If you’re looking for a franchise to invest in, then profitability is going to be one of your biggest criteria. It’s the surest sign that a franchise is doing well and that it’s going to earn money for you. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most profitable franchises for 2023, to help you single out a franchise you might want to work with.
Before we get into the list, it’s worth talking about why you might want to set up a franchise outlet instead of starting a business from scratch. After all, a franchise charges you fees, gives you less freedom, and removes your opportunity to build a brand of your own. That’s a lot to give up, so why is it worthwhile?
As this list shows, even with the fees, franchises can still be very profitable businesses. Those fees help to pay for centralized marketing, tech, product design, and other services that you benefit from as a franchisee. You’ll gain the established profile and customer base of a big brand, as well as business processes that have been refined through years of experience and customer feedback. That can help you to become profitable and then scale up to multiple units, achieving both of these things faster than you would alone.
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When I owned a UPS Store, I learned firsthand how much your ZIP code shapes your outcome. I sold my store at a premium because my territory was in a high-value area. The best areas go first, and once they're gone, they're gone. Enter your ZIP code, and a territory specialist will walk you through the franchises still available near you, drawing on information that isn't publicly accessible — saving you months of wasted research.Franchise systems and training also allow new business owners to enter industries they couldn’t alone due to lack of experience. The franchise will have the training and systems you need to get started.
Together, this means that franchises can be very profitable. All of the franchises in this list had average profits over $300K, based on Item 19 of their 2022 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Franchises are legally obliged to provide the FDD to potential franchisees, making it one of the most reliable records of how a franchise is doing.
We’ve excluded franchises with just one affiliate-owned location from the list, because these businesses haven’t yet shown that their numbers are replicable by franchisees. One outlet could succeed by chance or circumstances in a way that won’t work elsewhere, and we’re not interested in hyping unproven new brands when we could be leading you toward better options.
There may also be gaps in our list because of the information franchises haven’t shared. Franchises are not required to reveal average profits in Item 19 of their FDD. We can’t tell you that a franchise averages over $300k profits if they’re not telling anyone.
And telling you about franchises is what we’re here for. Franchise Chatter exists to inform people considering a franchise about the options available to them. We provide you with quick, accessible lists to help you start exploring the world of franchising, such as:
We also provide detailed coverage of individual franchises. This includes reviewing a different franchise every single day, so you can learn about the hundreds of different opportunities and business models available. You can follow our deep dives into franchises that interest you, then see how they stack against each other through the lists. Lists by industry give you the opportunity to explore the sorts of business that most appeal to you.
This list of the most profitable franchises is the easiest and fastest way to get an overview of the franchise universe, with a focus on financial performance. You’ll learn how the different industries stack up and which show the most promise, highlighting the highest profit opportunities.
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Every month we feature 6 standout franchises that could be the opportunity you've been looking for — each evaluated on disclosed financials and matched to the type of buyer most likely to succeed with it. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to analyze franchise fit. Join us live on September 29 at 6PM EST, or receive the recording the next day. Reserve your spot here.The data franchises provide on past performance isn’t a crystal ball. The future remains hidden, but past performance provides a starting point for understanding how much you can spend on a location, how many employees are needed to support the business, and what you’ll get in return. This information can help you with your own pro formas and business projections.
Franchising opens up a world of business opportunities, and Franchise Chatter provides you with a map to navigate that profitable terrain. Let’s start by having a look at the biggest features, the most profitable franchises of 2023…
The Most Profitable Franchises of 2023 (in Alphabetical Order)
1. The Brothers That Just Do Gutters
Many homeowners simply don’t realize just how important it is to divert water away from their home. Without a well-designed, effective gutter and drainage system, a home’s structure and foundation will be negatively impacted over time. Back in the late 1990s, Ken Parsons decided to stop being a teacher and started his own gutter contracting company. His idea was to bring five-star service to something many people don’t pay much attention to. In 2002 Ken’s younger brother Ryan joined the business, and eventually their father became one of their successful franchisees.
Services provided include the installation of seamless gutters that are extruded on-site to exact custom measurements for the customer’s home. Style options include either half-round or k-style using materials such as copper, aluminum, and galvalume. Other services offered include gutter cleaning, gutter repair, heat tape installation, gutter leaf guards, fascia repair and replacement, gutter snow guards, under-deck ceiling systems, heated gutters, underground gutter drainage systems, and specialty gutters.
Founded in 1999 but franchising only since 2014, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 13 in 2019 to the current total of 61 (up from the previously reported total of 26), of which one is company-owned and all are located in the US.
2. College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving employees may or may not qualify as “hunks,” but the company uses HUNKS as an acronym that stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service. HUNKS offers local and long-distance moving assistance, storage, and junk removal for both residential and commercial customers.
