Companies

Avis commands a massive presence with 1,758 total outlets and exceptional recent momentum, having opened 100 locations compared to only 6 closures. ✓ The brand requires significant capital with a total investment reaching up to $1.5 million, yet maintains a relatively accessible franchise fee of $25,000. ⚠ Prospective investors must exercise caution due to the presence of litigation and the lack of an Item 19 financial performance representation, which limits visibility into potential returns.

Wingstop demonstrates robust system health and aggressive expansion, evidenced by a massive net gain of 185 outlets last year and strong Average Unit Volumes of $1.6 million. ✓ The low $5,000 franchise fee is exceptionally accessible, though operators must be prepared for a potentially steep total investment reaching nearly $1 million. ⚠ Prospective buyers should exercise caution regarding the disclosed history of bankruptcy and litigation, despite the brand's clear financial performance.

IHOP offers a massive footprint of over 1,700 locations, providing franchisees with established brand recognition and a relatively low 4.5% royalty rate ✓. However, the investment range is exceptionally wide and capital-intensive, reaching up to $5.2 million, while the absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevents a clear view of potential returns ⚠. The brand is currently facing a slight contraction in growth trajectory, with 32 closures outpacing 29 openings last year, a trend compounded by the disclosure of active litigation ⚠.

Kumon demonstrates significant scale with nearly 1,700 units and achieved positive net growth last year, opening 65 outlets compared to 31 closures. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible entry point with a low $4,000 fee and a total investment starting around $73k, which is notably affordable for the education sector. ✓ However, the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure is a major transparency gap that forces prospective owners to validate potential returns without franchisor support. ⚠ Additionally, the closure of 31 units suggests operational challenges or market saturation in specific territories. ⚠

Kona Ice, Inc. demonstrates robust expansion and operational stability, having opened 209 units last year compared to only 15 closures. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible entry point with a low $15,000 fee and no ongoing royalties, though the total investment reaches up to $222,141. ⚠ A significant risk for prospective investors is the absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation, which prevents the verification of potential earnings. ✓ Despite this lack of data transparency, the massive scale of over 1,670 outlets suggests a validated and repeatable business model.

The Maids operates a substantial network of 1,635 outlets, offering a low-cost entry point with a total investment between $80k–$159k and a modest 3.9% royalty fee. ✓ While the franchise is transparent with Item 19 data and has a clean legal record, the Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $78,430 suggests tight profit margins for owner-operators. ⚠ The brand is currently facing a contraction in scale, having closed 78 outlets against only 66 openings last year. ⚠

Servpro Industries leverages massive scale with over 1,600 outlets to dominate the cleanup and restoration sector. ✓ The opportunity features a highly competitive 3.0% royalty rate and a total investment ($141k-$210k) that is relatively modest for a specialized service brand. ✓ However, prospective buyers must proceed with caution as the franchise lacks an Item 19 financial performance representation and discloses active litigation. ⚠ While the system added 41 units last year, the closure of 24 outlets suggests a need for careful due diligence regarding operational stability. ⚠

Hardee's represents a high-barrier entry opportunity requiring a total investment between $688,000 and $1.14 million, though this is mitigated by a strong Average Unit Volume of $1.29 million. ✓ The franchise offers financial transparency and stability with no history of litigation or bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the brand is in a state of significant contraction, having closed 132 outlets against only 19 openings last year. This negative growth trajectory suggests serious competitive challenges despite the potential for individual unit profitability.

Miracle-Ear, Inc. presents a high-risk investment profile despite its massive scale of 1,588 outlets, as the system is contracting significantly with 111 closures outpacing only 50 openings last year. ⚠ This negative growth trajectory is a major red flag that overshadows the accessible $30,000 franchise fee and the transparency provided by their Item 19 financial disclosure ($392,569 AUV). ✓ Prospective franchisees must exercise extreme caution given the combination of active litigation, a declining footprint, and a high total investment ranging up to $402,500. ⚠

