There is a misconception that owning a franchise is for individuals who want to play by another person’s rules. However, this term doesn’t take into account all the unique, quirky and fun franchises that come along all the time and allow franchisees to pursue their passions. Quarreling with animals at weddings, serving coffee or helping new moms adapt to the upside-down world of motherhood are just two of the daring new franchise concepts we got here across while reviewing corporations participating in this 12 months’s edition of Franchise 500. Read more, to discover more!
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ashley Barrett
School for young moms!
It’s hard being a young mother – that is why she created Alexandra Spitz in 2012 New Mom’s School providing emotional and educational support in the postpartum period. The eight-week course includes wellness speakers, a research-based curriculum, and other supports similar to free breastfeeding classes and an exclusive 24/7 digital community. Spitz founded the company after what she calls “a challenging experience as a new mother,” and her goal is to “focus on the mental health and well-being of mothers, knowing that this has a direct impact on the health and development of their children.” ” By January 2025, New Mom School is expected to have eight franchise locations across the United States, with at least 20 more in the pipeline.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Tom Hodgson
Mobile 3D scanning studio!
Have you ever wanted a statue of yourself? Reduced 3D it’d work. This is a fully mobile 3D scanning studio that may scan people on-site and deliver a detailed, high resolution 3D statue. (It also can create replicas of athletes, influencers or anyone the client wants.) Studios often operate outside of events where people want to capture memories and take home something special. By January 2025, Shrunk 3D is expected to have 65 franchisees operating across the United States. Partnering with universities across the country, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) works with athletes and is developing several new products, including bobbleheads.
Photo credit: Courtesy of MidnightTreats
Plant-based delicacies!
Midnight treats specializes in vegan baked goods, which implies no butter, eggs, milk or anything of animal origin – but without sacrificing flavor or texture. In fact, says founder Johnny Nguyen, most of his customers are not vegan and “are often surprised to learn” that his treats are. Nguyen launched the brand in his mother’s kitchen, inspired by how he ate late-night snacks in college (and later adopted a plant-based weight loss plan). MidnighTreats currently has two franchises in Virginia, one in Maryland, and plans to expand regionally this 12 months.
Photo: Courtesy of Orlando Cat Café
Coffee and cats!
If you like cats and coffee, you’ll love this Really I really like the cat cafe. This concept has been floating around America for years and here’s how it really works Orlando Cat Cafe: Is a full-service café with drinks and food, and an adjoining area where 12 to 20 cats play. The cats come from a local adoption center, and guests can view them through the window or walk around the playground. Separate air-con and filtration systems mean that “you can be allergic to cats and still enjoy the café and watch the cats play through the large picture window,” says owner Sandra Cagan. Since opening in 2016, its café has had over 180,000 visitors and it has just launched a franchise operation.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Bethany Bernie
Inclusive coworking!
What can unite people in the era of working from home? Four co-founders Sabbath I have the answer: “Inclusive workspaces where all people—especially those from historically underserved communities—can thrive both personally and professionally.” Coworking sites offer workshops, connections, and online content to help support their members. As of January 2025, The Coven expects to have five franchises in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and goals to sign 10 more by the end of the 12 months, focusing on the central and southern regions of the United States
Photo credit: Courtesy of My Beer Spa
Beer spa inspired by European cuisine!
Have you heard about beer SPA? It’s exactly what it seems like – a beer-focused spa, with unique treatments (e.g. soaking in a tub stuffed with beer ingredients) and loads of beer to drink. Barbara Corzo first discovered this idea in Europe in 2018 and wanted to bring it home, so she created My Beer Spa in Orlando, Florida in 2021. “It combines a traditional European beer spa with an upscale but affordable private spa,” he says, making it a smart way to loosen up for anyone, not only beer lovers. My Beer Spa received its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) in June last 12 months, so it hopes to open more locations soon.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Scoops and Cheers, LLC
Lighter, hassle-free ice cream!
Alexis Negranti loves sustainable agriculture and high-quality food. So she got here up with it Negranti Dairyice cream factory using sheep’s milk. Because sheep’s milk is an A2 dairy product, its ice cream is friendly to individuals who are lactose intolerant. Another advantage: Its unique, lighter texture “is the result of our ongoing commitment to the health benefits we derive from our recipes, and it doesn’t sit in the digestive tract,” says Negranti. Negranti Creamery has not yet signed a franchise agreement, but is in talks with many groups.
Photo credit: Courtesy of FairyTail Pet Care
Pet-friendly weddings!
FairyTail Pet Care calls itself “the nation’s first wedding pet care company.” What does this mean? They have creative ways to involve pets in your wedding — like their “dog of honor” video service, where the company “captures your wedding day from your pet’s point of view.” They also work with local shelters as a part of the “Yappily Ever After” program, which goals to bring animals for adoption to weddings. (If this sounds familiar, it’s because they made a deal for Shark Tank in 2023) FairyTail Pet Care currently has five franchises in 13 territories across the country, with one other location scheduled to open this 12 months.