Companies

Pillar To Post demonstrates significant scale with 483 total outlets, supported by a low total investment entry point of roughly $62k to $71k. ✓ Growth is effectively stagnant, however, as the franchise opened 41 units last year but closed 37, resulting in minimal net expansion. ⚠ Prospective buyers should also note the presence of litigation in the disclosure document and a modest Average Unit Volume of $277,178.

MOLLY MAID presents a scalable residential cleaning model with 481 total outlets, backed by a low 3.0% royalty fee and a mid-range total investment of $133,700 - $191,700. ✓ The opportunity is further de-risked by the inclusion of an Item 19 financial performance representation and a clean legal history with no litigation or bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the brand is facing a significant contraction in unit count, having closed 25 outlets against only 5 openings last year. This negative growth trajectory suggests potential systemic issues or market saturation that outweigh the benefits of the low royalty structure.

Caribou Coffee Development Company, Inc. presents a solid mid-sized opportunity with 480 locations and strong unit economics, evidenced by an Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $1,077,425. ✓ The franchise is accessible due to a low $7,000 fee and a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy, though the total investment range of $268,000 to $1,229,000 varies significantly. ⚠ Growth is currently steady but conservative, with only 12 openings against 10 closures last year, indicating a trajectory of stabilization rather than aggressive expansion.

KOA operates a massive network of 478 outlets, offering a scalable model supported by Item 19 financial disclosure ✓. However, the investment range is exceptionally wide ($109K to $16M), and the system is currently contracting, with 18 closures outpacing 14 openings last year ⚠. Combined with the presence of active litigation, these factors suggest a high-risk environment despite the brand's established scale ⚠.

Schmidt is exhibiting severe contraction, closing 35 outlets last year while opening zero, signaling a stagnant or distressed business model. ⚠ The presence of litigation and the absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevent prospective investors from verifying potential returns. ✓ While the franchise fee and minimum investment are low, the massive variance in total cost combined with a lack of royalty data suggests an unproven or high-risk opportunity.

CARSTAR demonstrates significant scale and financial performance with an Average Unit Volume of $3.2 million, supported by a highly accessible $10,000 franchise fee and a low 1% royalty rate. ✓ The brand shows strong growth momentum with 48 net openings last year and a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ✓ However, prospective investors must note the wide total investment range, potentially reaching over $804,000, which poses a capital intensity risk. ⚠

Noodles & Company presents a scalable opportunity with 470 total units and strong recent momentum, evidenced by the opening of 18 new outlets and zero closures last year. ✓ The franchise benefits from a solid Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $1.3 million and an accessible entry fee of $35,000, though the total investment range varies significantly. ⚠ Prospective investors should note the presence of litigation disclosures and the wide capital requirement range, which peaks at over $14 million, requiring careful due diligence regarding site selection and development costs.

ERA presents a scalable mid-range investment opportunity with 470 total outlets and an accessible entry point due to its $0 franchise fee. ✓ The wide total investment range of $27,350 to $435,050 offers flexibility, though the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure makes potential returns difficult to benchmark. ⚠ The most pressing concern is the negative growth trajectory, with 29 closures outpacing 27 openings last year, signaling potential operational or market viability risks. ⚠

Primrose Schools represents a high-barrier-to-entry opportunity in the early childhood education sector, characterized by a steep total investment ranging from $651,900 to over $8.4 million. ✓ The system demonstrates strong financial performance with an AUV of $2.1 million and robust expansion, opening 22 units last year compared to only 2 closures. ✓ While the 7.0% royalty fee and $50,000 franchise fee are standard, the significant capital requirement restricts this opportunity to high-net-worth individuals. ✓ With no litigation or bankruptcy issues, the brand offers a stable, premium investment vehicle. ✓

Pop-A-Lock presents a low-barrier entry point with a total investment of roughly $138k–$171k and a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy ✓. However, the system is experiencing a contraction in scale, closing a net eight outlets last year against a backdrop of high 7.0% royalties ⚠. This negative growth trajectory suggests limited momentum and potential saturation risks for new investors despite the brand’s established footprint.

