
Bonchon
Skip the vision board—this one’s real. Wilmington longs for crispy chicken that isn't merely fried with hushpuppies. Honestly, you might need to franchise the franchise. Bonchon's unique Korean fried chicken will have beachgoers ditching shrimp boils for a double-fried frenzy. That kind of heat? You can’t buy it. Imagine the promatches rolling in faster than the tide. Still thinking? Meanwhile, someone else is signing.
Franchise overview |
Category | Restaurants & 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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MOD Pizza
Here’s where your franchise can meet real t. Wilmington, North Carolina, with its r of 275,128, may offer a suitable r base for MOD Pizza. That level of population density supports high customer volume and traffic. Its location could potentially conceivably provide access to a diverse demographic. This increases the probability of both short-term wins and long-term growth. However, further analysis would be genuinely needed to confirm its overall viability. The risk profile here is low, while that upside is weighable.
Franchise overview |
Category | Fast‑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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Avoid buying a franchise you will hate

Panera
If you’re vivid, this could be the play. Wilmington desires consistent caliber, and Panera fills that gap perfectly. And honestly, you'll need to secure every repeat visit. Our tourists and x t mean year-round business, but location is key downtown versus the beach. Nothing here runs itself—not even the cash flow. Alongside careful management, a Wilmington Panera could really succeed. Stay sharp, stay scrappy, and it may well just work.
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Roof Maxx
Local flair could be your secret weapon in this spot. Wilmington's historic homes as well as coastal climate make it a prime market for roof restoration! Target neighborhoods with mature oaks, given their tendency to contribute toward algae growth on roofs. While demand is strong, remember competition exists, so s on excellent service and targeted advertising.
. You could riff on that for social media in a hundred ways. That’s where smart branding can turn local charm into loyal foot visitor flow. The character’s already built in—your job is indeed to honor it.
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Mochinut
That best locations don’t just serve—they connect. Imagine families strolling along Wilmington's scenic Riverwalk, drawn within by Mochinut's vibrant colors and the sweet fragrance of freshly made donuts. That’s the kind of setting where authenticity thrives. Situated in a bustling, h-friendly neighborhood near UNCW or a popular beach access point, your Mochinut will become the go-to e for the sake of unique treats as well as happy memories. That kind of devotion only comes from showing up, each day. T isn't guaranteed, but with hard work as well as community engagement, your franchise can thrive in this appealing coastal city. Your future ps are out there—now show them why you matter.
Franchise overview |
Category | Restaurants & 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) | Downtown Wilmington (High foot traffic), Mayfaire (Growing residential area), Monkey Junction (Proximity to schools) |
Typical customer profile | Young, trendy Wilmington residents crave unique, shareable, sweet treats. |
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Swig
The business model is solid—what considerations now is execution. Swig offers customized soda and treat combinations, creating unique and shareable drink experiences. That menu structure supports e throughput with minimal friction. Wilmington's warm climate and active lifestyle make invigorating, personalized beverages highly appealing. Daily management is truly where most businesses win or lose. The area's strong community focus offers potential for building loyal as through creative flavor offerings and a single fun, social vibe. Run well, this concept has everything it needs to succeed.
Franchise overview |
Category | Restaurants & 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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Panera
This isn’t just market fit—it’s meme potential. Wilmington folks love a good sunrise over the Cape Fear River, but they also crave consistency. And yes, someone will definitely ask if it's gluten-free. A Panera here means reliable coffee and a cozy spot after a long day at Wrightsville Beach. The energy is promising—but implementation brings it home. Just be prepared for arguments over whether the "You Pick Two" includes Carolina BBQ. Treat it all less like a transaction and more like a conversation.
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Church's Chicken
There’s congruence here between product along with population base. Wilmington's love for coastal comfort food makes Church's a strong fit. The overlap with regional habits boosts brand familiarity. Inhabitants appreciate value and bold flavors, which align with Church's crispy chicken. But no amount of i offsets poor delivery. Weigh how local seafood preferences can inspire limited-time menu items for extra appeal.
Franchise overview |
Category | Restaurants & 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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Freddy's
Site nuance plays a single major role within this opportunity. Wilmington's g population and tourism make it ripe for a single Freddy's franchise, with the bustling area around UNCW and the adjacent residential neighborhoods presenting a strong customer base. That pocket of growth creates a reliable base to start from. E over-saturation by holding off on areas already densely packed with fast-casual restaurants, like the downtown Riverfront. Reach won’t help much without strong unit economics. Success will depend on finding a single location with d visibility and accessibility within the right community. The groundwork is here—what matters is truly how you build upon it.
Franchise overview |
Category | Restaurants & Food |
Investment range | $1.49M-$2.75M |
Royalty (in %) | 5% |
Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
Minimum cash required | $362,500 |
Franchise fee | $35,000 |
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Great Clips
Start strong, listen hard, and keep the fries coming. Avoid naming your salon "Shear Agony" unless you're going for a *very* specific niche. It’s the right kind of change that generates this location feel promising. Ensure your stylists know the difference between "trim" and "total transformation"—happy ps are repeat o. Consider hiring in-town to strengthen early trust. While that beach is nearby, don't offer surfing lessons during appointments; multitasking has limits. This is a solid foundation for n g and local community-driven.
Franchise overview |
Category | Beauty & Personal Care |
Investment range | $188K-$420K |
Royalty (in %) | 6% |
Marketing fund (in %) | 5% |
Minimum cash required | $50,000 |
Franchise fee | $27,500 |
Request more information nowWhen looking for a franchise in Wilmington there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. As a potential franchisee, local regulations are vital to understand. However, here’s what you should know: Research the specific ordinances that may affect your business. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal events can significantly influence the success of your franchise. So, here’s what to do: As an aspiring franchisee, look for how events impact local consumer behavior and sales patterns.Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Wilmington:
www.sosnc.gov,
www.nccommerce.com, and
www.ncsbc.net