Our Top 10 Franchise Categories for 2019From fresh industries to the established spaces that show no signs of slowing down, here are the 10 franchise categories we believe will boom in 2019.
This story appears in theDecember 2018issue of狗万官方.Subscribe »
Every December, we at Entrepreneur like to make our predictions for what will be the hottest franchise categories in the year ahead. How do we decide? For one thing, we consider the data that we've collected over the past year. We look at the types of businesses that are just beginning to franchise in large numbers, like poke restaurants and DIY studios. We also take note of existing franchises that are experiencing a lot of growth even in more established industries, like childcare and fitness. And, to be honest, we also rely a bit on our gut. After 40-plus years of covering the franchise industry, we think we've developed a pretty good sense of how to tell what's trending. So whether you're interested in getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing or investing in a franchise industry that's already proven itself and looks to continue going strong, consider this list of the hottest franchise categories for 2019.
As you read through it, keep in mind that it is not intended as an endorsement of any particular company. No matter what franchise you're considering, trending or not, it's vital that you do your homework before you invest. Read the franchise disclosure document, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to as many existing and former franchisees as you can to find out if the opportunity is right for you.
Asian Food
The poke craze continues, and more and more companies are looking to capitalize on it through franchising. But more long-standing franchises with menus inspired by Asian cuisines are continuing to grow and thrive as well.
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Beauty/Grooming Services
Pampering yourself is in, if the growth of beauty and grooming franchises is any indication. Nail care and lash services are particularly popular. And this trend isn't just for women; there are a number of brands that cater specifically to image-conscious men.
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Childcare
With more and more parents working, the demand for childcare is high, and well-known brands—especially those that also offer educational services—inspire trust. So it's no surprise that childcare franchises have experienced impressive growth in recent years.
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Electronics
Smartphones and other electronic devices have become an indelible part of most people's everyday lives, and franchises are capitalizing on that by offering repair services, resales, accessories, and more to keep their customers connected.
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Entertainment/Recreation
Franchises that are all about fun have been exploding over the past few years. Trampoline parks, paint-and-sip studios, and escape rooms continue to grow, but the newest trend is DIY studios, where people can make rustic wood signs and other craft projects.
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Fitness
Fitness is one of the biggest franchise industries, and one that continues to grow year after year, with no sign of slowing. From big-box gyms to boutique studios, there's something for everyone—including kids, who have a large number of sports and fitness franchises aimed at them.
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Frozen Desserts
Everyone loves dessert, and the category offers prospective franchisees a wide variety of options, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, ices, ice pops, and custard. Trending right now are novelty concepts, like rolled ice cream and treats made with liquid nitrogen.
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Mexican Food
Mexican food overtook pizza to become the second-most-popular menu type last year, with nearly 60,000 restaurants in the U.S., according to CHD Expert, which collects and analyzes foodservice data. Franchises in the space offer everything from traditional flavors to creative fusions.
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Pets
Sixty-eight percent of American households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association, and most of them see Fido and Fluffy as family. So it's no wonder that franchises that make it easier to care for our furry friends continue to see success.
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Staffing/Recruiting
The American Staffing Association reports that staffing and recruiting industry sales increased 4.4 percent in 2017 to reach $161 billion. No word on how much of those sales come from the franchise sector, but franchisors offering staffing and recruiting services continue to perform well.
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