Best Franchise Opportunities in Boston, Massachusetts

Whether you’re buying Sweetgreen franchises in Boston, buying Twice the Ice franchises in Phoenix, or buying Panera franchises in Detroit, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Boston or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Church’s Chicken, Bonchon, and Freddy’s are some of the best franchise opportunities in Boston, Massachusetts. Buying a franchise in Boston is more than knowing Taco Bell Traditional’s franchise cost is $611K-$3.98M or that Dominos’s franchise fee is $5000.

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

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

Disclosure: Some franchisors pay us if you open with them after our introduction; you do not pay us. We recommend brands based on fit & include non-partner options..
Firehouse Subs

If energy alignment paid the bills, this one would be a billionaire. Alright, listen up, chowderheads. Your only real risk is not jumping in soon enough. Bostonians love a good sammie, and Firehouse Subs is already a hero within this town. Os don’t shop around—they come back. Plus, imagine the StPatrick's Day specials? Green-dyed subs, anyone?. The brand’s hot—the city’s ready—you in?

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Firehouse Subs’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in Fenway or Back Bay. The Item 19 in the FDD said: Annual AUV $964,457 across timeless franchised restaurants. Bostonians near Fenway are craving for a flavorful, convenient Firehouse Subs.

Franchise overview & key stats of Firehouse Subs
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$110,000
Franchise fee$20,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Scarce after-hours demand; Red Sox game day overwhelms. College students appetite value; personnel issues turnover is high; family demographic mismatch.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA community-minded, systems-focused owner-operator with QSR experience.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitAn absentee owner that's inexperienced managing a younger workforce.
Request more information now
Freddy's

It’s not perfect, but if you’re smart about it, it could hit. Boston's wicked smaht, always hungry for something new. You’ll need to stand out c overcomplicating things. Freddy's could kill it here with the college crowd plus h. Honestly, you’ll gain every win here. Just gotta find the right spot and nail the service, ya know?. This one rewards the hands-on owners.

Franchise overview & key stats of Freddy's
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)South End Freddy's grapples with demanding patron tastes, labor rivalry, and potential mismatch with the neighborhood's demographics.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA well-funded, restaurant-experienced, culture ambassador with a passion for nostalgia
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor with no QSR experience
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)Average annual gross receipts (not profit) of $1.86M across 463 franchised restaurants (Item 19, 2025)
Request more information now
About the page’s author, Thomas Jepsen
Franchise consultant & growth strategist
As seen in: Yahoo Finance

Master’s in Accounting, Strategy & Control. FBA-certified in franchises and FDD analysis. Raised institutional funding and completed a venture exit. Has advised aspiring franchisees on 20+ different business categories. Thomas helps aspiring franchisees evaluate brands objectively – it is my mission to steer you away from bad franchises.

Thomas Jepsen
Medi-Weightloss

North End’s discerning community seeks value over commercial diet plans. Medi-Weightloss offers physician-supervised authority, a compelling model. Mature clinics show median monthly gross sales ($59,487). Source: FDD, Item 19.

Franchise overview & key stats of Medi-Weightloss
CategoryHealthcare
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$62,500
Franchise fee$60,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestBack Bay (Affluent residents), South Boston (Young professional growth), West Roxbury (Stable, health-conscious families)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Mass General Hospital's proximity necessitates stringent cold-chain custody for short-dated injectable inventory and competitive recruitment for DEA-authorized NPs within this high-demand medical labor market.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageFormer medical sales rep or healthcare administrators familiar with the value of the "physician-supervised" USP.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitCandidates unfamiliar with regulatory hurdles.
Request more information now
Five Guys

Let’s start with the people who’ll walk through your doors. Imagine hungry families strolling down tree-lined streets in a vibrant Boston neighborhood, drawn to that irresistible smell of r made burgers. It’s exactly this kind of place people want to return to. They gather inside one’s bustling Five Guys franchise, savoring all bite of customized perfection. That scene only flourishs if you run it right. This h-friendly location, nestled amongst local shops, promises loyal ts and growth potential, but success demands m and hard work. If you stay committed, the growth can be real—and steady.

Franchise overview & key stats of Five Guys
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$70,000
Franchise fee$25,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestAllston (student population), Dorchester (growing residential area), South End (upscale dining scene)
Typical customer profileYoung professionals/families valuing quick, quality burgers in Boston.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA highly-capitalized manager with restaurant experience.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA first-time entrepreneur looking for a hands-off business.
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)No financial performance data in the Item 19 2025 FDD
Request more information now
MOD Pizza

Every city has a feel—and this concept just might fit the playlist. Between the Red Sox and Harvard exams, Bostonians run on tight schedules. Just imagine the Yelp reviews—half poetry, half rage. Alongside MOD Pizza's customizable pies ready in minutes, yourself is able to bet locals will swap long waits for personalized, quick deliciousness. You’ll need a balance of charm and keen r. Simply be prepared for some *spirited* debates on the best toppings. If you’re willing to learn as you go, that can go far.

