Couple Hits the Sauce, Finds Barbecue Success

Ivey's ultimate goal is 5,000 locations, similar in popularity to Quizno's. He hopes to have 23 franchises open by December 2008 and over 100 in five years.

Even a good chain like Dunkin' Donuts is not going to be very profitable if there's another one across the street, reminds Harry Dannenberg, a counselor with the non-profit organization, Score. As opposed to distance in miles, Ivey now uses population to judge the proximity of his franchises -- one franchise for every 40,000 people.

In a sizzling franchise category, traditional BBQ proves that simple is best. Just be willing to mess with the original recipe a little.