review data. 

In fact, there are more than 2.5 million 

U.S. businesses that are owned by veterans, 

making up about 9 percent of all businesses 

in the U.S, according to the Small Business 

Association. These businesses employ 5.8 



million employees and pay more than $210 

billion in payroll annually. 

“Veterans are a great fit for owning a 

franchise business because of their strong 

operational experience,” says Eric Stites, 

CEO of Franchise Business Review and also a 

Navy veteran. “Franchising is also a great fit 

for veterans, with many franchise companies 

offering discounts and other financial incentives 

to vets.” 

For instance, Cruise Planners, an American 

Express Travel Representative, offers 

veterans, all armed forces, first responders 

and their immediate families discounts and 

incentives valued at more than $4,000—this 

includes 25 percent off the initial franchise fee 

plus tools such as a marketing credit, Amazon 

Echo Dot, customized business card templates 

and more. 

When you talk to franchise companies, be 

sure to ask about any incentives they may offer 

and speak with veteran franchisees in their 

system about their experience operating the 

business. 

VETERANS AND BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: 

THE IDEAL MATCH 

Veterans tend to possess the skills required to 

lead and manage a growing business—skills 

such as leadership, discipline, perspective, 

communication and the ability to turn problems 

into opportunities. 

“A number of things I learned in the 

military, like the importance of leadership, 

discipline, prioritization, hard and dedicated 

work, initiative and following-through, have 

helped me run my business successfully during 

the startup years,” remarked Dan Wayand, U.S. 

Navy veteran and franchisee of HomeVestors 

of America. “Additionally, the people skills 

I learned in the military have been invaluable 

to my success.” 

Hard work and sacrifice also stand out 

when considering veterans and are two traits 

which Justin Bredeman, CEO of Soccer Shots, 

says make for a strong franchisee. “Due to 

the discipline, hard work, and self-sacrifice 

veterans have demonstrated while serving 

our country, they usually make great business 

owners. Many veterans have developed 

leadership qualities and understand the value 

of roles in the midst of stressful situations well 

beyond the business arena. These experiences 

of serving in the military translate well into 

Danette Mulligan, Franchisee, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts, St. Petersburg, FL with Daughter Riley. 

franchising success. We’re grateful to have 

a number of veterans who have served our 

country become successful Soccer Shots franchise 

owners.” 

Discipline is certainly one of the most cited 

assets of veterans and one of the reasons they 

make exceptional business owners. But as 

Tony Lamb, founder and CEO of Kona Ice 

explained, “The typical answer I have heard 

a thousand times is the ‘discipline’ veterans 

bring helps them in business. I agree, but 

it is so much more than that. It’s the fact 

that veterans can see themselves overcoming 

anything. If you can get through basic training 

then what else is there in life to scare you? 

It’s the determination and the grit that helps 

them succeed.” 

Veterans also tend to understand, perhaps 

more so than anyone else, the importance of 

team work—a concept that is critical in business, 

but especially in the franchise business 

model. “Leadership, and teamwork are something 

every veteran understands no matter 

how different one might be from another,” 

explained Anthony and Tammy Weiss, franchisees 

of Lenny’s Grill & Subs. “Veterans 

naturally possess many personality traits 

in common with the traditional, successful 

entrepreneur. For example, they are capable, 

educated, resourceful, hardworking, dedicated, 

passionate about everything they do 

and most importantly, they have a ‘team first’ 

mindset. Furthermore, veterans work well 

under pressure, have experience managing 

risk, and know how to prioritize and employ 

limited resources.” 

WHY CHOOSE A FRANCHISE? 

Franchising is an appealing option for many 

people looking to start their own business— 

but it can be especially enticing for veterans 

who may not have extensive experience in the 

business world and therefore benefit greatly 

from the support and guidance provided by 

the franchisor. 

“Many young veterans have come out of 

the military and have very little business experience 

because their time has been spent in 

service to our country,” said Lamb. “So, getting 

a well formulated business plan that still gives 

them the opportunity to capitalize on their 

incredible work ethic is a perfect combination 

that usually has very positive results.” 

Stites echoed Lamb, saying, “Quite a few 

retiring military struggle to find quality civilian 

jobs. Franchising enables them to hand 

pick a career opportunity and build equity as a 

business owner.” 

Franchising is truly the best of both worlds: 

Franchises allow you to be your own boss 

while following a proven business model. One 

of the greatest benefits to buying a franchise 

is the tremendous support you’ll receive from 

the franchisor—franchisors have a lot invested 

in their brand and want their owners to 

succeed. As a franchise owner you’ll receive 



Jack and Janette Hankins, Airforce Vets and Franchisees of Dream Vacations 

Resources for Entrepreneurial Vets 

both freedom and support as you venture out 

on your own. 

As Chris Alford, franchisee of Lenny’s 

Grill & Subs so aptly put it, “I bought into 

a franchise to be part of a team with a 

proven concept and track record. Much like 

military training, the franchise concept is 

a proven winner over time, providing successful 

business models to those who would venture 

forth and accept the challenge of being a small 

business owner.” 

After 30 years working as a civil and environmental 

engineer in the Army and later 

retiring as Colonel, Jud Cook opened a Christian 

Brothers Automotive franchise with his 

wife Jennifer. He described the support offered 

by Christian Brothers franchisees as invaluable. 

“We are teamed with a fellow franchisee 

when we open whose title is Certified Franchisee 

Trainer (CFT). New franchisees and 

For veterans looking to explore the world of franchise ownership it can help to have support. 

Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you get off the ground and launch 

your new franchise. 

If you are interested in franchising, VetFran (www.VetFran.org) is a great place to start. To assist 

veterans in understanding the realities of franchise ownership and pursuing entrepreneurship, 

the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran program offers free mentorship and 

training programs. VetFran also works with over 600 franchise brands serving as a voice 

for the veteran community and encouraging franchisors to offer incentives and support to 

veteran owners. 

