I'm sure owning your own business is something that you've thought about before. Why wouldn't you? Being your own boss is a big incentive.I have an acquaintance who has a full-time job, but his entrepreneurial spirit leads him to own several businesses in addition to his regular job. I believe one of them is a walnut producing company. Don't laugh, but that's a great business -- walnuts are great for people on low-carb diets and these diets don't seem to fade in popularity. He also owns at least one restaurant franchise, and last time I talked to him, he was looking into another franchise business.
If I ever have my own business, it'll be something with dogs. I just want to play with dogs all day long! I know there's so much more to do than playing with dogs all day long, but hey, I can always dream.
Anyway, if you need ideas on starting your own business, buying a franchise is a popular option. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, there are more than 760,000 franchise businesses in the U.S. These franchise businesses provide more than 18 million jobs with over $1.5 trillion in economic output.
Check out the top 10 searched franchise opportunities on AOL below. It's not surprising that most of them are in the food service industry, but it's refreshing to see a fitness business listed in the top 10. I hope more health-related franchise businesses soar so we all get motivated to exercise and eat healthy instead of muching on an oversized burger. As for the number one searched franchise opportunity, no wonder there's seemingly a Starbucks store in every corner of a city!
If you own a franchise business, which industry is it in? Any recommendations for other entrepreneurs who are thinking about buying one?
This month's top searched franchise opportunities on AOL Search:
1. Starbucks franchise
2. Subway franchise
3. Dollar Store franchise
4. McDonald's franchise
5. Dunkin Donuts franchise
6. Dairy Queen franchise
7. Sonic franchise
8. Pizza franchise
9. KFC franchise
10. Curves franchise
More information on franchise business can be found on AOL Small Business. Also search for franchise opportunities on AOL Search.
See sponsored links for: franchise opportunities, business for sale, business loans.
posted by Mia
|
56
comments
COMMENTS
Hey, nothing against these franchises - but there is a better way for most of us - and very healthy, too!
Please consider the Bioslife Franchise - meant for busy people, worked part time, with low start up costs, excellent tools based approach, and presenting the paramount, clinically proven, non prescription product supporting heart health - (lowers bad cholesterol(LDL)AND raises good cholesterol(HDL), lowers triglyceride levels, and helps with weight loss!) - listed in the PDR; used and supported by hundreds of MD's and other health professionals ~~ Bios Life (having sold over one billion dollars already!). All under the "Make Life Better" company, Unicity.
Check us out! Visit www.bioslifefranchise.com/jsushereba
By jas15jr on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:02PM
Subway is freeking disgusting!
thats all i have to say. LOL
By Sarah on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:01PM
If you go to Starbucks web site they give you information about their franchases, so I guess they do have them.
By Debra on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:03PM
My family has done very well with Sonic and is still building more. We have been in the south and are just about to go north.
By leslie on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:08PM
Stay away from BLIMPIE SUBS (from a 15 year owner with multipe locations) Lost it all after being very successful but franchisor controls your destiny. Over 1/3 of the chain is gone!
By KP on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:18PM
If you're interested in a low maintnence higher income type franchise then day cares are a better bet then food franchises. Once it's up and running they run themselves and are probably not going anywhere in today's society. I started working in one, going as a partner in the next and now own 3 within 15 miles and in under 5 years.
By K Ellm on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:19PM
i have been a restaurant manager for 27 yrs. it was time to open my own restaurant so i have 6 months ago i have done it with 63k. yea i work 24 7 but its going to pay off.you can do it to www.bluemoongrillbbq.com
By Brenda Lunsford on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:29PM
Quiznos is the worst for franchisees. They will do everything they can to stop you from selling your franchise to someone else. They don't care if you loose everything and go bankrupt. They think it makes the "company" look bad when a franchisee tries to sell their business. Their subs are great, their current CEO is good (when he is apprised of what is going on), but the rest of the idiot executives are heartless bozos.
By JRSKK on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:29PM
Franchises are WAY overpriced!! Want support and the chance to make six-figure income?? Do you want to get paid on your personal travel? Write to me at nmh7356@aol.com and I will show you how to make tremendous money, get support and have fun with virtually no investment! Guaranteed!!
