Top brands from 2025

The hottest franchise brands of 2025 – and what they tell us about 2026

The first episode of “The Sidekick Life” in 2026 kicks off with a look back and a look ahead. Ryan is joined by executive franchise advisor Anthony Hudson to break down the Top 10 franchise brands of 2025, based not on hype, but on real client demand.

“These aren’t our favorites,” Ryan explains. “These are the brands clients actually chose after going through our process.”

With over 300 vetted franchise concepts and thousands of buyers served, this annual list offers a rare, data-backed snapshot of where franchise ownership is really heading – and what opportunities still have serious momentum going into 2026.

How Franchise Sidekick builds the Top 10 list

Every client who works with Franchise Sidekick goes through a deep discovery process, covering lifestyle goals, financials, risk tolerance and long-term vision. From there, advisors narrow the field to a handful of best-fit brands.

“So, when we talk about the top brands of 2025, this is market demand in action,” Ryan said.

What stood out across the Top 10:

• 5 brick-and-mortar brands
• 4 home-based franchises
• 1 mobile concept
• Startup investments ranging from $43K to $797K
• Down payments as low as $9K
• All 10 brands offer part-time ownership
• Every brand provides some level of financial transparency
• Most concepts require very small teams (often under five employees)

“This list really challenges the myth that franchising is only for multimillionaires,” Anthony said.

The top franchise brands of 2025 (highlights and trends)

Rather than listing every detail, here’s what the Top 10 reveals about where smart buyers are placing their bets.

🏠 Home-based and service franchises are still winning

Brands like Tiger Adjusters, Voda Cleaning & Restoration, Puddle Pool Services, and Real Clean Aircraft Detailing continue to attract buyers who want:

• Low overhead
• Recession-resistant demand
• Scalable systems
• Clear value to customers

“I love these win-win concepts,” Ryan said. “If you can walk in and say, ‘I can save you money or get you more money,’ who says no to that?”

🏌️ Golf simulators dominated client interest

One of the clearest trends of 2025 – and heading into 2026 – is the explosion of golf simulator franchises.

Top performers included:

• Tee Box
• Golf Envy
• The Back Nine (the #1 brand overall)

“These aren’t just places to hit golf balls,” Anthony said. “They’re social hubs, training centers and in some cases, lifestyle businesses.”

“The Back Nine was number one almost every single month,” Ryan added. “First to market, strong innovation, happy franchisees, that combination is hard to beat.”

🧠 Health, wellness and recovery is officially back

From IV therapy to recovery lounges, wellness concepts surged in popularity.

• IV Nutrition
• Degree Wellness
  

What’s driving demand?

• Customization through bloodwork
• Expansion into peptides and hormone optimization
• Equipment-driven models with fewer staffing challenges

“Health and wellness isn’t slowing down,” Anthony said. “It’s evolving, and franchising is keeping up.”

🚚 Mobile and event-based concepts are getting smarter

The number two brand, Alsies, redefined what people think of a “mobile franchise.”

“This isn’t the ice cream truck you remember,” Anthony said. “It’s an event-based, tech-enabled model where customers can basically pre-order ice cream like Uber Eats.”

Drop-off carts, prepaid events and minimal staffing made this concept especially attractive to part-time owners.

A new way to think about part-time franchise ownership

One of the most powerful conversations in the episode centers on part-time ownership – and how remote work has changed the game.

“Imagine running your remote job from the back office of a golf simulator franchise. You’re there anyway,” Ryan said. “You’re present. And you’re building equity at the same time.”

Anthony agrees, but with a caveat.

“Part-time ownership works, but only if you build the right systems first.”

Coming soon! A full course on part-time franchise ownership

What franchise trends are telling us about 2026

As the episode wraps, Ryan and Anthony zoom out to talk macro trends shaping the franchise industry:

🔮 Key predictions for 2026:

• Continued growth in brick-and-mortar wellness
• Increased interest due to corporate layoffs and AI disruption
• Rising demand for lower-cost franchises under $400K
• More pressure on franchisors to share real financials
• Ongoing preference for lean staffing models
• Strong momentum behind win-win service concepts

“When people start worrying about layoffs, they start asking how to take control of their future. That’s where franchising steps in,” Ryan said.

Why this list is just the starting point

With hundreds of franchise brands and thousands of data points behind each one, this Top 10 isn’t about narrowing options, it’s about opening the right doors.

“You can’t do this level of research on your own,” Ryan said. “But that’s what we’re here for.”

And the best part? Franchise Sidekick’s services are always 100% free to buyers.

Thinking about franchise ownership?

If you’re exploring business ownership, whether full-time, part-time or as a strategic exit from corporate life, this list is a powerful place to begin.

Schedule a call with an advisor to explore these brands (or the other 290+ concepts in our portfolio) and find the opportunity that fits your version of life on your terms.