10 Popular Stores That Are Franchises You Should Know
Written by admin on December 3, 2025
When exploring franchise opportunities, it is crucial to know which stores stand out in various sectors. Franchises like The Melting Pot, Marco’s Pizza, and Cinnabon offer unique dining experiences, whereas others like Great Clips and SERVPRO provide valuable services. Each of these franchises boasts strong brand recognition and support systems for new owners. Comprehending what makes these franchises successful can help you make informed decisions as you consider your options in the business world.
Key Takeaways

- The Melting Pot offers a unique fondue dining experience, making it a popular choice in casual dining franchises.
- Marco’s Pizza caters to health-conscious customers with its crustless pizza and has strong franchisee satisfaction ratings.
- Cinnabon is renowned for its iconic cinnamon rolls, with a vast presence in high-traffic areas like malls and airports.
- Great Clips operates on a no-appointment basis, making it convenient for busy customers seeking haircuts.
- Orangetheory Fitness specializes in innovative heart rate-based workouts, contributing to its rapid growth and community engagement.
The Melting Pot

The Melting Pot® stands out as a unique dining franchise that specializes in fondue, offering customers an interactive cooking experience right at their tables.
This franchise is accessible to new entrepreneurs, as you don’t need prior restaurant experience to operate a location. With an initial franchise fee of $45,000, the total investment required ranges from $1,364,514 to $2,069,764.
Positioned in the polished casual dining space, The Melting Pot attracts customers seeking a premium experience. Its strong reputation and community presence improve franchisee satisfaction and contribute to its ongoing success.
As you might explore clothing store franchises or other best retail franchises, consider The Melting Pot as a standout option among stores that are franchises for its unique offering and support system.
Marco’s Pizza
With over 1,150 franchise units across the United States, Marco’s Pizza has carved out a significant niche in the pizza delivery market since its establishment in 1978.
Known for being the first national pizza delivery brand to offer crustless pizza, it caters to low-carb diets. If you’re considering a franchise investment, the initial fee is $25,000, with total costs ranging from $242,142 to $633,109.
Marco’s Pizza consistently ranks high in franchise industry news for growth and owner satisfaction. The brand emphasizes strong support for franchisees, offering thorough training and marketing assistance.
During exploring clothing retail franchises, department store franchises, and boutique franchises, don’t overlook the opportunity that Marco’s Pizza presents in the competitive food service sector.
Big Chicken
Big Chicken, founded by NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, stands out in the fast-food arena thanks to its celebrity endorsement and unique menu.
You can expect crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and innovative sides that cater to a wide range of tastes.
With over 22 locations and plans for expansion, this franchise combines quality offerings with the recognizable brand of Shaquille O’Neal to attract customers.
Celebrity Endorsement Impact
Celebrity endorsements play a crucial role in shaping the success of franchises like Big Chicken, especially when they feature well-known figures such as NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. His involvement greatly boosts brand visibility and consumer trust, leading to increased foot traffic and sales. With over 22 locations open and more planned, Big Chicken capitalizes on the trend of celebrity-backed ventures, appealing to fans and food enthusiasts alike.
| Impact of Celebrity Endorsements | Examples |
|---|---|
| Increases brand visibility | Big Chicken |
| Improves consumer trust | Nike |
| Drives foot traffic | Departmental store franchise |
This connection positions Big Chicken as a trendy dining option, particularly for younger customers seeking unique food experiences.
Menu Highlights and Offerings
At Big Chicken, the menu is designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes, featuring an array of crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and unique sides.
You can customize your meal with a selection of signature sauces that enhance the dining experience.
Big Chicken emphasizes high-quality ingredients and innovative recipes, distinguishing itself from other fast-casual dining options.
With over 22 locations currently operating, it’s clear that the franchise’s popularity is on the rise, and it has plans for further expansion.
The initial franchise fee is $40,000, with a total investment ranging from $673,000 to $1,642,000.
This makes it an attractive option for potential franchisees, similar to investing in a postal service franchise or shipping center franchise, where growth potential is significant.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon, established in 1985, has become a staple in high-traffic areas like malls and airports, thanks to its iconic cinnamon roll recipe.
You’ll find that these signature rolls are crafted with a focus on quality and flavor, making them a popular choice for many customers.
With around 1,500 locations worldwide, Cinnabon strategically capitalizes on foot traffic to boost sales and attract franchisees.
