FBR Issue 3 - 2019

Franchise Business 

REVIEW 

Ratings and Reviews of Today’s Top Franchises 

2019 Issue 3 

Women Find Balance, 

Satisfaction in Franchising P. 7 

The Service Sector Is Ripe 

with Franchise Opportunities P. 20 

SPECIAL REPORT 

TOP FOOD 

FRANCHISEE SPOTLIGHT: 

Ronda Zeneri, 

CRUISE PLANNERS P. 31 

Steve Rattner 

FIRSTLIGHT HOME CARE P. 35 

FRANCHISES 

DONATOS PIZZA 

CHECKERS AND RALLY’S 

KONA ICE 

A&W RESTAURANTS 

FIREHOUSE SUBS and more... P. 18

FBR SPECIAL REPORT 

Features //2019 Issue 3 

+ 

Reviews, interviews, satisfaction awards, 

and more resources are available at: 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

7 16 20 

5 Letter From the Editor 

Research offers investors unique perspective into brands 

7 Women Find Balance, Satisfaction 

in Franchising 

Meaningful work keeps women franchisees satisfied 

11 Top Franchises for Women 

Best of the Best 

13 Looking for the Perfect Encore Career? 

Get onboard with Cruise Planners 

16 Investing in a Food Franchise 

Fierce competition and high initial investments 

make this a segment for a select few 

18 Top Food Franchises 


20 The Service Sector Is Ripe 

with Franchise Opportunities 

Low overhead and high margins make the service sector 

an appealing option for many 

28 Is a Mobile Business the Way to Go 

in Today’s Economy? 

On-the-go franchises offer the ultimate 

in customer convenience 

30 Marketplace: Franchise Opportunities 

More on the franchisee approved franchise 

opportunities for 2019 

30 2019’s Top 200 Franchises Overall 

Franchises with high franchisee satisfaction 

in every industry sector 

Franchisee Profiles 

31 Ronda Zeneri, Cruise Planners 

35 Steve Rattner, FirstLight Home Care 

37 Lori Mgrdichian, HomeWatch CareGivers 

39 Phil Bacon, FASTSIGNS 

41 Roxanne Tillotson, PJ’s Coffee 

24 Top Service Franchises 


For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com | 3


Letter from the editor 

Research offers investors unique 

perspective into brands 

In this guide, we take a look at two of the most popular franchising 

segments: food and services. These two industries are in many ways 

polar opposites. In the food industry, for instance, competition is 

fierce, profit margins are slim and initial investments can be steep due 

to infrastructure costs and employee salaries. The service industry, 

on the other hand, tends to have low overhead, high margins and 

minimal costs to get started. Despite their differences, each segment 

offers its own benefits and challenges; only you can decide which 

sector provides the right opportunity to help you realize your dream 

of business ownership (visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com for 

more top lists). 

To help you determine which business is best for you, Franchise 

Business Review surveys thousands of franchisees from hundreds of 

leading franchise brands to gauge franchisee satisfaction and performance. 

Not all brands willingly open their doors to an independent 

research firm like Franchise Business Review, but those who do can 

offer investors a wealth of information on the system’s leadership, 

culture, training and support, financial outlook, and franchisee 

community—all from the perspective of the franchisee. 

So, once you have decided which business model and industry you’d 

like to explore, you can reference Franchise Business Review’s Top 

Lists to learn more about the best opportunities within your industry 

of interest. In addition to industry ratings, our research team at FBR 

also breaks down data across certain demographics. In this issue, we 

take a look at the best franchise opportunities for women, as rated by 

current female franchisees (stay tuned for the Top Franchises for Vets 

in our next issue in October). 

We hope that this guide proves helpful as you research the many 

opportunities available in the big wide world of franchising. You can 

access additional data, educational content, and reviews on our website 

at 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, Marketing Director 

Jay Arbelo, Research Analyst 

Will Zimmermann, Digital Marketing Manager 

Samantha Granville, Social Media and Content Manager 

Nicole Dudley, Client Success Manager 

Emily Bryant, Client Success Manager 

Wes Graves, Client Consultant 

Amy LaLime, Client Services Manager 

Ryan Dowling, Business Research Executive 

Margot Doering, Accounting 

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 data from nearly 9,000 female franchisees across 266 brands; nearly 20,000 franchisees 

in the service sector representing 174 brands; and 3,300 food franchisees across nearly 50 brands. We collected this data between January 2018 

and May 2019. We asked each franchisee over 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 franchises, top 

franchises for women and top service 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 2020 are underway. If you are a franchisor and would like to participate, please call 866-397- 

6680 or contact info@FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 


Never look at a 

house the same 

way again. 

From now on, all you’ll 

see are dollar signs. 

A Proven Model for Success 

With over a thousand HomeVestors ® franchise locations, we have 

a vast network of knowledgeable real estate professionals who 

help and mentor one another, rather than compete. 

Loans for Buying and Repairing Property 

We make it easy to keep your business running smoothly by 

providing loans for qualifying acquisition and repairs. 

Generating Leads for You 

Our nationally recognized brand and national advertising effort 

helps make lead generation easy. 

Close The Deal with Confidence 

Our ValueChek ® software takes the guesswork out of estimating 

repairs and helps you steer clear from making costly mistakes. 

You are in the right place, at the right time to be a HomeVestors ® franchisee - so what are you waiting for? 

HomeVestorsFranchise.com | 800-230-0385 

2018 

#171 

*Each franchise office is independently owned and operated.


Left: Crystal Lynam and Leanne Owens, 30 Minute Hit Franchisees; Right: Kimberly Sherman-Leon, a Minuteman Press Franchisee in Johnston, RI. 

Women Find Balance, 

Satisfaction in Franchising 

Meaningful work keeps women franchisees satisfied 

Michelle Spitzer began her career in business 

with a side gig and a homework assignment. 

As a student at Hodges University, she was 

fortunate to take a business class with Dr. 

Gene Landrum, the original founder of the 

Chuck E. Cheese franchise. In this class, she 

was instructed to create a business plan, and 

given the fact that she already had a side gig 

cleaning houses, she based her plan on her 

own small business. That was the birth of 

Michelle’s Classy Cleaning business. 

In 1999, after four years owning and 

operating Michelle’s Classy Cleaning, Spitzer 

converted her business into a MaidPro franchise. 

“It was the best investment I could have 

ever made!” Spitzer says of the transition. 

Today, she owns six MaidPro franchises, 

employs over 130 people and currently has the 

highest grossing franchise in the MaidPro 

organization with $4 million in annual revenue. 

Not all franchise careers start like Spitzer’s, 

though. Women from all over the nation 

invest in franchises for varying reasons: some 

women have the entrepreneurial bug but don’t 

want to start a business from scratch, others 

are seeking a career change or greater work life 

balance, while others are looking to supplement 

their incomes in retirement. 

Women-owned businesses are growing, 

and they’re growing fast. According to the 

National Association of Women Business 

Owners (NAWBO), more than 11.6 million 

businesses are owned by women, generating 

$1.7 trillion in sales nationwide. In fact, 

women are starting an average of 1,821 new 

U.S. businesses every day, according to a 

commissioned report by American Express. 

This growth trend is evident not only in the 

start-up world, but also in franchising. Over 

the last decade, there has been a 24% increase 

in women-owned franchise businesses. Today, 

26% of all franchises are solely woman-owned, 

with another 9% with at least one female partner 

in the ownership group. Additionally, 41% 

of new franchisees who have launched in the 

last 24 months are women. (source: Franchise 

Business Review). 

“Franchising is a great opportunity for 

women entrepreneurs because they’re welcomed 

with open arms,” said Mark Kushinsky, 

CEO of MaidPro. “Franchising eliminates the 

corporate ladder and many obstacles women 

face in business. Women are still able to run 

their companies the way they want while still 

getting the support they need.” 

It’s no secret that starting a business can be 

daunting. After all, 20% of small businesses fail 

in their first year and about 50% fail by their 

fifth year, according to the Bureau of Labor 

Statistics. Those aren’t pretty stats. But, when 

you buy into a franchise, rather than investing 

in a startup, you “significantly increase your 

chances of achieving success,” said Spitzer. 

WORK-LIFE BALANCE MATTERS 

TO WOMEN 

One of the primary appeals of franchising is 

flexibility and work-life balance. While not every 

franchise concept offers these benefits, many on 

this year’s Top Franchises for Women do. 

Schedule flexibility is especially beneficial 

to women, who still constitute the majority of 

primary caretakers for children or elderly family 

members. Today, an estimated 70% of 

mothers with children under 18 are in the 

labor force, and over 75% of mothers are working 

full time, according to the Department of 

Labor. For women juggling careers and caregiving 

responsibilities, flexible work can be a 

major perk. 

At Cruise Planners, two-thirds of franchise 

owners are women and that number 

continues to grow year after year. “Whether 

they’re stay-at-home moms or working full– 

time, women are struggling to find a good 

work-life balance,” said Michelle Fee, CEO 

and founder of the Cruise Planners franchise 

system. “Owning a Cruise Planners franchise 

allows women a way to earn extra income, 

Continued on page 9. 



METHODOLOGY 

266 

BRANDS 

8,880 

FEMALE 

FRANCHISEES 

33 

BENCHMARK 

QUESTIONS 

INSIGHTS FROM FBR’S 

2019 Research on Women Franchisees 

FLEXIBILITY 

There is just a 6% GAP between men and women when asked about the 

flexibility of their work schedule. 

Report that their schedule is “flexible” or “very flexible”: 

72% WOMEN 

68% MEN 

88% 

84% 

75% 

72% 

enjoy operating 

their business 

respect their 

franchisor 

would recommend 

their franchise 

brand to others 

would “do it 

again” knowing 

what they know 

today 

HOURS 

The median weekly hours worked for both genders is 40-50 HOURS 

43: Average hours worked by WOMEN 

48: Average hours worked by MEN 

FINANCIAL EXPECTATIONS 

While men and women are closely aligned on financial expectations being met, 

there is a significant gap in income. 

Report their financial expectations are being met: 

64% of WOMEN 

63% of MEN 

“The beauty of starting 

a franchise is that there is 

no glass ceiling to break 

through because you are 

your own boss – it is very 

empowering.” 

Catherine Monson, 

CEO, FASTSIGNS 

INCOME 

Women earn significantly less than men, but nearly 1 

in 5 women indicate they work part-time. 

Report they work fewer than 30 hours per week: 

17% of WOMEN 

12% of MEN 

INDUSTRY 

Mean pre-tax income: 

female: $69,000 

male: $98,000 

More women tend to choose franchises in sectors with a lower average 

pre-tax income. 

The most popular industries for women are: 

Travel & Hospitality | Child Services | Advertising & Sales 

Source: Franchise Business Review, 

as of June 2019 

8 | For more information on the companies in this report, visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com


offers flexible work hours and a way to escape 

the 9-to-5 grind. Many of our travel advisors 

get to make their own schedules and be there 

to support aging parents, care for family 

members and enjoy time with their kids while 

others are able to supplement a retirement 

income giving them the ability to travel to 

bucket list destinations.” 

Over at MaidPro, flexibility is also a key 

benefit of franchise ownership. Spitzer, who 

is a single mother of two teenagers and one 

college student says she is fortunate to have 

great staff so she can work from home when 

needed, travel, and have a lot of flexibility, 

Another perk of franchising is the support 

offered from the franchise brand and from 

fellow franchisees. This support coupled with 

a proven business system and established 

brand gives franchisees a strong foundation to 

build both a business and a life. 

“Wild Birds Unlimited has been a wonderful 

opportunity for 23 years,” said Ellen 

Davis a Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee 

in Franklin, Massachusetts. “This franchise 

has allowed me a great lifestyle to raise two 

children and become a great business person. 

I am respected in my community by all my 

customers and my fellow franchisees. Working 

within the franchise gives you the extra 

support you need to become a leader in your 

field and your community.” 

Thanks to the hundreds of opportunities 

across nearly every industry, there are franchises 

available at almost every price point. 

Salena Simpson, who owns a We Insure 

franchise, says the cost of entry was much less 

for her franchise when compared to opening 

a restaurant business, for example, or a 

non-franchised business that did not provide 

access to systems, sales and support. 

POPULAR INDUSTRIES FOR 

WOMEN FRANCHISEES 

Fitness 

This year two fitness brands made 

our top franchises for women list: 

30 Minute Hit and Burn Boot Camp. 

Despite becoming millionaires at the age 

of 26, Burn Boot Camp founders, Devan and 

Morgan Kline, say that their business isn’t 

about the money. “We measure our success 

largely on the impact we have,” Devan Kline 

said, “People want to be a part of something 

bigger than themselves.” 

Deanna Loychuk, president and co-founder 

of 30 Minute Hit, a leading fitness franchise 

and women’s only boxing gym, says that 75% 

of their franchise owners are women, while 

the remaining 25% are largely husband and 

wife teams. 

“Women today are looking to make a 

difference in the world,” said Loychuk. “We are 

hearing from our female franchisees they want 

to have a more rewarding career and want to 

impact other women’s lives through a positive, 

supportive ‘communiHITy!’” 

Jodie Peck, owner of a 30 Minute Hit 

franchise in Halifax, Nova Scotia, decided she 

wanted to buy a franchise after attending the 

gym herself: “I fell in love with the focus on 

feeling good about myself, and the positive 

empowerment of women—I wanted to be part 

of that! I love seeing how happy members are 

when they are at the gym—this happens every 

single day!” 

According to our most recent independent 

surveys, 91% of women franchisees in the fitness 

sector say they enjoy franchise ownership 

and 86% would recommend their franchise 

system to a friend. 

Not only do fitness franchisees feel a sense 

of purpose and positivity in their work, they 

can also benefit from good work-life balance. 

While many franchisees struggle with worklife 

balance challenges, nearly two-thirds of 

franchise owners at 30 Minute Hit and Burn 

Boot Camp report they have a good lifestyle 

balance between work and home. 