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar leverages massive scale with nearly 1,600 outlets and a competitive 4.0% royalty rate to maintain its status as a casual dining staple. ✓ However, the brand presents significant financial barriers with a total investment reaching nearly $10 million, coupled with the absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation. ⚠ The profile carries further risk due to a history of litigation and bankruptcy, while the lack of recent outlet growth data suggests a stagnant trajectory. ⚠

Five Guys commands a massive presence with 1,558 outlets and demonstrated resilient growth last year, opening 35 units against 14 closures. ✓ The low $25,000 franchise fee is eclipsed by a steep total investment reaching $1.5 million, creating a significant capital risk for operators. ⚠ Prospective buyers must proceed with extreme caution due to the absence of financial performance data in Item 19 and the disclosure of ongoing litigation. ⚠

Valvoline Instant Oil Change demonstrates robust system health and aggressive expansion, evidenced by opening 138 outlets last year compared to only 5 closures. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible $5,000 entry fee and strong unit economics with an AUV of $1.35 million, though the total investment range varies significantly up to $3.2 million. ✓ Prospective buyers should review the disclosed litigation history as a standard risk assessment step alongside the brand's rapid growth trajectory. ⚠

Denny's operates a massive scale of 1,445 locations, supported by a low franchise fee and a solid Average Unit Volume of $1,767,337. ⚠ However, the brand is in significant decline, closing 59 outlets last year compared to only 20 openings, signaling serious contraction. Combined with a high total investment ceiling and the presence of both litigation and bankruptcy disclosures, this opportunity presents elevated financial risks despite the established brand name.

Super 8 leverages its massive scale of 1,419 outlets to offer an accessible entry point into the hospitality sector with a low franchise fee of $35,200. ✓ The brand provides earnings transparency through an Item 19 disclosure, though the total investment range varies significantly from $270k to over $6M. ⚠ The primary concern is the severe negative growth trajectory, with 72 outlets closing last year compared to only 23 openings. ⚠ The presence of litigation further underscores the operational risks and market challenges currently facing this franchise.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe exhibits exceptional market health, driven by massive expansion with 180 openings against only 6 closures. The brand offers a highly profitable opportunity with a strong AUV of $979,491, though the total investment of $300k-$720k is significant. ✓ A clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy further solidifies its standing as a stable, high-performing leader in the fast-casual segment.

Pizza Hut offers a massive footprint of 1,332 outlets and an exceptionally low franchise fee of $5,000, resulting in a total investment range that is highly competitive for a legacy QSR brand. ✓ The system shows positive momentum with 51 openings outpacing 36 closures last year, though the 10% royalty rate is standard for the sector. ⚠ Prospective buyers must proceed with caution as the franchise lacks an Item 19 financial performance representation and discloses a history of litigation.

Budget Blinds demonstrates strong market scale and positive momentum with 1,298 total outlets and a net growth of 60 units last year. ✓ The franchise offers an accessible entry point with a total investment ranging from $30,000 to $110,000. ⚠ However, prospective buyers should proceed with caution due to the absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure and the presence of litigation within the system.

Harris Research Inc offers a low-cost entry with a franchise fee of $23,500 and benefits from massive scale with over 1,200 outlets, yet the network is currently contracting. While the Item 19 discloses a respectable AUV of $106,065, the closure of 202 units last year compared to just 49 openings indicates significant systemic distress. Potential franchisees should approach with extreme caution given the active litigation history and the accelerating rate of unit attrition.

Days Inn leverages massive scale with over 1,250 outlets and offers an accessible entry point for hoteliers with a low franchise fee and mid-range royalty structure. ✓ The brand provides critical transparency by including financial performance representations and maintaining a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the system is currently facing a significant contraction risk, having closed 64 units against only 37 openings last year. ⚠ Prospective investors should exercise caution, as this negative growth trajectory suggests potential issues with market saturation or unit-level profitability despite the brand's established presence.

Brinker International Payroll Company, L.P. demonstrates significant scale with over 1,200 outlets and a positive net growth trajectory, opening 9 locations compared to 4 closures last year. ⚠ The franchise presents a high barrier to entry with a total investment ranging from $1.8M to $6.5M, alongside the presence of litigation. ⚠ A critical lack of financial performance data (Item 19) further complicates the ability to validate the return on such a substantial capital outlay.

