Companies

KOA demonstrates massive scale with 478 outlets and a highly accessible $10,000 franchise fee, though the total investment range is exceptionally volatile, spanning from $109,000 to over $16 million. The system currently shows stagnant growth, with exactly 10 openings and 10 closures last year, while the presence of litigation and an 8% royalty rate adds operational risk. Potential franchisees should scrutinize the Item 19 financial disclosures to determine if the wide variance in startup costs correlates with revenue potential.

Sylvan Learning offers a recognizable brand in the education sector with a moderate initial investment range of $107,922 to $239,012, though the 11% royalty rate is significantly higher than the industry average. ⚠ A major risk factor is the absence of an Item 19 financial performance disclosure, which prevents prospective franchisees from accessing historical earnings data to validate the business model. While the company reports no history of litigation or bankruptcy, the lack of transparency regarding unit growth and financial returns necessitates careful due diligence.

Pop-A-Lock offers a low-cost entry into the automotive services sector with a total investment under $191k and a reasonable 7% royalty rate. However, the brand is displaying signs of stagnation and contraction, evidenced by the closure of 11 outlets last year and zero new openings. While the presence of an Item 19 financial disclosure is a positive for due diligence, the current lack of unit growth represents a significant risk regarding system vitality.

Maaco commands the auto-painting sector with 363 outlets and a high average unit volume of $1.3 million, offering a low $5,000 entry fee that makes it accessible to new investors. However, the brand is currently contracting, evidenced by the closure of 25 locations last year compared to just 6 openings. While the absence of litigation and bankruptcy is a positive, the net unit loss and the massive investment range—stretching up to nearly $4 million—signal potential volatility and operational challenges.

Molly Maid SPV LLC offers a low-cost entry into the home services sector with 448 outlets and a reasonable 3% royalty rate, though the high initial investment of up to $197,200 is a significant barrier. While the availability of an Item 19 financial disclosure is a positive for due diligence, the brand is currently contracting, having closed 25 more units than it opened last year. This net unit loss, combined with a lack of recent expansion, signals potential market saturation or operational challenges that pose a risk to new franchisees.

Real Property Management offers a scalable entry into the property management sector with 447 outlets and a moderate initial investment range of $91,796 to $234,150. The system demonstrates healthy growth, evidenced by the net addition of 25 locations last year, while the presence of an Item 19 financial disclosure provides necessary transparency for prospective buyers. However, operators should be prepared for the 7% royalty fee, which is a recurring cost that will impact long-term profit margins.

Real Property Management SPV LLC offers a scalable residential property management model with 447 outlets and a moderate initial investment range of $91,796 to $234,150. The system demonstrates healthy growth, evidenced by the opening of 37 new locations last year compared to only 12 closures, and benefits from a clean legal history with no bankruptcy or litigation. While the 7% royalty is standard, the $59,900 franchise fee is relatively high for the industry, though the availability of an Item 19 financial disclosure provides necessary transparency for prospective buyers.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers an established brand with 441 outlets and strong unit economics, evidenced by an AUV of $1.9 million that supports the high total investment range of $654k to $1.27 million. The system demonstrates healthy growth, having opened 23 locations last year while closing only four, and benefits from a clean legal history with no bankruptcy or litigation. However, potential franchisees should carefully assess the significant upfront capital required and the 6% royalty structure against the brand's saturation and long-term scalability.

ERA Franchise Systems LLC offers a low barrier to entry with a $0 franchise fee and a wide investment range of $33,370 to $447,100, allowing for flexible business models. ✓ The system maintains a stable footprint of 444 outlets with no history of litigation or bankruptcy. ⚠ However, the absence of Item 19 financial performance representations and missing data on recent outlet openings or closures limits transparency regarding unit-level economics and current growth velocity.

POTBELLY FRANCHISING, LLC offers an established brand with 441 outlets and strong unit economics, evidenced by an AUV of $1.9 million that supports the high total investment of up to $1.27 million. The system demonstrates healthy growth, opening 23 new locations last year against only 4 closures, while maintaining a clean legal history with no bankruptcy or litigation. However, potential franchisees should carefully weigh the steep initial capital requirements against the 6% ongoing royalty fee.

Wetzel's Pretzels offers a low barrier to entry with a franchise fee of only $5,000 and strong unit economics, evidenced by an AUV of $952,067. However, the system is currently contracting, having closed 59 locations last year compared to just 51 openings, which raises concerns about demand saturation. While the total investment range is highly variable, potential franchisees should weigh the high revenue potential against the risk of outlet closures and the presence of litigation.

Crunch operates at a massive scale with 367 outlets and demonstrated growth, evidenced by the opening of 54 new locations last year compared to only 11 closures. ✓ The availability of an Item 19 financial performance representation provides necessary transparency for potential buyers, though the presence of litigation warrants caution. ⚠ The investment barrier is significant, ranging from roughly $794,000 to over $6.7 million, requiring substantial capital depending on the specific format.

Mosquito Joe SPV LLC offers a scalable home services model with 417 outlets and a high Average Unit Volume of $1.5 million, indicating strong revenue potential. ✓ The franchise provides transparent financial disclosures and maintains a clean legal history with no bankruptcies or litigation. ⚠ However, the system is currently experiencing a contraction, evidenced by 24 closures exceeding the 23 openings last year, which signals potential unit-level saturation or operational challenges. ⚠ Additionally, the 10% royalty rate is steep relative to the total investment range of $150k–$192k, demanding high operational efficiency to maintain margins.

The Learning Experience commands the premium early education sector with 366 open outlets and a high average unit volume of $2.03 million, though the investment range is exceptionally wide and capital-intensive. The system demonstrated healthy net growth last year by opening 31 locations while closing 13, indicating a robust expansion strategy despite the high barrier to entry. While the absence of litigation or bankruptcy history is a major positive, the steep initial investment and 7% royalty require significant financial commitment from franchisees.