Fresh Food Franchise Picks

Fresh Perspective

So what is it like for a franchisee to be in a market on the verge of such incredible growth? Mitch Tucker, 52, opened his Salad Creations franchise in Columbus, Ohio, in October 2005. So far, his is the only location in Ohio, but that will change soon. As an area developer, he will help spearhead the opening of 50 Salad Creations locations in Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, over the next seven years. Banking his future on salads feels right to Tucker.

"No matter what is fashionable in the diet craze, a salad always fits," says Tucker, who was previously a corporate sales manager. "As carb-free and fat-free come and go in their trendiness, there's always a place for a salad." Another factor that gives Tucker faith in his investment is that even the largest fast-food chains are offering fresh alternatives.

Tucker's franchise is less than a year old, but it already has a healthy lunch crowd and is attracting a number of repeat customers. His success secrets? Location is crucial, so seek out the advice of food-service operators, he advises. If your ultimate plan is to be a multiunit operator, bring someone in as a manager from the beginning -- this will make it easier to slip away later.

Finally, make sure to overbudget: "There's always a file full of surprises along the way that you just don't have control over, so project and plan and budget, and then beef it up," he says. Tucker projects 2006 sales to exceed $500,000, which matches the franchisor's estimates for what an average location will make -- between $500,000 and $1.2 million per year.

Healthy Future

The light is set to green for all things fresh, and there's a group of budding franchisors taking it upon themselves to spread the message -- and specialize in providing the product. However, to grow at the speed they desire, they are looking for the right franchisees to take the baton.

"The [fresh-food] trend is nowhere near the cusp of where it's going," says Allen, who reports that in one month alone, he has received a half-dozen inquiries from start-ups looking to open healthy fast-food restaurants. "[The trend] is going to continue to grow at double-digit percentages over the next several years. You're finding it in all segments of the restaurant industry: fast food, casual dining and fine dining."

The simple fact of the matter is that fresh food is something all consumers desire. Says Balzer, "It's very, very popular in our lifestyles." With that kind of demand, the opportunities are limitless.

Prefer to Pass on Fresh Food?

Hop on the eBay (EBAY Quote) bandwagon, and join a fast-growing franchise category.

According to eBay's official figures, as of March 2006, the site had 193 million registered users worldwide. If that stunning number is any indication, eBay won't be going anywhere anytime soon -- and neither will eBay drop-off stores. In other words, the opportunities to help eBay sellers list, photograph, sell and ship their secondhand merchandise are bigger than ever.

Not convinced? iSold It LLC made Entrepreneur's 2006 Hot 100 list as one of the fastest-growing businesses in the nation. And several other eBay drop-off store franchises, including QuikDrop and Snappy Auctions, are on the lookout for franchisees.