Best Franchise Opportunities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Whether you’re buying Panera franchises in Winston-Salem, buying Sweetgreen franchises in Stockton, or buying Cinnabon franchises in Durham, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Winston-Salem or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Playa Bowls, MOD Pizza, and Church’s Chicken are some of the best franchise opportunities in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Buying a franchise in Winston-Salem is more than knowing Hampton Inn Hotel/ Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel’s franchise cost is $15.21M-$25.86M or that Hampton Inn Hotel/ Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel’s franchise fee is $100000.

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

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Twice the Ice

If vibe alignment paid the bills, this one would be a billionaire. Winston-Salem loves a good time, and Twice the Ice guarantees double the fun. That’s the first step to daily sold-out signs. Forget sugary snow cones, this is shaved ice perfection alongside endless flavor combos. With demand like this, even slow days feel fast. Plus, Carolina summers are brutal, so you'll be raking in dough faster than you can say "sweet tea . You'll wonder how this wasn’t alprepared yours.

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Panera

It starts with strong fundamentals—and this city has them. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with a population of 434,231, could be a good market for Panera. There’s no better testbed for the sake of robust operational models. This city's size ss a potential customer base, and its own location in North Carolina might offer favorable operational conditions. This significantly enhances the appeal of launching here. Further research into local population groups plus market e would be required to make a more definitive recommendation. That generates for a logical next step in any serious growth plan.

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Church's Chicken

Some locations just need that right angle—this could be one. Church's Chicken here in Winston-Salem is a smart bet because folks love that crispy fried chicken. Getting people in is one thing—keeping them is the game. Plenty of hungry mouths means good potential, but you gotta hustle and know your ps. But attention spans are short—you’ve got to impress fast. The location matters too; y it wisely. This is one of the those that works… if you do.

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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Cinnabon

This neighborhood has layers. Your concept is likely to be the next one. Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for its Moravian culinary heritage, offers untapped potential for the sake of a Cinnabon franchise. Target areas near historic Old Salem, where the aroma of your warm, cinnamon rolls will ideally complement the existing sweet traditions. Be mindful of local inclinations and existing bakeries, but consider the unique cultural draws and tourists. . You can’t buy character like that—it’s built in. The locals have a high BS radar—so be real about your angle. Your brand doesn’t have to shout—just connect.

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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Mochinut

Think about the little moments that add up to loyalty. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked Mochinut filling the air, drawing families and students from the vibrant neighborhood nearby. It’s exactly the variety of place people want to return to. Picture a happy customer, excited to try all that unique tastes of mochi donuts with bubble tea. That flow only works if your team works with intention. Launch a franchise in Winston-Salem would provide the neighborhood with a delicious hip dessert. You don’t need flash—you require consistency and care.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$234K-$486K
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$35,000
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Reynolda Village (Affluent area with high foot traffic), West End (Up-and-coming with diverse demographics), Hanes Mall area (Proximity to shopping and entertainment).
Typical customer profileYoung, diverse Winston-Salem resident seeking trendy, shareable sweets.
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Firehouse Subs

Robust brands still need smart local strategy. Firehouse Subs serves tasteful, hot and cold subs piled d with premium meats and cheeses. That menu structure supports high throughput with minimal friction. Winston-Salem locals relish quality food and local community support. That brand pull aids open doors—but only good service keeps them open. Firehouse Subs' commitment to local fire departments through the Public Safety Foundation resonates well in a city known for its strong civic pride. There’s a business here for those ready to lead it with purpose.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$379K-$1.04M
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$110,000
Franchise fee$20,000
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Sweetgreen

Insert franchise. Add city attitude. Shake well. Winston-Salem needs a single Sweetgreen! Tired of Moravian cookies being the only fast food i? Finally, urban core workers can grab a quick, healthy lunch without driving to Hanes Mall. That’s not just traffic—it’s a parade of personalities. You’re selling more rather than food—you’re delivering faith. but don't worry, we'll still support Dewey's Bakery. Get the basics right, and the buzz is expected to take care of itself.

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Playa Bowls

In this right location, this could fill an important market gap. Winston-Salem inhabitants value health and convenience, so Playa Bowls' fresh, customizable bowls are often a great fit. These changes in consumer habits work in the brand’s favor. The area's a resident pool and active lifestyle mean a steady e for the sake of swift, nutritious os. But no amount of i offsets poor delivery. However, market research to identify the best location is key for success.

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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MOD Pizza

Site-specific planning is indeed expected to have a big impact here. Considering a MOD Pizza in the West End neighborhood of Winston-Salem could exploit on the area's revitalization plus growing residential base, offering a fast-casual dining option that aligns with the local community's evolving lifestyle. You’ll benea from built-in visibility and word-of-mouth. However, establishing a location too close to the established pizza restaurants downtown could current a competitive challenge due to their already strong brand recognition and loyal n base. Brand awareness may help, but customer retention requires implementation. E market research is crucial to identifying this ideal site plus maximizing your potential for success. This is a concept built toward scale—but it starts with smart focusing on.

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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Roof Maxx

Start with the customer—plus end with a clever sandwich name. Avoid thinking you're a roofing superhero on day one; mastering the Roof Maxx spray takes practice, not just one cape. With the right message and presence, you can build a real following here. Don't forget that selling requires charm, not just technical jargon – potential customers need solutions, not a PhD in asphalt. Don't underestimate how much design and tone shape first impressions. While t is attainable, remember Winston-Salem isn't paved with liquid gold; consistent effort is key. Think sustained: steady, visible, and grounded in service.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Winston-Salem there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. An important factor is the impact of the dominant industry. However, here’s what you should know: It is important to examine the local regulations and community sentiments towards your franchise’s offerings to determine if they align with the area’s economic base. But make sure to know this, too. Consider this factor, as it is a key cultural element. So, here’s what to do: Look for opportunities to integrate your business with the local community and its traditions.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Winston-Salem: www.sosnc.gov, www.nccommerce.com, and www.ncsbc.net
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaTwice the Ice
Twice the IceSweetgreen
Durham, North CarolinaCinnabon
Chattanooga, TennesseeRoof Maxx
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Winston-Salem, North Carolina434231
Stockton, California416005
Durham, North Carolina411362
Chattanooga, Tennessee410795

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.