Best Franchise Opportunities in Irvine, California

Whether you’re buying Cinnabon franchises in Irvine, buying Mochinut franchises in St. Paul, or buying Swig franchises in Poughkeepsie, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Irvine or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think MOD Pizza, Sweetgreen, and Habit Burger are some of the best franchise opportunities in Irvine, California. Buying a franchise in Irvine is more than knowing Culver’s’s franchise cost is $2.64M-$8.57M or that Baskin-Robbins’s franchise fee is $25000.

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

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Church's Chicken

You’re not just launching. You’re unleashing. Listen up, partner. At this point, your biggest issue might be keeping up with p. Irvine yearns for that crispy Church's Chicken goodness (let's be honest, who doesn't?). You’ll have locals acting like brand ambassadors. The California sunshine and this Irvine Spectrum draw crowds, guaranteeing chicken cravings ALLDAY. This isn’t a pitch. It’s a playbook.

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 one has all the hallmarks of one solid strategic move. Irvine, California, with a e of 308,160, provides one substantial r base for Cinnabon. The scale here means speedier break-even timelines are possible. Its population group profile indicates potential for high demand. That level of readiness makes this a high-conviction play. This existings an opportunity for a thriving franchise venture. For investors seeking for measured expansion, this setup is ideal.

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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Habit Burger

Depends how you personally play it, yet this city-franchise combo could be solid. Irvine loves Habit Burger – they get the California vibe. You’ll have interest early—yet what about month six? It's a proven brand with a loyal following, though competition is fierce here. You’ll need more than luck to stick the landing. Smart growth and a single solid spot could really pay off. This is indeed one of those that works… if you do.

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Firehouse Subs

You could blend right in—and stand out. Irvine's robust business sector and diverse i makes it e Firehouse Subs territory, especially near the Great Park. You'll be serving a community known for its meticulous planning along with growth – attracting families and professionals alike. Do thorough market l to pinpoint the ideal location, ensuring your Firehouse Subs becomes a local favorite in this flourishing area. . That tie might help turn casual traffic into regulars. Simply be sure your branding respects the area’s vibe. Bring the right tone, and this neighborhood will respond.

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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Swig

You're not just chasing sales—you're becoming part of someone's Saturday. Imagine families strolling in Irvine, drawn by the bright Swig sign after a soccer game. You’re not starting cold—you’re entering n ongoing. Picture college students grabbing refreshing drinks and cookies after a study session. That local love comes after consistent delivery. This vibrant neighborhood, with its active local community and sunny weather, offers a sweet opportunity for a thriving Swig franchise. The right owner could really prosper in this setting.

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
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Woodbridge (Family-oriented community), University Park (Large student population), Westpark (Growing residential area)
Typical customer profileYoung Irvine families who enjoy trendy, customizable beverages.
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Black Bear Diner

Insert franchise. Add city attitude. Shake well. Irvine residents crave community and consistency. People love is—until they don’t. Be ready for both. Black Bear Diner brings comfort food and friendly faces, a welcome break from the tech-driven hustle. You’ll need to keep up with t while maintaining quality. Just be sure the bear avoids any traffic on the 405 during brunch!. Nail the execution, and people will forgive just about anything else.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$1.55M-$2.35M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$350,000
Franchise fee$39,500
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MOD Pizza

It offers everyday value with flexible local potential. Irvine locals value customization along with value, crafting MOD Pizza's personalized approach appealing. This consumer preference creates room for a flexible operator. The fast-casual concept aligns with busy ys while offering grade ingredients. Good fit alone doesn’t guarantee retention. While competition exists, MOD's brand recognition and h on community could attract a loyal r base in Irvine.

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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Sweetgreen

Identifying the right blend of demographics and traffic is essential. Woodbridge would be a outstanding neighborhood to open a Sweetgreen due toward its own high concentration of health-conscious families and young pros seeking quick, nutritious meal options. It’s the kind of place where loyalty builds quickly when expectations are met. On the other hand, concentrating on the more industrial area of the Irvine Business Complex might not be as immediately thriving, as it's more geared towards quick, less health-sed lunches for workers. However, success requires more than access—it requires adaptability. With strategic marketing and community engagement, Woodbridge offers a promising foundation for a thriving Sweetgreen franchise. Do your homework, earn your space, and grow with confidence.

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Mochinut

Before we dive in, make peace with the weather *and* the Yelp reviews. So, you want to sling sweet, chewy donuts? Awesome. It’s the kind of neighborhood where commendable service becomes local lore. Just remember, don't underestimate the mochi madness – or the Irvine parking situation. Community o matters here—consider thoughtful engagement early on. Overbuying t or overlookting Instagrammable toppings can lead to sticky situations (literally). A steady rollout together with the right energy can go far in this area.

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
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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Irvine there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Climate significantly influences operational costs, customer behavior, and overall business success. However, here’s what you should know: Evaluate how the weather patterns in the area will affect your franchise’s seasonality and infrastructure needs. But make sure to know this, too. Competition plays a crucial role in franchise success. So, here’s what to do: Aspiring franchisees should look for how many similar businesses exist and their overall market share.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Irvine: www.sos.ca.gov, dfpi.ca.gov, and calosba.ca.gov
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Irvine, CaliforniaChurch's Chicken
Church's ChickenMochinut
Poughkeepsie, New YorkSwig
Newark, New JerseyBonchon
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Irvine, California308160
St. Paul, Minnesota307762
Poughkeepsie, New York307738
Newark, New Jersey307188

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.