Iconic Cinnamon Roll Recipe
When you think of iconic cinnamon rolls, the delectable treat from Cinnabon often comes to mind. Established in 1985, Cinnabon has grown to over 1,500 locations worldwide, renowned for its signature rolls. These rolls feature a proprietary blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and cream cheese frosting, creating a unique flavor that draws customers in. Typically baked fresh throughout the day, they guarantee high traffic, especially in mall settings.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key aspects:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1985 |
| Locations | Over 1,500 worldwide |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $5,500 to $30,500 |
| Total Investment | $112,000 to $546,800 |
Strategic Mall Locations
Strategically positioned in high-traffic mall environments, Cinnabon franchises capitalize on the constant flow of shoppers seeking quick indulgences.
With over 1,500 locations worldwide, Cinnabon thrives in settings where consumers are looking for fast, sweet snacks. Their kiosks and storefronts are designed for maximum visibility and accessibility, making it easy for shoppers to grab a cinnamon roll during their time out.
This strategic placement not only attracts significant customer traffic but also guarantees consistent sales, especially during peak shopping seasons. Cinnabon benefits from strong brand recognition and effective marketing support, which further drives foot traffic to their locations.
PJ’s Coffee
PJ’s Coffee stands out in the competitive coffee franchise environment, having been founded in 1978 and now operating under the ownership of Ballard Brands.
This franchise offers a diverse menu of coffee beverages and breakfast items, focusing on quality and flavor. PJ’s Coffee emphasizes Direct Trade partnerships for sourcing its coffee, ensuring high-quality and ethically sourced products.
With an initial franchise fee of $35,000, the total investment ranges from $406,000 to $1,024,000, making it accessible for aspiring franchisees. The franchise boasts a strong presence with numerous locations, catering to the increasing demand for specialty coffee and breakfast options.
Additionally, PJ’s Coffee provides thorough training programs and ongoing support to improve operational success for franchisees.
Arby’s
Arby’s represents a significant player in the fast-food industry, having been founded in 1964 and now standing as the second-largest sandwich chain in the world.
With over 3,500 locations across nine countries, it’s well-known for its diverse menu and delicious roast beef sandwiches. The franchise has adapted to consumer preferences, particularly with its growing drive-thru business.
Here are some key points about Arby’s franchise opportunity:
- Initial franchise fees range from $6,250 to $50,000, customized for different investment levels.
- Total investment costs vary between $628,950 and $2,000,000, depending on location and setup.
- Strong marketing strategies and community engagement improve its reputation and customer loyalty.
Arby’s continues to emphasize quality and flavor in its offerings.
Great Clips

Great Clips stands out as one of the largest hair salon franchises in North America, boasting over 4,400 locations since its establishment in 1982.
With an initial franchise fee of $20,000 and total startup costs ranging between $150,000 and $300,000, it offers a relatively accessible entry point for potential franchisees.
The franchise furthermore provides extensive training and ongoing support to help guarantee both franchisee success and customer satisfaction, making it a remarkable option in the hair care market.
Franchise Overview and History
Founded in 1982, this franchise has swiftly become one of the largest hair salon chains in North America, boasting over 4,400 locations across the United States and Canada.
Great Clips operates on a no-appointment basis, providing convenient and efficient services that cater to busy customers.
Key features of the franchise include:
- A strong marketing strategy that boosts brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Thorough training and ongoing support for franchisees to guarantee operational success.
- The Great Clips app for online check-in, helping streamline the customer experience.
This combination of convenience, support, and innovative technology has solidified Great Clips’ position as a leading choice for hair care in a competitive market.
Investment and Fees
When considering a franchise opportunity like Great Clips, it’s important to understand the investment and fees involved.
You’ll need to pay an initial franchise fee of $20,000, which is part of a total investment ranging from approximately $150,000 to $300,000. This amount can vary based on your location and other factors.
Furthermore, expect ongoing royalty fees of 6% of gross sales. These fees contribute to marketing efforts and operational support provided by the franchisor.
Great Clips offers flexibility in store formats, allowing you to choose between traditional and non-traditional setups. This adaptability can cater to different investment levels, making it a viable option for various entrepreneurs looking to enter the hair care industry.
Training and Support Offered
To guarantee franchisees are well-prepared for success, the training and support offered by Great Clips is extensive and customized to meet operational needs. New franchise owners benefit from a thorough program that combines online courses and in-person training sessions, ensuring consistency and quality.
