Every December, we publish a list in Entrepreneur of what we predict will be the “hottest” categories for franchise expansion in the year ahead. And every summer we typically publish an update on that list—not updating the categories, but updating the information on the fast-growing or newly launched franchises within those categories.
But this year, as we prepared to update the list, we were faced with a question—should we change the categories from those we had listed in December, back when the world looked and felt a whole lot different? While businesses in some of these categories were deemed nonessential and were adversely affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns, many also found creative ways to keep serving customers during that time. And we believe that even those that didn’t will ultimately benefit from the fact that absence makes the heart grow fonder. It’s unlikely that anyone will ever again take for granted the ability to go to the gym or a family entertainment center. So in the end, we removed just a few categories (including breakfast, Mexican food, and juices/acai bowls, which you can find covered in our “Top 200 Food Franchises” list), and added one that saw a boost in popularity during the shutdowns: home improvement.
The road ahead will still hold many challenges for businesses in every industry, and different franchisors and franchisees will tackle those challenges differently. So keep in mind that this list is not an endorsement of any particular franchise company. It’s more important than ever to do your own research before investing in an opportunity. Read the FDD, consult with accountants and attorneys, and talk to existing and former franchisees to decide whether the franchise is right for you. For more information on a particular franchise, click on the company’s name.
ChildcareEntertainment/RecreationFitness BusinessesHealthHome ImprovementPetsRestoration Services
Childcare
For essential workers who couldn’t stay home with their little ones, childcare businesses proved even more vital than ever this year. And those parents who could stay home have likely gained a new appreciation for the work these businesses do to educate and care for their kids. As the economy opens back up and more parents head back to the office, this category should only keep growing.
Adventure Kids Playcare
Childcare/entertainment centers
Building Kidz School
Preschool/educational childcare
Celebree School
Early childhood education and childcare
Children’s Lighthouse
Childcare
College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors
Nanny-placement, babysitting, tutoring
Creative World School Franchising
Early childhood education centers
Discovery Point Franchising
Childcare
Genius Kids
Preschool, daycare, public-speaking enrichment programs
Giggles Drop-In Childcare
Drop-in childcare, afterschool programs, summer camps
Goddard Systems
Preschool/educational childcare
Ivy Kids Systems
Childcare and early learning
Ivybrook Academy
Preschool
Kiddie Academy
Educational childcare
Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies
Childcare centers
KidsPark
Hourly childcare and preschool
KLA Schools
Preschool/childcare
LeafSpring Schools
Educational childcare/preschool
The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education
Preschool/educational childcare
Lightbridge Academy
Childcare/early learning
Montessori Kids Universe
Educational childcare
Muse Global
Early childhood education
Primrose School Franchising
Educational childcare
Tierra Encantada
Spanish immersion daycare and preschool
Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency
In-home child care
Entertainment/Recreation
Entertainment and recreation businesses were understandably deemed nonessential during the shutdowns. And yet, more than ever, people needed things to keep them occupied and take their minds off the world—and many of these businesses found creative ways to still meet that need, like offering take-home DIY projects and online party services.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Dine-in theaters
American Poolplayers Association
Recreational billiard leagues
AR Workshop
DIY workshops
Axe Monkeys
Indoor axe, knife, and spear throwing
Blue Ox Axe Throwing
Indoor axe throwing
Board & Brush Creative Studio
DIY wood-sign workshops
City Brew Tours
Educational craft brewery tours
ClimbZone Franchising
Climbing-wall family entertainment centers
Color Me Mine Enterprises
Paint-your-own-ceramics studios
Complete Weddings + Events
Photography, DJ, video, and photo-booth services
Cruise Planners
Travel agencies
Ctrl V
Virtual reality arcades
DivaDance
Adult dance classes and parties
Dream Vacations
Travel agencies
Elite Events & Tickets
Event planner, ticket brokerage, and travel agency
Escapology
Escape rooms
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Retail travel agencies
Freedom Boat Club
Membership boat clubs
Funtopia
Wall-climbing and family entertainment facilities
GameTruck Licensing
Mobile video-game theaters
HaliMac
Axe throwing
Kampgrounds of America
Campgrounds and RV Parks
Launch Franchising
Family entertainment centers
Nailed It DIY
DIY studios
Painting with a Twist
Paint-and-sip studios
Paniq Room
Escape rooms
Pinot’s Palette
Paint-and-sip studios
Pinspiration
DIY studios
The Rustic Brush
DIY studios
Safari Nation
Indoor bounce houses and playgrounds
SailTime
Membership boat clubs
Sky Zone
Trampoline parks/entertainment centers
Stumpy’s Hatchet House
Hatchet-throwing venues
Thrillz High Flying Adventure Park
Family adventure parks
Urban Air Adventure Park
Adventure parks
urbanChef Franchising
Cooking classes
Wine & Design
Paint-and-sip studios
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts
Family camping resorts
Fitness Businesses
When the pandemic hit, many fitness franchises were able to quickly pivot and offer classes to their customers online. Nevertheless, many people were eager to get back into the gym when restrictions began to be lifted, and with health more top-of-mind than ever, this already strong category should only see more growth going forward.