“I would say the best thing about owning a 

30 Minute Hit franchise is the flexibility,” said 

Stacey Firth. “I’m a mom and I get to spend 

lots of time with my kids: that was my whole 

goal when I opened. Franchising has completely 

changed my life.” 

The fitness industry has seen notable 

growth over the last couple of years. In a 

Guidant Financial and Lending Club survey, 

it was reported that fitness businesses are the 

third most popular industry for entrepreneurs. 

According to IBISWorld, as the healthconscious 

community continues to expand, so 

do the number of fitness franchises; as of May 

2019, there were nearly 10,000 gyms with an 

estimated 72,000 people employed. 

So, if you are a health conscious entrepreneur, 

who is looking to invest in the fitness 

industry without the extensive ramp up time 

typically required with a new small business, a 

fitness franchise might be a great choice for you. 

Senior Care 

This year five senior services brands 

made our top franchises for women list. 

These brands include Senior Care 

Authority, Homewatch CareGivers, 

Assisting Hands, Home Care 

Assistance, and Visiting Angels. 

By 2050, today’s senior population will 

nearly double, according to the U.S. Census 

Bureau. Most of these seniors prefer to live 

at home, driving the demand for home care 

businesses, an AARP survey reports. 

“Home care provides opportunities for 

socialization, mental stimulation, physical 

well-being, and brings meaning and purpose 

in life to seniors,” said Barbara Schuh, vice 

president of franchise operations for Home 

Care Assistance. 

It may come as little surprise that women 

are thriving in the senior homecare space. 

Home Care Assistance reports that 60% of 

their North American franchises are owned by 

women. “Women are initially attracted to our 

franchise opportunity due to our industry, financials 

and strong female leadership” said Schuh. 

Beth Brown, a Home Care Assistance 

franchise owner in Palm Beach, Florida 

notes, “Women make great franchisees for a 

multitude of reasons. We possess a strong ability 

to communicate and collaborate, which is 

imperative to succeed. A good franchisee is 

constantly learning and is willing to reach out 

and communicate with fellow franchisees, 

colleagues, and customers in order to grow. 

Women are always willing to help, as well as 

ask for help when they need it.” 

If a senior care franchise sounds appealing, 

now is a great time to invest. The nation’s 

population of older adults is experiencing 

unprecedented growth. According to U.S. 

Census data, the nation’s 65 and older 

population is expected to nearly double over 

the next 30 years. 



Bermari Rodriguez, Dream Vacations Franchisee in Orlando, Florida. 

Travel 

This year two travel brands made 

our top franchises for women list. 

These brands include Cruise Planners, 

An American Express Travel 

Representative and Dream Vacations. 

You might think travel agents are a thing 

of the past, but you’d be mistaken. Consider 

these stats: According to Cruise Planners, the 

cruising industry has seen growth each year 

for the last 30 years, with double-digit growth 

during the last 10 years. Land-based vacations 

and all-inclusive resorts are also at an all-time 

high with record-breaking volume. 

So, if you’re looking for a smart investment 

in an industry that offers flexibility and remote 

working options, you may want to consider 

the travel segment. Nearly 70% of women 

franchisees who own a Franchise Business 

Review top-rated brand are happy with their 

work-life balance and 88% say they enjoy 

owning their franchise. 

Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, 

Michelle Fee, had three young children when 

she launched the Cruise Planners franchise 

with her business partners in 1995. Over the 

past 25 years, Fee has built a franchise system 

that offers parents the chance to run a business 

and be present for their families, or pursue 

other interests that are not always possible 

while maintaining a traditional 9 – 5 job. With 

steady growth, Cruise Planners is now the 

largest remote travel agency network. 

“Franchisees can take this business to 

whatever level they want to take it to. Some 

are stay-at-home moms, others are retirees, 

and others have turned this franchise into 

something way more than I ever expected, 

making high into the six-figures,” Fee said. 

Debbie Fiorino, COO of Dream Vacations 

says, “Women are naturally attracted to 

owning home-based businesses. For those 

who are stay-at-home moms, the Dream 

Vacations franchise provides flexibility for 

our owners to set their own hours. Many of 

our “mompreneurs” are not only successful 

business owners, but they are active in the 

PTA and able to actively participate in their 

children’s after-school activities.” 

While many travel franchise concepts 

offer the potential for work life balance, it’s 

important to remember that any new business 

will require significant dedication to get 

up and running—and maintaining healthy 

work life as a business owner is not always as 

simple as it sounds. 

“Finding a work-life balance is a daily 

struggle,” said Jenifer Breaux, who owns a 

Dream Vacations franchise. “My husband 

has been extremely supportive of my vision. 

We make date nights and time for us and, 

of course, regular family vacations once a 

quarter. We have also created a support team 

to help with our two kids who have special 

needs. Making a plan and using a scheduler 

always ensures there is time for everyone 

including my clients, which has been instrumental 

for the entire family.” 

FINDING THE BEST FRANCHISE 

OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU 

In addition to the three industries mentioned 

above, there are many more sectors in which 

women excel. On this year’s Top Franchises 

for Women list, the award-winning brands 

represent several industries, including: 

• Food 

• Retail 

• Real Estate 

• Business Services 

• Advertising & Sales 

• Cleaning & Maintenance 

• Child Services 

• Health & Beauty 

Women entrepreneurs from our Top Franchises 

for Women’s list say that franchising is 

a great fit for them and their goals. In a recent 

Franchise Business Review study where nearly 

9,000 women in franchising were surveyed, a 

whopping 87% said that they enjoyed owning 

and operating their own business. The vast 

majority said they would do it all over again. 

When you’re ready to compare your 

options, there are hundreds of 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 8,800 women 

franchise owners from over 250 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 as 

16 more personal questions concerning their 

business lifestyle and overall enjoyment of 

running their franchise. If you think franchising 

might be the right opportunity for you, 

this year’s top list is a great place to start. 

“Take the risk. You will never know the 

outcome of your efforts unless you actually 

try it,” said Jeaneen Salisbury, a Minuteman 

Press franchisee. “If I had never opened my 

business, I would have regretted not trying.” 



* 30 Minute Hit — more on p. 42 

Boxing & kickboxing circuit 

* 360clean 

Commercial cleaning services 

* ActionCOACH — more on p. 38 

Business coaching 

Survey 

Date 

June 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

Jan. 

2019 

Start-Up 

Investment 

$100,000 – 

$165,000 

$3,750 – 

$11,050 

$61,250 – 

$108,441 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$40,000 83 

$5,000 79 

$40,000 775 

THE LIST 

Best of the Best: 

Top Franchises 

for Women 

* Amazing Athletes — more on p. 33 

Early childhood development 

April 


$25,000 – 

$55,650 

$17,500 95 

* American Poolplayers Association 

Pool league 

— more 

on p. 35 

Sep. 

2018 

$20,523 – 

$28,408 

$20,763 324 

Assisting Hands 

In-home senior care 

Sep. 

2018 

$77,050 – 

$149,000 

$45,000 130 

* Brightway Insurance 

Financial services 

Budget Blinds 

Custom blinds and window coverings 

Burn Boot Camp 

Women’s fitness center 

* College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving 

Junk removal services 

* Cruise Planners — more on p. 31 

Travel agency 

Drama Kids 

Drama programs 

* Dream Vacations 

Travel agency 

Estrella Insurance 


* FASTSIGNS — more on p. 39 

Visual business communications 

* Fish Window Cleaning 

Window cleaning 

— more 

on p. 41 

Jan. 


Sep. 

2018 

Oct. 

2018 

March 


Oct. 

2018 

Dec. 

2017 

Oct. 

2018 

Feb. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

$89,488 – 

$178,916 

$110,140 – 

$230,870 

$142,330 – 

$349,150 

$89,300 – 

$208,000 

$695 – 

$10,995 

$28,800 – 

$58,000 

$3,245 – 

$21,850 

$49,950 – 

$84,000 

$197,172 – 

$313,136 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

$75,000 187 

$64,950 1,150 

$150,000 178 

$65,000 110 

$10,995 2,570 

$30,000 232 

$3,500 1,303 

$25,000 – 

$50,000 

130 

$80,000 699 

$60,000 – 

$150,000 

271 

“The support and training 

is incredible. From IT to 

accounting to the weekly 

webinar educational 

series and onsite Boot 

Camp training, FAM and 

convention opportunities, 

Cruise Planners supplies 

me with all the tools 

I need to continue to 

grow my business at 

an astounding rate.” 

– Cruise Planners Franchise Owner 

Freedom Boat Club 

Members only boat club 

March 


$144,200 – 

$193,700 

$38,000 168 

Help-U-Sell Real Estate 

Real estate 

Sep. 

2018 

$29,650 – 

$67,650 

$2,500 102 

* Home Care Assistance 


Sep. 

2018 

$77,775 – 

$245,250 

$80,000 175 

* Homewatch Caregivers — more on p. 37 


Sep. 

2018 

$83,000 – 

$141,500 

$50,000 201 

JumpBunch 

Youth sport & fitness 

Aug. 

2018 

$45,800 – 

$59,300 

$15,000 89 

Kampgrounds of America/KOA 

Camping services 

May 

2018 

$27,500 – 

$4,462,925 

$7,500 515 

Keller Williams 

Real estate 

May 

2018 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

959 

KidsPark 

Children’s play park 

* Kona Ice 

Frozen treats 

Oct. 

2018 

July 

2018 

$215,500 – 

$405,500 

$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$50,000 – 

$65,000 

19 

$20,000 1,070 

*This brand’s Franchisee 

Satisfaction Report is available at 




Survey 

Date 

Start-Up 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

Learning Express 

Children’s retailer 

Sep. 

2018 

$199,875 – 

$384,150 

$125,000 125 

“Having been a part of 

the franchise for years, 

the support only gets 

better and better!” 

* MaidPro 

House cleaning & maid services 

* Mosquito Joe 

Mosquito control services 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 

Oct. 

2018 

Feb. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

$74,560- 

$204,450 

$90,600- 

$135,500 

$975 – 

$5,650 

$75,000 276 

$50,000 288 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 

– MaidPro Franchise Owner 

NextHome 

Real estate 

Oct. 

2018 

$14,500 – 

$212,600 

$3,500 – 

$7,500 

360 

Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Snack retailer 

May 


$408,187 – 

$588,587 

$150,000 293 

* Office Pride 


Sep. 

2018 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$85,000 137 

* Our Town America 

Advertising services 

Sep. 

2018 

$63,300 – 

$86,250 

$70,000 60 

* Payroll Vault Franchising 

Payroll services 

Aug. 

2018 

$49,000 – 

$74,119 

$42,850 – 

$70,569 

42 

* Pinch A Penny 

Pool supplies retailer 

Sep. 

2018 

$289,375 – 

$411,200 

$150,000 254 

Pizza Factory 

Fast Casual 

Aug. 

2018 

$372,000 – 

$562,000 

$90,000 108 

Rhea Lana’s 

Children’s consignment 

Dec. 

2018 

$19,050 – 

$38,950 

$15,000 96 

* Sandler Training 

Business consulting & coaching 

April 

2018 

$97,525 – 

$114,500 

$79,000 267 

“Pinch A Penny, Inc. 

offers more training 

and support than we 

could possibly take 

advantage of. They are a 

first class organization!” 

– Pinch A Penny Franchise Owner 

Sanford Rose Associates 

Recruiting services 

* Senior Care Authority 

Assisted living placement services 

Snapology 

STEM/STEAM programs & activities 

* Soccer Shots 

Youth sports 

* Supporting Strategies 

Bookkeeping services 

Feb. 


Oct. 

2018 

June 

2018 

Dec. 

2018 

March 


$108,250 – 

$143,580 

$52,350 – 

$78,150 

$40,000 – 

$90,000 

$41,034 – 

$53,950 

$77,130 – 

$102,390 

$108,250 94 

$50,000 – 

$150,000 

57 

$34,900 104 

$38,000 236 

$100,000 93 

The @WORK Group 


Feb. 


$154,000 – 

$231,000 

$150,000 71 

The Drybar 

Hair salon 

Aug. 

2018 

$644,070 – 

$1,348,360 

$50,000- 

$56,500 

89 

* TSS Photography — more on p. 40 

Sports, school & event photography 

July 

2018 

$20,415 – 

$74,725 

$10,500 179 

* Two Men and A Truck — more on p. 31 

Moving services 

March 


$179,000 – 

$585,000 

$80,000 – 

$190,000 

387 

* Visiting Angels 


July 

2018 

$83,085 – 

$128,885 

$57,950 641 

Welcomemat Services 

Printing & marketing services 

June 

2018 

$60,960 – 

$89,710 

$47,000 75 

* Wild Birds Unlimited 

Nature retailer 

Oct. 

2018 

$150,867 – 

$260,991 

$40,000 – 

$50,000 

340 



Featured, Award-Winning Brand 

Looking for the Perfect 

Encore Career? 

Get Onboard with Cruise Planners 

Joel Wilder, of DeBary, Florida, was a nurse 

administrator for a surgical facility in Florida 

when he first climbed aboard the Carnival 

Fantasy in 1994 to set sail for the Bahamas. 

After his maiden voyage, he got hooked on 

cruising and soon was booking vacations for 

groups of friends. Now a veteran cruiser with 

more than 20 cruises under his belt, Wilder 

thought, “I can do this.” Wilder’s career transition 

has him set up for a lucrative retirement. 

Wilder is one of more than 2,500 people 

working from home as franchise owners of 

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel 

Representative. Named one of the top 200 

franchise opportunities for 2019 by Franchise 

Business Review and the No. 1 travel 

franchise to own by Entrepreneur magazine, 

Cruise Planners is a home-based travel business 

offering cruises, guided land tours and 

all-inclusive resort vacations to customers 

throughout the United States. Its nation-wide 

network of home-based travel agents enjoy 

open territories and can sell travel to anyone 

in United States. 

