Types of franchises
franchising opportunities have often evolved from changes in the environment as well as important social trends. Several of these are discussed in the following.
- Good health. Today people are eating healthier food and spending more time keeping fit. Many franchises have developed in response to this trend. For example, Bassett’s Original Turkey was created in response to consumer interest in eating foods lower in cholesterol, and Booster Juice was create to provide fresh juice and smoothies as a healthy alternative to other snacks and drinks. Peter Taunton founded Snap Fitness Inc. in 2003 to offer patrons a convenient and affordable place to work out, and Gary Heavin create Curves for Women – a women only fitness center.
- Time saving or convenience. More and more consumers prefer to have things delivered to them as opposed to going out of their way to buy them. In fact, many food stores now offer home delivery service. In 1990, Auto Chitic of America Inc. was started as a mobile car inspection service. About the same time, Ronald Tosh started Tubs To Go, a company that delivers Jacuzzis to almost any location for an average of $100 to $200 per night.
- Health care. There is an increasing number of opportunities in health care for aging people. For example, senior Helpers was founded in 2001 and started franchising in 2005 to offer care for senior so that they can live independently in the comfort of their own home. Healthsource chiropractic and Progressive rehab started franchising in 2006 and offers chiropractic care with “Progressive Rehabilitation” where chiropractors work side by side with therapists, massage therapists, and athletic trainers.
- The second baby boom. Today’s baby boomers have had babies themselves, which has resulted in the need for a number of child-related service franchises. Child franchisor such as KinderCare and Living and Learning are thriving. In 1989, two attorneys, David Pickus and Lee Sandoloski, opened Jungle Jim’s Playland. This an indoor amusement park with smaill-scale rides in a 20,000 t0 27,000 square facility. One franchise, Computer tots, teaches classes on computers to preschool. This franchise has spread t0 25 locations in 15 state.