Owning their own business and becoming their own boss is a dream for many entrepreneurs. It can be the right move for all kinds of people, from military veterans to former real-estate agents and anyone interested in becoming small business owners. Before you open a browser and search for "restaurant franchise opportunities near me," it's critical to look at the top franchises to understand which established brand might be a good fit for a future franchise owner.
Franchising isn't an exact science, but a parent company with brand recognition and a proven operating system can provide a potential franchisee with the chance for significant growth and financial stability. These five national brands can be a great starting point for anyone searching for business franchise opportunities.
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1. The Cheesecake Factory — A Menu That Offers Something for Everyone
For years, The Cheesecake Factory has been a top name for those engaged in a franchise business review and hunting for food franchise opportunities. The chain enjoys high franchisee satisfaction ratings and brand recognition, and its restaurants have become a common sight nationwide.
The brand's business model focuses on variety above all else — The Cheesecake Factory menu is enormous compared to some other small businesses, with options for a wide range of cuisines, including seafood, steaks, pasta, burgers, chicken, and much more, along with an assortment of desserts.
However, that variety can concern prospective franchisees who want to find a low-cost franchise.
Such a broad menu can require a more significant initial investment to cover start-up costs. Customers expect every dish to meet their expectations, which can increase labor requirements for a new business and demand more than a few thousand dollars to get the business opportunity up and running.
It can all add up to higher overhead costs for the franchise than other businesses might, and that should be taken into account by potential business owners interested in finding the most profitable franchises.
2. Rollin Smoke Barbeque — Hot Trends and Superior Quality
The best franchises work with proven systems that help keep franchise owners and customers happy. Rollin Smoke Barbeque was built with those goals in mind, and it's aided them in becoming one of the best franchise opportunities on the market today.
The brand is designed for unit growth, starting with the product — barbeque has long been a favorite cuisine across the country, and it's become one of the hottest restaurant trends in recent years.
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Locations That Bring In Customers
Restaurant location is another essential ingredient and helps make the brand one of the most promising low-cost franchises.
When Rollin Smoke began franchising, it was serving high-quality barbeque out of a busy downtown spot, and they've continued that approach. Every new franchise restaurant they open is placed where the customers are, so owners who want to find the most promising franchising opportunities can get the most out of their initial investment and take advantage of prime real estate in the center of the action.
Rollin Smoke also understands the needs of its franchise owners and has created a franchise disclosure document that reflects their dedication to their fellow franchisees.
The brand's support systems help to keep startup costs under control, keep ongoing royalties low, and reduce owner financial risk. They can connect potential franchisees with financing options and provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to aid in making business ownership with them an intelligent franchising opportunity.
3. Texas Roadhouse — Consistency Across the Board
Texas Roadhouse makes high quality and consistency a hallmark of their franchise opportunity. They've established themselves as a leading name in the steakhouse franchise world, with a dedication to giving customers a solid dining experience no matter which of the franchise's multiple locations they visit.
The brand specializes in high-end steaks and sides, prepared with top-quality ingredients and served by an expert staff. They've also begun to branch out — the Franchise Times featured the chain's fast-casual spinoff, Jaggers, as part of the expanding Texas Roadhouse family.
Like The Cheesecake Factory, though, the brand's business approach can challenge someone who wants to find the best franchise opportunity that allows them to preserve their liquid assets and stick to low startup costs and a reasonable initial investment.
The variety and quality of the sides Texas Roadhouse serves require significant preparation labor, which can eat into operating costs and increase franchise fees. It's a tradeoff that franchise owners should consider when reviewing the brand.
4. Cracker Barrel — A Downhome Southern Feel
If you're hoping to find a franchise and join the ranks of small business owners, there's a good chance you've considered Cracker Barrel. This restaurant brand is a mainstay for travelers, with rocking chairs out front and games at the tables to entertain the family.
Cracker Barrel makes Southern comfort food its specialty. Its menu includes chicken-fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, meatloaf, and other downhome classics.
The brand does more than food, too. Visitors can shop in the gift shop and pick up music, candy, and store-brand products.
Before signing a franchise agreement, making an initial investment, and preparing to pay royalty fees, future owners must consider current issues. The brand's positioning could impact its future.
Cracker Barrel's customer base has begun to change its dining habits, forcing the brand to shift its approach and adjust its menu. As this readjustment continues, it could require a new owner to make more changes quickly than they might like.
5. Buffalo Wild Wings - Upscale Bar Food in a Casual Setting
Bar food is a worldwide phenomenon, but few countries do it better than the U.S. The nation has long loved tasty finger foods, especially with tangy or spicy sauces.
Buffalo Wild Wings has leveraged that love into a global brand. The franchise serves wings, appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and other traditional dishes. That take on bar favorites has helped them grow — according to the International Franchise Association, the brand has more than 1,200 locations opened across the United States and beyond.
That growth has fueled the franchise's development, but it's also raised concerns over quality.
Over the past few years, customer satisfaction with Buffalo Wild Wings has dropped, and the brand's reputation has suffered as a result. That reputation has also taken a hit on honesty, with the franchise battling lawsuits for false advertising over its boneless wings.
Find Your Franchise Opportunities With Rollin Smoke Barbeque!
At Rollin Smoke Barbeque, we want our owners to grow their businesses and increase their wealth, and we've created a franchise plan centered around their needs.
Find out more, and contact us today to get your start with a brand that's in tune with the times and is ready for the future!