Best Franchise Opportunities in Des Moines, Iowa

Whether you’re buying Panera franchises in Des Moines, buying Bonchon franchises in Palm Bay, or buying Bonchon franchises in Akron, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Des Moines or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Five Guys, Great Clips, and Roof Maxx are some of the best franchise opportunities in Des Moines, Iowa. Buying a franchise in Des Moines is more than knowing Century 21’s franchise cost is $116K-$466K or that Kumon’s franchise fee is $1000.

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

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Cinnabon

This isn’t your average pitch—it’s your next chapter. Des Moines craves comfort, and nothing says "Iowa nice" like a mountain of frosting. People are hungry for this—literally and figuratively. A Cinnabon franchise here? It's a certain sugar rush straight to the Hawkeye state's heart. Customer flow = cash flow. Forget political divides, everyone agrees: a warm cinnamon roll is pure, bipartisan bliss. Take the leap. The net’s already built.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$247K-$675K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
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Panera

That groundwork for success is alprepared here—you just need to build on it. Des Moines is a promising l for the sake of Panera due to its own substantial population of 560170 people. This creates the area especially attractive for new business development. That city's varied audience profile and economic activity create a t surroundings for a franchise. All signs point to a favorable return on commit capitalment. However, a thorough local market analysis is essential to assess the l opportunities and obstacles. The numbers and local dynamics support confident next steps.

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Roof Maxx

This isn’t passive income—it’s proactive income. Roof Maxx in Des Moines? Iowa's got aging roofs plus unpredictable weather, perfect for their services. That kind of crowd brings eyes—but also scrutiny. But do your homework; success depends on hard work and building trust. There’s no resting once the doors open. Could be one solid business if you hustle. Play it smart, and this could be your lane.

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Church's Chicken

Here’s a local market where culture and commerce may well just align. Did you know Des Moines' Drake neighborhood hosts the oldest neighborhood association in Iowa? A Church's Chicken here would tap into a strong community spirit and loyal customer base. While the area is mostly residential and student-focused, a well-placed location could become a favorite for the sake of quick, comforting meals. . That little tidbit? Promotion gold if you spin it right. The locals have a high BS radar—so be real about your angle. It’s not easy—but it could be special.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$743K-$1.9M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$207,500
Franchise fee$15,000
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Bonchon

Picture what it looks like to be the go-to stop on the way home. Imagine families laughing and friends sharing crispy, flavorful Korean fried chicken at your Bonchon franchise. These are the environments where neighborhood favorites are born. Nestled in a teeming Des Moines neighborhood near Iowa's universities, your restaurant becomes the go-to a for students and locals alike. You’ll need more than charm—you’ll need reliability. Building community through flavorful food is rewarding but requires t and strategic management to thrive in a competitive market. It’s not guaranteed—but it is absolutely possible.

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
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Des Moines, Iowa, Bonchon: West Des Moines (High income families), Ingersoll Park (Trendy area with foot traffic), Ankeny (Growing suburb with young professionals)
Typical customer profileYoung adults/families seeking flavorful, shareable Korean fried chicken.
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Sweetgreen

Local market conditions could make this a strategic choice. Sweetgreen offers fresh, health-conscious salads, grain bowls, and plates emphasizing seasonal t. Its approach ts well in communities that value speed and service. Des Moines locals are increasingly health-conscious and seeking convenient, nutritious options beyond traditional fast food. Even well-known brands can struggle without strong leadership. Sweetgreen's focus on local sourcing could resonate well, but meticulous market analysis is key for success in a new Midwestern market. With discipline and focus, this could be a strong addition to the local market.

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Habit Burger

We’ve got appetite, attitude, and merely enough sarcasm to make it work. Des Moines loves a commendable, honest burger. Just keep the lines moving plus the playlists local. While we're loyal to our pork tenderloins, a Habit Burger would give us a welcome, upscale burger option. You’ll want your r as polished as your storefront. Just be ready to compete with the Midwestern work ethic because we expect quality!. Give the city what it didn’t know it needed—and make it all dependable.

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Five Guys

This model meets a need that’s growing in relevance. Des Moines residents appreciate quality, customizable food. You’re meeting people’s daily needs, not just their special occasions. Five Guys' fresh, made-to-order burgers and fries cater toward this desire. You’re building not just exposure, but reliability. While competition exists, the brand's reputation for generous portions and bold taste profiles offers a single solid base for the sake of the success in this market.

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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Great Clips

The key here is understanding neighborhood-level dynamics. The lively suburb of the Ankeny, with its x families and active community, existings a fantastic opportunity for a Great Clips franchise due to the consistent e for accessible and reasonably priced haircuts. The rhythm of this district pairs well with fast-service timing. Conversely, the city center area, whereas lively, already has several established salons catering to a different clientele, possibly fragmenting your potential market share. Initial demand will need to be paired with operational clarity. Focus upon identifying areas with high residential density and limited value-based hair care is to maximize your success. Set that base now, and this can become a stable performer.

Franchise overview
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Investment range$188K-$420K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
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MOD Pizza

Start strong, listen hard, and keep the fries coming. Avoid overestimating Iowan's spice tolerance or underestimating their love for ranch. You're stepping into a part of town that values thoughtful operators. Don't forget that "Hawaiian" pizza is a contentious topic – tread lightly, friends. That community notices effort, not just pricing. Together with the right precautions, your Des Moines MOD Pizza will likely be a smashing (pizza) success. Be genuinely responsive, be consistent, and this growth will follow.

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
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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Des Moines there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. An aspiring franchisee should assess the impact of public transport on the business. However, here’s what you should know: This involves evaluating its accessibility and how it can affect both customers and employees. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal tourism is a key factor that can influence the success of your franchise. So, here’s what to do: Look for peak tourism seasons and adapt your offerings to cater to the needs and preferences of tourists during those times.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Des Moines: sos.iowa.gov, revenue.iowa.gov, and iowasbdc.org
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Des Moines, IowaCinnabon
CinnabonBonchon
Akron, OhioBonchon
Concord, CaliforniaFive Guys
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Des Moines, Iowa560170
Palm Bay, Florida547659
Akron, Ohio538659
Concord, California525233

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.