Best Franchise Opportunities in Richmond, Virginia

Whether you’re buying Twice the Ice franchises in Richmond, buying Freddy’s franchises in Memphis, or buying Five Guys franchises in Oklahoma City, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Richmond or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Five Guys, Panera, and Panera are some of the best franchise opportunities in Richmond, Virginia. Buying a franchise in Richmond is more than knowing Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub’s franchise cost is $32K-$228K or that Jimmy John’s’s franchise fee is $35000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Richmond, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Short Pump or Carytown — I am here to help!

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Swig

Ready to turn foot traffic into franchise gold? Richmond hungers for a sugar rush, and Swig delivers. At this point, your biggest issue may well be keeping up alongside t. Neglect Southern charm, the locals are fiending for funky flavor combos. Expect people to plan their week around your hours. Get ready to rake in the dough, because in Virginia's capital, sweet tea just ain't cutting it anymore. Now go claim your corner of the market.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$505K-$1.12M
Royalty (in %)8%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$132,500
Franchise fee$39,500
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Twice the Ice

Even conservative investors would raise an eyebrow at these numbers. Richmond, Virginia, boasts a single i of over 1 million people, creating a large customer base for Twice the Ice. It all currents a clear advantage for both daily transactions and long-term loyalty. The city's flourishing economy and diverse community s a strong market for the franchise. Combined with operational efficiency, these conditions offer a upside. This combination of factors indicates the potential for a thriving business venture. If you're looking for a smart place toward scale, this is it.

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Panera

You seek honest? Here’s the real breakdown. Richmond's appetite something beyond just Southern comfort food, and Panera fills that fresh, quick-casual niche flawlessly. But be warned—foot traffic doesn’t pay rent on its own. Competition's manageable, but you'll need to understand the local market's tastes and execute flawlessly. You’ll need a game plan, not just a commendable gut feeling. A well-placed bakery-cafe could really thrive here. If you respect the market, it’ll return the favor.

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Roof Maxx

Here’s a place where your concept could feel right at home. Richmond's historic neighborhoods, like The Fan District, are filled together with stunning architecture – many homes over 100 years old! This means a lot of aging roofs ready for restoration. While preservation is key, these homeowners are often open to smart, cost-effective solutions like Roof Maxx, so explore opportunities in neighborhoods with established historic districts. . That little tidbit? Marketing gold if you spin it right. Just be truly sure your branding respects the area’s vibe. For the right brand voice, this location has real legs.

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MOD Pizza

Here’s where familiarity turns into family-friendly foot traffic. Picture s strolling past your MOD Pizza, drawn in by the tasty aroma. It’s those kinds of daily moments that build real allegiance. Your friendly staff greets them, ready to craft personalized pizzas in a vibrant, community-centered space. No matter the foot traffic, the systems behind it matter most. The ideal venue is a bustling Richmond neighborhood near schools and parks, poised for the sake of a dependable, high-quality meal. Together with care, this could become a reliable, lasting part of the neighborhood.

Franchise overview
CategoryFast‑Casual Pizza
Investment range$1M-$1.3M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$30,000
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Short Pump (High traffic and retail density), Carytown (Unique local culture and pedestrian traffic), Manchester (Rapid residential growth and development)
Typical customer profileYoung, budget-conscious families and students in Richmond seek customizable, quick meals.
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Bonchon

Local market s could make this a strategic choice. Bonchon in Richmond, Virginia, offers crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken with unique sauces, plus Asian-inspired dishes. Its simplicity supports fast service and high r rates. Richmond's mixed culinary scene and love for bold s make Bonchon a potentially popular choice. Local demand is simply the starting point—you need delivery to match. However, success depends on careful market research and strong c execution. With operational h, this concept can stand out in any city.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$1.01M-$1.31M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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Playa Bowls

The secret sauce? Knowing your neighborhood l. Richmonders love their Church Hill coffee shops, but sometimes you need something bright and health-conscious after all those beignets at Proper Pie. That’s not just traffic—it’s a parade of personalities. Playa Bowls offers a refreshing alternative that’s less heavy than a bottomless brunch on Cary Street. Predict ns with strong opinions—and e standards. Just be sure to offer a Byrd Theatre discount; those movie lines are *long*. Give the city what it didn’t know it needed—and make it consistent.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$256K-$1.04M
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$92,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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Five Guys

This concept meets key criteria for today’s bustling consumers. Richmond appreciates quality and fresh ingredients, aligning flawlessly together with Five Guys' customizable burgers and fries. This trend positions the brand for meaningful local relevance. The city's love for local experiences os there's an appetite for a reliably flavorful, community-focused burger joint. Success here is earned through reliable customer experience. However, Richmond's multifaceted culinary scene means competition is stiff, requiring strong local marketing.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$256K-$591K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$70,000
Franchise fee$25,000
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Panera

Geographic focus is simply as important as brand strength. Richmond's vibrant Carytown neighborhood, with its eclectic mix of the shops, restaurants, and pedestrian traffic, presents a e opportunity for a Panera franchise, catering to a steady flow of the residents and visitors seeking a quick, quality meal alternatively snack. The area offers strong visibility and built-in demand signals. However, areas like the industrial district near the port, while having a daytime workforce, may not offer the consistent evening and weekend foot traffic needed for a successful Panera location. While the area is growing, operational uniformity remains critical. Homing in on areas with strong residential communities and a blend of daytime and evening activity will be key to maximizing your franchise's upside. Focus on precision, plus this franchise could become a local standout.

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Habit Burger

Get ready for foot traffic—and foot-in-mouth moments. Alright, Richmond, let's Habit Burger. This is a local market that values predictability, personality, and clean execution. Avoid naming your place "The Unhabit" and serving peanut butter patties. Community presence issues here—consider thoughtful engagement early on. Also, maybe skip the Civil War reenactment theme; burgers, not battles, are the pointWith this right approach, you'll be grilling up success. The opportunity is truly real—but it’s earned through presence and dependability.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Richmond there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Seasonal tourism is a crucial factor that can significantly impact your franchise’s success. However, here’s what you should know: Focus on the number of visitors, their spending habits, and the seasonality of their visits. But make sure to know this, too. Permits are crucial, and local event permits can impact the number of events or gatherings you can host. So, here’s what to do: Assess how the event permit regulations align with your franchise’s offerings.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Richmond: cis.scc.virginia.gov, www.oag.state.va.us, and virginiasbdc.org
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Richmond, VirginiaSwig
SwigFreddy's
Oklahoma City, OklahomaFive Guys
Hartford, ConnecticutMOD Pizza
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Richmond, Virginia1081248
Memphis, Tennessee1033394
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma1000207
Hartford, Connecticut969171

Disclaimer: The information above is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Offers are made only through the delivery of a FDD. Consult a lawyer when reviewing an FDD.