Ageless Fitness
Fitness programs for seniors
Air Aerial Fitness
Aerial fitness training
AKT Franchise
Fitness studios
Alkalign Studios
Group fitness classes, streaming fitness classes, nutrition coaching
Anytime Fitness
Fitness centers
Athletic Republic
Sports performance training
Baby Boot Camp
Prenatal and postpartum fitness and nutrition
The Barre Code
Barre fitness classes
Blink Fitness
Health and fitness centers
Bodytek Fitness
Gyms
Brooklyn Fitboxing USA
Boxing and kickboxing group fitness programs
Burn Boot Camp
Women’s fitness centers
The Camp Transformation Center
Fitness/weight-loss services
Cityrow Franchise
Rowing and strength training
CKO Kickboxing
Kickboxing fitness classes
Club Pilates Franchise
Reformer Pilates classes
Core Progression Elite Personal Training
Personal and group training, wellness services
Crunch Franchise
Fitness centers
CycleBar
Indoor cycling classes
Discover Strength
Personalized strength training
Eat The Frog Fitness
Fitness studios
EverybodyFights
Fitness facilities
The Exercise Coach
Personal training
F45 Training
Fitness studios
Fit Body Boot Camp
Indoor fitness boot camps
Fit4Mom
Prenatal and postpartum fitness and wellness programs
Fitness Together
Personal training
FitPro Franchising
Fitness and nutrition programs
Gold’s Gym
Health and fitness centers
GYMGUYZ
Mobile personal training
Hard Exercise Works
Boot camp fitness programs
Hardcore Fitness Boot Camp
Group training
Honor Yoga
Yoga, meditation, teacher training, retreats
Iron Legion Franchise
Strength training and fitness programs
ISI Elite Training
Athletic-based fitness programs
Jabz Franchising
Boxing studios for women
Jazzercise
Group fitness classes, conventions, apparel, and accessories
Just You Fitness
Personal training
Last Real Gym
Gyms
Legends Boxing
Boxing fitness programs
The Max Challenge
10-week fitness and nutrition programs
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness
Boxing group fitness
Moms on the Run
Fitness programs for women
MyFitness Butler
Mobile personal training
9Round
Kickboxing fitness circuit-training centers
On The Marc Training
Mobile fitness training
Orangetheory Fitness
Group personal training
Outlaw FitCamp Fitness Studios
Functional interval training fitness studios
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
Yoga and fitness classes
Physique 57
Barre fitness classes
PickUp USA Fitness
Basketball-focused fitness clubs
Planet Fitness
Fitness clubs
Pure Barre
Barre fitness classes and apparel
Pure Physique
Fitness and wellness centers
Red Effect International Franchise
Infrared fitness studios
Regymen Fitness
Fitness studios
Retro Fitness
Health clubs
Row House
Indoor rowing classes
Sasquatch Strength
Group functional training
Self Made Training Facility
Private personal training and supplement sales
Send Me A Trainer
In-home personal training
Snap Fitness
24-hour fitness centers
StretchLab
Assisted stretching classes and related therapy services
Stride
Fitness studios
Sudore Wellness
Group interval training
Tapout Fitness
Fitness and martial arts
The8Block Fitness Studio
Fitness studios with smoothie bar and recovery services
30 Minute Hit
Kickboxing circuit-training programs for women
Title Boxing Club
Boxing and kickboxing fitness classes, personal training, apparel
Tough Mudder Bootcamp
High intensity interval training studios
TruFusion
Group fitness studios
UFC Gym
Boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu jitsu, high-intensity interval training, and group fitness classes
Workout Anytime 24/7
24-hour health clubs
YogaSix
Yoga studios
Health
Being healthy has become more important than ever, so this small but growing category probably looks more appealing than ever to prospective franchisees. And there’s something here for everyone, from traditional health services to more alternative offerings like acupuncture, cryotherapy, IV therapy, and cannabis.
