What is an emerging brand? There are various definitions. In this selection, we have included 20 of those companies exhibiting at 2017’s MFV-run International Franchising Expo in New York who number their franchise locations at between around 500 and 1,000. Some of these names may seem too well-established to merit the term, but we have based their inclusion on the likelihood of further growth in the near future.
Meineke Car Care Centers
Meineke Car Care Centers is a nationally-recognized brand with a proven system. Benefits include: a comprehensive advertising program; professional site selection assistance and protected market territory; extensive training and ongoing operations support; national buying power of 950 shops and most importantly, the knowledge and experience accumulated in 45 years of franchising. No automotive experience is necessary. Franchise locations: 938
Minuteman Press International Inc.
Minuteman Press International has franchised Minuteman Press Full Service Printing & Graphics Centers since 1975 and has established locations in the U.S. Canada, South Africa and the U.K. Most owners have no prior experience in printing or graphics. Full training and ongoing support is provided. Franchise locations: 900+
Signarama
Over 900 locations in more than 50 countries. Every type of sign, from the largest outdoor to the smallest indoor, including vehicle graphics/wraps, neon, engraving, digital signage. No experience necessary – turnkey franchise with assistance in site selection, lease negotiations, five weeks of training, store set-up, staffing, marketing and advertising programs and ongoing support services. Financing available. Franchise locations: 900
Zaxby’s Franchising
Childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley wanted to create the kind of restaurants where people could enjoy great chicken and be themselves, and that’s what they did when they launched Zaxby’s in the1990’s. Many years and locations later, Zaxby’s is still delivering on that promise to serve delicious food in a fun, offbeat atmosphere. Franchise locations: 850+
Smoothie King
A privately-held, New Orleans-based franchise company established in 16 states and four countries, Smoothie King Franchise Inc has plans to expand soon to Japan, Philippines, Middle East and Central America. Smoothie King has a 17% market share in the U.S. and is currently identifying and partnering with other strong companies operating multi-unit food and beverage or retail outlets. Franchise locations: 840
Express Employment Professionals
Express Employment Professionals offers one of the highest rates of return in all of franchising. In 2016, the average mature Express franchisee generated $5.6m in sales, from an investment of less than $150,000. It’s a business-to-business sales franchise with a professional work environment and weekday hours. Franchise locations: 780
F45 Training
With over 800 locations sold in 26 countries, F45 Training is endorsed by both professional athletes and celebrities, and has revolutionized the fitness industry with cutting-edge training supported by a low-cost franchise business model that is easy to operate and highly profitable. F45 Training is the fastest-growing fitness franchise in the world. Franchise locations: 750
HomeVestors of America
The ‘We Buy Ugly Houses’ company is the first and largest national franchise company for professional real estate investors, providing a powerful brand, training, marketing and financing for the purchase and repair of qualifying houses for its 700 franchisees in 45 states. Founded in 1996, it is currently the only professional real estate home-buying franchise concept. Franchise locations: 700
OSES Cig köfte
In Turkey, OSES has around 50 branches and 700 franchisees and aims to make meatless steak tartar a la turca a world brand. Germany already has one branch and 15 franchises. The company continues to grow both in Turkey and beyond. Franchise locations: 700
Batteries Plus Bulbs
The nation’s first, largest and fastest-growing battery, light bulb and mobile device repair concept, Batteries Plus Bulbs offers a comprehensive assortment of products and services to meet growing demand. Batteries Plus Bulbs is the retail leader in the rapidly-growing $30.7 billion U.S. battery and $17 billion U.S. light bulb markets and the largest device repair system in the U.S. Franchise locations: 640
Pita Pit
‘Fresh Thinking, Healthy Eating’ is served up in locations from Seattle to Miami, San Diego to Boston and points inbetween. Enjoying a relatively simple and efficient operation, Pita Pit USA invests heavily in training, monitoring and feeding back to franchise partners. Most stores are between 1,200 and 1,500 sq ft, with eat-in, carry-out and delivery options. Franchise locations: 630
Fastsigns International, Inc
The franchisor for more than 600 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in nine countries, FASTSIGNS increases business visibility with signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services. The Franchise Research Institute has named FASTSIGNS as a top sign and graphic franchise and has awarded it certification as a World Class Franchise for four consecutive years. Franchise locations: 618
Buffalo Wild Wings
Founded in 1982, this growing Minneapolis-based operator – and recipient of dozens of ‘Best Wings’ and ‘Best Sports Bar’ awards – offers destinations with family appeal. There are currently 1,200 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in Canada, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Further openings are set for Oman, Vietnam and India. Franchise locations: 609
Sbarro
Since opening as an Italian salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has brought a taste of the true Italian spirit to more than 800 eateries in 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, the Columbus, Ohio-based Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian favourites, including pizza, pasta and salad dishes. Franchise locations: 600
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym was established in Venice, California in 1965, since when it has become the most recognized gym chain in the world, with more than 720 locations in 38 states and 25 countries. Offering the latest equipment and services, Gold’s Gym has helped nearly three million members worldwide to achieve their potential through fitness. Franchise locations: 570+
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc
For over 30 years, Checkers & Rally’s has focused on bold and flavorful food, great value and restaurant profitability. With over 850 restaurants, we still have top-tier market availability in all major U.S. markets. We offer innovative restaurant designs, a strong ROI and competitive development incentive programs. Franchise locations: 566
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors franchisees enjoy the benefits of owning their own business and the satisfaction of providing home buyers with the security they seek in their home-buying decision-making. As a Pillar to Post Home Inspector franchisee, you will be providing an important service to the community. Franchise locations: 554
Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting
Maaco, North America’s Bodyshop – a part of the Driven Brands, Inc family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands based in Charlotte, NC – is North America’s #1 auto paint and collision repair franchise. With over 500 independently-owned and operated franchises across the U.S. and Canada, Maaco is an iconic brand with over 44 years experience. Franchise locations: 502
N-Hance
N-Hance Wood Refinishing is an innovative and affordable cabinet and hardwood floor renewal service. Franchisees give customers a complete kitchen makeover for less money, less time and less hassle. N-Hance restores and repairs wood floors and cabinets without sanding, using water-based polyurethane finishes and ultraviolet light curing equipment. Franchised locations; 471
The Goddard School 460
Goddard Systems, Inc is expanding The Goddard School network throughout the country. With a successful team in place and dedicated franchisees, The Goddard School has achieved its initial goal as the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare. The company now aims for recognition as the premier childcare provider in the U.S. Franchise locations 460