Franchise overview & key stats of MOD Pizza
CategoryFast‑Casual Pizza
Investment range$1M-$1.3M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$30,000
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageAn experienced multi-unit restaurant operator.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA person with no restaurant experience, looking for a low-risk investment.
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)No Item 19 claims in the 2024 FDD.
Request more information now
Church's Chicken

Let’s examine this strategic c between brand and neighborhood. Bostonians appreciate value and convenience. It reflects a desire for simplicity with confidenceed consistency. Church's Chicken offers flavorful, cost-effective meals, appealing to budget-conscious residents. You’ll need to deliver predictability as well as value. While the market is competitive, a focus upon quality and quick service could find a loyal customer base. You don’t need to reinvent the model—just run it well.

Franchise overview & key stats of Church's Chicken
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$207,500
Franchise fee$15,000
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageAn experienced multi-unit restaurant manager with sufficient capital
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitAn owner inexperienced in QSR and supply chain management
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)According to the 2025 FDD, freestanding units (with a drivethrough) made $1.115M in average annualized sales (not profit).
Request more information now
Bonchon

Targeting the right sub-market will be critical. Allston-Brighton is a promising area to launch your Bonchon franchise, boasting a e density of the students and young professionals who value both quality food and convenient dining options. It offers the kind of environment where brand recognition builds quickly. However, consider that the Seaport District, while affluent, is indeed alprepared saturated with diverse upscale restaurants, potentially crafting it harder to stand out. Market conditions can easily shift quickly—flexibility is key. Research the South End market thoroughly; its audience segments are generally appealing, but success hinges upon careful menu tailoring and understanding of the that existing culinary scene. This is a concept built to scale—however it starts with smart targeting.

Franchise overview & key stats of Bonchon
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$35,000
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)Bonchon's 2025 FDD reported median sales (not profit) of $1.358M for mature stores
Request more information now
Black Bear Diner

Every great franchise story begins with a little local sass. E confusing Bostonians with non-New England clam chowder; they take their seafood *very* nly. You’re looking at an area that responds well to thoughtful brand integration. Massachusetts also has strict zoning laws, so scout sites cautiously or face permitting purgatory. Start small, stay consistent, plus build one block at a time. Embrace the bear, but remember, Bostonians also love a admirable Dunkin', so offer h uniquely ursine. Build relationships first—results will follow.

Franchise overview & key stats of Black Bear Diner
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$350,000
Franchise fee$39,500
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageAn outgoing, experienced QSR operator who is passionate about diner experiences.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor, unwilling to work unconventional hours.
Request more information now

Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Boston there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Seasonal tourism fluctuations are an important factor to consider, as it directly impacts the potential customer base and revenue streams, depending on the time of year. However, here’s what you should know: As an aspiring franchisee, look for locations with consistent foot traffic and diverse activities throughout the year to mitigate the effects of seasonal changes. But make sure to know this, too. An experienced franchise consultant would advise an aspiring franchisee to consider the impact of local events on the business. So, here’s what to do: The franchisee should research the frequency, duration, and potential impact of events on customer traffic and sales.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Boston: www.sec.state.ma.us, www.mass.gov, and www.msbdc.org

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDDs dissected, legal history scrutinized. Boston's economic engine – biotech, education– steered stability. Item 19 validated performance claims. Financial viability? A must.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    I matched franchise target personas to Boston's audience segment clusters (Fenway's young experts, Back Bay's high earners) and their associated spending habits.

Earnings disclaimer

If any earnings claims are made for a prospective franchisor, those are verified against the Item 19 FDD version specified. No financial claims outside those made in an FDD may be shared with a franchisee. Please contact us in case you see discrepancies. Missing earnings claims do not mean an FDD is missing an Item 19.

City Highlights

🏙️ Retail corridor Archetype

Retail corridors blend historic storefronts, modern build-outs, and mixed-use spaces, catering to wide-ranging consumer needs.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-90, I-93, and US-1 supply significant regional access, supporting both commuter and discretionary traffic.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Boston's numerous colleges like MIT and Harvard deliver a deep pool of opportunity talent for specialized responsibilities.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

The area has a balance of education, healthcare, technology, and financial services, plus a strong tourism sector.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Boston, MassachusettsFirehouse Subs
Firehouse SubsTwice the Ice
Detroit, MichiganPanera
Seattle, WashingtonSweetgreen
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Boston, Massachusetts4355184
Phoenix, Arizona4065338
Detroit, Michigan3716929
Seattle, Washington3555253

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.