"I've seen too many serious franchise buyers fall in love with a brand only to discover their territory is gone by the time they contact the franchisor. This tool was built to prevent exactly that." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
⏳Find Out Which Franchises Are Still Available in Your Area Before It's Too Late
Most franchise buyers spend months researching brands and building excitement — unaware that their preferred territory could be snapped up at any moment. By the time they contact the franchisor, their preferred territory may already be taken. Enter your ZIP code — a territory specialist will verify exactly which franchises are still available right where you want to be.Its junk hauling service includes removing all non-hazardous items from anywhere on a customer’s property, which it then disposes of responsibly by recycling and donating as much as possible (on average 70%). Customers call in for an appointment and when the company arrives, a firm estimate is given before work starts. As far as moving services, the company says it has the lowest damage claim rate in the industry.
Founded by Omar Soliman and Nick Friedman in Florida in 2003 and franchising since 2007, HUNKS recently garnered minority investments in the chain from Susquehanna Private Capital as well as David Barr and Shelly Sun, who are both former chairs of the International Franchise Association.
The number of locations has expanded in recent years from 42 in 2012 to the current total of 181 (up from the previously reported total of 156), of which three are company-owned and two are located outside the US.
3. Crumbl Cookies
This up-and-coming chain offers customers a range of cookies to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth craving. These sizeable cookies (each one weighs in at an average of six ounces) can be purchased in store locations or delivered. They tested their way through trial-and-error to the perfect Milk Chocolate Chip cookie and the Classic Sugar cookie, two staples always on the menu.
Customers will find a selection of other cookies that rotates on a weekly basis with such creations as Neapolitan, Walnut Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Swirl, and Frozen Hot Chocolate (yes, it’s a cookie). All told there are more than 200 innovative cookies on rotation at their stores, which also sell ice cream.
Founded in 2017 by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley in Logan, Utah, the chain has skyrocketed to 600+ locations across 47 states as listed on the company website (double the number listed the previous year).
4. The Goddard School
The Goddard School provides a more educational approach to daycare. Preschool programming is available to children aged six weeks to six years old. Its proprietary F.L.EX. (Fun Learning Experience) framework builds the emotional, academic, social, creative, and physical skills of children through play-based learning. It goes beyond the basics to include sign language, yoga, music, foreign languages, and more.
The philosophy at Goddard is to give teachers freedom and flexibility in teaching style and lesson plans so they can take advantage of organic “teachable moments” and customize learning experiences to fit individual interests.
Founded by Lois Goddard Haines in 1986 and franchising since 1988, the number of locations has continued to steadily climb from 388 in 2012 to the current total of 595 (up from the previously reported total of 575), of which none are company-owned and all are located in the US.
5. Laundrolab
This franchise aims to elevate the laundromat concept to a 5-star experience. Locations feature high-efficiency Electrolux washers and dryers for maximum value, and amenities such as in-store staff, 24/7 surveillance, lounge areas, arcade games, and snack and laundry vending, and a mobile app for convenient payments and loyalty points.
They also go the extra mile with their Family Read, Play, and Learn spaces developed in partnership with the LaundryCares Foundation. This area in each store is designed to create a safe, fun, and engaging place for children and families and is equipped with literacy-rich materials to support children’s early brain and language development.
Customers can take advantage of full wash-dry-fold services (drop off by 10 a.m. and ready by 6 p.m. for pickup) or their flip service where store staff will move the laundry from washer to dryer.
Founded in 2016 and having just rolled out its franchising program in 2020, the company website currently lists eight locations open now and another 17 listed as “coming soon.”
6. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Nothing Bundt Cakes is proud of the “mom and pop” feel of each location, so much so that most people are surprised to find out it’s a franchise. This is an upscale offering sold at affordable prices great for all kinds of events and celebrations.
The cakes come in a variety of sizes, including 10-inch, 8-inch, Bundtlets (mini-cakes), and Bundtins (bite-sized). They can also be stacked and tiered in visually impressive displays. All cakes feature the company’s signature thick cream cheese frosting petals or a drizzle frosting if desired. There are nine different flavors of cake available.
Founded by Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz in 1997 and franchising since 2006, the number of locations has continued to march steadily upward from 63 in 2012 to the current total of 445 (up from the previously reported total of 399), of which 16 are company-owned and two are located outside the US.
7. Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is marching its way to dominating the fitness franchise industry, though it has a long way to go to catch up with industry giants such as Anytime Fitness and Jazzercise when it comes to number of units. It does benefit from having a solid reputation as a low-cost, “judgement-free” gym for regular people and monthly membership fees that are among the lowest in the industry.
In recent years the company has been developing strategic partnerships to offer perks to members, including discounts and deals with Reebok, Petco, Blue Apron, 1-800-Flowers, Harry’s, FruitBouquets.com, Cheryl’s Cookies, Wolferman’s, Harry & David, and several others.
Planet Fitness recently awarded a $200-million contract to Publicis Groupe to handle marketing strategy, centralized data and analytics, media planning and buying, creative, and brand partnerships for the fitness franchise at both the national and local levels.
Founded in 1992 and franchising since 2003, most locations feature Pizza Mondays (first Monday of the month) and Bagel Tuesdays (second Tuesday of the month). While offering snacks to people trying to get fit seems like a disconnect, a slice of pizza and a bagel aren’t going to cancel a whole month of workouts, and most customers love it.