Other resources include: 

• The Small Business Association 

• Local Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) 

• The Institute for Veterans and Military Families 

• Local Veterans Affairs Office 

• The VA’s Veteran Entrepreneur Portal 

If you are looking for funding specific resources, there are many third-parties that can help you 

secure grants, access loans and research other forms of financing. These resources include: 

• StreetShares Foundation 

• National Association of the Self Employed (NASE) 

• LendingTree 

• Veterans Advantage Guaranteed Loans 

• Community Credit Unions and Local Banks 

• Military Reservist Economy Injury Disaster Loan Program 

And don’t forget, many franchises offer veterans discounts and incentives so be sure to ask 

any brands you are considering about vet pricing. 

As you examine your options it is advised that you consult with a financial advisor who has 

experience in the franchising space. You can learn more about financing your franchise at 

www.franchisebusinessreview/financing.com. 

their CFTs spend a minimum of three weeks 

working shoulder to shoulder—two weeks at 

the CFT’s store, then a week at the new franchisee’s 

store,” Cook explained. “Being trained 

and mentored by a peer who does what you do 

on a daily basis is invaluable.” 

Dan Wayand spent 25 years in corporate 

America and five years in the U.S. Navy serving 

as a nuclear submarine officer prior to 

starting his own business. “I was exploring 

options when I heard about HomeVestors of 

America from a trusted friend,” said Wayand. 

“I was always interested in real estate investing, 

house building and remodeling, but 

hadn’t taken a concrete step to get into the 

business. HomeVestors looked like a great way 

to begin. They provided the fast education, the 

tools and the support network, systems and 

services to get up to speed quickly.” 

Today, Wayand is the owner of a Home- 

Vestors of America franchise in Raleigh, NC. 

His only regret is that he didn’t start sooner. “I 

wish I had started my HomeVestors franchise 

at a younger age. I’m having so much fun!” 

Ingram looks at the support provided by 

his franchisor, Brightway Insurance, a bit 

differently. “ I look at the home office as MY 

support staff,” he remarked. “I leverage them 

to be successful, which in turn, makes everyone 

successful.” 

Franchising can also offer greater flexibility 

than traditional careers. As Michelle Fee, CEO 

and founder of Cruise Planners, an American 

Express Travel Representative, explained, 

“Our home-based franchise model is great 

for veterans, active military and their families 

since they can start the business while in the 

military part time, transition to it full time 

upon retirement or take the business with 

them if they move.” 

Still, while franchising presents a tremendous 

opportunity for vets, it is important to 

remember that starting any business, be it 

a business you are starting from scratch or a 

franchise you purchase, does not come with 

a guarantee of success. It can be easy to see a 

franchise opportunity as a turn-key solution 

that will start turning profits right away. But 

this is far from the truth. While a franchise 

can offer a quicker runway to profitability and 

extensive support, a franchise, just like any 



business, will require you to put in long hours 

and hard work at the onset. “A get it done attitude 

helps people get through the early days of 

owning a small business,” said Lamb. 

USING SATISFACTION DATA TO FIND 

THE RIGHT FRANCHISE FOR YOU 

If you’re ready to consider your franchise 

options, there are literally thousands of opportunities 

to choose from. One way to narrow 

down your options is to start with franchisee 

satisfaction. What brands are rated the highest 

by the franchisees who own them? Despite 

the many discounts and incentives a brand 

may offer, nothing guarantees a franchisee, or 

a franchise concept, will be successful. That’s 

why it is so important to look at third-party 

franchisee satisfaction data. 

“The reality is that very few of the thousands 

of franchise opportunities available today are 

rated highly by their franchise owners,” said 

Stites, “That’s the whole reason we do what 

we do. Franchise Business Review is like the 

Consumer Reports of the franchise world. We 

help prospective investors understand which 

franchises are the top opportunities—based 

on the actual performance and satisfaction of 

franchise owners.” 

Franchisee reviews offer a wealth of information 

on the system’s leadership, culture, 

training and support, financial outlook, and 

franchisee community. Franchisee satisfaction 

data is even more important to prospective 

franchisees on active military duty. If you’re 

located abroad, it may not be easy to conduct 

the necessary due diligence—calling current 

franchisees, visiting local stores, and meeting 

with the corporate office—from afar. While we 

always recommend potential operators talk to 

current franchisees, this report can at least be 

a starting point for your conversations. 

While considering satisfaction data it is 

also important to look at the support offered 

by a particular brand and determine whether 

or not a brand’s values and goals align with 

your personal values and beliefs. You want to 

make sure that when you buy into a system 

you are going to receive the expected support 

and be working towards a united goal. 

“Lenny’s Grill and Sub’s mission, and goals 

line up well with the army values of loyalty, 

duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, 

and personal courage,” remarked the Weisses. 

“Lenny’s wants their franchisees to flourish 

and realize that their success is inherently 

dependent on the success of their franchisees. 

Prior to the Grand Opening of a Lenny’s, 

franchisees are provided with brand specific 

training on everything such as brand identity, 

culture, sales and marketing, cash registers, 

and their point-of-sale system. Additionally, 

the company provides continuing technical 

training, mentoring and growth opportunities 

for its franchisees.” 

This year’s Top 80 Franchises for Veterans 

list is an impressive group of the top 

companies in franchising today. Impressive 

not only because we think they are great 

franchise opportunities—but because their 

veteran franchisees gave them extremely high 

marks. Take your time and do your research. 

Franchising offers many great opportunities 

for veterans, but you need to find the opportunity 

that’s the right fit for you. We hope this 

guide is a great start for your next adventure. 

For additional resources and franchise buying 

advice, be sure to visit us online at www. 

FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 

TIME TO 

GRAB THE WHEEL 

We’re Franchise Business Review’s top auto franchise 11 years running and 

we’re looking for strong leaders. You’re motivated and ready to make things 

happen. You’re ready to lead your own team. And now you’re ready to learn 

about becoming a Christian Brothers Automotive franchisee. No automotive 

experience needed – 90% of our franchisees had no prior automotive 

experience, yet we’ve never closed a location. 

