Quick over expansion is easy. But preparing for strong, lasting growth? That’s harder.
Some franchise brands seem to pop up overnight, filling every empty storefront in a city. Curves, the women’s circuit-training gym, went from zero to 10,000 franchise units in seven years. Quiznos sandwich shop started in 1981 and had more than 5,000 units by the late 2000s. But franchises that shoot up quickly often come down quickly. Quiznos now has only 2,100 restaurants, closing most of them after franchisee lawsuits and a bankruptcy. Curves is down about 4,000 clubs from its peak after many franchisees found it difficult to turn a profit.
But rapid growth isn’t always a formula for disaster. In fact, many strong franchises reach a point of maturity where rapid growth almost takes care of itself. Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, for instance, went from 500 units in 2007 to more than 2,000 today. They didn’t close a single unit in 2014 or 2015, and have plans to add thousands more in the coming years. Ditto for Five Guys Burgers and Fries, which began franchising in 2003 and now has 1,200 locations and another 1,000 in the pipeline.
Here’s the important thing to know about these rapid-growth success stories: It looks as if these brands came out of nowhere, but they didn’t. They spent a long time incubating, perfecting their system and developing a loyal customer base before opening up the throttle. Jimmy John’s spent almost 25 years reaching that 500 mark. Five Guys started in 1986 and perfected their concept before franchising. There are plenty of other examples—franchise systems that laid down a strong support structure, chose the right markets and partners, and then wowed everyone who wasn’t paying attention. A brand that came out of nowhere? No. It came from a lot of under-the-radar hard work.
この記事は Entrepreneur の February 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Entrepreneur の February 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
How to Succeed With Gen Z Workers
People often say that younger employees are different. But are they? We asked six business leaders what they've learned, and how their teams thrive.
There's No Perfect Answer
I worked the same job for 19 years. I hated it, but it paid the bills. Then, in 2017, I entertained an exciting but terrifying question: Could I be an entrepreneur? I wasn't sure, so I needed something that felt like a guarantee. I searched for signs that would feel like a big, clear \"yes!\" Instead, what I found was a tarot card deck.
10 HOTTEST TRENDS for 2025
Want to buy a brand that buzzes? Here's what to know.
BUILD YOUR MONEY MACHINE
A franchise isn't just a franchise. It should be a Money Machine, creating profit even while you're out of the office. Here's how.
The Top Franchises for Veterans
Are you a military vet looking to become a franchisee, or just want to support a brand that supports the troops? Check out these 150 brands.
20 LEADERS WHO ARE DEFINING ENTREPRENEURSHIP TODAY
In a year of disruption, we wanted to know: Whose work will define the years to come? We reviewed hundreds of names and picked 20 leaders across a range of industries and sizes. Meet them on the following pages, and see what it takes to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
How to Become a Main Street Millionaire
It started when I bought one little laundromat. Now I have a whole portfolio of small local businesses that bring in tens of millions in revenue a year. Here's why following my playbook could be your ticket to financial freedom-and saving America's local small businesses.
Want to Better Serve Your Clients? Become Them.
As a designer for brands, starting my own product company gave me a dose of humilityand it changed the way I relate to clients.
I've Been a Publicist for 17 Years.Don't Hire Me.
Entrepreneurs often think they need PR. Most don't. Here's why you're probably better off not hiring someone like me.
The CEO's Advice to the MVP
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor knows the formula for a successful launch. NBA champ Jaylen Brown recently launched a shoe and athleisure brand. They have a lot to teach each other.