Aaron's operates at a massive scale with over 1,180 outlets, yet the brand is currently contracting, evidenced by the closure of 51 locations last year compared to just 13 openings. The investment range of $307k to $838k is substantial, and prospective franchisees face significant due diligence challenges as the system lacks an Item 19 financial performance disclosure. Additional risks include ongoing litigation history and a 6% royalty fee, signaling a high-cost, high-risk entry into a challenging retail environment.

Firehouse Subs operates a large network of 1,152 locations with a low $20,000 franchise fee, though the total investment varies significantly from roughly $190,000 to nearly $1 million. ✓ The franchise offers financial transparency with a solid AUV of $676,188 and maintains a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the growth trajectory is flat, with the brand closing one more outlet (45) than it opened (44) last year, signaling potential market saturation or operational challenges.

Take 5 demonstrates exceptional market momentum and operator efficiency, having opened 179 units last year compared to only 3 closures. ✓ The $0 franchise fee lowers the barrier to entry, though the total investment ranges widely from $287k to over $2 million. ✓ With a robust AUV of $1,384,790 and no history of litigation or bankruptcy, this franchise presents a highly scalable opportunity with minimal visible risk.

Papa Murphy's International operates a substantial network of over 1,100 locations, supported by a transparent financial performance representation showing an AUV of roughly $680,600. ✓ While the franchise offers a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy, the total investment of up to $670,498 is significant given the sales volume. ⚠ The most pressing concern is the brand's negative growth trajectory, with 45 outlets closing last year compared to only 19 openings, signaling potential systemic contraction. ⚠

Goosehead Insurance Agency exhibits a critical net contraction in scale, with 220 outlets closing last year compared to only 97 openings, signaling severe operational distress or turnover. ⚠ The franchise presents a high-risk profile due to this negative growth trajectory, the presence of litigation, and a confusingly broad total investment range spanning from roughly $1.1 million to over $4 million. ✓ Despite these red flags and a steep 20% royalty fee, the system maintains a substantial footprint of over 1,100 total outlets and provides financial performance data in its Item 19.

HomeVestors offers a scalable real estate investment model with 1,092 outlets, supported by a low 2.0% royalty fee and a disclosed AUV of $603,158. ✓ While the entry fee is moderate, the total investment varies significantly, ranging from $109,000 to over $460,000. ⚠ The brand is currently facing a contraction in unit count, with 128 closures outweighing 73 openings last year, and prospective buyers must review the disclosed litigation history.

CHESTER’S operates a substantial network of over 1,000 locations, offering a highly accessible entry point with a low franchise fee of $3,500 and a total investment starting at just $27,500. ✓ Despite the affordable cost and lack of reported litigation or bankruptcy, the system shows concerning stagnation with 100 closures nearly offsetting the 105 openings last year. ⚠ The absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure further complicates the investment thesis, making it difficult to validate potential returns against the high turnover rate.

Minuteman Press demonstrates significant scale with over 1,000 total outlets and maintains a highly accessible entry point, with total investment starting as low as $85,909. ✓ The franchise exhibits strong financial performance with an AUV of $766,202 and positive net growth, opening 39 units against 19 closures last year. ⚠ Prospective investors should note the presence of litigation disclosures and carefully assess the 6% royalty fee within the context of the competitive printing sector.

Massage Envy presents a high-barrier investment opportunity requiring up to $1.08 million, though this is tempered by a strong Average Unit Volume of $1.13 million ✓. Despite the brand's massive scale with over 1,000 locations, the growth trajectory is concerning, evidenced by a net loss of 44 outlets last year ⚠. While the lack of litigation or bankruptcy is a positive stability signal, the minimal opening of new units compared to significant closures suggests a saturated or contracting market ✓⚠.

Smoothie King demonstrates strong scale and positive momentum with over 1,000 total outlets and a net gain of 37 units last year. ✓ The franchise offers an accessible entry point with a low $15,000 fee, though operators must manage a wide total investment range of $268k to $858k against an AUV of roughly $545k. ⚠ Prospective buyers should note the presence of litigation and carefully verify unit economics to ensure the 6% royalty fee leaves sufficient profit margins.