IF YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES, 

DISCOVER WHAT DRIVES OUR SUCCESS AT 

CHRISTIANBROTHERSFRANCHISE.COM 



THE LIST 


Top 80 Franchises 

for Veterans 

* ActionCOACH 

Business coaching 


Commercial hygiene service 



VetFran 

Member 

Survey 

Date 

Jan. 


Nov. 

2017 

Feb. 


Initial 

Investment 

$61,250 – 

$108,441 

$39,584 – 

$142,400 

$87,710 – 

$174,654 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$40,000 775 

$50,000 111 

$80,000 107 


Pool league 

Sep. 

2017 

$20,763 – 

$28,648 

$20,763 325 

Anago Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 


Dec. 

2017 

$197,000 – 

$298,000 

$197,000 – 

$298,000 

46 

APEX Leadership Co (APEX Fun Run) 

School fundraising program 

Oct. 

2017 

$106,000 – 

$138,700 

$40,000 89 

ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Co. 

Swimming pool maintenance 

Nov. 

2017 

$85,000 – 

$110,000 

$50,000 259 

“The support is awesome. 

I can get an answer to 

any question that I ask 

in a very short amount 

of time. It is truly 

unbelievable.” 

– Christian Brothers Automotive Franchisee 


Automotive appraisal services 


Real estate 

* Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 

Clothing retailer 



Feb. 


Jan. 


May 


Jan. 


$12,000 – 

$30,000 

$65,170 – 

$540,000 

$189,200 – 

$239,200 

$123,360 – 

$158,510 

$3,000 – 

$10,000 

27 

$100,000 304 

$50,000 89 

$75,000 172 



Nov. 

2017 

$71,540 – 

$88,490 

$85,000 150 


Painting 

Feb. 


$134,750 – 

$169,500 

$80,000 483 

* Christian Brothers 

Automotive — more on p. 27, 33 

Automotive repair 

Dec. 

2017 

$458,950 – 

$555,350 

$85,000 174 

Church’s Chicken 

Quick-service 

April 


$348,300 – 

$1,556,300 

$600,000 1,585 

Coldwell Banker Commercial 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$37,450 – 

$781,000 

$175,000 170 

College H.U.N.K.S Hauling Junk 

Junk removal services 

March 


$83,300 – 

$208,000 

$40,000 102 


Wedding & event services 

Oct. 

2017 

$30,350 – 

$48,650 

$10,000 200 


Leather & vinyl repair services 

July 

2017 

$94,975 – 

$122,250 

$84,000 78 




Travel agency 

June 

2017 

$2,095 – 

$23,367 

$10,995 2,570 



VetFran 

Member 

Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Culver’s 

Quick-service restaurant 

Aug. 

2017 

$1,845,000 – 

$4,155,000 

$350,000 – 

$600,000 

610 


Travel agency 

Oct. 

2017 

$3,245 – 

$21,850 

$3,500 1,203 


Travel agency 

March 

2017 

$165,000 – 

$285,000 

$100,000 256 

Fastest Labs 

Drug alcohol & DNA testing services 

Dec. 

2017 

$74,650 – 

$88,900 

$50,000 26 





* Fish Window Cleaning 

Window cleaning 

April 

2017 

May 


Nov. 

2017 

$193,548 – 

$289,639 

$99,681 – 

$152,926 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

$80,000 690 

$100,000 259 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

271 

“My husband and I just 

love this franchise. 

It has been wonderful 

and best of all, right from 

our home.” 


Garage organization 

Sep. 

2017 

$48,497 – 

$86,426 

$30,000 66 

– Dream Vacations Franchisee 

Go Mini’s 

Portable storage 

Oct. 

2017 

$208,441 – 

$396,645 

$200,000 – 

$400,000 

80 



Sep. 


$77,775 – 

$245,250 

$125,000 173 



Oct. 

2017 

$115,000 – 

$125,000 

$55,000 1,095 


Real estate 

Oct. 

2017 

$65,000 – 

$205,000 

$20,000 102 

* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 3 

Realty renovation 

Jan. 


$54,000 – 

$357,250 

$50,000 – 

$55,000 

900 

* Homewatch Caregivers 


Sep. 


$83,000 – 

$131,000 

$50,000 198 


Professional home inspections 

Oct. 

2017 

$61,100 – 

$106,150 

$42,500 313 

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 


Sep. 

2017 

$3,985 – 

$51,105 

$1,000 9,000 


Real estate 

May 


$183,947 – 

$336,995 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

959 

* Kona Ice 

Frozen treats 

July 


$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$20,000 1,070 


Quick-service 

July 


$188,216 – 

$396,146 

$75,000 96 

* MaidPro 


Oct. 

2017 

$74,560 – 

$204,450 

$75,000 256 



THE LIST 


Top 80 Franchises 

for Veterans 

MarbleLife 

Stone restoration 

* Mathnasium 

Math learning center 



VetFran 

Member 

Survey 

Date 

May 


April 


Aug. 

2017 

Initial 

Investment 

$50,000 – 

$65,000 

$112,750 – 

$149,110 

$62,207 – 

$161,865 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$30,000 40 

$112,750 900 

$50,000 965 


Bathroom & kitchen remodeling 

July 


$75,000 – 

$138,000 

$40,000 – 

$50,000 

162 

Molly Maid 

Cleaning services 

Nov. 

2017 

$165,000 – 

$197,000 

$165,000 – 

$197,000 

471 


Mosquito control services 

Feb. 


$90,600 – 

$135,500 

$50,000 288 

Mr. Electric 

Electrical services 

Nov. 

2017 

$86,100 – 

$184,750 

$86,100 – 

$184,750 

177 

“I think Pinot’s Palette 

is second to none. When 

we started, we had no 

competition but we do 

now and our customers 

show a strong preference 

for our brand!” 

My Salon Suite 

Private, spacious salon suites 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 


Snack retailer 



Nov. 

2017 

Oct. 

2017 

May 


Sep. 