Wilder made his career transition from 

nurse to home-based travel advisor after considerable 

thought and research into dozens of 

franchise opportunities. Today, he is a member 

of Cruise Planners’ “Millionaires Club,” 

although he first came aboard as a part-time 

franchisee with no professional travel agency 

experience. “I started looking at what we could 

do as we got older to supplement our income 

and have something to do after we retired,” 

Wilder said. “We looked at a lot of different 

franchise opportunities, at first, to see what 

was out there and narrowed it down quickly to 

Cruise Planners and one other company.” 

As it turns out, pursuing a travel agency 

franchise was one of the best retirement careers 

Wilder could have imagined for himself. Now 

retired from nursing for six years, Wilder initially 

worked part time for eight years before 

Joel Wilder, Cruise Planner’s Franchisee aboard the Norwegian Getaway Cruise Ship. 

he made the leap to full time—and he hasn’t 

looked back. He’s grown his Cruise Planners 

travel business year over year since he joined 

the franchise in 2005, and last year, for the first 

time, sold more than $2 million in travel. 

“I tell people, don’t be afraid. Cruise Planners 

held my hand every step of the way and 

was always supportive,” Wilder said. “If you 

work hard at this business and use the tools 

they provide you, you won’t fail.” 

Besides incredible travel opportunities, 

here are some other perks Cruise Planners’ 

franchisees enjoy: 

• You can work from anywhere, as long as 

you have access to the Internet. 

“For a quick vacation, if I visit my parents, or 

even go on a short cruise, we have the tools 

we need to answer phone calls and book 

travel just about anywhere in the world—and 

I have,” Wilder said. 

Joel Wilder 

From: DeBary, Florida 

Cruise Planners Owner Since: 2005 

Former Career: Nurse Administrator 

Favorite Places to Cruise: Mediterranean, 

Northern Europe, Alaska 

• You aren’t always “on call.” Cruise 

Planners agents cover for one another. 

“Cruise Planners is like a family. We have 

buddies [other franchise owners] who can 

cover for us if we need them to. And right 

now, my buddy is in South Africa, so I am 

taking care of everything for him while he’s 

gone. It’s a nice way of unplugging,” Wilder 

said. 

• You can expect great support: 

Cruise Planners only supports its agents. 

“The tipping point for me in choosing 

Cruise Planners is that the other agency I 

was looking at advertised (competing trips) 

in the Sunday paper. You don’t have to compete 

with Cruise Planners. After all, if I am 

buying a business, I want someone who can 

help me,” Wilder said. 



Dave Rodrigues 

From: Phoenix, Arizona 


Former Career: Director at American Express 

Favorite Places to Cruise: Italy, Greece 

and European River Cruises 

Dave Rodrigues, Cruise Planner’s Franchisee cruising on the Rhone River in France with Uniworld River Cruise. 

marketing, and business development support 

from my Cruise Planners coach. They provide 

excellent resources—you just have to have the 

entrepreneurial spirit to make it happen.” 

Bitten by the travel bug, Rodrigues 

embarked on his first cruise in 2005 and finds 

it to be one of the easiest ways to see a lot of 

the world in a short period of time. So far, he’s 

traveled to the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia 

via cruise ships. It’s this type of experience that 

clients find valuable, he said. 

“Because I have traveled all over the world, 

clients contact me because I have experienced 

these destinations first-hand; my consultation 

gives me an edge over a call center of agents 

who haven’t really traveled,” Rodrigues said. 

He also credits Cruise Planners for helping 

him achieve the American dream. Rodrigues, 

originally from Canada, moved to the United 

States in 2000 and became a citizen in 2010. 

“I feel like I am a success story from that 

perspective,” he said. 

Looking to make a career transition or 

brainstorming retirement income ideas? 

Consider the following advice: 

FIND YOUR ENCORE CAREER 

IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY 

Dave Rodrigues of Phoenix, Arizona, now in 

his late-40s, was able to retire from his fulltime 

management role at American Express, 

thanks to Cruise Planners. After 22 years in 

the corporate world, Rodrigues felt it was time 

to fulfill his dream of owning his own business. 

He looked at a wide range of top franchise 

opportunities, from restaurants to travel, 

before zeroing in on Cruise Planners in 2012. 

“I didn’t even realize there was an option to 

consider a travel franchise because I thought 

travel agencies were brick and mortar—plus, I 

didn’t realize travel agencies still exist, and are 

alive and thriving,” he said. 

Cruise Planners’ affiliation with American 

Express cemented his decision, and soon 

Rodrigues began working his travel business 

part time. After spending more than two 

years logging between 60-70 hours between 

both jobs, he knew he had to make a career 

transition. Although the logical financial 

choice initially would have been to stay with 

his corporate job, Rodrigues said he found 

supporting his travel clients to be more 

rewarding—which led him to ultimately leave 

his corporate job in 2015. Today, Rodrigues 

has two associates working under him, 

and like Wilder, is also a member of the 

Millionaires Club. 

“It’s been four years now and I haven’t 

looked back one day,” he said. “Every year 

sales have grown, and I haven’t had a dip 

despite people thinking that the travel industry 

has been impacted by terrorism or Zika or 

incidents in the cruise industry. The opposite 

has been true in terms of growth.” 

Although he started small—his first booking 

was an Econo Lodge—Rodrigues said he 

kept networking and trying ideas provided 

to him by other travel agents and the Cruise 

Planners corporate office. He said “yes” to 

every event and found it easy to have conversations 

with people about travel. 

“Not having any previous industry experience, 

when I heard about the concept of 

different sales levels and what it took to join the 

Millionaires Club, I wasn’t even thinking that 

was a possibility,” he said. “But the franchise 

model makes it so easy to get off the ground. 

I was able to go from not having any experience 

selling travel to tapping into technology, 

• Work part-time until you get your 

franchise off the ground. 

“The challenge is that we don’t get paid until 

people actually travel. That could be three 

months to a year out. It’s difficult to dive 

right in unless someone is supporting you 

financially during that time,” Rodrigues said. 

• Choose a franchise you are 

passionate about. 

“Had I bought a Subway franchise, I might 

have been able to do alright, but there would 

be a good chance I might find myself disenchanted 

with what I purchased later. Go for 

something you are passionate about and put 

everything you have into it—and you will be 

successful,” Rodrigues said. 

• Be willing to try ideas out of your 

comfort zone. 

“One great thing about Cruise Planners is 

that they do travel and adventure shows— 

which has provided me the opportunity to 

do shows in San Diego, San Francisco, and 

Denver. I get business coming to me through 

these venues as well,” Rodrigues said. 



MAKE A CAREER TRANSITION THAT 

REFLECTS YOUR TALENTS 

Carolyn Leibowitz, originally from Connecticut, 

sang in a talent show on Royal Caribbean 

International’s Sovereign of the Seas in the 

1990s and wowed the crowd with her talent. 

The hostess aboard the ship, who happened 

to be sitting next to Leibowitz’s mother, asked 

her, “Who is that girl?” 

“My mother said, ‘That’s my daughter.’ 

I met the hostess, and she said, ‘You should 

come work for us at Royal Caribbean,’” 

Leibowitz recalled. 

Following up on that offer, Leibowitz (who 

graduated from the Berklee College of Music 

in Boston, Massachusetts) sent the hostess a 

tape of her performance at a New York City 

venue and ended up working for the cruise line 

as an entertainer. She even met her husband on 

the Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas. 

After marrying her husband, the two 

worked in shoreside operations at Pier 88 in 

New York City, where she eventually met and 

worked for a woman who sold travel. Leibowitz 

remembers thinking, “Why am I working 

for someone else when I can work for myself?” 

“I looked into cruise franchises and thought 

everything about Cruise Planners was great,” 

said Leibowitz. “I said to my husband, ‘We are 

going to Florida and I am buying a franchise.’” 

Leibowitz, her husband, and two sons followed 

her to Palm City, Florida 13 years ago, 

and today they are part of the Cruise Planners 

Millionaires Club. 

“It’s been an amazing ride; I never imagined 

I could actually do this and be able to 

watch my kids grow up and attend every one 

of their sporting events,” she said. “Now I am 

putting them through college and my business 

is paying for my kids to go to school.” 

Her business, which mostly focuses on 

cruise travel, has grown enough for her to add 

three associates to the team—split between 

Tampa, Florida; New Smyrna, Florida; and 

Staten Island, New York. One associate has 

been with Leibowitz for five years, and the 

other two joined a year ago from Royal Caribbean 

International. Leibowitz said she fully 

intends to expand her business to keep her 

busy well throughout her retirement years. 

For investors who wonder whether travelers 

will still rely on agents to book their vacations, 

Leibowitz reassures them that seniors and 

millennials may surf the internet for vacation 

Carolyn Leibowitz, Cruise Planners Franchisee, and her husband visiting Alaska. 

Carolyn Leibowitz 

From: The Northeast 


Former Career: Entertainer for Royal 

Caribbean International and shoreside 

operations specialist 

Favorite Places to Cruise: Anywhere on 

Royal Caribbean ships 

ideas, but ultimately, they desire customer 

service and expertise from trusted agents. 

Through time, she said, people realized that 

the internet worked well as a research tool, but 

it doesn’t carry the trust factor that travelers 

need to feel comfortable booking travel. 

“With everything going on with credit 

cards and fraud, people can be nervous to 

make purchases online. Also, people want 

customer service again. They realize how 

valuable it is,” she said. 

Ultimately, Leibowitz’s passion for travel 

continues to drive her to network and represent 

the Cruise Planners brand wherever she 

goes. She also enjoys growing and learning 

about travel and plans to do so well into her 

retirement years. 

“My husband, Leslie, who owns the business 

with me, intends to someday quit his 

current job and work with me full time,” she 

said. “I never realized I could do as well as I 

do owning my own business…this has always 

been my calling, and when I look back I realize 

that my journey was set up for me to end 

up as a business owner with Cruise Planners.” 

Take Your Career to the Next Level with Cruise Planners 

Joel, Dave, and Carolyn each weighed their career goals, interests, and what they were 

looking for from a franchise before they joined Cruise Planners. Becoming a Cruise 

Planners business owner is well in reach for most people and, it is one of the lowest 

cost franchises you can own, you only need as little as $10,995 in cash to get started. 

You don’t need to be a world traveler, either; you just need to share a passion for 

travel and a desire to bring excellent customer service to clients planning land and sea 

vacations. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are ready to begin an encore career 

that will let you see the world, Cruise Planners could be right for you. 

For more information about franchising with Cruise Planners visit 

www.franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/cruise-planners 



Maggie and John Schissler, Chicken Salad Chick Franchisees in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Investing in a Food Franchise 

Fierce competition and high initial investments make this 

a segment for a select few 

Food franchises are everywhere. With new 

locations popping up each day, more food 

is being served to hungry customers, more 

opportunity is available to ambitious entrepreneurs 

and more jobs are being added to the 

economy. Big name brands like McDonald’s, 

Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A have helped drive 

the growth of the food and beverage franchise 

industry. As the most popular segment in all of 

franchising, the food industry now represents 

more than a third of all existing franchises— 

and it is only expected to grow. 

People love food and hold true affinities 

for their favorite brands. So it’s no surprise, as 

entrepreneurs look to franchising, they flock 

to their favorite food franchises. 

“Food franchises are great business opportunities to 

look at because there will always be a demand. With the 

right people, support and systems in place, the restaurant 

business can prove to be a very lucrative one.” 

But, be warned. Though the right entrepreneur 

can join a highly satisfied group of 

franchise owners in the food and beverage 

industry, the wrong operator could succumb to 

the compounding challenges of the famously 

difficult and fiercely competitive industry: 

— Scott Deviney, CEO of Chicken Salad Chick 

high investment costs, razor thin margins, 

long exhausting hours, ever-changing customer 

tastes, and near-constant employee 

turnover. 

Will you excel in a food and beverage 

franchise? Hopefully we can help you figure 



that out and if you figure yes, our list of Top 

Food and Beverage Franchises is a great place 

to start your search. Each brand is one that has 

received high marks in franchisee satisfaction. 

Franchisee Satisfaction in the Food and Beverage Sector 

A SUPER-SIZED INVESTMENT 

Initial investments in the food sector are notoriously 

high. When looking at the 25 brands on 

this year’s Franchise Business Review Top Food 

Franchises list, initial investments range from 

$45,000 for a Happy and Healthy Products 

franchise, all the way up to $3,000,000 

for a Wendy’s Company franchise. By the time 

the location’s first customers have eaten, 

wiped their lips clean and waved goodbye, 

most franchisees will have stocked their 

kitchen, settled their franchise fees, paid rent, 

covered renovations and made initial payments 

on a smorgasbord of expensive tools 

and equipment. 

Expenses add up fast, and if you are 

anticipating to recoup your initial investment 

quickly, prepare to be disappointed—margins 

in the food sector, especially in the early days 

of a location, are routinely thin. With high 

costs and low margins, there is not a lot of 

room for guesswork. It is important for franchisees 

who want to succeed to have a firm 

grasp of the numbers: What are your main 

costs? Which costs can you control and which 

costs are relatively fixed? And is there sufficient 

consumer demand to cover those costs and 

generate an income? 

Amanda Bennett, owner of PJ’s Coffee in 

New Orleans explains, “From a unit economics 

standpoint, it’s important to understand 

your primary costs, which include cost of 

goods and labor, as these will be your largest 

operating expenses. Additionally, it’s important 

to understand the industry, ensure the 

product or service isn’t too niche, and collect 

market intelligence to confirm your location 

isn’t in an over saturated area.” 

IS IT WORTH IT? SURE CAN BE. 

Despite the considerable investment, the food 

and beverage industry continues to grow. 

U.S. restaurant industry sales will reach a 

record high of $863 billion this year, up 3.6% 

over last year, according to a report by the 

National Restaurant Association. 