You’ll likewise receive ongoing support, including:
- Access to marketing resources and business development strategies
- A dedicated business consultant to guide you through initial operations
- A robust operational playbook detailing best practices and customer service protocols
Moreover, Great Clips provides regular updates and training sessions to keep you informed about industry trends and new products, enabling you to improve your business performance.
With this solid foundation, you’re better equipped to thrive as a franchisee.
Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness stands out in the crowded fitness franchise market by specializing in heart rate-based interval training, which effectively blends cardio and strength workouts into a unique exercise experience.
Founded in 2010, this swiftly growing franchise has expanded to over 1,300 locations worldwide, reflecting its popularity among fitness enthusiasts.
As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from extensive training and support, ensuring you understand their proven business model that emphasizes community engagement and member retention.
The initial franchise fee is approximately $59,950, with total investment costs ranging from $673,000 to $1,150,000, depending on your location and setup.
With a commitment to innovation, Orangetheory Fitness continually adapts its offerings to meet the evolving preferences of consumers in the fitness industry.
Batteries Plus
Batteries Plus is a prominent franchise that focuses on battery replacement and related services, catering to a diverse range of devices, from smartphones to automobiles. Founded in 1988, it has expanded to over 700 locations across the United States, establishing itself as a leader in the battery and lighting industry.
Here’s what you should know about Batteries Plus:
- They offer extensive battery installation and repair services.
- The initial franchise fee ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, with total investments between $250,000 and $500,000.
- Franchisees receive thorough training and ongoing support to help them thrive in a competitive market.
With such a wide range of products and services, Batteries Plus is a reliable choice for battery needs.
SERVPRO
In the field of disaster recovery, many people recognize SERVPRO as a leading franchise in fire and water damage restoration, in addition to mold remediation services.
Founded in 1967, SERVPRO has expanded to over 1,800 franchises across the United States and Canada. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from extensive training and support, including access to operational resources and marketing materials that can help you succeed.
The initial franchise fee is around $50,000, whereas total investment costs vary from $150,000 to $1,000,000, depending on location and other factors.
Because of the consistent demand for disaster recovery services, investing in a SERVPRO franchise represents a viable opportunity for those looking to enter a stable and growing market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the #1 Franchise in the US?
The #1 franchise in the US is McDonald’s, renowned for its over 39,000 locations worldwide.
You’ll find that its strong brand recognition nurtures customer loyalty. Franchisees benefit from a well-established operational model and thorough training, leading to high profitability.
The initial franchise fee is around $45,000, with total investment costs between $1 million and $2.2 million.
McDonald’s continuously adapts its menu to consumer preferences, enhancing its market presence and financial performance.
Which Store Franchise Is Best?
Determining the best store franchise depends on various factors, including investment, brand recognition, and market demand.
For example, Marco’s Pizza offers a unique product with a low initial investment, whereas Cinnabon® provides a well-known brand with a modest franchise fee.
If you prefer sandwiches, Arby’s has a strong presence and growth potential.
Consider your interests and financial capacity to find the franchise that aligns best with your goals and market opportunities.
Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A?
Chick-Fil-A‘s low franchise fee of $10,000 is attractive compared to other fast-food franchises.
Nevertheless, this fee is balanced by a 15% royalty on sales, which supports the company’s revenue.
Chick-Fil-A likewise retains ownership of the property, providing franchisees with training, marketing, and operational help.
Their strict selection process guarantees franchisees possess strong business skills and align with the brand’s values, maintaining consistency across locations and minimizing financial risk for operators.
What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy?
When considering profitable franchises to buy, focus on established brands with proven business models.
Food service franchises, like Marco’s Pizza and Arby’s, thrive because of high customer traffic and brand loyalty.
Home service franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, consistently meet crucial needs, driving demand.
Investing in franchises that offer strong training and ongoing support, like PJ’s Coffee, can improve your chances for success.
Conclusion
In summary, exploring franchise opportunities can lead you to various successful business models. From The Melting Pot’s unique dining experience to SERVPRO’s crucial restoration services, each franchise presents distinct advantages and support systems. Whether you’re interested in food, fitness, or personal care, these ten popular franchises offer strong brand recognition and resources for new entrepreneurs. Carefully consider your interests and market demand to choose the best fit for your entrepreneurial expedition.
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