Big O Tires operates as a large-scale, established automotive franchise with 462 outlets and a low franchise fee of $17,500. ✓ The investment offers compelling unit economics with an AUV of $2.7 million against a mid-range total investment of $511k to $1.5 million. ✓ However, net unit growth is stagnant with only 10 openings and 8 closures last year, and the presence of litigation requires due diligence. ⚠

Coverall demonstrates strong scale and recent expansion momentum, opening 63 outlets compared to 30 closures across its 453-unit network. ✓ The opportunity is highly accessible with a low $5,000 franchise fee and a standard 5.0% royalty rate. ⚠ However, prospective investors must exercise caution due to the absence of financial performance data in the Item 19 disclosure and the presence of litigation.

Howard Hanna demonstrates strong operational stability with 452 total outlets and minimal contraction, closing only one location while opening 14 last year. ✓ The franchise offers a highly competitive royalty rate of 2.0% and a low entry fee of $25,000, though the total investment varies significantly from $45,000 to $258,500. ⚠ A notable risk for prospective buyers is the absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure, which prevents the direct verification of earnings potential.

Weichert maintains a substantial footprint with 444 total outlets, supported by a low franchise fee of $12,500 and a mid-range total investment up to $326,200. ⚠ The primary concerns are the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure and a negative growth trajectory, with 19 closures outpacing 16 openings last year. The presence of litigation further adds to the risk profile, suggesting potential investors should exercise caution despite the accessible entry cost.

CPR maintains a substantial footprint with 443 total outlets, offering a competitive entry point with a low $19,900 franchise fee and a mid-range total investment. ✓ The business model is operator-friendly with a 5.8% royalty rate, though the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure makes it difficult for prospective buyers to validate potential returns. ⚠ Investors should proceed with caution and perform rigorous due diligence regarding the disclosed litigation history. ⚠

Potbelly Sandwich Shop presents a solid financial foundation with a clean background ✓ and an Average Unit Volume of $977,790 that suggests strong top-line revenue potential. However, the franchise requires a significant total investment of up to $955,200 ⚠, which may result in a tight margin for profitability relative to the brand's 6.0% royalty fee. Most notably, the system experienced zero net growth last year ⚠, indicating a stagnation in expansion that prospective franchisees should weigh against the established brand recognition.

Transworld presents a compelling growth story with 84 net new outlets opened last year, signaling strong market demand and scalability. ✓ The franchise offers a reasonable entry point with a total investment under $125k against a robust Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $559,851. ✓ However, prospective investors should note the active litigation disclosures and the relatively high 8.0% royalty fee, which require careful due diligence. ⚠

Steak 'n Shake presents a high-volume opportunity with strong Average Unit Volumes of $1,772,929 and a low franchise fee of $25,000 ✓, though the total investment range varies significantly up to $2.3 million ⚠. The brand is currently in a state of contraction, having closed 29 outlets last year compared to only 3 openings ⚠. Prospective franchisees should proceed with caution given the negative growth trajectory and the disclosure of ongoing litigation ⚠.

Style Encore presents a financially robust opportunity characterized by a low franchise fee and a strong Average Unit Volume of $1.24 million against a mid-range total investment. ✓ The brand demonstrates healthy expansion momentum with 16 net openings and minimal contraction, supported further by a clean legal history regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ✓ With a standard 5.0% royalty fee, this resale franchise offers a scalable business model with high revenue potential relative to the initial capital outlay.

Wetzel's Pretzels demonstrates strong unit-level economics and robust recent expansion, evidenced by an Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $952,067 and the opening of 49 new outlets against only 10 closures. ✓ The franchise offers a scalable entry point with a total investment ranging from $183,000 to $710,450, though prospective buyers should note the presence of litigation disclosures. ⚠ With a 5.0% royalty fee and a footprint of 425 locations, this established brand presents a high-potential opportunity in the snack segment backed by solid financial performance data.

ACE SUSHI demonstrates aggressive expansion with 424 total outlets and 90 net openings last year, supported by an exceptionally low franchise fee of $600 and a minimal entry point of $16,775. ✓ However, the 8.0% royalty rate is steep for the low-cost segment, and the closure of 34 units last year indicates potential churn risks. ⚠ The absence of an Item 19 financial disclosure and the presence of litigation further obscure the investment's true profitability and stability.

