What industries are the hottest for new franchises during the recession?

What industries are doing better than others right now? I want to pick a franchise that's doing well and will continue to be successful for years.

You are smart to focus on which franchises are doing the best in these tough times. Sometimes they aren't companies that are growing rapidly but they are great opportunities in recessions, so that makes them the "hottest" in my book.

There are three secrets to finding a business that does well in tough times:

1. Find one that people have to use regardless of the economy. The classic example is hair-cutting. Hair grows and it has to get cut--in good times or bad. When your business involves a product or service that people use regardless of the economy then you'll do well in a recession.

2. Find one where the service is paid for by a third party with deep pockets, like an insurance company or the government. The classic example is the restoration business. If a pipe bursts and floods your basement, your insurance company is going to help you locate a restoration company to fix the damage and they will pay the bill for the repairs.

3. Find a franchise that is supported by a huge demographic or market trend. The classic example in today's market is non-medical in-home senior care. There are a bunch of franchise companies in this space and they all seem to be doing well because the baby boomers are expanding their customer base as fast as new units can open.

Good luck on your search.