Top Franchise Prospects in 2026

We talked a little bit before we started about LinkedIn, and I've got a post teed as much as follow this next week about what the playbook is likepoint by pointfor growing a company. To me, one of the key things, and I feel really fortunate, is that both brand names I have actually been involved with are unique.

And there's absolutely nothing exactly like Chop Store in regards to what we're making with a large, varied menu. The majority of brands today are very singularly focused in regards to what they're using from a food. I feel like we started at an advantage with both brand names by having something special that filled a specific niche nobody else was doing.

A lot of it begins with the brand. Does your brand have something unique that no one else is doing?

The second thingI came from a finance background, so a lot of my knowings are more financing and data-driven versus a lot of early startup restaurateurs who are creative types. They enjoy the food, they developed the menu, they constructed the brand name.

They don't understand their breakeven sales. They don't comprehend how margin improves as sales boost. I have actually seen so lots of business where the numbers simply do not work.

Key Market Shifts Shaping 2026 Growth

If you do not have those 2 things, you should not be developing stores. Since as I hear your description, you have actually highlighted 3 things: execution, brand name differentiation, and financial practicality.

Second, you need an engaging brand or unique idea that resonates with clients. And third, the mathematics needs to work. If you do not comprehend your system economics, your repaired and variable costs, you might be broadening blind and losing money. Precisely. And another essential lesson is about getting in brand-new markets.

When we broadened to Dallas, I expected new shops to do 5070% of Phoenix sales in the very first year. Too numerous operators assume new markets will open at complete volume day one.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will translate quickly. You mentioned anticipating 5070% volumes. I've even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Key Strategies for Growing Restaurant Brands

You require equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the team. Another lesson: you need to open four to 6 shops in a new market within 2 to 3 years. That's pricey, however it creates emergency, builds awareness, and justifies above-store leadership. Without it, you stay sluggish and unprofitable.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour second marketwas also where our team lived. Having the entire group in-market to support stores, hire, and ensure culture was huge.

Individuals frequently undervalue how critical group is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your team? This is something I'm really proud of. Our team took all the things we disliked from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand developed the opposite culture here. We highlight growth mindset and career pathing.

Key Strategies for Expanding Restaurant Brands

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate rapidly. You mentioned expecting 5070% volumes. I have actually even seen cases where it's simply 2530% at launch.

So you require equity sponsors who think in the vision and the team. Another lesson: you need to open 4 to six shops in a brand-new market within 2 to 3 years. That's costly, however it creates emergency, develops awareness, and validates above-store leadership. Without it, you stay sluggish and unprofitable.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour second marketwas likewise where our group lived. Having the entire group in-market to support shops, hire, and guarantee culture was big.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

People typically undervalue how crucial group is to scaling. How have you approached building and scaling your group? This is something I'm actually happy with. Our group took all the things we disliked from previous jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand built the opposite culture here. We emphasize development frame of mind and profession pathing.

Otherwise, they get rose-colored glasses about success in the home market and assume it will equate rapidly. You pointed out anticipating 5070% volumes. That's sobering. I have actually even seen cases where it's just 2530% at launch. It highlights how important capital structure is. Yes. Most little growth ideas like ours count on equity, not financial obligation.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Restaurant Sector Shifts Shaping 2026

You require equity sponsors who believe in the vision and the team. That's expensive, however it develops critical mass, constructs awareness, and justifies above-store management.

And we were fortunate that Dallasour 2nd marketwas likewise where our team lived. Having the whole team in-market to support stores, hire, and guarantee culture was substantial.

Individuals frequently underestimate how crucial team is to scaling. How have you approached structure and scaling your group? This is something I'm really proud of. Our team took all the things we hated from past jobsfeeling underappreciated, underpaid, growth-stifledand developed the opposite culture here. We highlight growth mindset and career pathing.