According to Franchise Business Review 

survey data, the average median income for 

food franchise owners is $126, 866. 

85 % 

enjoy operating 


79 % 

would recommend 

their franchise brand 

to others 

For restaurateurs who can keep up with 

changing trends and handle the demands of 

the hospitality industry, the food and beverage 

sector has some appealing perks. 

For one, there will always be demand. As 

long as people need to eat, there will be no 

shortage of hungry customers. Choose the 

right product, build a good team, manage your 

costs effectively, pick a strong location and the 

demand will be yours for the taking. 

“Food franchises are great business 

opportunities to look at because there will 

always be a demand. With the right people, 

support and systems in place, the restaurant 

business can prove to be a very lucrative one,” 

confirms Scott Deviney, the CEO of Chicken 

Salad Chick. 

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS 

Operating a food and beverage franchise can 

be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. 

It can also be incredibly taxing and stressful. 

It is not for everyone. Those expecting a ‘set it 

and forget it’ operation need not apply. 

In addition to the high initial investment 

and thin margins, it’s also reasonable for 

new owners to expect to work long hours, 

face fierce competition and almost constant 

employee turnover. Last year, The New York 

Times reported 37% of National Restaurant 

Association members identify labor recruitment 

as their top challenge, up from 15% just 

two years prior. With unemployment rates 

at record lows, the trend is only expected 

to worsen. 

A passion for product is a must. “It all 

starts with the food. You have to love the food 

you’re serving, and you have to have a passion 

for creating great guest experiences at every 

visit,” says Terri Snyde, chief marketing officer, 

69 % 

overall satisfaction 

with franchise 

79 % 

would “do it again” 

knowing what they 

know today 

executive vice president and board member at 

Checkers and Rally’s. 

Despite all the challenges, franchisees 

who are passionate about the food they are 

serving and experiences they are providing 

can find operating a food and beverage franchise 

immensely gratifying. They’ll all agree: 

there’s something special about a food and 

beverages business. People love a great food 

experience and when they leave, they can’t 

wait to come back. 

HIGH SATISFACTION 

Food franchisees are generally happy business 

owners; 85% of food franchisees surveyed by 

FBR say they enjoy operating their franchise 

and 79% say they would do it all over again if 

given the opportunity. It is important to note 

that overall satisfaction in the food sector 

tends to run a bit lower when compared to 

other industries. However, there are several 

top brands on this year’s list that far exceed 

industry benchmarks. These brands include: 

Kona Ice, Captain D’s, Chicken Salad Chick, 

Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tropical Smoothie 

Cafe, Lennys Grill & Subs, Rising Roll 

Gourmet, Pizza Ranch, The Wendy’s Company, 

Pizza Factory and Wingstop among others 

(see page 18 for the full list). 

It is not by accident that food and beverage 

franchise owners are regularly a pretty satisfied 

group. Franchisors put the fate of their 

brand almost wholly in the hands of their 

franchisees. One bad apple can truly ruin the 

bunch. Now more than ever, word of a bad 

experience at one location can travel quickly 

and jeopardize the reputation of others. For 

that reason, franchisors carefully pick their 

Continued on page 19. 



THE LIST 


Top Food Franchises 

of 2019 

A&W Restaurants — more on inside front cover 

Fast casual 

BIGGBY COFFEE 

Beverages 

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 

Ice cream 

Captain D’s 

Fast casual 

Survey 

Date 

Jan. 


April 


July 

2018 

July 

2018 

Start-Up 

Investment 

$269,000 – 

$1,213,000 

$166,350 – 

$324,100 

$270,250- 

$1,324,000 

$771,000 – 

$1,003,000 

Cash 

Requirement 

$150,000 – 

$250,000 

Total 

Units 

963 

$20,000 254 

$270,250- 

$1,324,000 

181 

$350,000 523 

“I am pleased to be part 

of this brand. I love 

working with the 

executive team as they 

genuinely care about our 

success. Every year they 

are making us better 

with technology and 

systems they bring us. 

– Checkers & Rally’s Franchise Owner 

* Checkers & Rally’s 

Quick-service restaurant 

* Chicken Salad Chick — more on p. 38 

Fast casual 

Church’s Chicken 


* Donatos Pizza — more on p. 36 


East Coast Wings & Grill — more on p. 42 

Casual dining 

Fazoli’s ® Restaurants 

Fast casual 

* Firehouse Subs 


* Happy & Healthy Products 

Ice cream/Yogurt/Frozen treats 

July 

2018 

June 

2018 

April 

2018 

July 

2018 

April 

2018 

May 

2018 

March 


Feb. 

2018 

$203,600 – 

$945,000 

$483,000 – 

$648,000 

$348,300 – 

$1,556,300 

$375,500 – 

$699,900 

$434,568 – 

$927,930 

$1,098,000 – 

$1,739,818 

$131,150 – 

$928,405 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

$250,000 882 

$150,000 120 

$650,000 1,585 

$200,000 161 

$250,000 36 

$250,000 268 

$90,000 1,037 

$45,000 – 

$90,000 

65 

* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs 


— more on 

back cover 

Nov. 

2018 

$228,300 – 

$475,000 

$100,000 – 

$300,000 

545 

“Happy and Healthy 

Products has always 

provided me with 

unlimited support 

from day one. Their staff 

is always friendly and 

ready to assist me no 

matter what question 

I have for them.” 

– Happy & Healthy Products 

Franchise Owner 

Jason’s Deli 

Fast casual 

* Kona Ice 

Frozen treats 

Lenny’s Sub Shop 



Snack retailer 

Pizza Factory 

Fast Casual 

Pizza Ranch 

Fast casual 

* PJ’s Coffee — more on p. 41 


Rising Roll (Franchising Concepts) 

Fast casual 

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe 

Fast casual 

March 


July 

2018 

July 

2018 

May 


Aug. 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

April 


July 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

$905,891 $905,891 261 

$124,750 – 

$147,550 

$188,216 – 

$396,146 

$408,187 – 

$588,587 

$372,000 – 

$562,000 

$1,127,500 – 

$2,526,500 

$168,566 – 

$566,000 

$150,000 – 

$425,000 

$323,000 – 

$819,000 

$20,000 1,070 

$75,000 96 

$150,000 293 

$90,000 108 

$325,000 216 

$75,000 100 

$30,000 19 

$500,000 90 

Teriyaki Madness 

Fast casual 

April 


$255,199 – 

$560,850 

$255,199 – 

$560,850 

22 

The Wendy’s Company 


July 

2018 

$300,000 – 

$3,000,000 

$2,000,000 6,564 




Tropical Smoothie Cafe 

Fast casual 

Wingstop 


Oct. 

2018 

July 

2018 

$198,050 – 

$335,000 

$346,775 – 

$733,249 

$125,000 541 

$600,000 725 



Left: Kona Ice serving line; Middle: PJ’s Coffee Velvet Ice drink; Right: Patrick Shannon, multi-unit Hungry Howie’s Franchisee in Michigan. 

Continued from page 17. 

franchisees and generally do a good job providing 

support. 

Tony Lamb, CEO of Kona Ice explains 

simply, “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?” 

Successful and satisfied food franchisees: 

• Manage costs effectively 

• Provide strong leadership 

• Maintain a passion for their product 

FOOD TRENDS 

Generally speaking, demand for served food 

isn’t going away anytime soon. But, customer 

tastes and industry trends shift frequently 

and can do so swiftly. When considering a 

food franchise, it is important to understand 

the long-term viability of potential brands. 

What concepts are best for today’s consumer 

and what brands will match demand into the 

future? 

In talking with franchisees and franchisors 

named to Franchise Business Review’s top 

franchises lists, convenience and health are 

the trends most notably gaining momentum. 

No longer is a visit to a food franchise solely 

seen as an indulgence to be had on a special 

occasion or after a long day. Instead, busy 

customers, disinterested in shopping, cooking 

and cleaning are looking for easy, healthy 

meals that save time and simplify their lives. 

Food franchises are starting to respond. Six in 

10 family-dining, casual-dining and fast-casual 

operators say their takeout sales are higher 

than they were two years ago, according to the 

National Restaurant Association. 

But, if you’re hesitant to look into your crystal 

ball to try and predict the future, another 

approach is to explore tried and true models. 

Through decades of shifting tastes and trends, 

there have been a select few products that have 

stuck around: Coffee, for example. 

“The most common question we receive 

from prospective franchisees is around the 

future of the coffee industry. Since coffee is 

a $48 billion industry in the United States 

alone and is the caffeine source for over 75% 

of Americans, the outlook of coffee is stronger 

than ever,” said Ryan Stansbury, vice president 

of franchise development at PJ’s Coffee. 

Pizza, another. 

“When it comes to pizza, 37% of Americans 

eat pizza once a week, and 68% consume 

it at least once a month,” explained Steve Jackson, 

president and CEO of Hungry Howie’s 

Pizza. “Even with changing trends, restaurant 

concepts are able to adapt to consumer preferences, 

providing the ability for brands to 

constantly be offering customers options they 

desire.” 

EXPLORING TOP FOOD FRANCHISES 

When you’re ready to compare your options, 

there are hundreds of food and beverage 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 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 3,300 franchisees 

from many of today’s leading food 

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 as 

16 more personal questions concerning their 

business lifestyle and overall enjoyment of 

running their franchise. 

Food franchises offer an exciting environment 

for 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 typically higher, 

so is the potential for returns—especially for 

franchisees that own the real estate that their 

businesses operate in. If you are interested 

in pursuing franchise ownership in the food 

sector, this year’s list of the Top 25 food and 

beverage franchises is a great place to start. 



Left: Anna and Dan Larson, Soccer Shot’s Franchisees in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Right: Frantz Jean Baptiste, We Insure Franchisee in Hollywood, Florida. 

The Service Sector Is Ripe 

with Franchise Opportunities 

Low overhead and high margins make the service sector 

an appealing option for many 

Three years ago, David and Lynn Lepak decided 

to add a deck onto their home so they could 

enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. 

But shortly after their deck was finished, they 

realized they had a terrible mosquito problem. 

After researching pest solutions, they decided 

to test one on their front yard. “We truly were 

astonished at how well it worked. We have two 

dogs that always used to get ticks and after 

using the service, they were not harmed and 

we no longer have the tick problem,” remarked 

the Lepaks. 

Not only did the Lepaks find a solution 

for their mosquito problem, they discovered 

an appealing business opportunity. “Business 

ownership was always something we were 

interested in, and after having such a positive 

experience with this mosquito prevention 

service, we thought it would be a great business 

venture,” they said. Today, the Lepaks are 

proud owners of a Mosquito Joe franchise in 

Waukesha County, Wisconsin. 

Mosquito Joe is just one of thousands 

of business opportunities available in the 

consumer services sector. A recent Plunkett 

Research report estimates the U.S. consumer 

services sector was worth $70 billion in 

2018—and it is expected to grow to $89 billion 

by 2024. Beyond the demand and growth in 

the sector, service businesses are appealing 

for several reasons including their low cost, 

low overhead, and flexibility, not to mention 

the wide selection of opportunities within the 

sector. 

“Service franchises aren’t necessarily right 

for everyone but for many they are a terrific 

investment option,” said Charlie Kerr, president 

of the Drama Kids franchise system. 

“Many service concepts (like Drama Kids) are 

low overhead, high margin models, and can be 

very easy to start small and allow the franchise 

owner to scale the business rapidly. Many 

service franchises also offer the opportunity to 

make a real difference in the lives of customers 

(students and parents in our case) and the 

franchise owner’s community.” 

In our 2019 list of Top Service Franchises, 

we examine the best franchise opportunities 

to pursue in the Services sector. Top brands 

span the gamut from child services to home 

services to financial services and more. But, 

before you start inquiring to franchise companies, 

you probably have a few questions about 

the service segment. Below, we’ll walk through 

some of the most common questions we hear 

from prospective franchises like ‘How much 

does it cost?,’ ‘Am I the right fit for a service 

franchise?,’ and the ever popular ‘How much 

money can I make?’. 



HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO START 

A SERVICE FRANCHISE? 

One of the appeals of the services sector is 

the low barrier to entry. And, because many 

service businesses do not require a brick and 

mortar location, you will not have to pay the 

additional infrastructure costs that come with 

most retail franchises. 

This year, the top service franchise brands 

had initial investments that started as low as 

$975 and climbed over $500,000. The median 

average initial investment was $90,000. 

When considering any franchise investment, 

it is important to factor in additional 

costs beyond the initial investment, as well. 

These costs include: 

• Marketing/Advertising Costs: This fee 

is mandated by the franchisor to pay for 

national and local advertising efforts. 

Sometimes it is a percentage of sales 

while, other times, it is a set fee. 

• Royalties: A monthly fee collected by 

your franchisor in exchange for permission 

to use their brand and business 

model. Typically, this is a percentage of 

gross sales that ranges from 4% - 12%. In 

other cases, the royalty is a set fee. 

• Materials/Supplies: Costs for materials 

and supplies will be both affordable and 

high quality given that franchisors will 

have established deep-rooted relationships 

with their suppliers. Materials 

will be less expensive because of the 

franchise’s collective buying power. 

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN YOU MAKE 

OWNING A SERVICE-BASED FRANCHISE? 

‘How much money can I make?’ is usually one 

of the first questions we hear when talking 

to prospective franchisees. Unfortunately for 

prospective franchisees, franchise systems will 

not promise nor guarantee that you will make 

a certain amount per year. However, based on 

our research, franchisees who own a service 

business that has been ranked by Franchise 

Business Review, earn an average median 

income $91,461 per year. 

Of course, it is important to remember that 

there is a difference between business profit 

and owner income. Prospective franchisees 

often confuse a business’s profits with their 

potential annual income/salary, which is a big 

mistake. As a business owner, before you can 

“pay yourself,” you often have to pay business 

taxes, debt repayments on loans, and reinvest 

in your business (that new piece of equipment 

you need, or the new signage you’re required 

to buy, for example). While your business may 

grow to be quite profitable, your actual takehome 

income could be substantially lower. 