$395,000 – 

$955,000 

$975 – 

$5,650 

$392,875 – 

$545,475 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$150,000 68 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 

$150,000 261 

$85,000 137 

– Pinot’s Palette Franchisee 


Painting class 

May 

2017 

$97,500 – 

$204,200 

$80,000 188 


Fast Casual 

Aug. 


$372,000 – 

$562,000 

$90,000 108 


Concrete maintenance services 

May 


$150,000 – 

$176,500 

$100,000 55 

Property Damage Appraisers 

Property damage assessments 

Oct. 

2017 

$20,300 – 

$41,950 

$20,300 – 

$41,950 

242 

Right at Home 


April 


$78,250 – 

$137,900 

$150,000 558 


Business consulting & coaching 

April 


$88,150 – 

$105,750 

$73,000 259 



Sep. 

2017 

$108,250 – 

$143,580 

$108,250 93 

Sir Speedy 


March 

2017 

$275,000 – 

$350,000 

$100,000 254 

Sit Means Sit Dog Training 

Dog training 

Oct. 

2017 

$45,000 – 

$93,850 

$45,000 125 



VetFran 

Member 

Survey 

Date 

Initial 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

* Snap-on Tools — more on inside front cover 


Sep. 


$171,385 - 

$359,767 

$35,677 - 

$53,366 

4,833 


Youth sports 

Dec. 

2017 

$41,034 - 

$53,950 

$38,000 213 


Real estate 

Jan. 


$194,650 - 

$627,000 

$63,650 - 

$206,000 

607 

Sport Clips — more on p. 7 

Hair cutting 

Stratus Building Solutions 



Bookkeeping services 



July 


Feb. 


March 


May 


$189,300 - 

$354,500 

$3,450 - 

$50,350 

$77,130 - 

$102,390 

$43,200 - 

$56,000 

$200,000 1,821 

$3,450 - 

$50,350 

1,000 

$100,000 71 

$25,000 45 

“I’m grateful for the 

franchisor’s continual 

involvement in each of 

our successes and also in 

their dedication to make 

us better at what we do.” 

– Supporting Strategies Franchisee 

TeamLogic IT 

IT services 

March 

2017 

$160,000 $60,000 150 


Window restoration 

Oct. 

2017 

$64,150 - 

$183,000 

$64,150 89 

* The Goddard School 

Early childhood education 

July 


$706,700 - 

$750,700 

$150,000 434 

Tint World 


March 


$108,000 - 

$198,000 

$50,000 52 



March 


$5,700 - 

$17,000 

$5,000 - 

$12,500 

49 

* TSS Photography — more on p. 44 

Sports, school & event photography 


Moving services 


Real estate 




Nature retailer 

July 


March 


Sep. 

2017 

July 


Nov. 

2017 

$20,400 - 

$74,275 

$95,000 - 

$670,000 

$16,290 - 

$42,510 

$84,085 - 

$125,885 

$146,516 - 

$249,956 

$10,500 176 

$95,000 - 

$670,000 

385 

$15,000 443 

$54,950 643 

$40,000 351 

“I never expected the level 

of training and support 

that I would receive at 

the time I purchased my 

franchise. I have always 

been impressed with 

how promptly I receive 

answers and guidance.” 

– Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee 

* Window Genie — more on p. 41 

Window cleaning 

July 

2017 

$90,800 - 

$140,000 

$50,000 121 

* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 

Camping services 

March 


$100,000 - 

$2,000,000 

$200,000 84 

Young Rembrandts 

Children’s art classes 

Aug. 

2017 

$41,250 - 

$48,120 

$40,000 106 


FBR SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE 


TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

ADVERTISING & SALES 

* Our Town America — more on p. 36 

N2 Publishing 

Proforma 

Welcomemat Services 


Discovery Map 

AUTOMOTIVE 

* Christian Brothers Automotive — more on p. 27, 33 

* Snap-on Tools — more on inside front cover 

RNR Tire Express — more on p. 43 


Priceless Car Rental 

Tint World 

BUSINESS SERVICES 





* ActionCOACH 


The @WORK Group 

YESCO 

Dale Carnegie 

* Murphy Business & Financial 


Sir Speedy 

Office Evolution 

The Alternative Board 

InXpress 

PIP Printing & Document Services 

Speedpro Imaging 

CHILD SERVICES 


TGA Premier Sports 

High Touch High Tech 

Young Rembrandts 

KidsPark 

Goldfish Swim School 

Snapology 

Amazing Athletes 

College Nannies + Sitters + Tutors 

Child Services continued 

* TSS Photography — more on p. 44 

The Little Gym 

British Swim School 

CompuChild 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 

* MaidPro 



Jan-Pro (Master Franchisors) 

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 

Anago Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 

Rooterman 

* The Maids 

Two Maids & A Mop 

You’ve Got MAIDS 

Buildingstars 

* Image One — more on p. 6 

EDUCATION 

* The Goddard School 

* Mathnasium 

* The Learning Experience 

Huntington Learning Center 

Online Trading Academy — more on p. 44 

The Tutoring Center 

Best in Class Education Centers 

Creative World School 

FINANCIAL & TAX 

* Payroll Vault Franchising 

Estrella Insurance 

FITNESS 

* Crunch Fitness 

Orangetheory Fitness 

9Round 

Baby Boot Camp 

ILOVEKICKBOXING.COM 

Burn Boot Camp — more on inside back cover 

30-Minute Hit 

The MAX Challenge 

Planet Fitness 

World Gym 

See page 34 for additional top franchises. 

Visit FBR50.com for brand details. 

Today’s leading brands based 

on FBR’s owner satisfaction data. 

*Full Satisfaction Report Available 

at FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

AUTOMOTIVE 

Snap-on Tools 

Initial Investment: $171,385 – $359,767 

Cash Requirement: $35, 677– $53,366 

Total Units: 4,833 

Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global 

innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of 

tools, diagnostics, and equipment solutions 

for professional users. Product lines include 

hand and power tools, and are sold through 

it’s franchisees, company-direct sales, and 

distributor channels, as well as over the internet. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Veterans receive 

$20,000 off initial inventory purchase. 

