Best Franchise Opportunities in Santa Rosa, California

Whether you’re buying Playa Bowls franchises in Santa Rosa, buying Freddy’s franchises in Concord, or buying Playa Bowls franchises in Winter Haven, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Santa Rosa or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Swig, Church’s Chicken, and MOD Pizza are some of the best franchise opportunities in Santa Rosa, California. Buying a franchise in Santa Rosa is more than knowing Take 5’s franchise cost is $233K-$2.03M or that Zaxby’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 Santa Rosa, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Downtown Santa Rosa or Montgomery Village — I am here to help!

Book a free call to discuss 100s of opportunities we didn’t have space to display on this page.

Five Guys

Business e starts with the right city-franchise combo—this one delivers. Santa Rosa craves quality, and folks here know a single good burger. It’s fast, fun, and full of cash flow. Five Guys is the perfect fit, giving Californians a taste of East Coast excellence. If allegiance were currency, you'd be rich already. With tourists and locals alike, your cash register will be singing "Jingle Bells" all year. Don't just dream about it. Do it.

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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Playa Bowls

You want longevity? This is where it starts. Santa Rosa, California, with a population of 299,986, could be a viable site for Playa Bowls. There’s no better testbed for the sake of strong f models. The city's location in California offers exposure to a health-conscious demographic. Together, they lay the groundwork for a protable operation. These factors indicate Santa Rosa's potential for Playa Bowls' n. The runway for success here is already paved.

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

This isn’t hype, it’s a maybe-that’s-worth-looking-into. Santa Rosa loves a good pizza, and MOD's swift service with customizable options could potentially really take off here. You’ll need to be sharp to stay noticeable. But, be warned, the competition is fierce in the area, so location and advertising are key. If you phone it in, the market will notice. It's a gamble, but the potential for profit is definitely there. The city’s ready—are generally you?

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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Cinnabon

If you're present, visible, and reliable—this might be able to really work. Imagine the aroma of warm cinnamon swirling through a bustling Santa Rosa neighborhood, drawing families from nearby parks and shoppers from within local boutiques. You’re not just selling a product—you’re showing up for families. One’s Cinnabon becomes the go-to a for a sweet treat, a place where smiles are as warm as the rolls. Your systems will make or break this beautiful setup. While success isn't guaranteed, the right spot and dedicated team can bring a slice of joy (and profit!) to this vibrant community. It’s an opportunity—but only if you lead it well.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$247K-$675K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Downtown Santa Rosa (High foot traffic), Montgomery Village (Established shopping center), Coddingtown (Proximity to residential areas)
Typical customer profileYoung families & professionals craving sweet treats in Santa Rosa.
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Great Clips

This is where a national name meets regional opportunity. Great Clips in Santa Rosa provides affordable, convenient haircuts as well as styling services for the whole family. The appeal is emotional as much as functional—comfort and convenience. Santa Rosa residents appreciate value and convenience, making Great Clips an appealing option for budget-conscious families and hectic individuals seeking quick, dependable hair care solutions. You still have to get the blocking and tackling right. While the market is competitive, Great Clips' established brand recognition offers a solid foundation for success. There’s a business here for those kd toward lead it all with purpose.

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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Roof Maxx

This isn’t just market fit—it’s meme potential. Santa Rosa inhabitants know those charming Victorian homes need constant upkeep. It hits the spot when emotional support snacks are a must. Between the Sonoma County sun and occasional earthquake tremors, roofs take a beating. Simply remember: great ideas still need great execution. Roof Maxx can help preserve the historic character without a costly reo, letting residents i on wine tasting instead. You don’t need to be perfect—just present and prepared.

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Swig

This opportunity meets a timely p for practical indulgence. Santa Rosa values community and tie, which Swig fosters through its fun, tailorable drinks. This concept meets the need for i n compromise. The family-friendly atmosphere and e on creating memorable experiences align well with the city's welcoming vibe. T is a commendable start—reliability finishes that job. While success isn't guaranteed, Swig's unique offering boasts that potential to flourish in Santa Rosa's vibrant 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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Church's Chicken

This city’s diversity makes location choice more important than usual. Weigh focusing your Church's Chicken franchise efforts on the bustling Coddingtown area, near the shopping mall and major thoroughfares, to capture both local locals and passing traffic. These behaviors match closely with the brand’s perfect customer flow. While the charming, more e neighborhoods in Rincon Valley could seem appealing, their lower density and established dining options could present a challenge for a new fast-service restaurant. Real estate choice here will either amplify or undermine brand awareness. Research thoroughly to ensure the location aligns with Church's Chicken's target audience segment and consider local competition before committing. You don’t need the busiest corner—just the best fit.

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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Black Bear Diner

Put on your game face and your apron—it’s go time. Avoid accidentally hibernating during peak breakfast hours; customers get hangry. If you’re consistent and human, people will notice—and return. Don't let the "bear" necessities of biscuits and gravy become one grizzly oversight. Think about how your own brand as into the rhythms of everyday life here. Remember, even bears need Wi-Fi; ensure strong connectivity for online orders and happy campers. The key here is to earn a place in the local routine.

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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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Santa Rosa there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. An aspiring franchisee must be aware of the level of local competition in the market. However, here’s what you should know: Evaluate the number of similar businesses, their market share, and their pricing strategies. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal tourism can significantly impact the business, as customer traffic fluctuates with the seasons. So, here’s what to do: Franchisees should investigate the tourism patterns and align their offerings with the peak seasons to maximize profits.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Santa Rosa: www.sos.ca.gov, dfpi.ca.gov, and calosba.ca.gov
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaFive Guys
Five GuysFreddy's
Winter Haven, FloridaPlaya Bowls
Asheville, North CarolinaBlack Bear Diner
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Santa Rosa, California299986
Concord, North Carolina297379
Winter Haven, Florida296830
Asheville, North Carolina295040

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.