Companies

TAKE 5 demonstrates robust unit economics and aggressive expansion, evidenced by an AUV of $1.4 million and the addition of 163 new outlets last year against a single closure. ✓ The availability of an Item 19 disclosure and a clean legal history with no bankruptcy or litigation further de-risks the opportunity. However, potential franchisees must carefully weigh the high initial investment, ranging from approximately $750k to over $2 million, against the 7% royalty fee.

Westin commands a massive capital requirement ranging from $154M to $251M, indicating this opportunity is strictly for institutional investors or large-scale developers rather than individual operators. The system offers financial transparency via an Item 19 disclosure and maintains a clean legal profile with no history of litigation or bankruptcy. However, a critical red flag is the stagnant growth trajectory, evidenced by zero new outlet openings and zero closures in the last year.

Sir Speedy operates a mature network of 129 units with a moderate initial investment range of $251,690 to $299,190, requiring a $50,000 franchise fee and a 6% royalty. ⚠ The absence of Item 19 financial performance representations is a significant drawback for prospective buyers, limiting visibility into potential earnings. ⚠ Additionally, the presence of litigation history introduces legal risk, while the lack of recent data on outlet openings and closures obscures the brand's current growth trajectory and system health.

Super Magnificent Coffee Company Ireland Limited offers an established footprint with 179 outlets and provides an Item 19 financial disclosure, yet the system is currently contracting with more closures than openings. The investment range of $531,550 to $1,430,177 represents a high barrier to entry, which is a significant risk given the recent net unit loss and the presence of litigation. While the 5.5% royalty is standard, the negative growth trajectory and history of legal disputes suggest potential instability for new franchisees.

The Joint offers a low-cost entry into the health and wellness sector with over 700 locations, though the high churn of 125 closures against 127 openings suggests aggressive expansion and potential unit instability. ✓ The franchise provides financial transparency via Item 19 and maintains a clean legal history with no bankruptcy or litigation. ⚠ However, the near-equal rate of openings and closures raises a red flag regarding unit sustainability and franchisee success.

Zaxbys offers a mature platform with nearly 1,000 locations and a healthy 5% royalty rate, though the total investment requirement is steep, ranging from $1.4 million to over $3.8 million. The brand demonstrates solid unit economics and stability, evidenced by a high AUV of $2.78 million and zero history of litigation or bankruptcy. While the system is expanding, evidenced by 38 new openings last year, prospective franchisees should carefully evaluate the high capital barrier to entry against the company's proven track record.

This franchise offers a low 4% royalty fee and solid unit volume with an AUV of $279,898, but the business model is currently in a state of significant contraction. While the lack of litigation or bankruptcy is a positive, the closure of 81 outlets last year compared to just 5 openings indicates a struggling brand and a shrinking footprint. With a total investment nearing $350,000, the high upfront cost combined with this rapid network decline presents a substantial risk for potential new operators.

La Quinta operates at a massive scale with 884 outlets and offers full financial transparency via an Item 19 disclosure, though the capital requirements are steep with total investment costs ranging from $4.3M to over $17.2M. ⚠ The brand is currently experiencing a contraction in its footprint, evidenced by the closure of 29 locations last year compared to just 14 openings. While the absence of litigation and bankruptcy history is a positive sign for operational stability, the negative unit growth trajectory represents a significant risk regarding the brand's current market demand and future expansion potential.

Cajun Global LLC offers a massive footprint with 873 outlets and strong unit economics, evidenced by an AUV of $1.09 million and a 5% royalty fee. However, the system is contracting rapidly, having closed 37 locations last year while opening only 11, which signals significant operational distress. The high initial investment requirement of up to $1.8 million combined with active litigation and negative net growth presents a substantial risk profile for new operators.

Scooter's Coffee demonstrates strong unit economics and aggressive expansion, evidenced by an AUV of $914,719 and the addition of 121 new outlets last year. ✓ The brand benefits from significant scale with 849 total locations and offers financial transparency through its Item 19 disclosure. However, potential franchisees should consider the high initial investment, which ranges up to $1.5 million, and a net closure of 25 locations that warrants a closer review of unit churn.

Qdoba Franchisor LLC offers a large-scale platform with 827 outlets and strong unit economics, evidenced by an AUV of $1.69M that supports the total investment range of $548k to $1.29M. The system demonstrates solid growth, opening 57 locations last year compared to only 18 closures, though franchisees should account for the 5% royalty fee. While the absence of bankruptcy is a positive sign, the presence of litigation serves as a risk factor that requires careful due diligence.

Charleys demonstrates strong unit economics with an AUV of $911,062 and a relatively low initial franchise fee of $15,000, making it an accessible option despite a total investment range that exceeds $200,000. The system is actively expanding, evidenced by the net addition of 48 locations last year, bringing its total footprint to 813 outlets. ✓ The absence of litigation or bankruptcy history indicates a stable and clean operational track record. ⚠ However, the wide variance in total investment costs suggests that real estate and build-out expenses can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific location format.

Cornwell Quality Tools offers a low barrier to entry with a $0 franchise fee and a moderate total investment range, but the lack of Item 19 financial performance disclosures obscures potential earnings. ⚠ The presence of litigation indicates potential legal risks, while the absence of recent outlet opening and closing data makes it difficult to assess the brand's current stability or growth trajectory. With nearly 800 outlets, the system has established scale, yet prospective franchisees should approach with caution given the transparency issues.