For more information on Snap-on Tools 

opportunities, call (877) 476-2766 

or visit www.snaponfranchise.com. 


Sandler Training 


Cash Requirement: $73,000 

Total Units: 259 

Sandler Training is the leader in innovative sales 

and sales management training. We have over 

265 training centers in major cities throughout 

the country and around the world, offering 

instruction in a dozen languages. 

Our training is designed to create lasting 

“performance improvement;” rather than the 

motivational “quick fix;” typical of many seminarbased 

training programs. 

The demand for quality sales training and 

coaching has rarely been greater than it is today. 

As a Sandler franchisee, you can tap this vast 

market—and beyond. 

Are you tired of the corporate world? Do you 

love to sell and train? Sandler Training can be 

your last career stop. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offers a $5,000 

discount off the initial franchise fee. 

For more information on Sandler Training 

opportunities, call (410) 559-2033 or (800) 

669-3537 ext. 2033 (toll free) or visit 

www.sandlerfranchising.com. 



FINANCIAL & TAX 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 





With over 90 offices in North America and 

Asia, Sanford Rose Associates ® has become 

one of the largest collaborative search firm 

networks in the Americas. Over 50 existing 

search firms have joined Sanford Rose in 

recent years, yet with controlled growth 

and exclusivity that ensured the brand and 

reputation of SRA remain unparalleled in terms 

of professionalism, performance, and service that 

exceeds expectations. SRA offers a professional 

opportunity where your personal income is 

directly correlated to your knowledge, skills and 

work ethic. Reach out and discover how you can 

be in the recruiting business for yourself…but not 

by yourself. 

For more information on Sanford Rose 

Associates opportunities, call (972) 616-7853 

or visit http://joinsranetwork.com/opportunity. 

“ I’M NOT 

GOING TO 

HOLD YOUR 

HAND. BUT 

SOMEBODY 

WILL.” 

–TODD ROGERS 

Multi-unit Franchise Partner 

18 Donatos Restaurants 

Payroll Vault 


Cash Requirement: $33,600 – $70,569 


Payroll Vault Franchising provides entrepreneurs 

the opportunity to start-up their own full-service, 

local payroll business with the support of a team 

of experts and a nationally recognized brand. 

Founded by a CPA with decades of experience, 

Payroll Vault supports their franchisees on 

business best practices and provides systems 

and strategies to operate a payroll business in an 

increasingly growing industry. With the franchise 

launch in 2012, Payroll Vault Franchising has 

grown rapidly due to their unparalleled client 

service. Payroll Vault Franchising is recognized as 

a national leader receiving numerous accolades 

and awards in the industry. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offers a 10% 

discount off the intial franchise fee. 

For more information on Payroll Vault 


or visit www.PayrollVaultFranchise.com. 

Jonita & 

Adam White 

Christian Brothers 

Automotive 

West Frisco & Little Elm, TX 

Franchisee since 2011 

What was it about the franchise model and/or 

leadership that led you to purchase it? I love 

the fact that I am in business for myself, but 

not by myself. Christian Brothers Automotive 

has a wonderful support team in Houston. Any 

challenge you come up against, they are there 

to help you through it. They are also there to 

celebrate with you when you succeed. 

What type of business experience, education, 

and/or skills did you have prior to becoming 

a franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? I have over 20 years of experience at 

Kaiser Hospital managing multiple locations, 

which has been very helpful with managing West 

Frisco and Little Elm. While working at Kaiser, 

I dealt with people who were hurting mentally, 

physically and financially. Here at Christian 

Brothers, we not only focus on providing the 

best car care, we love our customers as well. 

What things do you like most about your job? 

The company’s driving force is to “love your 

neighbor as yourself.” It gives me great joy to be 

part of a company that truly lives out its mission. 

How did you fund your franchise? Did you 

receive any discounts/incentives? We took 

out an SBA loan and Christian Brothers was 

instrumental in helping guide us through 

the process. 

What advice do you have for prospective 

franchise buyers? What do you wish you had 

known prior to going into franchising? Do your 

homework on what you are buying into, check 

out the core values of the franchise and make 

sure they align with your belief system. 

AUV over $1M net sales after discounts • Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 2018. 

As a Donatos franchise partner, you get a great brand and proven product with a 50+ year history of growth 

and success. Along with all the support you need to build a successful business. Talk to us. Get details. 

Be a piece of something bigger. 

For more information, visit 

DONATOSPIZZAFRANCHISE.COM 

For more information on Christian Brothers 

Automotive opportunities call (855) 866-9222 

or visit www.christianbrothersfranchise.com. 



2018 TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

FOOD & BEVERAGE 


* Kona Ice 

Culver’s 

Fazoli’s Restaurants 

Wings Etc. 

Captain D’s 

* Checkers & Rally’s 

The Wendy’s Company 





Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 

Zaxby’s 

* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs 

Scooter’s Coffee 

The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company — more on 

p. 38 


Golden Corral Buffet & Grill — more on p. 40 

Penn Station 

* East Coast Wings & Grill — more on p. 42 

Jamba Juice 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 

Biggby Coffee 

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 

Donatos Pizza — more on p. 33 

Eggs Up Grill 

Buffalo Wings & Rings 

Toppers Pizza 

Bahama Buck’s 


DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks Systems 

Costa Vida 

Zoup! 

