Check availability and pricing for local family restaurants

Not every franchise has openings in your area. Once you have decided on a chain, contact them to find out if you can open a store in your area. If they have no need in your local area, they will send you a list of close areas that need a local restaurant. You can check your state to see which restaurant chains have openings.

I recommend: Beef O'Brady's offers franchise opportunities. Check to see what availability they have in your area. Friendly's has immediate needs for franchisees in many states. Check to see if there is a current need in your state.

Ask the restaurant chain about initial investment

Initial investments for restaurant chains are usually high, however some cost less than others. Before you decide, find out exactly what monetary commitments you will need to make upfront. Also remember that the initial investment for the franchise fee only covers the franchise itself and you will still need working capital for such expenses as electricity, phone and payroll.

I recommend:  Yum! offers A&W franchises with a total initial investment of $1,290,000 to $3,088,000. This includes the franchise fee and real estate investment. Village Inn offers franchises with an initial $40,000 franchise fee to investors with $250,000 in liquid capital provided the investor has a net worth in access of $750,000.

Open a casual restaurant chain for immediate business

When you open a chain store, you are cashing in on the name of the franchise. People know that whether your store is in Maine or California they will get the same menu and service when they stop at a familiar place. This is why you buy a franchise, but the down side is there are tight regulations on franchises. You will get your operating schedule, menu and décor from the company. If you fail to meet your obligations, which usually include buying all of your supplies from them, you will lose your franchise.

I recommend:  Food Franchise provides franchises available in every state. You can also check franchise availability based on total price. Look up the obligations for the franchise you are considering and know your opportunity before you invest.  Franchise Opportunities offers listings for all available franchises at the current time. Click on the opportunity of your choice to find out exactly what requirements that franchise has. Restaurant Franchise provides a list of franchises available state by state. Click on your state to see which franchises are available, and then click the restaurant name. Review all obligations carefully, including initial investment, operation of the restaurant and penalties for non-compliance.