The number of locations has continued to expand rapidly to the current total of 2,324 (up from the previous total of 2,059), of which 233 are company-owned and 81 are located outside the US.
8. Storm Guard Roofing and Construction
Storm Guard Roofing and Construction specializes in exterior residential and commercial projects including roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and emergency tarping services. The company also offers restoration services for homes that have suffered damage from severe weather incidents.
Storm Guard can help navigate the complex insurance claim process by conducting a free/no-obligation property inspection, identifying storm damage and assisting in filing a claim with the insurance provider, working with the insurance adjuster to cover the restoration costs, and providing high-quality warrantied materials and workmanship.
Storm Guard stands by its work with an industry-leading, nationally-backed, 5-year warranty on all roof replacement jobs (warranty length varies for repairs and other jobs), on top of a manufacturer warranty for all of the materials used to complete a project. If a problem or issue is the result of Storm Guard’s workmanship, it will be fixed.
Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2011, Storm Guard recently formed a partnership with The National Forest Foundation and has committed to planting 15,000+ trees each year. It was also recently named to the Culture100 list of Franchise Business Review for having one of the best franchise cultures to be a part of based on surveys of franchise owners.
The number of locations currently stands at 37 (no change from the previously reported total), of which one is company-owned and all are located in the US.
9. Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck offers both local and long-distance residential and commercial moving services, as well as storage solutions, with a company motto of “Movers Who Care” and abiding by what it calls The Grandma Rule: To treat everyone the way you would want your Grandma to be treated. Exceeding customer expectations is central to the company mission.
For long-distance moves, customers with flexibility on when items arrive at the new location can get a reduced rate through the Value Flex service because the extra time allows the company to plan its logistics for maximum efficiency.
Locations offering storage services can serve college students between semesters, customers between home moves, people who are downsizing, or those undertaking home renovations.
Founded in 1985 and franchising since 1989, Two Men and a Truck was recently acquired by ServiceMaster Brands, home to other franchise brands such as ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, AmeriSpec, and Furniture Medic.
The number of locations has continued to expand from 222 in 2012 to the current total of 326 (up from the previously reported total of 307), of which three are company-owned and 32 are located outside the US.
10. Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air Adventure Park is squarely focused on kids, youth, and families with its motto “Where Fun Takes Flight,” noting how each location is a place “…where kids of all ages (and kids at heart) can explore thrilling attractions, challenge their body and mind, and most importantly…have a blast! We are WAY more than a trampoline park.”
What sets Urban Air Adventure Park apart from other trampoline parks is how trampolines make up less than 20% of the attractions at most locations. Unique attractions found at many locations include Leap of Faith (making a fully-harnessed leap from a high platform to a padded cylinder or monkey bars), Lazer Fury (a combination of bumper cars with lasers and strobe lights), Wipeout (players jump, dive, and duck in an enclosed area to avoid being struck by a cushioned beam swinging around), and Sky Rider (a zipline takes customers from one end of the facility to the other). Attractions vary by location and may include classic activities such as mini golf, laser tag, and bowling.
Birthday parties have become a core offering, along with the Friday Night Glow Party with lasers, strobes, and black lights. The in-facility café keeps everyone going with food and beverage options.
Founded by Michael O Browning Jr. in Southlake, Texas in 2011 and franchising since 2014, the number of locations has risen quickly to the current total of 159 (up from the previously reported total of 153), of which four are company-owned and one is located outside the US.
11. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s is a quick-service restaurant chain with a menu featuring chicken sandwich “mealz,” chicken wings, chicken “fingerz,” and “zalads.” The company has savvy about fueling its growth with celebrity endorsements, contracts to sell its food at the football and basketball games of 30 Division I colleges, and NASCAR sponsorships. The last big promotion they did before the pandemic hit was an “Insane Music Tour” in which country singer Jordan Rager performed 12 free 30-minute concerts during September and October inside a dozen different Zaxby’s locations across six different states.
Founded by Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in Statesboro, Georgia in 1990 and franchising since 1994, the number of locations has grown in recent years from 581 in 2013 to the current total of 912 (up from the previously reported total of 908), of which 144 are company-owned and all are located in the US.
"Multi-unit ownership is where the real wealth in franchising is built — and it starts with one key decision: choosing a brand with enough territory runway to grow into." — Ambrosio, Franchise Chatter
📈Dreaming of Multi‑Unit Success? Lock In Prime Territories Before They're Gone.
Colin started as a team member at 21 — he now owns 6 locations in Tampa Bay. Lisa came from marketing and built 21 in San Diego. The most successful multi-unit owners move early and secure markets with room to grow. Use our free tool to search multiple ZIP codes and find franchises where you can still stack locations — before someone else does. A franchise specialist will be in touch to present what's available.
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Hello,
Thank you for your time and help in researching the franchise model. Have you looked at the Pinch A Penny Franchise? I would be very interested in your feedback.