HEALTH & PERSONAL SERVICES 

Palm Beach Tan 

* My Salon Suite 

BioPed Footcare Centres 

Sport Clips 

Fastest Labs 

HOME SERVICES 




Budget Blinds 

Home Services continued 

* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 


Property Damage Appraisers 

Shine Window Care & Holiday Lighting 


Bloomin Blinds 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

Tailored Living 

USA Insulation 

California Closets 

Go Mini’s 


* Kitchen Solvers 

The Grout Doctor 

ShelfGenie 

PET SERVICES 

In Home Pet Services 

The Dog Wizard 


Dogtopia 

REAL ESTATE 



Weichert Real Estate 


Showhomes Home Staging 

ERA 

* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 3 



RETAIL 


Pinch A Penny 

Rhea Lana’s 

Just Between Friends 

* Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 

Color Me Mine 

Mainstream Boutique 

Family Fare 

Verlo Mattress Factory Stores 

SENIOR SERVICES 




Goodcents Deli 




Goodcents is an industry-leading fast casual 

brand focused on fresh, high-quality food. With 

30 years experience and more than 80 locations 

across the U.S., Goodcents has a proven history 

and an established loyal fan base. The company 

is known for its signature, crave-worthy bread 

recipes baked fresh in the restaurants every 

day, sliced-to-order meats and cheeses, and 

innovative new Centsable Kitchen meal concept. 

Goodcents was named a ‘Top 200 Franchise’ by 

Franchise Business Review based on franchisee 

satisfaction and a ‘Top 500 Franchise’ by 

Entrepreneur Magazine in 2018, as well as one of 

the ‘Top 50 Best Franchises’ by FitSmallBusiness. 

com in 2016. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Goodcents proudly 

offers qualified veterans 50% off the initial 

franchise fee. 

For more information on Goodcents Deli 

opportunities, call (800) 648-2368 or visit 

www.goodcentssubs.com/franchising. 


Pizza Factory 




Founded 30 years ago, Pizza Factory has become 

well known for serving fresh, high-quality pizza, 

sandwiches, salads and more. The brand is 

also widely recognized for its close community 

connection, which includes its iconic “No Bully 

Zone” program and impactful fundraising 

partnerships. Currently, there are more than 100 

locations based in five states throughout the 

West Coast. Pizza Factory looks to add additional 

franchise locations in key markets throughout the 

country, with a special focus on Texas, Colorado, 

New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offers 25% off 


See page 35 for additional top franchises. 


For more information on Pizza Factory 


www.pizzafactoryfranchises.com. 


PET SERVICES 





Starting a professional dog training franchise 

with Sit Means Sit allows you to take advantage 

of the largest and most successful U.S. animal 

based dog training company in the history of the 

United States. If you’re looking for an exceptional 

national company providing a unique top-notch 

service in a recession-proof multi-billion dollar 

industry, this is it. This is the “next great business 

opportunity” and you won’t want to miss it! 

Are you curious about starting your own Sit 

Means Sit Franchise? We’d LOVE to have you! 

For more information on Sit Means Sit Dog 

Training opportunities, call 1-866-SIT.M.SIT 

(1-866-748-6748) or visit www.SitMeansSit.com. 

RETAIL 





Wild Birds Unlimited franchise store owners 

are the community resource for backyard bird 

feeding products, services and nature education. 

Who we are goes far beyond the products 

we sell. Each day our owners deliver a joyful 

experience to their customers while helping 

them purposefully engage with nature. A typical 

day involves customers swapping stories about 

latest bird sightings and sharing excitement 

about attracting new birds with our vast array of 

proprietary products. 


discount off the initial franchise fee. 

For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited 


www.wbufranchise.com. 

Senior Services continued 

Right at Home 

Assisting Hands 



* Homewatch CareGivers 

* Senior Care Authority 


SERVICES 


* Weed Man 


Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 35 

Bin There Dump That 

FRSTeam 


* Fish Window Cleaning 

* Fibrenew 

College Hunks Hauling Junk 

* Window Genie — more on p. 41 

* U.S. Lawns 

Linc Service Network 

Critter Control 

Real Property Management 

101 Mobility 

Precision Door Service 


Signal 88 Security 


Leather Medic 

NaturaLawn of America 

Service Team of Professionals 

PortraitEFX 

MarbleLife 

SPORTS & REC 


Kampgrounds of America/ KOA 


APEX Fun Run 

* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 

Rockin’ Jump 

Wine and Design 

TECHNOLOGY 

TeamLogic IT 

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY 







The Nation’s Premier New Mover Marketing Franchise... 

is the #1 Advertising & Sales Franchise For 2018! 

Helping Local Businesses Connect with 

New Customers & Helping New Movers 

Adjust to their New Community 

Top Franchise for Veterans • Top B2B Franchise • Top Multi-Unit Franchise • Top Innovative Franchise 

• Quick Ramp Up 

• Home-based 

• Flexibility 

Quality of Life 

• Scalable Business 

• Residual Income 

• Low Overhead 

• Sales & Service 

No Production 

• Enhanced Mobile App 

• Rated Top 50 Franchise for 13 Years 1 

• FBR 10-year Hall of Fame 1 

• FBR All-time Top Company 1 

• 45+ Year Industry Innovator 

800.497.8360 X236 • ourtownamerica.com 

Ask us 

about our 

Veteran 

Discount! 

Our Town America, A Franchising Corporation 

13900 US Highway 19 N | Clearwater, FL 33764-7238 

MN Residents: Minnesota Franchise Registration No: F-6498 (Unit); F-7645 (RD) 

NY Residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made 

by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. 

Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. 1 www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

FR-20180322-FBR 



Amada 




Amada is one of the only senior care companies 

in North America that provides in-home, nonmedical 

care and assisted living placement 

consulting services. Through years of experience 

we understand that home care is not always 

possible or the best option. We conduct in-depth 

needs analyses that help our clients and their 

loved ones determine the best level of care, 

whether that is at home with a caregiver or at 

an assisted living community. With the Amada 

system, our franchisees and their clients both 

win, regardless of the care solution selected. 



For more information on Amada 


www.amadaseniorcarefranchise.com/ 

opportunity. 

NOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR 

BIG 

MOVE 

Put your business development skills to work for you. 

Take the next step forward in your career with a 

Remedy Intelligent Staffing franchise. 

Get your piece of the $161 billion staffing industry 

with the resources and support of a national leader. 