Marco's Pizza demonstrates strong unit-level economics with an AUV of $945,807 and solid net growth, opening 66 units against 21 closures last year. ✓ The franchise offers an accessible entry point with a low $20,000 fee, though the total investment varies significantly up to $633,109. ⚠ Prospective investors should conduct due diligence regarding the disclosed litigation history despite the brand's positive trajectory and established scale of over 1,000 outlets.

Baskin-Robbins offers a massive footprint of 978 outlets and a unique $0 franchise fee, though operators must still commit a substantial $307k–$658k to launch. ✓ The business model is supported by a clean legal record and a solid 5.9% royalty rate against an AUV of $556k. ⚠ However, the brand is effectively stagnant, posting a net loss of one unit last year (32 opened vs. 33 closed), which signals limited near-term growth momentum.

Midas commands a massive footprint of 975 outlets, offering a scalable entry point with a low $30,000 franchise fee. ✓ The brand demonstrates moderate growth with a net gain of 8 locations last year, though the total investment range varies drastically from roughly $107k to over $1.1M. ⚠ Investors should proceed with caution due to the presence of active litigation and the absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation, which limits visibility into potential earnings.

Crumbl demonstrates explosive scale and market dominance with 970 locations, bolstered by aggressive recent expansion of 288 new outlets against minimal closures. ✓ The brand offers strong unit economics with an AUV of $1.16 million, though this return requires a significant total investment reaching up to $1.35 million. ⚠ Potential investors should note the substantial 8.0% royalty fee and the presence of disclosed litigation as risk factors to weigh against the high growth trajectory.

The Joint Corp exhibits strong market momentum with 935 total outlets and significant net growth of 98 units last year. ✓ The franchise offers an accessible entry point for semi-absentee owners with a mid-range total investment and no red flags regarding litigation or bankruptcy. ✓ With an Average Unit Volume of $574,304 against the lower-end investment cost, the potential return on investment appears robust. ✓ However, prospective franchisees should account for the standard 7.0% royalty fee when projecting long-term profitability. ⚠

Jani-King of Minnesota, Inc. demonstrates massive scale and aggressive expansion with 928 total outlets and 453 openings last year ✓. The low total investment entry point of $41k-$119k offers accessible scaling opportunities ✓, though the 10% royalty fee is significant. Investors must proceed with caution due to the absence of financial performance data (Item 19) and the disclosure of ongoing litigation ⚠.

Zaxby’s demonstrates strong unit-level economics with an AUV of $2.66 million, offering a compelling return potential against a total investment that can exceed $3.2 million. ✓ The franchise exhibits a stable growth trajectory, opening 17 outlets against only 6 closures, and maintains a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the high initial capital requirement combined with a 6.0% royalty fee presents a significant barrier to entry for prospective operators.

Church's Chicken presents a high-barrier entry opportunity with a total investment ranging up to $1.9M, though the low $15,000 franchise fee and disclosed AUV of over $1 million offer initial accessibility and revenue potential. ✓ The brand faces significant operational headwinds, evidenced by a net decline of 21 outlets last year and the presence of ongoing litigation. ⚠ With a high cost structure and contracting footprint, this franchise requires cautious capital allocation despite its established scale.

La Quinta represents a high-barrier-to-entry opportunity within the hospitality sector, demanding a total investment ranging from $4.3 million to $16.2 million. ✓ The franchise offers a stable platform supported by 899 total outlets, a clean legal record, and the transparency of an Item 19 financial disclosure. ⚠ However, the brand is currently experiencing negative unit growth, closing 18 outlets against only 16 openings last year. Combined with a $67,350 franchise fee and 5.5% royalty, this contraction suggests potential risks regarding unit-level economics or market saturation.

Checkers demonstrates solid scale and financial performance with an AUV of $1,105,431 and a competitive 4.0% royalty rate ✓. The franchise offers a unique value proposition with a $0 franchise fee, though the total investment varies significantly from roughly $169k to over $2 million ⚠. Growth is essentially stagnant, with net unit expansion nearly flat as 39 openings were offset by 35 closures ⚠. Additionally, prospective buyers should note the disclosure of ongoing litigation ⚠.