Jet's America, Inc. presents a compelling value proposition with a low 1.0% royalty rate and steady expansion, having opened 15 units last year to reach 422 total outlets. ✓ The brand demonstrates financial accessibility regarding ongoing fees, though the total initial investment remains significant at up to $786,000. ⚠ Prospective investors must proceed with caution as the franchise lacks an Item 19 financial performance representation and discloses active litigation.

Realty One Group Affiliates demonstrates strong scale and aggressive expansion with 421 total outlets and a net gain of 30 units last year. ✓ The low franchise fee of $19,000 and flexible investment range create a low barrier to entry for prospective brokers. ⚠ However, the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevents validation of potential earnings, and the presence of litigation requires careful due diligence. ⚠ Additionally, the closure of 33 outlets alongside 63 openings suggests potential volatility or turnover within the network.

Abbey Carpet Co., Inc. maintains a sizable footprint of 420 outlets, supported by a highly accessible total investment starting at $23,050 and a low $10,000 franchise fee. ⚠ The network is contracting, however, having closed more outlets (12) than it opened (9) last year, and the lack of an Item 19 financial disclosure prevents validation of earnings potential. ⚠ Additional risk factors include disclosed litigation and a likely data error regarding the reported royalty rate, suggesting prospective buyers should exercise significant due diligence.

The Learning Experience demonstrates strong scale and aggressive recent expansion, opening 55 outlets compared to only 6 closures, which signals robust demand for its educational childcare model. ✓ The franchise offers a solid financial foundation with no litigation or bankruptcy issues and a healthy Average Unit Volume of $2.16 million. ⚠ However, prospective franchisees face a high barrier to entry with a total investment ranging from roughly $780k to over $5.6 million, alongside a standard 7% royalty fee.

Heaven's Best operates a sizable network of 416 outlets, offering a highly accessible entry point with a low $18,000 franchise fee and a total investment ranging from roughly $62k to $110k. ✓ The brand demonstrates solid stability with a clean legal record and positive net growth of 8 units last year. ⚠ However, prospective buyers must proceed with caution as the FDD lacks an Item 19 financial performance representation and discloses no royalty fee, which can be a red flag regarding long-term franchisor support and revenue models.

OpenWorks presents a severe risk profile characterized by a staggering 62% net unit loss last year, with 257 closures far outpacing the 56 openings. ⚠ The presence of litigation and the absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation further obscure the viability of this business model during its contraction. ✓ While the $2,500 franchise fee offers a low barrier to entry, the 15% royalty rate is high, and prospective buyers should exercise extreme caution given the rapid deterioration of the system's scale.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate presents a scalable model with 396 outlets and an accessible entry point due to a $0 franchise fee. ⚠ The brand is facing a significant contraction, having closed 48 outlets last year compared to only 38 openings, signaling a negative growth trajectory. ⚠ The absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation further complicates the investment thesis, making it difficult to assess potential returns against the wide investment range of up to $447,500.

Great American Cookies presents an accessible entry point into the food service sector with a low franchise fee and a reasonable Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $539,902. ✓ However, the brand faces significant momentum issues, evidenced by a net decline of 5 units last year (23 closures vs. 18 openings). ⚠ While the absence of litigation or bankruptcy is a positive stability indicator, the negative growth trajectory suggests potential market saturation or operational challenges. ⚠ Prospective franchisees should carefully weigh the moderate investment against the brand's current contraction.

Freedom Boat Club demonstrates strong scale and aggressive recent expansion, having opened 44 new outlets last year to bring its total count to 395. ✓ However, the closure of 18 units during the same period indicates potential operational risks or market saturation. ⚠ Prospective franchisees should also proceed with caution due to the high total investment of up to $500,500, the absence of financial performance data in Item 19, and disclosed litigation. ⚠

Koala Insulation demonstrates strong unit economics with an Average Unit Volume exceeding $1 million against a mid-range total investment of $189k-$234k. ✓ The brand shows aggressive expansion with 58 new outlets, though this growth is tempered by a high closure count of 48 units last year. ⚠ While the 6.5% royalty rate and clean legal record are standard, the significant churn in outlets suggests potential operational risks or market saturation despite the attractive financial performance.