Visiting Angels 




Visiting Angels provides non-medical homecare 

with the mission of restoring hope. Our pillars 

of care are delivered through education, 

support and by providing our franchisees with 

the resources needed to deliver the best care 

possible to clients in the comfort of their own 

home. Established in 1998, our principles have 

remained intact throughout the years as we 

assist with healing the emotional, spiritual and 

physical well-being of the individual. This is 

accomplished through relationship building and 

effective communication with clients, families 

and health care providers. This focus on the 

client has Visiting Angels franchisees averaging 

$1.3 million in gross revenue per year. We are 

America’s Choice in Homecare. 



For more information on Visiting Angels 


www.visitingangelsfranchise.com. 

Joe Copeland 

Minuteman Press 

Jacksonville, FL 


FEATURED 

Franchisee 

What was it about the franchise model and or 

leadership that led you to purchase it? The 

franchise model is attractive because it provides 

a proven blueprint for success. The failure rate 

for new businesses on your own is extremely 

high, but you can mitigate that risk by purchasing 

a franchise. 


and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a 

franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? I was a financial analyst prior to 

becoming a franchisee and I believe that my 

fluency and understanding of numbers and 

spreadsheets has been very helpful. 


I love the variety of tasks and decisions I am able 

to make as a business owner. I get to wear many 

hats and I’m not limited by somebody telling me 

what I can or cannot do (which was a problem 

I experienced in previous corporate jobs). So the 

possibilities of how to spend my days are 

endless. I also love the fact that if I make good 

decisions I benefit directly, and also that if I make 

bad decisions I see the results from those as well. 

This feedback is invigorating. Lastly, I love the 

fact that I get to interact with so many different 

types of people and businesses. 


franchise buyers? The main thing is to 

understand that there will have to be a constant 

sales effort, and that this effort is driven by the 

owner. Be prepared to work very hard and listen 

closely to the guidance that your franchisor 

provides. The more closely you adhere to what 

you are taught, the more likely that you will 

be successful. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT US! 

ALICIA MILLER - FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT 

502-255-2297 | REMEDYFRANCHISE.COM 

For more information about Minuteman Press 


www.shop.minutemanpress.com/franchise. 



SERVICES 

Mosquito Joe 




Have your DESSERT 

and own it too! 

Call us for more information! 

Häagen-Dazs Shoppe, Inc. 

Development 

(612) 337-3314 

Molly.Hanson@US.Nestle.com 

The mosquito control industry is booming, and 

there’s never been a better time to invest in 

a Mosquito Joe franchise than right now. The 

Mosquito Joe franchise opportunity provides 

a simple, low-cost business that can allow you 

more time to spend with your family and the 

freedom of working for yourself. Our extensive 

training and support and recurring revenue 

model mean you can thrive as a business owner 

in a high-growth market. Homeowners and 

businesses alike are realizing the necessity of 

mosquito control services, so join Mosquito Joe 

and make a difference in your community by 

making outside fun again! 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offer $6,000 

discount for veterans and special incentives 

for first reponders. 

For more information on Mosquito Joe 


www.mosquitojoefranchise.com. 


SERVICES 

TECHNOLOGY 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Window Genie 




Window Genie is a nationally ranked mobile 

service franchise specializing in residential and 

light commercial window cleaning, window 

tinting, pressure washing and more. Our services 

are in high demand because we specialize in the 

time-consuming, difficult, but necessary property 

maintenance tasks most people are unwilling or 

unable to do themselves. By offering a variety of 

services to fit every home’s needs and budget, 

our owners are able to establish repeat and 

referral clients that provide multiple streams of 

revenue year-round. With our commitments to 

branding, professionalism and customer 

satisfaction, our owners stand out in their markets 

as the trusted go-to home service providers. 

Special Veteran Incentives: Offers additional 

households to veterans’ territory at no cost, 

which equals approximately a $7,500 discount. 

For more information on Window Genie 


www.windowgeniefranchise.com. 

TeamLogic IT 

Initial Investment: $160,000 



TeamLogic IT franchisees provide computer 

services and managed IT solutions to small- and 

medium-sized businesses. Franchise owners 

serve as the CEOs of their business and hire the 

IT staff to perform the work. The ideal candidate 

for a TeamLogic IT business is a person who 

wishes to work in a business environment, 

understands technology, and enjoys working with 

other business professionals. 

Special Veteran Incentives: $5,000 discount off 


For more information on TeamLogic IT 


or visit www.teamlogicfranchising.com. 

Dan LaBrake 

HouseMaster 

Broken Arrow, OK 



leadership that led you to purchase it? Since 

I did not have any experience in the building 

or construction industry, I determined the 

franchise model gave me the highest chance of 

succeeding. HouseMaster is the oldest home 

inspection franchise and they had a proven track 

record of success. My due diligence included 

a trip to New Jersey to meet the leaders in the 

industry and the decision was easy. 


and/or skills did you have prior to becoming 

a franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? My previous career of 20 years in the 

telecommunication industry required detailed 

analytical skills and excellent interpersonal 

skills. These exact skills are necessary to be a 

successful property inspector. 

® 

JOIN A 

TIME-TESTED, 

THRIVING 

BUSINESS 

It’s time to look into opening a 

Pizza Factory franchise and experience 

our fun, family-focused community 

and welcoming atmosphere. 

What do you like most about your job? This 

job requires attention to detail with a great 

deal of responsibility. We are charged with 

assisting people to make informed decisions on 

large purchases. The ever changing industries 

involved with home construction mandates 

constant vigilance to stay educated. It requires 

a dedicated work ethic and a continual effort to 

remain a master—a HouseMaster. 


franchise buyers? Following the system presents 

the best opportunity of succeeding while 

avoiding many of the pitfalls that one might 

otherwise experience. The ability to lean on, 

learn from, and share with the franchise family 

is the best system of support and education one 

could anticipate. 

What do you wish you had known prior to going 

into franchising? It would have been helpful 

to have some business education. Many of the 

decisions necessary to start and run a business 

were not part of the franchise model in 2002. 

pizzafactoryfranchises.com 

562-340-6925 

For more information about HouseMaster 


www.housemaster.com. 



ournew 10,000 sq ft cash register! 

