Best Franchise Opportunities in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Whether you’re buying Great Clips franchises in Minneapolis, buying Freddy’s franchises in Tampa, or buying Black Bear Diner franchises in Brooklyn, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Minneapolis or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Playa Bowls, Freddy’s, and Bonchon are some of the best franchise opportunities in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Buying a franchise in Minneapolis is more than knowing Coverall’s franchise cost is $18K-$64K or that Ameriprise’s franchise fee is $1500.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Minneapolis, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Uptown or Northeast Minneapolis — 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..
Roof Maxx

Let’s call this what it is: a cheat code with signage. Minneapolis weather is truly brutal on roofs. This market is like a sponge—ready toward absorb everything you offer. As a Roof Maxx franchise owner, you'll be busier than a Viking after a Super Bowl win. With demand like this, even slow days feel fast. Finally, you can capitalize on Minnesotans' love for a good deal and extending the life of their investments. So… when are often you signing?

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Great Clips

From foot traffic to spending power, this place has it all. Minneapolis presents a promising opportunity for Great Clips, due to its large population in Minnesota. There’s no shortage of p across multiple demographic segments. The city's considerable population suggests a substantial customer base for the franchise. From within an commit capitalor standpoint, the risk-reward ratio looks promising. Furthermore, that presence of 2,906,807 residents in the area ys a solid foundation for potential growth. For franchisees focused on long-term positioning, this is a strong contender.

Franchise overview & key stats of Great Clips
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Northeast Minneapolis Great Clips: Distinct customer grooming inclinations, potential staffing pool constraints, and population group alignment require prudent planning.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageSemi-absentee investor focused on multi-unit growth with management experience.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitSomeone inexperienced in recruiting.
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)$382k median sales across all salons eligible to be open the entire year (2025 FDD)
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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
Bonchon

You’re not dreaming, this could actually work—with effort. Minneapolis ygains for something different, and Bonchon's crispy chicken could genuinely take off here. Just keep in mind: reputation gets you within, but quality keeps you in. Korean fried chicken is trendy, but make sure the venue's right; competition's heating up. It all hinges on how well you connect with the community. Still, with the right spot, Bonchon could be huge. If you stay focused, this could scale fast.

Franchise overview & key stats of Bonchon
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Uptown Bonchon: Scarce after-hours crowds, picky taste expectations, labor supply struggles, and a need to appeal beyond typical fried chicken market segments.
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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Ellie Mental Health

Downtown East's growing family density creates a non-discretionary need for accessible care. Ellie Mental Health (180+ units) meets this cultural shift. Company-owned 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 & suggestUptown (High density of young professionals and health-conscious residents), Kingfield (Growing population of young families and professionals seeking local, quality services), Longfellow (Strong sense of community and family focus with increasing demand for accessible local health services)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)U.S. Bank Stadium proximity necessitates enhanced STC-50 soundproofing in retail shells. High rents amplify cash flow float strain during 90-120 day Payer Credentialing, requiring significant initial capital.
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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Black Bear Diner

These are the types of places where good memories start. Imagine families flocking to your Black Bear Diner after a single soccer game within a friendly, family-oriented Minneapolis neighborhood. That kind of routine energy creates business momentum. Locals crave fulfilling classics along with generous portions in your cozy, bear-themed ambiance. None of that happens without attention toward detail. Expect steady business along with loyal os in that promising market, but remember, success requires hard work and dedication to our brand. It won’t be easy—but it could be yours.

Franchise overview & key stats of Black Bear Diner
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$350,000
Franchise fee$39,500
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestUptown (High foot traffic, trendy dining scene), Northeast Minneapolis (Growing residential area, family-friendly), Bloomington (Proximity to Mall of America, tourism)
Typical customer profileFamily-oriented diners seeking comforting meals in a familiar setting.
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.
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Playa Bowls

This franchise fits well with shifting consumer preferences. Minneapolis inhabitants value healthy, convenient hs, especially in the warmer months. The model benefits from r a population with fast-paced routines. Playa Bowls' s on fresh fruit and customizable bowls aligns with this health-conscious lifestyle. You’ll need to turn that congruence into action every day. While the winter surroundings may present a seasonal challenge, the brand's vibrant flavors could offer a welcome escape. This is a performance-first model that rewards dependability.

Franchise overview & key stats of Playa Bowls
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$92,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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Freddy's

A locally tuned strategy will set you apart from national competition. For a Freddy's franchise in Minneapolis, targeting one e in the North Loop neighborhood could be a great start, leveraging its high foot traffic, trendy ambiance, and growing residential population. It’s the variety of place where loyalty builds quickly when n are met. However, avoid focusing primarily on the industrial areas of Southeast Minneapolis, as the lunch crowd might be strong but the dinner and weekend traffic could be truly limited. Still, sustained s hinges on delivering consistent quality. With prudent planning and community engagement, Freddy's could thrive in Minneapolis!. With community alignment and operational rigor, success is within reach.

Franchise overview & key stats of Freddy's
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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)
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Mochinut

Let’s franchise smart—and laugh through the logistics. Don't underestimate the mochi donut frenzy. It’s a context that supports building not just business—however presence. Overestimating your ability to make the perfect donut is a surefire way to disappoint eager Minnesotans. The tone you set now can shape long-term neighborhood perception. Venue is key: avoid areas already saturated with irresistible sweets. You’re not just building a store—you’re joining a community tempo.

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 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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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Minneapolis there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Parking availability is crucial for a successful franchise location. However, here’s what you should know: As a potential franchisee, seek areas with ample parking to ensure easy customer access. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal tourism can greatly affect your business. So, here’s what to do: As a franchisee, monitor tourism patterns for opportunities and challenges.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Minneapolis: mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us, www.revenue.state.mn.us, and www.mnsbdc.com

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDD scrutiny started. MPLS biz climate & robust MN local economy drove stability criteria. Item 19, litigation verified for fiscal evidence in the North Star State.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    We prioritized franchises with customer audience profiles mirroring Minneapolis' broad audience profile overview, homing in on high-density zones like City center & Uptown.

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

Mix of dense urban core retail along key streets and suburban-style commercial strips with ample parking, near highways.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

Interstate access enables regional commuter and weekend traffic flow in multiple directions.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

The Campus of Minnesota provides a robust pipeline of local talent in diverse fields.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

The area displays a balance of clinical care, services, and logistics sectors, next to a notable government presence.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Minneapolis, MinnesotaRoof Maxx
Roof MaxxFreddy's
Brooklyn, New YorkBlack Bear Diner
Denver, ColoradoBonchon
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Minneapolis, Minnesota2906807
Tampa, Florida2906035
Brooklyn, New York2736074
Denver, Colorado2691349

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.