Decide if a food franchise is right for you

Before you begin shopping for food and beverage franchising opportunities, you must ask yourself one very fundamental question: Is franchising right for me?

I recommend: Before you commit to franchising, investigate the pros and cons with information from industry associations such as the International Franchise Association and the American Franchisee Association. 

Learn how restaurant franchises operate

Before committing to a food franchise, consider shadowing a current franchisee. You'll need several weeks in the kitchen and in the dining room before you know if the restaurant business is right for you.

I recommend: Study up on the restaurant business by subscribing to free newsletters from Restaurant Business Magazine and VirtualRestaurant. Then, find existing franchisees and potential mentors in your area by searching the American Association of Franchisees & Dealers’ Franchise Association Registry.

Shop for restaurant franchises by cost

Food franchises often require large initial investments, but food and beverage franchising opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, and all price points, too.

I recommend: On sites like FranchiseDirect, America’s Best Franchises and FoodFranchise.com, you can browse restaurant franchise opportunities by investment requirements.

Shop for food franchises by service model

There are three basic types of restaurant franchises: quick-service franchises, full-service franchises and-somewhere in between-fast-casual franchises.

I recommend: Find quick-service and fast-casual restaurant franchises in QSR Magazine’s Franchise Expo. Entrepreneur.com’s Franchise Zone features a directory of both quick-service food franchises and full-service restaurant franchises.

Shop for restaurant franchise opportunities by food type

American. Chinese. Italian. Indian. Mexican. Consumers love many types of cuisine, and so do restaurateurs. If you've got a taste for something special, consider choosing a food franchise based upon its menu.

I recommend: Visit FranchiseGator, Franchising.com or USFranchiseNews’ Franchise Directory to browse food and beverage franchising opportunities by the fare they serve. 

Shop for food business opportunities by location

Not all restaurant franchises are available nationwide. Which food franchises are available to you may depend largely upon where you live and where you intend to do business.

I recommend: Look for food business opportunities in your area at Franchise Solutions, RestaurantFranchise.com or RestaurantBizOps, where you can find existing restaurants for sale and also scout local business real estate.

Shop for restaurant franchises by name

Perhaps the single greatest advantage to franchising is the instant name recognition it offers. If you already have a food franchise in mind, approach the franchisor directly for information.

I recommend: Request information about specific food franchises by name at BizBuySell then look for them on Entrepreneur.com’s Franchise 500 list and at Franchise Business Review, which rates franchises by franchisee satisfaction. Don’t have any particular franchises in mind? Visit Find the Right Franchise to see what opportunities are right for you.