United Country Real Estate Inc. maintains a substantial footprint with 395 total outlets, offering a highly accessible entry point with a low $15,000 franchise fee and a total investment topping out at roughly $45,000. ✓ The absence of an Item 19 financial performance representation is a significant limitation for prospective investors analyzing potential returns. ⚠ Furthermore, the disclosure of litigation and a net growth rate of zero—with exactly as many outlets closing as opening last year—suggests a stagnant system with potential operational risks. ⚠

Interstate Battery Franchising and Development, Inc. exhibits strong financial performance with an AUV of $842,514 against a mid-range total investment of $177,600 to $440,000. ✓ The brand is in a state of robust expansion, having opened 70 outlets last year compared to only 21 closures, while maintaining a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ✓ With nearly 400 total outlets and a standard 5.0% royalty fee, this franchise offers a scalable opportunity with a proven track record of demand and operational stability.

Da Vi Nails presents a low barrier to entry with a total investment starting at roughly $61k and a reasonable $50k franchise fee ✓. The brand is struggling significantly, however, as it closed 37 outlets last year compared to only 23 openings, signaling a sharp contraction in scale ⚠. This negative growth trajectory is compounded by the absence of financial performance data (Item 19) and the presence of litigation, creating a high-risk profile for potential investors ⚠.

ACE HANDYMAN SERVICES represents a sizable, established footprint with 387 units and offers a highly accessible entry point with a total investment starting under $100k. ✓ Growth is evident with 41 new openings, though this is significantly tempered by a high churn rate of 33 closures, suggesting potential volatility in unit-level sustainability. ⚠ Prospective buyers should carefully scrutinize the Item 19 financial performance to ensure the 6.0% royalty fee remains viable against the risk of operational turnover.

Charles Schwab demonstrates strong scale and expansion momentum with 382 total outlets and a net gain of 21 locations last year. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible entry point with a low $25,000 fee and a total investment starting at roughly $65,000, which is notably affordable for the financial sector. ✓ However, the closure of 16 units last year indicates a moderate level of churn that potential investors should weigh against the brand's aggressive opening of 37 new sites. ⚠

Property Management Inc. offers a highly accessible entry point for franchisees due to its $0 franchise fee and mid-range total investment. ✓ The system demonstrates solid scale with 377 units and provides financial transparency with a healthy AUV of $376,421. ⚠ However, growth is essentially stagnant, with outlets opened last year (37) nearly canceled out by outlets closed (34). This high churn rate suggests potential operational risks that offset the low initial cost.

The Habit Burger Grill demonstrates strong unit-level economics with an AUV of $1.867 million, supported by a clean history regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ✓ While the low $10,000 franchise fee is attractive, the total investment ranges significantly up to $2.859 million, presenting a high cost of entry. ✓ The brand shows positive growth momentum with 17 net new openings last year against minimal closures. ✓

ASP Franchising SPE LLC demonstrates strong consumer demand and scale with 375 outlets and a robust AUV of $834,384 ✓. While the entry point is highly accessible with a low $2,500 franchise fee and manageable total investment between $84k and $207k ✓, the 7.0% royalty rate and presence of litigation require scrutiny ⚠. Growth is positive but shows signs of friction, with 38 openings offset by a significant 27 closures last year ⚠.

Sbarro offers a low barrier to entry with a $20,000 franchise fee and 5% royalty, though the total investment range of $211,900 to over $1 million indicates high variability depending on location type. The system demonstrated aggressive expansion last year by opening 50 new locations, but this was nearly negated by the closure of 48 outlets, signaling potential instability or churn within the chain. A significant risk for prospective buyers is the lack of an Item 19 financial performance disclosure, which forces investors to rely entirely on third-party data rather than verified corporate metrics.

Tutor Doctor demonstrates significant scale with 369 total outlets and a low entry point of roughly $94k to $139k, making it accessible for a service-based franchise. ✓ Growth remains positive with 61 net openings, though the high closure count of 42 units suggests potential operational churn or market saturation risks. ⚠ Prospective buyers must also scrutinize the Item 19 financial performance and disclosed litigation history to ensure the 8% royalty fee yields sustainable returns.