Franchise systems also follow different 

business models, which can significantly 

affect your profitability. “People considering 

buying into a service franchise should 

consider the long-term revenue generating 

opportunity,” explained Michael Miller, CEO 

and co-founder of the Brightway Insurance 

franchise system. “Brightway, for example, 

pays ‘royalties’ when a piece of new business is 

sold and again when that policy renews (every 

six or 12 months). This residual income builds 

over time, helping you to grow faster and 

faster each year. In other service franchises, 

you earn revenue once for a sale and need to 

go make another sale each time to earn that 

revenue. With Brightway, you enjoy residual 

income that grows over time as you continue 

selling new business year-over-year.” 

Service businesses also tend to be attractive 

because they are scalable. “Our recurring revenue 

business model with compelling and scalable 

unit economics provides an offering that is 

very attractive to entrepreneurs seeking to start 

their own business, “ said Lou Schager, president 

of the Mosquito Joe franchise system. 

Service Sector Franchisee Makeup: 

61% male 

6% 

male/female partnerships 

63% 

have a bachelors 

degree or higher 

32% female 

For those seeking flexibility and freedom, 

service franchises can be a great choice. 

Michelle Fee, the founder and CEO of Cruise 

Planners, explained how Cruise Planner’s 

franchisees can choose how they want to grow 

their business. “If you want to build your business 

to a certain level and stop because you 

want to go to kids’ sporting events you can; if 

you want to be the million-plus producer you 

can do that as well. People join for different 

reasons,” she said. 

WHO MAKES THE BEST SERVICE 

FRANCHISE OWNERS? 

“There is no magic answer to this question,” 

said Kerr. “It definitely needs to be someone 

who is committed to making the investment 

of time and money to make their business 

successful. Good people skills and a strong 

customer service mentality are also very 

important.” 

As Kerr noted, franchisees in the services 

space must not only have a strong entrepreneurial 

interest but they must also enjoy working 

with others and have a sales mentality. 

“The best franchisees are those who want to 

grow a career in sales. You’ve got to be a people 

person, not someone that wants to be caught 

up in the administrative part of the job,” said 

We Insure CEO Philip Visali. 

The majority of franchisees 

are between ages 45 and 64 

36% of franchisees live in the Southern 

U.S., with the Northeast, Midwest and 

West each representing around 20% 

*Statistics depicted above based on19,500 franchisees in the service sector who were surveyed. 



Although service franchisees come from 

varying backgrounds, most enjoy hands-on 

work, with many possessing a specific skill 

or trade experience. “Our best franchisees 

like having their hands in the business. If 

they want a hands-off business model, we’re 

probably not the right choice,” said David 

Hicks, CEO of HomeVestors of America®, a 

franchise company that buys and sells “ugly” 

houses. 

Hicks explained that business, especially in 

the real estate industry, can be very competitive. 

Agents fight to close deals, and making a 

sale turns into a game. This is not the case with 

HomeVestors; everyone wants one another to 

succeed, and HomeVestors prides itself on 

their team mentality. 

Top 5 Service Segments by 

Average Reported Income 

Real Estate 

$138,678 

Business Services 

$97,317 

General Services 

$96,633 

Home Services 

$91,277 

Advertising and Sales 

$71,392 

One of the major perks of franchise ownership 

is the community you buy into—not only 

do you receive support from the corporate 

team but also from your fellow franchisees. 

You’ll frequently hear the phrase “in business 

for ourselves, not by ourselves.” 

In the services sector, community extends 

beyond the franchise system. Justin Bredeman, 

CEO of the Soccer Shots franchise 

system explained how their franchise system 

prioritizes the communities in which they 

work, a common sentiment you’ll often hear 

from service-based franchises that rely on 

strong community relationships to ensure 

businesses growth. 

“The ideal franchisee for a service franchise 

is someone who is passionate and invested. A 

service franchise is about the impact and the 

people. It is not simply a transaction or a ‘set 

it and forget it’ business model—it’s a relationship,” 

said Bredeman. “A franchisee has to be 

hungry, humble and smart and willing to put 

in the hard work—knowing that hard work 

will bring them satisfaction when they see the 

end result, both financially and in the impact 

they are making on their consumers.” 

In summary, the best service franchise 

owners have at least one of the following characteristics: 

• Loves working with people 

• Sales and service oriented 

• Likes to take an active role in 


• Enjoys forging strong community 

relationships 

• Thrives as part of a team but can also 

work independently 

• Self-motivated 

• Entrepreneurial and dedicated to growth 

ARE FRANCHISEES IN THE SERVICE 

SECTOR HAPPY? 

Overall, franchisees in the service sector are 

generally pretty happy. Eighty-eight percent 

of franchisees of service brands who were surveyed 

by FBR say they enjoy operating their 

franchise and 87% say they would recommend 

it to a friend. 

One of the best resources you can tap into 

as a prospective franchisee is current franchise 

owners. They are a great source of unbiased 

information and can give you a good sense for 

what it is really like to own a specific franchise 

business. At Franchise Business Review, we 

survey franchise owners on your behalf to 

help you narrow down the best franchise 

opportunities. When researching franchise 

options, the Lepaks talked to several franchisees. 

“They had nothing but great things to say 

about the business and how happy they were 

about being franchisees,” said the Lepaks. 

It’s also important to note that the highest 

rated franchise companies prioritize franchisee 

satisfaction. Steve Dregits, a Soccer Shots 

franchisee believes Soccer Shots was rated so 

highly by franchisees because their system 

genuinely cares about the success and development 

of each other. “It’s not uncommon 

for franchisees to communicate struggles, 

success, and new ideas on a regular basis,” 

he said. “Plus, we all believe in the central 

mission to positively impact the lives of every 

child we serve.” 

WHAT ARE THE BEST SERVICE-BASED 

FRANCHISES? 

As a prospective franchisee, our annual 

Franchise Business Review Top Franchises 

Guide is a great place to start your franchise 

research. Over the past 18 months, our team 

at Franchise Business Review has surveyed 

nearly 19,500 franchisees across 174 brands 

to find out exactly how satisfied they are with 

their franchise business. Our Top Services 

Franchises list represents the best of the best 

that franchising has to offer in the Services 

sector. You can use this list to narrow down 

your options. 

If there is one thing every franchisor and 

franchisee agrees on it’s that you must do 

your due diligence. As Kerr advised, “Do your 

research. Know exactly what the franchisor 

provides and offers, how training and support 

work, who the competition is and how the 

company is innovating to stay ahead of the 

competition. Also, speak with several existing 

franchisees to learn about their experience 

with the corporate headquarters and just as 

importantly, to gauge the company’s culture.” 

You can learn more and access additional 

information and resources on our website 

www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. 



Satisfaction in the Service Industry By Sector 

Would Do It Again 

Enjoy 

Overall Satisfaction 

Would Recommend 

Advertising & Sales 

77 

89 

90 

91 

Automotive 

69 

81 

85 

85 

Business Services 

69 

79 

85 

83 

Child Services 

69 

78 

87 

83 

Cleaning & Maintenance 

64 

73 

78 

82 

Education 

66 

76 

80 

84 

Financial 

54 

63 

65 

75 

Fitness 

62 

73 

75 

83 

Health & Beauty 

51 

59 

60 

73 

Home Services 

62 

70 

76 

79 

Pet Services 

65 

77 

81 

83 

Real Estate 

61 

75 

79 

83 

Services 

64 

72 

78 

82 

Sports & Recreation 

69 

80 

82 

85 

Travel & Hospitality 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

Average Score on 100-Point Scale 

69 

82 

84 

85 



THE LIST 


Top Service 

Franchises of 2019 

* 360clean 



Business coaching 

Aire-Master of America 

Commercial hygiene service 

Survey 

Date 

Sep. 

2018 

Jan. 


Nov. 

2018 

Start-Up 

Investment 

$3,750 – 

$11,050 

$61,250 – 

$108,441 

$39,584 – 

$142,400 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$5,000 79 

$40,000 775 

$50,000 113 

* Amazing Athletes — more on p. 33 

Early childhood development 

April 


$25,000 – 

$55,650 

$17,500 95 

* American Poolplayers Association 

Pool league 

— more on 

p. 35 

Sep. 

2018 

$20,523 – 

$28,408 

$20,763 324 

“I think Amazing Athletes 

is taking all the right 

steps to support us!” 

Anago Cleaning Systems 


* APEX Leadership Co (APEX Fun Run) 

School fundraising program 

Auto Appraisal Network 

Automotive appraisal services 

Jan. 


Oct. 

2018 

Feb. 

2018 

$197,000 – 

$298,000 

$81,500 – 

$104,200 

$12,000 – 

$30,000 

$197,000 – 

$298,000 

46 

$40,000 100 

$3,000 – 

$10,000 

27 

– Amazing Athletes Franchise Owner 

Baby Boot Camp 

Fitness programs 

Nov. 

2017 

$6,050 – 

$13,179 

$4,570 – 

$5,480 

81 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$65,170 – 

$540,000 

$100,000 304 

Bin There Dump That 

Residential dumpster rentals 

March 

2018 

$72,200 – 

$127,600 

$50,000 – 

$45,200 

160 



Jan. 


$89,488 – 

$178,916 

$75,000 187 

“It is staggering how much 

progress the home office 

has made over the last 

15 years. Mind blowing. 

We can always do better 

and I feel like the home 

office spends every 

waking hour striving 

towards perfection.” 

– Cruise Planners Franchise Owner 

Budget Blinds 

Custom blinds and window coverings 

* CertaPro Painters 

Painting 

* College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving 

Junk removal services 

Complete Weddings + Events 

Wedding & event services 

Critter Control 

Wildlife control & removal 


Travel agency 

Drama Kids 

Drama programs 


Travel agency 

— more on 

p. 41 

Sep. 

2018 

Feb. 

2018 

March 


Oct. 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

Oct. 

2018 

Dec. 

2017 

Oct. 

2018 

$110,140 – 

$230,870 

$134,750 – 

$169,500 

$89,300 – 

$208,000 

$30,350 – 

$48,650 

$47,500 – 

$82,000 

$695 – 

$10,995 

$28,800 – 

$58,000 

$3,245 – 

$21,850 

$64,950 1,150 

$80,000 483 

$65,000 110 

$10,000 200 

$8,075 – 

$52,075 

83 

$10,995 2,570 

$30,000 232 

$3,500 1,303 

* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

Home remodeling 

June 

2018 

$133,350 – 

$321,225 

$200,000 – 

$400,000 

36 



Feb. 

2018 

$49,950 – 

$84,000 

$25,000 – 

$50,000 

130 

Fastest Labs 

Drug alcohol & DNA testing services 

Dec. 

2017 

$74,650 – 

$88,900 

$50,000 26 






* Fibrenew 

Leather & vinyl repair services 

Nov. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

$197,172 – 

$313,136 

$75,000 – 

$101,800 

$80,000 699 

$20,000 – 

$100,000 

250 



Survey 

Date 

Start-Up 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 


Window cleaning 

Nov. 

2018 

$83,225 – 

$146,200 

$60,000 – 

$150,000 

271 

* Five Star Painting 

Painting 

Oct. 

2018 

$61,600 – 

$136,150 

$24,450 170 

FPC National 


Oct. 

2018 

$86,300 – 

$130,100 

$120,000 62 

FRSTeam 

Home restoration 

Green Home Solutions 

Mold remediation 


Real estate 

HomeSmart International LLC 

Real estate 

Nov. 

2018 

Dec. 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

$32,000 – 

$380,500 

$30,000 – 

$75,000 

$29,650 – 

$67,650 

$65,000 – 

$205,000 

$25,000 – 

$35,000 

$30,000 – 

$75,000 

46 

141 

$2,500 102 

$20,000 102 

“Image One will fly out 

to help a franchise 

owner exceed their 

expectations.” 

– Image One Franchise Owner 

* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 6 

Realty renovation 

Dec. 

2018 

$56,000 – 

$426,250 

$70,000 900 

House Doctors Handyman Service 

Home improvement 

April 


$89,300 – 

$124,450 

$89,300 – 

$124,450 

27 

* HouseMaster 

Professional home inspections 

Oct. 

2018 

$60,100 – 

$106,150 

$42,500 309 

* Image One 


June 

2018 

$57,110 – 

$123,700 

$15,000 103 

InXpress 

Business shipping 

March 


$85,600 – 

$169,990 

$25,000 352 

JumpBunch 

Youth sport & fitness 

Aug. 

2018 

$45,800 – 

$59,300 

$15,000 89 


Real estate 

May 

2018 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

$183,947 – 

$336,995 

959 

* Kitchen Solvers 


* MaidPro 

House cleaning & maid services 

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 

Bathroom & kitchen remodeling 

Miracle-Ear 

Hearing aids 

* Molly Maid 

Cleaning services 


Mosquito control services 

Motto Mortgage 

Brokerage services 

N2 Publishing 

Private neighborhood publications 

Sep. 

2018 

Oct. 

2018 

July 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

Oct. 

2018 

Feb. 

2018 

Oct. 

2018 

Nov. 

2018 

$65,765 – 

$90,535 

$74,560 – 

$204,450 

$75,000 – 

$138,000 

$119,000 – 

$287,500 

$110,000 – 

$153,200 

$90,600 – 

$135,500 

$48,000 – 

$68,000 

$975 – 

$5,650 

$75,000 51 

$75,000 276 

$40,000 – 

$50,000 

162 

$75,000 1,441 

$50,000 475 

$50,000 288 

$12,000 82 

$975 – 

$5,650 

763 

“Office Pride is always 

willing to listen to ideas 

and suggestions that 

their franchise holders 

make. They are constantly 

trying to research and 

develop new training 

and support to help us 

be successful.” 