ApexNetwork Physical Therapy
Physical therapy
BeBalanced Hormone Weight Loss Centers
Hormone-based weight-loss and wellness services
Discover CBD
Hemp-derived CBD products
Dr. Fulmes Rejuvenation Techniques
Neuromuscular training
Eufloria Franchising
CBD/THC products and accessories; virtual doctor consultations
4ever Young
Preventative health, wellness, and aesthetic services
Franny’s Franchising
CBD products and accessories
Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers
Physical therapy, balance and vestibular therapy, preventive wellness services
Good Feet Worldwide
Arch supports, related products
HealthSource Chiropractic
Chiropractic, rehabilitation, massage, nutrition, and wellness services
Home Care for the 21st Century
Home health care and hospice care
The Hydration Room
Vitamin IV and injection therapy
iCryo
Cryotherapy, wellness, and pain management services
The Joint
Chiropractic services
Lice Clinics of America
Lice-treatment services and products
Miracle-Ear
Hearing aids
Mobility City Holdings
Wheelchair and mobility scooter repair, cleaning, rentals, and sales
Mobility Plus
Mobility scooters, ramps, stair lifts
Modern Acupuncture
Acupuncture
My Eyelab
Eye care and eyewear
100% Chiropractic
Chiropractic services, massage therapy, nutritional supplements
101 Mobility
Mobility and accessibility equipment sales and services
Pearle Vision
Eye care and eyewear
Perspire Sauna Studio
Infrared sauna studios
Pharmabox
Over-the-counter pharmaceutical products vending
Physical Therapy Now Franchise
Physical therapy
Profile by Sanford
Weight-loss and wellness services
Relax The Back
Products for relief/prevention of back and neck pain
Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy
Wellness services
Results Inc. Weight Loss Centers
Weight-loss coaching and products
The Salt Suite
Salt therapy
Structural Elements
Orthopedic wellness services
Titan Medical Center
Medical rejuvenation therapy and weight-loss centers
Transcend Hospice
Hospice agencies
True Rest Franchising
Floatation therapy
Unity Rd.
Retail cannabis dispensaries
Vegan Fine Foods
Vegan health and beauty stores/cafes/vitamin and supplement stores
Home Improvement
As shelter-in-place orders had people spending more time in their homes, many turned to home improvement, repair, and remodeling projects to keep themselves busy. Most home improvement stores and service business were able to stay open during this time, adjusting their services to maintain proper social distancing and sanitation, with some even pivoting to virtual consultations.