Merle Norman Cosmetics operates an established network of 831 outlets, offering a relatively accessible total investment range of $35,420 to $218,823. ⚠ The franchise faces significant contraction risks, evidenced by a net loss of 27 stores last year (40 closures vs. 13 openings) and a lack of financial performance data in Item 19. ✓ The absence of litigation and bankruptcy history provides some operational stability, though the negative growth trajectory and missing fee transparency warrant caution.

Charleys demonstrates strong scale and recent momentum with 813 total outlets and 69 net openings last year, supported by a solid Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $911,062. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible entry point with a low $15,000 franchise fee, though the total investment range varies significantly from roughly $204k to nearly $1 million. ⚠ While the brand shows healthy expansion, the closure of 21 units last year indicates a moderate level of operational risk despite the absence of litigation or bankruptcy.

Fantastic Sams presents a high-risk investment profile characterized by severe unit contraction, with 103 outlets closing last year compared to only 7 openings. ⚠ The absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevents validation of potential returns against the substantial $265,500 to $530,500 total investment. ✓ While the brand maintains a large footprint of 801 outlets and a clean legal record, the massive net loss of units indicates significant systemic or market challenges.

F45 Training demonstrates aggressive expansion with 791 total outlets and a net gain of 61 locations last year, signaling strong brand momentum ✓. However, the closure of 75 units alongside the presence of litigation introduces operational and stability risks ⚠. The total investment of $294,200 - $719,100 is significant, and the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevents a clear assessment of unit economics ⚠.

Jamba operates a sizable network of 790 outlets, offering a moderate franchise fee of $35,727 and a standard 6.0% royalty rate within the competitive smoothie segment. ✓ The investment range is wide ($242,950 - $1,143,500), providing flexibility for different real estate formats, and the lack of litigation or bankruptcy history suggests stable corporate governance. ⚠ However, the absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation is a significant drawback, preventing prospective franchisees from validating potential returns. ⚠ Additionally, the lack of available data regarding recent outlet openings or closures makes it difficult to accurately assess the brand's current growth trajectory.

Mac Tools exhibits a low barrier to entry with a franchise fee of $8,000 and a wide total investment range of $9,200 to $340,535, though the absence of a royalty fee is a distinct financial advantage for operators. ✓ The franchise displays strong activity levels with 117 openings last year, yet this growth is tempered by a high closure count of 98 units, suggesting significant volatility in retention. ⚠ While the company provides financial performance data in Item 19 and has no corporate bankruptcy, the presence of litigation requires careful due diligence.

BFT demonstrates strong unit economics with an AUV of $770,868 and zero closures last year, indicating excellent operational stability and unit-level success. The brand is scaling rapidly, evidenced by 89 new openings in the previous year, bringing the total system size to 764 outlets. While the total investment range of $193,600 to $407,000 is moderate, the 8% royalty rate is slightly elevated compared to some competitors. This franchise offers a compelling growth opportunity for operators seeking a debt-free, expanding concept with proven financial performance.

Sign Gypsies offers a highly accessible entry point with a franchise fee of only $1,000 and total investment costs under $10,000, allowing for rapid scalability to 757 outlets. However, the business model faces significant retention challenges, evidenced by the closure of 74 units last year which outpaced the 65 new openings. Potential buyers should proceed with caution due to the presence of litigation and the lack of an Item 19 financial performance disclosure.

OLM presents a low-cost entry point into the market with a total investment ranging from $63k to $173k and no franchise fee. ⚠ The brand is in significant decline, having closed 95 outlets against only 24 openings last year, resulting in a sharp contraction of its 752-unit footprint. ⚠ The absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure combined with the lack of a royalty structure suggests a potentially unproven or unstable business model.

DQ presents a high-barrier entry opportunity with a total investment ranging from $549k to over $1.6M, supported by a massive footprint of 748 total outlets. ⚠ The brand is facing a significant contraction in scale, having shuttered 41 locations last year against zero openings. ⚠ Additional risks include the presence of active litigation and the absence of Item 19 financial performance data, which limits transparency regarding potential returns.