– Office Pride Franchise Owner 

Nextaff 

Staffing solutions 

May 

2018 

$98,800 – 

$148,000 

$100,000 69 

NextHome 

Real estate 

Oct. 

2018 

$14,500 – 

$212,600 

$3,500 – 

$7,500 

360 



Sep. 

2018 

$59,500 – 

$107,200 

$85,000 137 



THE LIST 


Top Service 

Franchises of 2019 

* Our Town America — more on p. 34 


Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 

Carpet cleaning 

Paul Davis 

Emergency home services 

Survey 

Date 

Sep. 

2018 

Jan. 


Aug. 

2018 

Start-Up 

Investment 

$63,300 – 

$86,250 

$40,000 – 

$60,000 

$215,390 – 

$449,700 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

$70,000 60 

$38,900 388 

$300,000 322 

* Payroll Vault Franchising 

Payroll services 

Aug. 

2018 

$49,000 – 

$74,119 

$42,850 – 

$70,569 

42 

Precision Concrete Cutting 

Concrete maintenance services 

May 


$150,000 – 

$176,500 

$100,000 56 

PropertyGuys.com 

Real estate 

Aug. 

2018 

$50,000 – 

$100,000 

$50,000 89 

* PuroClean — more on p. 36 

Property emergency repair services 

Sep. 

2018 

$72,732 – 

$190,582 

$100,000 – 

$150,000 

264 

* Remedy Intelligent Staffing — more on p. 35 

Staffing solutions 

Jan. 


$151,840 – 

$258,280 

$100,000 615 

“[Sandler Training] does an 

excellent job supporting 

the professional and 

personal growth of the 

franchisee network. The 

conferences as well as 

marketing support help 

each franchisee develop 

their market.” 

– Sandler Training Franchise Owner 


Business consulting & coaching 



Service Team of Professionals 

Restoration services 

Shack Shine 

Gutter cleaning & window washing 

ShelfGenie 

Shelving solutions 

Showhomes Home Staging 

Home staging 

Sit Means Sit Dog Training 

Dog training 

* Snap-on Tools — more on p. 4 

Automotive services 

April 

2018 

Feb. 


Sep. 

2018 

July 

2018 

Dec. 

2018 

Jan. 


Nov. 

2018 

Sep. 

2018 

$97,525 – 

$114,500 

$108,250 – 

$143,580 

$78,600 – 

$138,500 

$50,250 – 

$97,050 

$68,600 – 

$103,750 

$45,300 – 

$78,000 

$45,000 – 

$93,850 

$172,207 – 

$375,265 

$79,000 267 

$108,250 94 

$56,000 34 

$40,000 38 

$75,000 172 

$10,000 55 

$45,000 125 

$38,000 – 

$53,366 

4,794 

Snapology 

STEM/STEAM programs & activities 

June 

2018 

$40,000 – 

$90,000 

$34,900 104 


Youth sports 

Dec. 

2018 

$41,034 – 

$53,950 

$38,000 236 

Sotheby’s International Realty 

Real estate 

Jan. 


$194,650 – 

$627,000 

$63,650 – 

$206,000 

607 

Stratus Building Solutions 


Feb. 

2018 

$4,350 – 

$72,850 

$2,000 – 

$20,000 

1,747 


Bookkeeping services 

March 


$77,130 – 

$102,390 

$100,000 93 

Surface Specialists Systems 


May 

2018 

$43,200 – 

$56,000 

$25,000 48 

TeamLogic IT 

IT services 

Oct. 

2018 

$160,000 – 

$160,000 

$60,000 176 

TGA Premier Sports 

Youth sports 

Feb. 


$16,300 – 

$67,350 

$16,300 – 

$67,350 

125 



Feb. 


$154,000 – 

$231,000 

$150,000 71 



Survey 

Date 

Start-Up 

Investment 

Cash 

Requirement 

Total 

Units 

* The Glass Guru 

Window restoration 

* The Maids 

Cleaning & maid services 

Town Money Saver 


* Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 37 

Pest control 


Sports, school & event photography 

Oct. 

2018 

April 


March 


April 


July 

2018 

$64,150 – 

$183,000 

$76,100 – 

$164,650 

$5,700 – 

$17,000 

$50,200 – 

$293,000 

$20,415 – 

$74,725 

$64,150 89 

$60,000 1,208 

$5,000 – 

$12,500 

49 

$35,000 339 

$10,500 179 

“The corporate franchise, 

as a whole, has been 

very helpful and 

accommodating in 

the overall growth 

and development of 

my individual franchise.” 

* Two Men and A Truck — more on p. 31 

Moving services 

March 


$179,000 – 

$585,000 

$80,000 – 

$190,000 

387 

– The Glass Guru Franchise Owner 

United Country Real Estate 

Real estate 

Oct. 

2018 

$16,290 – 

$42,510 

$15,000 453 

We Insure 

Insurance services 

Sep. 

2018 

$25,000 – 

$100,000 

$50,000 – 

$100,000 

86 

Weed Man 

Lawn care 

Aug. 

2018 

$68,453 – 

$85,513 

$50,000 674 

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates 

Real estate 

Sep. 

2018 

$50,000 – 

$324,700 

$50,000 – 

$324,700 

483 


Printing & marketing services 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

Painting 

YESCO 


June 

2018 

Dec. 

2018 

March 


$60,960 – 

$89,710 

$67,000 – 

$129,500 

$64,300 – 

$350,000 

$47,000 75 

$50,000 53 

$60,000 110 

Visit www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

for more Top Franchise opportunities for 2019. 

“Comprehensive nature 

of the training is second 

to none. As I became 

active within the IFA, I 

quickly saw the difference 

between what Weed Man 

provides and much of the 

rest of the franchising 

ecosystem. Weed Man 

is head and shoulders 

above the competition.” 

– Weed Man Franchise Owner 



Featured, Award-Winning Brand 

Is a Mobile Business the Way to Go 

in Today’s Economy? 

On-the-go franchises offer the ultimate in customer convenience 

The temperatures in Maine in early March are 

frigid. As I sit down to type this, the temperature 

hovers around -1 degree. So, when my car 

battery called it quits last night (for the third 

and final time in one day), as the sun and the 

temperatures dropped, I understood; it had 

fought a good fight working hard through 

countless New England winters, but now it 

was done and even a jump from a neighboring 

car wasn’t going to bring it back to life. 

So, I called my lifeline: AAA. You might be 

familiar with AAA as the roadside assistance 

service that can help you out of a jam if your 

tire blows out or your battery dies. But did 

you know that they can also perform diagnostic 

testing and replace certain parts like 

your battery, right there on the spot? What I 

anticipated to be a half-day ordeal (getting my 

car towed to the garage, calling in late to work, 

finding alternative transportation for my kids, 

etc...) ended up being a 45-minute battery 

diagnosis and replacement right there in the 

parking lot of the Golden Harvest Supermarket 

on a frigid Wednesday night in Maine. Just 

like that, a major inconvenience turned into a 

minor annoyance, quickly remedied thanks to 

the AAA mobile business model. 

AAA may have been an early pioneer of 

the mobile business model, but today they are 

certainly not alone. In fact, mobile businesses 

are now so popular that they can be found 

serving customers across several industries 

from food to automotive to manufacturing. 

For aspiring entrepreneurs interested in opening 

a mobile business, a mobile franchise can 

be great alternative to starting a business from 

scratch—as a franchise model can offer a pathway 

to profitability and all the support of the 

corporate brand. 



Mobile franchises have proven attractive 

for both businesses and consumers, offering 

low overhead and convenience. In today’s 

on-demand world, mobile franchises are 

proving especially effective as consumers 

expect—and appreciate—convenience more 

than ever before. 

“A mobile franchise concept offers the 

ultimate customer convenience because the 

store comes to them. This offers the customer 

immediate satisfaction in products and service,” 

explained Tom Kasbohm, director of 

the Snap-on Tools franchise system, which is 

one of the world’s largest non-food franchises 

with over 4,600 franchises worldwide. “Our 

Snap-on Tools franchisees literally drive their 

20 foot plus ‘Showroom on Wheels’ directly to 

customers place of employment and provide 

innovative solutions to the customer in the 

bays where the customer is performing their 

critical tasks.” 

Mobile franchises offer a few major benefits 

to business owners: 

1. Low Overhead. You typically are not 

required to purchase or lease real estate. 

2. Convenience. You do not need to wait 

for the customer to come to you since you 

bring the store to them. 

3. No Experience Necessary. When you 

invest in a franchise you are investing in a 

proven and established system. You will be 

provided with training and support available 

throughout the life of your agreement. 

Kasbohm explained how Snap-on Tools 

franchisees benefit from investing in an 

established franchise system. “Snap-on is 

recognized by our customer base and beyond 

with a 99 year legacy of innovation in the 

design, manufacturing and distribution of 

high-quality products and productivity solutions,” 

he said. “The franchisee offers solutions 

from over 33,000 Snap-on branded products 

and another 6,500 products the franchisee can 

make available to their customers.” This brand 

recognition and extensive product set is what 

makes Snap-on (and other mobile franchise 

brands) so appealing when compared to starting 

a mobile business from scratch. 

Snap-on Tools Franchisee 

AFFORDING A MOBILE FRANCHISE 

Mobile franchises, just like brick and mortar 

franchises, are offered at nearly all investment 

levels. At Snap-on Tools, the estimated total 

initial investment to begin operations typically 

ranges from $172,207 to $375,265. When 

researching franchise opportunities, you can 

find detailed costs and financial data in the 

Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In 

addition to the initial franchise fee, there are 

often cash requirements you must meet, as 

well as ongoing royalty fees and marketing 

fees. The FDD lists all of these costs and fees in 

detail and is available free for any prospective 

franchisee. Serious investors should review 

the FDD with their financial advisor and a 

franchise lawyer. 

There are also several avenues for financing 

a franchise including SBA loans, ROBS, 

portfolio loans and in certain cases, franchisor 

financing. At Snap-on Tools, prospective 

franchisees may be able to take advantage 

of affiliate financing. “Our affiliate Snap-on 

credit may offer franchise financing. The outof-pocket 

expenses, if utilizing the Franchise 

Finance Program, ranges between $37,999 to 

$55,377,” said Kasbohm. “That includes funds 

of between $12,491 to $18,350 for working 

capital to be used in the first three months 

of operations.” 

READY TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL? 

There are many options to consider as you 

research mobile businesses. If you’re considering 

a mobile franchise in the tool industry, you 

may want to consider Snap-on Tools. Snap-on 

Tools is proud to be the only franchise in the 

tool industry to be recognized for 12 consecutive 

years with a “Franchise Satisfaction 

Award” from Franchise Business Review. 

To learn more about Snap-on Tools franchise opportunities 

go to www.franchisebusinessreview.com/top-franchises/ 

snap-on-tools. 

Snap-on Tools Company LLC, Kenosha, WI. Minnesota Franchise Registration No.F-2327 

2801 80th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143 


FBR SPECIAL REPORT // MARKETPLACE 


TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

ADVERTISING & SALES 

N2 Publishing 

* Our Town America — more on p. 34 


Town Money Saver 

Discovery Map 

AUTOMOTIVE 

* Christian Brothers Automotive 

* Snap-on Tools — more on p. 4 

RNR Tire Express 

Mighty Auto Parts 

Auto Appraisal Network 

Tint World 

Grease Monkey 

BUSINESS SERVICES 




YESCO 

* Minuteman Press 




* Remedy Intelligent Staffing — more on p. 35 

FPC National 

Dale Carnegie 

Nextaff 

CHILD SERVICES 


JumpBunch 

TGA Premier Sports 

Young Rembrandts 

The Little Gym 

KidsPark 

High Touch High Tech 

Drama Kids 


Snapology 

College Nannies, Sitters + Tutors 

Today’s leading brands based 

on FBR’s owner satisfaction data. 

*Full Satisfaction Report Available 

at FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE 

* MaidPro 

Aire-Master of America 

Anago Cleaning Systems (Master Franchisors) 

* Molly Maid 


Jan-Pro (Master Franchisors) 

* 360clean 

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning 

* Image One 

Two Maids & A Mop 

Stratus Building Solutions (Master Franchisors) 

You’ve Got MAIDS 

Buildingstars (Master Franchisors) 

EDUCATION 

* The Goddard School 

Online Trading Academy 

* Mathnasium 

* The Learning Experience 

Huntington Learning Center 

Creative World School 

LearningRx — more on p. 41 

The Tutoring Center 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

* Payroll Vault 



Motto Mortgage 

We Insure 

Family Financial Centers 

FITNESS 

Orangetheory Fitness 

* Crunch Fitness 

* 30 Minute Hit — more on p. 42 

Planet Fitness 

Burn Boot Camp 

Baby Boot Camp 

Gold’s Gym 

The Camp Transformation Center 


Nextaff 

Initial Investment: $98,800 – $148,000 

Cash Requirement: $100,000 

Total Units: 69 

Nextaff develops and implements Workforce 

Strategies for small and mid-sized businesses 

and is one of the largest companies in the 

staffing industry. As a franchise owner you will 

gain access to our expertise, technology, back 

office support, proven marketing and business 

development resources. Using our X-FACTOR, 

you’ll be able to stand out from the crowd and 

provide custom recruiting strategies to your 

clients—and have the data to back it up. The 

ideal candidate has experience in B2B sales, 

profit and loss responsibility, a positive attitude 

and is active in the business. Staffing experience 

a plus but is not required. 

For more information on Nextaff opportunities, 

call (913) 562-5614, email cdaniel@nextaff. 

com or visit www.nextaff-franchise.com. 


Supporting Strategies 




Supporting Strategies provides outsourced 

bookkeeping and operational support services 

for small businesses, We Pay their Bills, Pay their 

People, recognize their revenue, and perform 

a formal month end close for all of our clients. 