ABC Seamless
Seamless siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, windows, roofing
Access Garage Doors
Garage door sales, installation, and repairs
Ace Handyman Services
Residential and commercial repairs, maintenance, and improvements
Ace Hardware
Hardware and home-improvement stores
Aladdin Doors Franchising
Garage-door installation and repairs
America’s Color Consultants
Paint color consulting
Andy OnCall
Handyman services
Apex Energy Solutions
Replacement windows
Archadeck Outdoor Living
Outdoor living space design and construction
Bloomin’ Blinds
Window covering sales, installation, and repairs
Budget Blinds
Window coverings, window film, rugs, accessories
CertaPro Painters
Residential and commercial painting
Christmas Decor
Holiday and event lighting
Closet & Storage Concepts/More Space Place
Residential/commercial closet and storage systems; Murphy beds
Closet Factory
Custom closet and storage systems
Closets By Design Franchising
Custom closet and home/office organization systems
Color World House Painting
Residential/commercial painting, repairs, gutter installation, power washing, holiday lighting
Concrete Craft
Decorative concrete coatings
Decorating Den Interiors
Interior decorating services and products
Dr. Auto & Casa
Home and auto handyman services
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Kitchen, bath, and interior remodeling
EatGatherLove
Kitchen refacing and remodeling
Five Star Bath Solutions
Bathroom remodeling
Five Star Painting
Residential and commercial painting
Floor Coverings International
Flooring
Footprints Floors
Flooring installation and restoration
Fresh Coat
Residential and commercial painting
Furniture Medic
Furniture and wood restoration, repair, and refinishing
GarageExperts
Garage cabinets, floor coatings, organization products
Get A Grip Franchising
Countertop, cabinet, tub, tile, and shower resurfacing; fiberglass repair
Glass Doctor
Auto/residential/commercial glass installation, repair, and replacement
The Glass Guru
Window and glass restoration, repair, and replacement
Gotcha Covered
Window treatments
Granite Garage Floors
Garage floor coatings
GreenLight Mobility
Home modifications for the disabled and aging
Handyman Connection
Home repairs, remodeling
Handyman Pro
Handyman services
HandyPro International
Handyman and home-modification services
Home Technology Handyman
Smart home and electrical contracting services
Home Technology Pros
Smart home and electrical contracting services
The Honey Do Service
Handyman/home-improvement services
Imeca
Lumber and hardware stores
Kitchen Solvers
Kitchen and bath remodeling and design
Kitchen Tune-Up
Residential and commercial kitchen and bath remodeling
Kitchen Wise
Kitchen pantry and bathroom organization
Made in the Shade Blinds and More
Window coverings
Metal Supermarkets
Metal stores
Miracle Method Surface Refinishing
Kitchen and bathroom surface refinishing
Mr. Appliance
Residential and commercial appliance installation and repairs
Mr. Handyman
Residential and commercial repair, maintenance, and improvement services
Mr. Sandless/Dr. DecknFence
Interior and exterior sandless wood refinishing
N-Hance Wood Refinishing
Wood cabinet and floor refinishing
Ocean Exteriors
Roofing, exterior coating, vinyl windows, paving
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Residential, holiday, and hospitality lighting
Painter1
Painting
The Patch Boys
Drywall repair
PatchMaster
Drywall repair
Paul Ryan Windows
Window and door sales and installation
Pet Door USA
Pet door sales and installation
Precision Door Service
Residential garage door repair, installation, and service
Premier Pools & Spas
Residential pool construction
Pro-Lift Garage Doors
Garage-door installation and repairs
ProSource Wholesale
Wholesale kitchen, bath, and flooring products
Re-Bath
Bathroom remodeling
Refresh Renovations
Residential renovations
RenuKrete
Concrete flooring installation, treatment, repair, and restoration
Screenmobile
Mobile window and door screening
ShelfGenie Franchise Systems
Custom pull-out shelving for cabinets and pantries
Space2Sleep
Custom wall beds and cabinetry
Spray-Net
Exterior spray painting
Superior Fence & Rail
Fence sales and installation
Surface Specialists
Bathtub repair and refinishing, tub liners, bath remodeling
Tailored Living
Home organization products and services
360 Painting
Residential and commercial painting
UBuildIt Holdings
Construction consulting
USA Insulation
Home insulation and energy-efficient products
Window World
Replacement windows, doors, siding, and other exterior remodeling products
Wow 1 Day Painting
One-day residential and commercial painting
Pets
Americans spent an estimated $75 billion on their furry friends last year, according to the American Pet Products Association, and while spending in other areas has decreased, people are still willing to sacrifice for their pets. Plus, most pet stores qualified as ‘essential businesses’ during the shutdowns, and other businesses like doggy daycares stayed open to provide care for medical workers’ pets.