By Tom Schmidt on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:30PM
All that having been said, why franchise at all ? The best is yet to come. The most awesome NETWORK MARKETING company around is CYBERWIZE.COM Zero dollar start up, level playing field for anyone, tremedous growth potential and financial reward. With a highly touted binary compensation plan you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The risk/reward factor is as good as it gets. NO store front, NO warehousing, NO employees and NO BOSS or Corporate Types to answer to. You should seriously look at " askabouttheblast.com/4416699" for the best upline support system ever. E-mail me at douglasvavra@aol.com and I'll help you get started with the LIFESTYLE you've dreamed about. I'll introduce you to my mentors who have been written up in 'Millionaire Magazine" and "Your Business at Home"
By douglas vavra on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:36PM
We have a sucessfull restaurant serving European and American, bakery and delicatessen/restaurant that has been in business for 30 years this year. We are considering setting up franchise locations. Where do we start?
By Thomas H on Jul 30th 2007 at 11:46PM
click on www.paymons.com and you will understand why it will be the next PF CHANG of Mediterranean Restaurants in US. Third and Forth locations in Las Veags under construction...for more information for possible franchising information contact me at psraouf@aol.com
I will forward your information to my brother, Paymon. Thank you.
By Payam on Jul 31st 2007 at 12:03AM
my aol is soooo slow and they wont fix it so no franchises for them for sure
By lea on Jul 31st 2007 at 12:10AM
click on www.paymons.com and you will understand why it will be the next PF CHANG of Mediterranean Restaurants in US. Third and Forth locations in Las Veags under construction...for more information for possible franchising information contact me at psraouf@aol.com payam
I will forward your information to my brother, Paymon. Thank you.
By Payam on Jul 31st 2007 at 12:12AM
I don't think it would be to safe to own a franchise!!!!!!!
By poopoodied on Jul 31st 2007 at 12:23AM
Subway is and always has been garbage. You get lettuce on bread and thats their product. QUIZNOS SHOULD BE the #1 franchise right now. They have a phenominal new CEO as of Jan '08 and are COMPLETELY turning things around - operationally, logistically and strategically. Sales and profits are way up year over year, finally. Their product is unmatchable and better for you than that of burger joints. Just my opinion and prediction for the very near future...
By ag on Aug 1st 2007 at 12:51AM
very, very intelligent feedback for a change. Thanks.
I sold my business at 55 and moved to Florida. Ever since I have been looking for a new opportunity. These franchises are ridiculous. You cannot get a Starbucks so forget it. MacDonalds is minimum 750k so is Dunkin Donuts. That's for cash on hand.
Really if you have an idea just do your own thing, if you fail you will lose at lot less. If you need there roadmap you sshouldn't be in business in the first place. Need to leran how to make a burger? A deli sandwich? Please.
By Steve on Jul 31st 2007 at 9:28AM
Beware, I sell franchises and some are loosers from the beginning. You will work hard, lose your house and they do not care. Lawsuits take years. Find a franchise that is not brand new, but not saturated (too many subways and starbucks already). The integrity of a company means as much as the earnings claims (which must be substantiated from several sources). Elder care is a good bet, pet care will always be popular, any NEW pizza idea is good, old pizza places are under cutting and losing money. Food bring more costs, more health department regulations, parking etc. Tutorials are low over head, think about something you want to do, it does not pay to buy one and pay a manager. You are buying your self or family member a job, to sell later.
By Katy on Jul 31st 2007 at 1:03AM
Many of the negative comments are true. Few franchisors care about their franchisees bottom line.
If your interested in a fun profitable business that posts very impressive earnings, check out:
WWW.BocaTanningClub.com You won't be disappointed!
By Dan Boronico on Jul 31st 2007 at 9:12AM
have 4 subway shops for 18 years. yes it is a lot of work and b.s. sometimes, but has made life quite comfortable for us. while it is true franchises take a good percentage of your income, if you are not business savy, it is the way to go with training and support. we got in early on and have seen a ton of changes, good and bad. lots of growth. too much in our area, highs and lows, but it helped to put my son in the college of his choice without having to take a loan. not bad for two young adults with a high school education looking to get started in a business 18 years ago. hopefully if things keep going well, it will work the same for our daughter in a few years as well. hope this doesn't jinx our success so far. su
By subman4 on Jul 31st 2007 at 2:16AM