Our franchise opportunity is your chance to take 

advantage of the rising demand for outsourced 

accounting support services. We’ve developed 

a proven, scalable business model with highly 

automated systems and processes to deliver 

cost-effective accounting services to clients. 

Furthermore, our low overhead and variable 

cost delivery model enable franchisees to 

closely match costs to revenues. This low cost, 

home based, recurring revenue model has high 

earnings potential. 

See page 32 for additional top franchises. 

Visit FBR50.com for brand details. 

For more information on Supporting Strategies 

opportunities, call (978) 479-2871, email 

steve@supportingstrategies.com or visit 

www.supportingstrategiesfranchise.com. 


FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Now’s the time. 

Make your move and join the TWO MEN 

AND A TRUCK® family! Offering local 

and long-distance moving, packing, 

and unpacking services for home and 

business customers. There’s never been 

a better time to join the nation’s first and 

largest franchised moving company. 

96% customer referral rate 

7.5 million moves & counting 

$2.2 average unit volume 

Ongoing year-over-year growth 

888.519.0843 | franchise.twomenandatruck.com 

This advertisement is not an offering to sell a franchise. An offering can be made only by Franchise Disclosure Document that has been registered with and approved by 

the appropriate agency in your state if your state requires such registration. Individual franchise performance will vary. *$2.2 million is the average annual gross sales in 

2018 for franchises that have been in operation at least five years. 70 of the 180 franchises in this group (39%) met or exceeded this average. New franchisees’ results 

may differ from the represented performance. See Item 19 of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK FDD. 

Ronda Zeneri 

Cruise Planners 

Massillon, OH 

Franchisee since 2001 

What was it about the franchise model and/or 

leadership that led you to purchase it? My 

husband researched several, travel-related 

franchises before we decided on Cruise Planners. 

We were inspired by the team spirit of the 

Home Office Team, and immediately felt like 

part of the family after purchasing our franchise. 

We were also impressed with the quality of our 

training at STAR University and the continuous 

support we received from our Business 

Development Coaches. 

What type of business experience, education, 

and/or skills did you have prior to becoming 

a franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? Neither my husband or I had any 

previous experience in the travel industry. 

He has always been in sales, so he felt confident 

that this was something that we could do. I had 

no previous sales experience, but I ran my 

own preschool for 16 years prior to purchasing 

our franchise. 

What things do you like most about your job? 

I love helping my clients find the perfect vacation 

experience that matches their hobbies and 

lifestyle. Every day in travel planning is different 

and I’m always learning something new. 

How did you fund your franchise? Did you 

receive any discounts/incentives? We purchased 

our franchise in 2001 and are franchise number 

43. We were happy to pay the price of the 

franchise and didn’t receive any discounts. 

HOME HELPERS HOME CARE: 

OUTPACING THE INDUSTRY 

FOR OVER 21 YEARS 

Recognized as a 2019 Top-Low Cost Franchises and 

Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider 

What advice do you have for prospective 

franchise buyers? What do you wish you had 

known prior to going into franchising? I would 

advise prospective franchise buyers to just go 

for it! I wished we had done this sooner! It’s 

such a rewarding experience to be able to help 

make memories for someone else. Just know 

that Cruise Planners’ Home Office—and all of the 

other franchise owners—have your back. 

At Home Helpers, new territories are awarded every 11 days. Our success is due to our 

unique system with world-class training and support. To learn more or to see if your 

territory is available, call 1.844.899.8801 or visit www.HomeHelpersFranchise.com. 

This advertisement is not a franchise offering and the information does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an 

offer to buy a Home Helpers Home Care franchise. A franchise offering may only be made by H.H. Franchising Systems, Inc. 

through the delivery of its applicable Franchise Disclosure Document. Some states require franchisors to register the FDD prior 

to advertising or offering a franchise in their state. H.H. Franchising Systems, Inc. is currently registered or otherwise excluded 

or exempt in those states. 

For more information about Cruise Planners 

opportunities, call (888) 582-2150 

or visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/ 

travel-professionals. 



2019 TOP 200 

FRANCHISES 

CHILD SERVICES 

FOOD & BEVERAGE 

* Kona Ice 

Culver’s 

Captain D’s 


* Chicken Salad Chick — more on p. 38 

Lenny’s Sub Shop 

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 

Rising Roll Gourmet 

LaRosa’s Pizzeria 

Pizza Ranch 

The Wendy’s Company 

Pizza Factory 

Wingstop 


Scooter’s Coffee 

Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries 

Church’s Chicken 

Wings Etc. 

Jason’s Deli 

* Checkers & Rally’s 

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe 

* Donatos Pizza — more on p. 36 

* The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe Company — more on 

* Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs 

p. 33 

Penn Station 

more on 

back cover 

Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 

Brioche Doree 

East Coast Wings & Grill 

* Happy & Healthy Products 

Biggby Coffee 

* PJ’S COFFEE — more on p. 41 

HEALTH & PERSONAL SERVICES 

Palm Beach Tan 

Sport Clips 

Fastest Labs 

Sola Salon Studios 

Drybar 

My Salon Suite 

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers 

Any Lab Test Now 

101 Mobility 

HOME SERVICES 

Budget Blinds 

* HouseMaster 

* CertaPro Painters 

Surface Specialists Systems 

Home Services continued 

* DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 

ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Co. 

Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 

* Five Star Painting 

Garage Experts 

* Kitchen Solvers 

* Mr. Handyman 

WOW 1 DAY PAINTING 

* Mr. Appliance 

Shack Shine 

Bloomin Blinds 

ShelfGenie 

The Grout Doctor 

Floor Coverings International 

Closets By Design 

California Closets 

PET SERVICES 

In Home Pet Services 

Pet Supplies ‘PLUS’ 

Sit Means Sit 

Dogtopia 

REAL ESTATE 


NextHome 

Sotheby’s International Realty 

Epcon Communities 

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 

* HomeVestors of America — more on p. 6 

ERA 

Weichert Real Estate Affiliates 

Coldwell Banker 

Showhomes Home Staging 

HomeSmart International 

PropertyGuys.com 

United Country Real Estate 


Coldwell Banker Commercial 

See page 33 for additional top franchises. 


RECREATION 

* American Poolplayers Association — more on 

p. 35 

Kampgrounds of America/KOA 

Goldfish Swim School 

* Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 

* APEX Leadership Co (APEX Fun Run) 

Streamline Brands 

Color Me Mine 

Snapology 




Your Dream Business Awaits! Build your 

future as you inspire the next generation with 

Snapology. The demand for S.T.E.M. professionals 

is growing rapidly and, therefore, so is the 

demand for academic enrichment programs. 

A Snapology franchise is truly unique. We like 

to call ourselves the un-franchise. We value 

collaboration, creativity, innovation, friendship 

and support. Our curriculum suite of over 1000 

hours of programming places equal emphasis 

on academic enrichment, social development, 

and fun. When children are actively engaged in 

interactive learning activities, their creativity 

flourishes. If kids are happy, then parents are 

happy and your business will flourish. See 

why Snapology is the fastest growing, S.T.E.M. 

education franchise. Start Building a Better 

Future Today! 

For more information on Snapology 

opportunities, call (407) 506-6239, 

email jeffb@snapology.com or visit 

www.snapology.com/franchise. 


A&W Restaurants 

Initial Investment: $269,000 – $1,213,000 

Cash Requirement: $150,000 – $250,000 


Join the A&W Restaurant, Inc. family of 

franchisees! This is a unique opportunity to join 

a 100-year old iconic American brand being 

run with the entrepreneurial spirit of a start-up. 

With AUVs up 33% since 2011, we are pursuing 

development in markets across the U.S. with 

restaurant prototypes for Free-Standing, Gas 

& Convenience, and In-Line retail centers. We 

proudly offer our signature made-fresh-in-store 

A&W Root Beer and Root Beer Floats, 100% U.S. 

beef burgers, Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders 

and fried Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese 

Curds. Veteran discounts are available. Visit 

AWFranchising.com and Let’s Get Started! 

For more information on A&W Restaurants 

opportunities, call (859) 721-2332 or visit 

www.Awfranchising.com. 


RETAIL 

* Wild Birds Unlimited 

* Pinch A Penny — more on p. 36 

Rhea Lana’s 

Learning Express 

Zagg 

Just Between Friends 

* Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 

SENIOR SERVICES 

* Visiting Angels 

* Home Instead Senior Care 

Right at Home 

* FirstLight Home Care — more on p. 35 

Home Care Assistance 

* Qualicare-Family Homecare 

Assisting Hands 

Home Helpers Home Care — more on p. 31 

* Homewatch Caregivers 

* Amada Senior Care 

* CarePatrol 

HomeWell Senior Care 

Assisted Living Locators 

* Senior Care Authority 

SERVICES 

Precision Concrete Cutting 

Weed Man 

* Truly Nolen of America — more on p. 37 

* Two Men and A Truck 



FRSTeam 

Paul Davis 

Bin There Dump That 

* College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — more on 

* PuroClean — more on p. 36 

p. 41 

Complete Weddings + Events 

* U.S. Lawns 

Property Damage Appraisers 

Shine Window Care & Holiday Lighting 

* Aire Serv Heating And Air Conditioning 


* Mr. Electric 

Sea Tow Services 

TECHNOLOGY 

TeamLogic IT 

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY 



Expedia CruiseShipCenters 





HEALTH & BEAUTY 

HEALTH & BEAUTY 


Initial Investment: $1,098,000 – $1,739,818 



Fazoli’s ® a premium quick-serve restaurant 

that has been providing fast, fresh Italian 

food at a great value for more than 30 years. 

Their commitment to excellence is evident in 

every detail—from their dedication to menu 

innovation, a new modern restaurant design 

and providing an unparalleled guest experience, 

Fazoli’s ® has established itself as a leader in the 

Quick-Service restaurant segment. With more 

than 220 locations in 28 states, Fazoli’s ® has a 

strong brand following with proven operational 

systems and processes that assure excellent 

financial performance by franchises. Fazoli’s ® 

seeks franchisees who are interested in single- or 

multi-unit ownership. Development incentives 

available. 

For more information on Fazoli’s ® Restaurants 


or visit www.ownaFazolis.com. 

Sola Salon Studios 

Initial Investment: $457,800 – $1,166,380 



With over 450 franchise and company-owned 

locations across the U.S., Canada, and Brazil, Sola 

Salon Studios is the largest salon suites concept 

in the U.S. Founded in 2004 in Denver, Colorado, 

Sola is home to over 12,000 independent, 

career-oriented beauty professionals who are 

experiencing the freedom of salon ownership. 

Sola features a compelling, real estate-based 

business model with minimal employees in an 

Amazon-insulated industry. The Sola business 

model is proven and the demand continues to 

grow. Sola’s goal is to have 1000 domestic and 

international locations. 

For more information on Sola Salon Studios 

opportunities, call (303) 377-7652, 

email jim@solasalonstudios.com or visit 

www.solasolanstudios.com. 

Sport Clips 



Total Units: 1,840 

Sport Clips Haircuts is a sports-themed 

haircutting franchise specializing in haircuts 

for men and boys in a 75 billion dollar growing 

men’s grooming industry. We’ve helped almost 

500 professionals like you use franchising as a 

vehicle to financial freedom and greater time 

Control ® in their life. Two distinct advantages: 

A semi-absentee business model allows you to 

continue with your day job while you build your 

investment. With over 25 years of experience, 

we have a winning formula for marketing, 

training and support that has resulted in a 95.4% 

franchise continuity rate. Ideal candidates have 

leadership, managerial and communication skills 

and enjoy sales, marketing, developing others 

and being involved in your community. 

For more information on Sport Clips 


www.SportClipsFranchise.com/FBR. 

The Nation’s Premier New Mover Marketing Franchise 

Helping Local Businesses Connect with 

New Customers & Helping New Movers 

Adjust to their New Community 

2019 Top Franchise • 2019 Top Low-Cost Franchise • Top Franchise for Veterans 

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

Rated the #1 Advertising & Sales Franchise in 2018! 

• 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 14 Years 1 

• FBR 10-year Hall of Fame 1 

• FBR All-time Top Company 1 

• 47-Year Industry Innovator 

Ask us 

about our 

Veteran 

Discount! 

800.497.8360 X236 • OurTownAmerica.com 

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 FranchiseBusinessReview.com 

FR-20190517-FBR 


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. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT US! 

ALICIA MILLER - FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT 

502-255-2297 | REMEDYFRANCHISE.COM 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Steve Rattner 

FirstLight Home Care 

Pinellas County, Fla. 



leadership that led you to purchase it? What 

compelled me to partner with FirstLight was 

the extensive experience and success that 

[co-founder and CEO] Jeff Bevis and his 

leadership team had in the space. After meeting 

with several leading brands, FirstLight was the 

only brand that asked me why I wanted to be 

in this business—the others just wanted to 

talk about growth and financial opportunities. 

FirstLight was highly interested in whether or not 

I was a good fit for the culture they were trying to 

create, which was very important to me. 

From the very beginning, FirstLight has 

provided top-notch branding and marketing 

materials, a wonderful website and all of the 

policies and procedures to get my business 

started quickly and with significant impact. 

Additionally, the support leadership provides is 

exceptional, especially in the beginning when it’s 

needed the most. FirstLight is a rapidly growing 

brand in an industry that continues to explode 

with growth. I’m excited to be a part of that. 

I expect FirstLight to remain competitive in the 

future by remaining focused on delivering highquality 

service, offering new services that create 

value, and by leveraging the growing number of 

locations, owners and employees to help drive 

down operating costs. 

What do you like most about your job? The 

best part of being a FirstLight franchisee is the 

difference my staff has made in the community 

over the years. I commend their continued 

efforts to improve the quality of life and 

provide peace of mind for our clients and their 

loved ones. Recognizing and appreciating our 

amazing employees who make this all happen is 

extremely rewarding. 

