Best Franchise Opportunities in Phoenix, Arizona

Whether you’re buying Firehouse Subs franchises in Phoenix, buying Panera franchises in Detroit, or buying Sweetgreen franchises in Seattle, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Phoenix or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Church’s Chicken, Cinnabon, and Mochinut are some of the best franchise opportunities in Phoenix, Arizona. Buying a franchise in Phoenix is more than knowing Dominos’s franchise cost is $107K-$744K or that Burger King’s franchise fee is $50000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Phoenix, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Scottsdale or Tempe — 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..
Twice the Ice

If you’re thinking about launching something smart, start here. Phoenix summers are brutal, and Twice the Ice is pure genius. Talk about plug-and-proa. Imagine selling flavored shaved ice in the desert, basically printing money. Revenue won’t drip—it’ll pour. Plus, you'll be a local hero, saving residents from heatstroke one delicious scoop at a time. This isn’t a pitch. It’s a playbook.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Twice the Ice’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in Arcadia or Desert Ridge. The Item 19 in the FDD said: none Phoenix’s rapid growth and Twice the Ice’s success prove a new site in Arcadia is a smart investment.

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Firehouse Subs

We’re not guessing here—we’re pairing brand to demand. Phoenix, Arizona, with its population of 4,065,338, might be able to be a single suitable local market for Firehouse Subs. This immediately lowers the risk for emerging franchises. This site offers a sizable customer base and potential for brand visibility. All signs point to a single favorable return on o. The area's market segments may align well with the franchise's i audience. If you're looking for a smart place toward scale, this is indeed it.

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)Desert Ridge's affluence means discerning food tendencies and high service expectations, plus rivalry for labor and long drives for employees.
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.
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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
Mochinut

Here’s a franchise setup that could truly hold up. Phoenix is booming, and eachone loves a sweet treat. But be warned—foot foot traffic doesn’t pay rent on its own. Mochinut's unique tastes are flawless for this market, but you gotta nail the location and marketing. This could go really well—or fall flat without vivid execution. High traffic and strong social media are key for success here. Make your margins tight and your game tighter.

Franchise overview & key stats of Mochinut
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$234K-$486K
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Phoenix's North Central Mochinut might face selective palates, staffing hurdles, and mismatch between trends & local tastes.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA meticulous, hands-on, trend-savvy operator who understand the power of Instagram.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor that's inexperienced in the retail food business.
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Ellie Mental Health

Biltmore's high-achieving professional community increasingly views mental wellness as a non-discretionary priority. Ellie Mental Health (180+ units) serves this recession-resistant demand along the Camelback Corridor. Corporate clinics report median monthly revenues of $100,000 (Source: FDD, Item 19).

Franchise overview & key stats of Ellie Mental Health
CategoryHealthcare
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$40,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestArcadia/Biltmore (High-income, health-conscious demographic), Downtown Phoenix (Growing young professional population and urban revitalization), Ahwatukee Foothills (Established, family-oriented community with strong local identity)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Biltmore Fashion Park’s clientele demands robust clinician scope-of-practice matching for complex cases and stringent EHR interoperability/HIPAA compliance for high-profile data privacy.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageSemi-Absentee Executive in the medical space who lives in a spreadsheet with KPIs.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitNon-clinician owner unprepared for hthe 90-120 day insurance credentialing lag.
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Bonchon

The key is adapting this strong concept to local preferences. Bonchon offers crispy, double-fried Korean fried chicken with signature sauces, plus Asian-inspired dishes. That’s exactly that kind of casual indulgence os look for. Phoenix residents crave bold flavors and diverse cuisines, creating Bonchon's unique taste a potential hit. Those strengths must be backed by everyday attention to detail. While popular, franchisee success depends on local market analysis and strong management skills in this competitive food scene. It's not a gamble—it's a strategic play that needs great follow-through.

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
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Church's Chicken

This franchise bridges convenience, quality, and community relevance. Phoenix residents value affordable, quick meals, especially in the hot climate. The y appeal gives the brand routine visibility. Church's Chicken offers a familiar, budget-friendly option appealing to families and individuals in search of the a tasty alternative to pricier restaurants. That interest can be short-lived without consistent follow-through. While competition is strong, a well-managed Church's can find success by emphasizing value and convenience. For operators who value structure plus service, this boasts potential.

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).
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Cinnabon

This is a single case where zip code roadmap considerations more rather than ever. For a Phoenix Cinnabon franchise, weigh Tempe near ASU, with its high student foot traffic and p for quick, sweet treats. You’ll benefit from built-in exposure and word-of-mouth. Steer clear of more prosperous, health-conscious areas like Paradise Valley, where that m is on health and alternative dessert options. However, success requires more rather than access—it requires adaptability. While every single location has potential, concentrating on areas with proven demand for indulgence will give you the best start. Informed decision-making now leads to better margins later.

Franchise overview & key stats of Cinnabon
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA systems-focused, experienced multi-unit food operator with significant liquid capital.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA first-time franchisee seeking semi-passive opportunities.
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)Enclosed mall franchises made an average of $720k in net sales (not profit), according to the 2024 FDD
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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Phoenix there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Given the dust storms, this factor is essential for the success of your franchise. However, here’s what you should know: An aspiring franchisee should look for weather reports and building codes that will affect daily operations. But make sure to know this, too. An aspiring franchisee should consider the limited water resources of the area, as this can impact costs. So, here’s what to do: Look for ways your franchise can conserve water and manage resources efficiently.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Phoenix: ecorp.azcc.gov, www.azbuslaw.com, and azsbdc.net

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDD scrutiny was key. We linked stability to Phoenix's uptick. Item 19 data & litigation history informed choices. Market proof in the desert heat mattered.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    Phoenix-area franchises shown meet these criteria: target demographic (households, median income $72k+) overlaps with Phoenix's population profile & growth projections.

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

Sprawling suburban corridors defined by high-traffic roads, strip malls, and abundant on-site parking characterize retail.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-10 and I-17 deliver extensive regional access, suggesting substantial commuter and weekend traffic.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Phoenix's Arizona State Tertiary education & Grand Canyon University likely provide a sizable pool of room to grow workforce.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

Tourism and services drive the economy, with emerging technology and healthcare sectors.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Phoenix, ArizonaTwice the Ice
Twice the IcePanera
Seattle, WashingtonSweetgreen
San Francisco, CaliforniaFive Guys
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Phoenix, Arizona4065338
Detroit, Michigan3716929
Seattle, Washington3555253
San Francisco, California3364862

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.