Always Faithful Dog Training
Dog training
The Ark Pet Spa & Hotel
Pet boarding, daycare, grooming, and products
Aussie Pet Mobile
Mobile pet grooming
Ben’s Barketplace
Pet health-food stores
Camp Bow Wow
Dog daycare, boarding, training, grooming
Camp Run-A-Mutt
Dog daycare and boarding
Central Bark
Dog dayare
Dee-O-Gee
Pet supplies and services
The Dog Stop
Dog care services and products
Dog Training Elite Franchising
Dog training
Dogtopia
Dog daycare, boarding, and spa services
EarthWise Pet
Pet food and supplies, grooming, self-wash, training, and walking
easyvetclinic
Walk-in veterinary clinics
Fetch! Pet Care
Pet-sitting, dog-walking
The Healthy Animal
Health food for dogs and cats
Hounds Town USA
Dog daycare, pet boarding, pet grooming
Husse
Pet-product delivery
In Home Pet Services
Pet-sitting, dog-walking
Instinct Dog Training
Dog training
Jemelli
Dog-food delivery
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel
Luxury dog daycare and boarding
Leader of the Pack Canine Institute
Dog training, boarding, daycare, grooming, retail
Mutts Canine Cantina
Dog parks with bars and grills
Paw & Order
Dog training
Paws Pet Care
Pet-sitting, dog-walking
Pet Passages
Pet funeral and cremation services and products
Pet Supplies Plus
Retail pet supplies and services
Pet Wants
Natural pet-food stores/delivery
Petland
Pets, pet supplies, boarding, daycare, grooming
petNmind
Natural pet food and supplies; dog self-wash
Pets Are Inn
Pet care in private homes
Preppy Pet
Pet daycare, boarding, grooming
Salty Paws
Dog ice cream shops
Scenthound
Dog grooming
Sit Means Sit Dog Training
Dog training
Wag N’ Wash Natural Pet Food & Grooming
Pet food and supplies, grooming, self wash, bakery
Wild Birds Unlimited
Bird-feeding supplies and nature gift items
Woofie’s
Dog walking, pet sitting, mobile pet grooming
Zoom Room
Indoor dog training and socialization, pet products
Restoration Services
Restoration service businesses have long had the reputation of being recession-proof, and they stand to prove that now. Since disasters don’t stop occuring no matter the circumstances, these were obviously deemed essential businesses, and many found their services in even higher demand than usual during the shutdowns.
AdvantaClean
Restoration
American Veterans Restoration
Water, fire, and mold remediation
Bio-One
Crime-scene and trauma-scene cleaning
Certified Restoration DryCleaning Network
Restoration of textiles and electronics
Delta Restoration Services
Insurance/disaster restoration
DKI
Property restoration
Duraclean
Carpet and upholstery cleaning, disaster restoration, mold remediation
911 Restoration
Residential and commercial property restoration
1-800-Packouts
Building contents packing, cleaning, storage, and restoration
1-800 Water Damage
Restoration
Paul Davis Restoration
Insurance restoration
PuroClean
Property damage restoration and remediation
Rainbow International Restoration
Indoor cleaning and restoration
Restoration 1
Water, fire, smoke, and mold restoration
Service Team of Professionals (STOP)
Water/fire restoration, mold remediation
ServiceMaster Clean/ServiceMaster Restore
Commercial/residential cleaning, disaster restoration
Servpro
Fire, water, and other damage cleanup and restoration
Spaulding Decon
Crime-scene, meth-lab, and hoarding cleanup; mold remediation; house buying
Steamatic
Insurance/disaster restoration, cleaning, mold remediation, air quality control
Storm Guard Roofing & Construction
Roofing, exterior restoration
Related:
The Hottest Industries Today
The Top Food Franchises of 2020
Finding Post-Pandemic Franchise Opportunities With Broker Consultant Groups
read more at https://www.entrepreneur.com/latest?utm_source=Feedly&utm_medium=related&utm_campaign=syndication by Tracy Stapp Herold
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