For more information about FirstLight Home 

Care opportunities, call (877) 570-0002 

or visit www.firstlightfranchise.com. 



THE INDUSTRY 

IS STARTING 

TO NOTICE 

A GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 

RIGHT IN YOUR BACKYARD 

OWN THE RETAIL POOL SUPPLY AND SERVICE FRANCHISE 

THAT HELPS YOU LIVE THE GOOD LIFE 

Awarded Top 50 

Franchisee Satisfaction by 

Franchise Business Review 

Ranked Top 500 Global 

Franchise by Entrepreneur 

Named Top 100 

Game-Changer Franchise 

by Franchise Dictionary 

Magazine 

2019 Best in Disaster 

Restoration Services 

by FranCompare 

WHAT ABOUT YOU? 

250+ RETAIL 

LOCATIONS 

IN FIVE STATES 

YEAR-ROUND BUSINESS 

IN RETAIL, SERVICE, AND 

MAINTENANCE 

PINCHAPENNYPOOLFRANCHISE.COM 

727-339-0192 

40+ YEARS OF 

SALES GROWTH 

WITH AVERAGE UNIT 

SALES OF $1.2M* 

*For the year ending December 31, 2018, Pinch A Penny had 248 stores open. Of those stores, 238 have been open at least one year. 

Of those open at least one year, the average annual gross sales was $1,257,388. 88 stores (37%) had annual gross sales that exceeded 

the average. Your results may differ. There is no assurance that you will do as well. See our 2019 Franchise Disclosure Document for 

more information. 

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. If 

you are a resident of a U.S. state or a country that regulates the offer and sale of franchises, are receiving this message in one of those 

states or countries, or intend to operate a franchise in any of those states or countries, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until 

we have complied with any applicable pre-sale registration and/or disclosure requirements in the applicable jurisdiction. 

©2019 Pinch A Penny. All Rights Reserved. 

“ I GET TO CONTROL 

MY DESTINY. 

AND EAT PIZZA.” 

–DOUG DeVILBISS 

Multi-unit Franchise Partner 

2 Donatos Restaurants 

AUV OVER $1,059,257 

174% HIGHER THAN AVERAGE PIZZA RESTAURANT 

PMQ Pizza Magazine December 2018 

2018 TOP 30 FOOD FRANCHISES 

Franchise Business Review 

Visit PuroCleanFranchise.com 

or call (855) 503-4242 

Each PuroClean office is independently owned 

and operated. 

#7 PIZZA FRANCHISE 

Entrepreneur 2018 Top 200 list of 

Food & Restaurant Franchises 

For more information, visit 

DONATOSPIZZAFRANCHISE.COM 


HOME SERVICES 

RETAIL 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

HouseMaster 




For more than 40 years, HouseMaster has 

been helping people from a diverse array of 

backgrounds realize their dreams of business 

ownership. A HouseMaster franchise is one of 

the most affordable ways to develop a successful 

business in the growing home inspection 

industry. As part of the HouseMaster team, you 

will receive all of the training, systems, tools, and 

support you need to be successful. Your passion 

will be rewarded when you give customers 

peace of mind about their purchase as well as 

knowledge to protect their greatest investment; 

their home. It is truly a great time to join the 

HouseMaster team! 

For more information on HouseMaster 


www.housemaster.com. 

Wild Birds Unlimited 




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. 

For more information on Wild Birds Unlimited 


www.wbufranchise.com. 

Lori 

Mgrdichian 

Homewatch CareGivers 

Windsor, CT and 

Western MA. 



leadership that led you to purchase it? The 

homecare industry was experiencing healthy 

growth when I was researching different 

industries, and it was expected to continue over 

the next number of decades. In the arena of 

Home Care company franchisors, Homewatch 

CareGivers presented a unique opportunity to 

align with a company that could teach me the 

industry and give me the resources and 

marketplace intelligence needed to build a 

profitable business. The leadership team was 

energetic, knowledgeable and accessible. 

What do you like most about your job? From 

a day to day perspective, I love to deep dive 

into financials, metrics, KPIs etc.—it’s just 

something I’ve always loved about business. It’s 

how I manage and strategize for the future. In 

terms of the overarching mission, my business 

is about enabling people to feel a level of 

independence, stability and safety as they age. 

Most people want to do that in their own homes. 

The realization that I can somehow be a part of 

making that possible, makes this more than a job 

to me, more than a spreadsheet, procedure or 

process. 


franchise buyers? While you are building your 

business, be ready to work, potentially harder 

than you ever have before. Learn every aspect 

of your business and spend time with your 

customers/clients—understand their challenges 

and what’s most important to them. I had 

experience managing large organizations, leading 

change, and managing people to deliver highquality 

capabilities over a few decades. And I still 

found that this business required ‘flexing new 

muscles’ in order to be successful. 

For more information about Homewatch 

CareGivers opportunities, call (800) 472-2290 

or visit www.homewatchcaregivers.com/ 

franchise. 



® 

WHERE PASSIONS 

ARE SHARED & 

SUCCESS IS SERVED. 

MADE FROM SCRATCH EVERY DAY - 

NO STOVES, NO OVENS, & NO FRYERS! 

$1,075,062 AUV (BASED ON A 6-DAY 

WEEK MODEL) * 

13 CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS OF SAME- 

STORE SALES GROWTH (& COUNTING!) ** 

FAMILY-ORIENTED & PURPOSE-DRIVEN 

CULTURE 

Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers [2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019] 

Franchise Times' Fast & Serious List [2018 & 2019] 

Inc. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Company List [2016, 2017, & 2018] 

IFA's "Franchising Gives Back" Newcomer Award [2017] 

Nation’s Restaurant News "Next 20" Restaurant Brands List [2017] 

Restaurant Business Future 50 List [2017] 

For Franchising Information: 

Email: Franchising@ChickenSaladChick.com 

Or Visit: www.ChickenSaladChick.com 

*This figure represents a total of 67 franchised restaurants at the end of 2017, with 49 of those in 

operation the entire year as published in our May 15, 2018 franchise disclosure document. 

**Based on performance of franchised restaurants represented in our May 15, 2018, franchise 

disclosure document. 

SERVICES 





Be Your Own Boss with this High Demand 

Business Founded in 1983, Critter Control ® the 

National leading wildlife Control ® firm continues 

with a strong industry growth rate year-after-year. 

Nearly 100 nationwide locations provide animal 

and pest management services along with related 

animal damage repair and exclusion services 

to homeowners, businesses and industry. Our 

high-demand business opportunity is extremely 

affordable and allows you the flexibility of 

running your Critter Control ® franchise right out 

of your home. The franchise fee and other startup 

costs may be able to be financed based on 

your credit rating. Critter Control ® is recognized 

as a Veteran Friendly Franchisor and is now 

offering a $5,000 discount on the initial franchise 

fee for qualified veterans. 

For more information on Critter Control 


www.critterfranchise.com. 


TECHNOLOGY 

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

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. 

For more information on TeamLogic IT 


www.teamlogicfranchising.com. 

Expedia CruiseShipCenters 




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 290 locations throughout North America. 

For more information on Expedia 

CruiseShipCenters opportunities, call (844) 

358-0361, email info@expediafranchise.com 

or visit www.expediafranchise.com. 

Phil Bacon 

FASTSIGNS 

Chattanooga, Tennessee 


What are you most proud of when it comes to 

your career in franchising? The growth that we 

have had. It is pretty amazing to think about 

where we were when we started and to look at 

our center now. But I’m more proud that we have 

taken our employees with us. They have started 

families, bought houses, and been able to 

purchase medical insurance for themselves and 

their families. We like that we not only grew the 

business, but also impacted many families. 

As a business owner, what has been the biggest 

challenge you’ve had to overcome? I would say 

it would have to be the recession. That tested us. 

It tested our resolve, our bank account and our 

confidence in ourselves and our abilities. We had 

just built our own freestanding building and kept 

pushing our sales and outside sales departments. 

We kept watching the bottom line while still 

re-investing in newer, better, faster equipment. 

It paid off. 

What do you like most about your franchise 

organization? Everything. They are responsive 

and more than willing to help with any problem 

or idea that we have. We probably call on them 

at least once a week with equipment or software 

questions. We have more million-dollar stores 

than we have had under any other leadership. 

“Catherine [Monson, CEO] gets it. She knows 

that it is not just about how much the store 

sells, but how much franchisees are putting in 

their pockets.” 

For more information about FASTSIGNS 


or visit www.fsfastsigns.com/own-a-fastsigns. 



Owners Have: 

Low Intro Cost & Flexible Time 

Be Your Own Boss 

SPORTS & HIGH VOLUME PHOTOGRAPHY 

No Real Estate (Home-based) 

No Royalties 

Instant Business Tools: a website, 

email, marketing materials & more! 

Powerful Software & 

Exclusive Products 

Annual Meetings & Reward Trips 

tssfranchisebusiness.com 

franchise@tssphotography.com • 1-800-336-4550 x114 


College Hunks 

Hauling Junk & Moving 

Join the fastest-growing moving and junk 

removal franchise in America! 

• Two recession and automation resistant franchise opportunities in one 

• 500% system-wide growth since 2013 

• $1.13M Average Gross Rev per franchise in 2018* see item 19 FDD 

• Higher Net Promoter Score than Amazon, Apple, Costco and Nordstrom 

• Recurring Revenue/Repeat Business 

• 60-70% of “junk removal” is donated or recycled 

• National Accounts 

For Franchise Info 

Call 866-766-0540 

collegehunksfranchise.com 

Awards & Recognition 

Entrepreneur: Franchise 500 

Inc.: Fastest-Growing Companies in 

America 

Franchise Gator: Top 50 Franchises; 

Fastest-Growing Franchises 

Forbes: Top Franchises to buy from 

Shark Tank 

Franchise Business Review: Top 200; 

Best Mid-Sized Franchises 

Franchise Times: Best Franchises to Buy 

International Franchise Association: 

Franchising Gives Back Award 

FEATURED 

Franchisee 

Roxanne 

Tillotson 

PJ’s Coffee 

Belle Chasses, La. 

Franchisee since 2019 

What type of business experience, education, 

and/or skills did you have prior to becoming 

a franchisee that you have found particularly 

helpful? I am a newborn photographer with a 

studio right down the highway from PJ’s. What 

drew me to PJ’s was, of course, their wonderful 

coffee and the fact that it is New Orleans owned. 

I knew my time as a newborn photographer was 

limited and I wanted a business that I could be 

involved in, but also a business that didn’t “need” 

me in the store to operate day to day (Unlike my 

photography business). Owning my studio for the 

past eight years has helped me transition into 

this new business model in many ways. 

What do you like most about your job? 

I am extremely customer oriented and I feel that 

a customer’s great experience in your business 

is what keeps them coming back. I am really 

enjoying leading my group of 10 young staff 

members who take pride in working for such 

a great organization, which in turn helps 

them provide better customer service to 

our customers. 

How did you fund your franchise? Did you 

receive any discounts/incentives? I had money 

saved that I was looking to invest and thought 

this would be a better rate of return while also 

giving me the chance to feed my entrepreneurial 

spirit. I borrowed against my own money in 

hopes to turn that into a business loan in 12-18 

months, which would free up that money to 

purchase a second PJ’s location. 


franchise buyers? What do you wish you had 

known prior to going into franchising? My 

advice to future franchise owners is to take the 

time to thoroughly research the companies that 

you are interested in, and go with a company 

that speaks to your heart. If you truly love that 

company, the products, the people and the 

business model, you will be successful. 

For more information about PJ’s Coffee 


or visit www.pjsfranchise.com. 



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 

2.0 Model Restaurants 

• 17.05% 2018 Average Unit EBITDA 

• $2,270,320 Average Unit Net Sales 

• 2.75 to 1 Return on First Year Sales to Investment 

franchising@eastcoastwings.com 

“Future 50” in growth for 

small chains in America 

Full Service Restaurants - listed 

as Top Franchise Value 

*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 

2018 as published in item 19 of our April 2019 Franchise Disclosure Document. Individual financial performance will vary.” 

©2019 East Coast Wings & Grill All Rights Reserved 

Lead generation ad 7.2019 FBR.indd 1 

6/25/19 3:20 PM 

A KNOCKOUT 

BUSINESS. 

BECOME A FRANCHISEE TODAY. 

Fastest growing Women's only boutique fitness franchise 

Flexible, rewarding & inspiring lifestyle 

Low start up costs & steady recurring revenue 

Unmatched & dedicated support 

Learn more about us! 

Stacey Firth - Franchise Development 

778-828-7755 | my30minutehit.com 


35 QUARTERS 

OF CONSECUTIVE SAME 

STORE SALES GROWTH* 

SINCE 1973 

564 STORES 

IN 21 STATES† 

INNOVATORS 

OF FLAVORED 

CRUST® PIZZA 

Unavailable 

Multi-unit 

Areas Available 

Existing Locations - 

Areas Available 

Carryout and Delivery Concept 

OPEN A HUNGRY HOWIE’S ® FRANCHISE 

FRANCHISING.HUNGRYHOWIES.COM 

248.414.3300 

*Results measure company-wide same store sales figures for each calendar year over the previous calendar year. The measuring period is January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2018. Excludes store sales from the State of Florida, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to Hungry Howie’s, 

and units which opened and/or closed during the measuring period. Not all individual stores experienced the same results. New franchisees may have results that differ. This advertisement is not an offer of a franchise. Franchises are offered and sold only through a Franchise Disclosure Document. 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION, OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT 

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE, AND NOT MISLEADING. STATE OF NEW YORK: THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS NOT AN OFFERING. AN OFFERING CAN ONLY BE MADE BY A FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT FILED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. SUCH FILING DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL BY THE 

DEPARTMENT OF LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. MINNESOTA STATE REGISTRATION NUMBER F-2873. †545 open stores in 21 states with an additional 19 agreements signed as of 12/18/2018.

FBR Issue 3 - 2019

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?