Krispy Kreme presents a high-barrier entry opportunity with a total investment ranging from $622,500 to over $4.3 million ✓, supported by a relatively low 4.5% royalty fee. The brand faces significant growth challenges, evidenced by a net loss of 9 units last year (8 opened vs. 17 closed) ⚠ and the absence of Item 19 financial performance representations. Additionally, prospective buyers must navigate the presence of corporate litigation ⚠ despite the strength of this globally recognized brand.

Crunch Fitness demonstrates strong expansion momentum with 367 total outlets and a net gain of 43 locations last year (54 opened vs. 11 closed) ✓. The franchise offers an accessible entry point via a low $25,000 franchise fee, though the total investment range of $794,000 to $6.69 million indicates a significant capital requirement for facility development ⚠. While the presence of an Item 19 aids in financial validation, prospective investors should review the disclosed litigation history ⚠.

Taco John's operates a mid-sized system of 364 outlets with a very attractive Average Unit Volume of $1.23M, supported by a low franchise fee and standard royalty rate. ✓ However, the brand is facing a contraction in scale, having closed 20 units against only 16 openings last year, signaling clear stagnation. ⚠ While the lack of litigation or bankruptcy is a positive stability indicator, the wide total investment range of $437K to $2M requires careful capital planning.

Maaco offers an accessible entry point into the automotive aftermarket with a low $5,000 franchise fee and strong Average Unit Volumes of $1.6M ✓. However, the franchise presents a significant risk profile regarding capital intensity, as the total investment ranges widely up to nearly $4M ⚠. Most critically, the system is experiencing a contraction in scale, closing 19 outlets against only 6 openings last year, which signals potential operational or market viability concerns ⚠.

BrightStar Care demonstrates strong financial performance and stability, evidenced by a robust AUV of $2.2M and zero outlet closures last year despite a mature network of 353 units. ✓ The franchise offers a highly accessible entry point with a low $25k fee and total investment starting under $100k, providing exceptional ROI potential relative to revenue scale. ✓ However, prospective investors should note the presence of litigation disclosures and carefully evaluate the operational intensity required to maintain such high-volume healthcare services. ⚠

Express Oil Change Franchise, LLC operates a mid-sized system of 353 outlets and demonstrates strong unit economics with an AUV of roughly $2.16 million. ✓ The brand shows positive growth momentum with a net gain of 12 units last year and maintains a clean record regarding litigation and bankruptcy. ⚠ However, prospective franchisees face a substantial barrier to entry, as the total investment ranges from $2.5 million to $3.8 million. This opportunity is best suited for high-net-worth individuals capable of managing a significant capital outlay in exchange for high-volume revenue potential.

Grease Monkey presents a stable investment opportunity within the automotive aftermarket, characterized by a substantial footprint of 351 total outlets. ✓ The brand demonstrates strong financial health and positive momentum, evidenced by a lack of bankruptcy or litigation issues and a net growth of 14 units last year. ✓ While the total investment ranges widely from $251k to $821k, the inclusion of an Item 19 provides essential transparency for evaluating potential returns against the 6.0% royalty fee. ✓

Golden Corral represents a high-barrier-to-entry opportunity requiring a substantial total investment of up to $8.7M, though it is supported by a strong Average Unit Volume (AUV) of $4.4M. ✓ The franchise offers a relatively low 4.0% royalty rate, but prospective buyers must navigate disclosed litigation and a recent net decline in the outlet count (9 closures vs. 5 openings). ⚠ This mature brand is best suited for well-capitalized operators who prioritize high-volume revenue potential over rapid system-wide expansion.

Puroclean demonstrates strong unit economics and scalability, evidenced by an impressive Average Unit Volume of $902,495 across 350 total outlets. ✓ The franchise offers an accessible entry point with a low $25,000 fee and a competitive 3.0% royalty rate, while maintaining robust recent momentum with 54 openings against 15 closures. ✓ Prospective investors should conduct due diligence regarding the disclosed litigation history to ensure there are no underlying structural risks. ⚠