■ Designed for broader 

consumer appeal and 

operating efficiency 

■ Bold, contemporary exterior 

elevates curb appeal 

■ Inviting interior with a 

roomier, more comfortable 

dining area 

CONTACT 

Annette Bagwell 

abagwell@goldencorral.net 

800-284-5673 ext. 4479 

See more pictures and information 

regarding the new prototype at 

www.goldencorralfranchise.com/fbr 





FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Cruise Planners 



Total Units: 2,570 

Cruise Planners is a low-cost, full-service travel 

franchise opportunity that yields high returns 

and requires no prior travel agent experience. 

Our home-based business model is made up 

of 2,000+ franchise owners nationwide and is 

one of the largest, privately owned, nationally 

recognized and continually awarded travel 

franchises in the country. Cruise Planners 

positions its franchise owners for success by 

providing them with innovative marketing, 

booking and lead-generating tools providing 

them with innovative marketing and technology 

as well as professional development and handson 

training with the industry’s top executives. 


discount off the initial franchise fee along with 

many other incentives. 

For more information on Cruise Planners 


or visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ 

travel-professionals. 

“We’re just excited to do something for ourselves where we have the power to 

create our own success and make a real impact on the community every day.” 

- Brent & Melissa Windsor, Owners of Window Genie of the East Valley 

LET THE POWER OF THE GENIE WORK FOR YOU 

• 24 year old proven business model 

• Multiple services, multiple revenue streams 

• Protected territories 

• Top low-cost franchise 

• Top mobile, home-based franchise 

• Subsidiary of Dwyer Group® 





With an Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise, 

you can own a retail travel agency franchise, 

backed by the most recognized brand in travel. 

As a full service travel agency that specializes 

in cruises, your Expedia CruiseShipCenters 

location will offer travelers in your community a 

wide range of travel products with outstanding 

service and Expedia prices. We’re committed 

to meeting the needs of our franchisees with 

our Stronger.Together ® culture, massive buying 

power, award-winning marketing and industryleading 

technology. Build equity and enjoy a 

great lifestyle with our proven franchise model 

celebrating over 30 years of success and more 

than 255 locations throughout North America. 

Special Veteran Incentives: 15% off of the initial 

franchise fee to veterans and first responders. 

For more information on Expedia 

CruiseShipCenters opportunities, call (844) 

358-0361 or visit www.expediafranchise.com. 

Call to learn more! 800.700.0022 WindowGenieFranchise.com 

Warren & 

Courtney French 


Fredericksburg, VA 

Franchisee since July 2016 


leadership that led you to purchase it? I really 

liked the structure of the franchise. There was a 

real feeling of support and team as we moved 

through the process. 


and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a 

franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? After leaving the Navy in 1986, I went to 

work in my family business, we did commercial 

and military packaging and crating. My brother 

and I bought the company from my father in 

1994 and I sold my half of the business and 

retired in 2015. Going into a new line of business 

worked very well in a franchise setting and Wild 

Birds Unlimited was very supportive. 


I love talking to and helping people with our hobby. 

How did you fund your franchise? Did you 

receive any discounts/incentives? I paid for the 

franchise with personal funds and did get a 

veteran’s discount. 


franchise buyers? What do you wish you 

had known prior to going into franchising? 

My advice to any prospective franchisee is to do 

your homework, work with the franchise team, 

talk with owners of stores and visit as many 

stores as possible. 

Take a good hard look at where you want to 

set up the store. The closest location may not be 

the best. We moved from Massachusetts to 

Fredericksburg, VA to open our new store. 

Do you want to start a new store or buy an 

existing? Both have pros and cons. 

Trust yourself, there will be ups and downs 

as in any business but overall this is a great living 

and you develop a lot of new friends in the 

new family. 

For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited 

opportunities call (888) 730-7108 or visit 

www.wbufranchise.com. 


TM 


Unparalleled Unit Level Support includes: 

- an entire division dedicated to Unit Economics 

- data-driven profitability analysis 

- assistance with local store marketing 

It’s All About the EBITDA 

Our Franchisees Averaged 

Full Service Restaurants - listed 

as Top Franchise Value 

$233,612 in 2017 

franchising@eastcoastwings.com 

www.EastCoastWingsFranchise.com 

“Future 50” in growth for 

small chains in America 

*This advertisement is not an offering of a franchise. An offering can be made only by prospectus. We only 

sell franchisees in states where our offering is registered. “EBITDA as submitted by our full service franchised 

restaurants operating in 2017 as published in item 19 of our April 2018 Franchise Disclosure Document. 

Individual financial performance will vary.” 

©2018 East Coast Wings & Grill All Rights Reserved 

Lead generation ad 9.12.2018.indd 1 

9/12/18 3:28 PM 

Turn your passion for travel into your own 

home-based business. Discover how you 

can start planning Dream Vacations today! 

Get started for as low as $3,500 * down! 

Contact us today! 

HOME-BASED TRAVEL FRANCHISE | LOW COST, HIGH VALUE 

www.OwnaTravelBiz.com 

800.650.5576 

*Financing available for those who qualify 



TM 


The Leader in 

Sports, School & 

Event Photography 

Join 

America’s 

Leading 

Photography 

Franchise! 

Low Intro Cost & Flexible Time 

No Real Estate (Home-Based) 

Be Your Own Boss 

No Royalties 

Instant Business Tools: a website, 

email, marketing materials & more! 

Powerful Software & Exclusive Products 

Visit: tssfranchisebusiness.com 

Call: 1-800-336-4550 x116 

Email: franchise@tssphotography.com 


Our Franchise Opportunity is Awesome! 

• 30+ Years of Experience 

• Ranked in Top 20 for Franchisee Satisfaction 

• We Build Strong Communities 

• With more than 110 locations in operation, the next could be yours! 

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FBR Issue 4 - 2018

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