Best Franchise Opportunities in Queens, New York

Whether you’re buying Twice the Ice franchises in Queens, buying Great Clips franchises in Riverside, or buying Mochinut franchises in Las Vegas, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Queens or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Habit Burger, Cinnabon, and Black Bear Diner are some of the best franchise opportunities in Queens, New York. Buying a franchise in Queens is more than knowing Jazzercise’s franchise cost is $4K-$41K or that The UPS Store Non-Traditional’s franchise fee is $19950.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Queens, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Astoria or Jackson Heights — 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..
MOD Pizza

Proof that sometimes the stars do align. Forget battling pigeons for pizza scraps in Queens. You’re not chasing trends—you’re context one. Owning a MOD Pizza franchise here means battling. You’re not running ads—you’re running one phenomenon. It’s built, branded, and begging for a boss.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed MOD Pizza’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in Astoria or Long Island City. The Item 19 in the FDD said: A steady, continuous inflow of franchisees, showing excitement for the brand. Queens, New York, and especially Astoria, is a densely populated area with a strong demand for fresh, customizable pizza like MOD Pizza.

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 assessed potential challenges (with example location)Astoria MOD Pizza: Intense pizza competing offers, choosy culinary preferences, limited labor pool, and differing household population makeup present challenges.
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.
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Twice the Ice

Not all opportunities are created equal—this one stands out. Queens has a large i, offering a sizable a base for Twice the Ice. The scale here means quicker break-even timelines are possible. The area's diverse community could provide one unique selling proposition for your brand. You won’t need to create demand—it’s already there. This location could be a good h, but further market n is recommended. It’s an ideal surroundings for rolling out and scaling smartly.

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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
Black Bear Diner

It’s messy, but that’s what makes it interesting. Queens could crush together with a Black Bear Diner; that down-home vibe stands out here. A known brand helps, but don’t obtain lazy. Rent's brutal, so venue is key, and gotta nail the varied palate of that locals. But attention spans are short—you’ve got to impress fast. If you get it right, though, this could be a goldmine. A little hustle could go a long way here.

Franchise overview & key stats of Black Bear Diner
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$350,000
Franchise fee$39,500
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Black Bear Diner in Jackson Heights grapples with standout labor pool issues, population group preference mismatches, and potential slow patron adaption initially.
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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Ellie Mental Health

Flushing's diverse community deserves accessible mental healthcare. Ellie Mental Health (180+ franchise units) addresses this via its insurance-acceptance model, with company-owned clinics reporting 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 & suggestLong Island City (High concentration of young professionals and new families), Astoria (Diverse, dense residential population with a strong community feel), Forest Hills (Affluent, established families and professionals seeking quality local services)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s catchment area drives heightened clinician scope-of-practice management for complex case-mix and critical STC-50 privacy measures in retail shells due to urban noise and patient needs.
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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Swig

These kinds of the neighborhoods are where loyalty lives. Imagine o strolling tree-lined streets, popping into your bright, welcoming Swig franchise for a refreshing custom drink after school or sports. Those small scenes are the foundation of repeat business. Located in a teeming Queens neighborhood with a strong community feel, your shop becomes the go-to spot for personalized beverages. That warm feeling still depends on sharp operations. Building a loyal customer base takes dedication, but the potential for growth along with connection is immense. The setup is here—now it’s your move.

Franchise overview & key stats of Swig
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$132,500
Franchise fee$39,500
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestAstoria (High density of young professionals), Jackson Heights (Diverse population with strong community ties), Long Island City (Rapidly developing residential area)
Typical customer profileYoung, trendy Queens residents enjoying unique, shareable alcoholic beverages.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA hands-on owner-operator with experience in multi-unit QSR.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor who is afraid of high-volume, low-ticket sales
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Great Clips

It’s an appealing franchise model for the sake of the right neighborhood. Excellent Clips offers affordable, convenient haircuts for the whole family. This model flourishes in areas with steady foot traffic. In Queens, busy residents relish the no-appointment system and consistent service, catering to their diverse needs and lifestyles. It’s a strong head start—but still needs smart operations. This franchise ys a reliable and budget-friendly solution to hair care in a single densely populated area, currenting strong potential for success. Consistency along with visibility will be your biggest tools here.

Franchise overview & key stats of Great Clips
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
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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Cinnabon

Choosing the right corner of the map is key. For a Cinnabon franchise in Queens, consider Jackson Heights; its multifaceted population and bustling transit hub offer high foot traffic and a broad o base eager for treats. These behaviors match closely with the brand’s optimal customer flow. On the other hand, avoid Douglaston, a more residential area with a r commercial district, potentially hindering reach and sales volume. Just be aware—some high-traffic areas carry low conversion rates. P on neighborhoods with consistent pedestrian activity and proximity to public transportation to maximize your potential for e. Be strategic early—this market rewards deliberate operators.

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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Mochinut

Let’s plan smart, market sharper, and embrace the regional weirdness. So, you want to bring chewy, delicious Mochinut to Queens? Great. It’s the kind of neighborhood where admirable service becomes local lore. Just remember, honey butter powder explosions *do* happen, and lines can stretch longer than the 7 train. This is a neighborhood that rewards authenticity. Prepare for the dough-mand, and you'll be golden. If you build it slowly and attentively, the results can be durable.

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 Queens there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Public transportation reliability is essential for potential franchisees in this area, especially if the business relies on foot traffic or accessible employees. However, here’s what you should know: Aspiring franchisees should investigate the local transit system’s efficiency, frequency, and coverage to assess its impact on daily operations and customer accessibility. But make sure to know this, too. Local permitting regulations can significantly impact the timeline and cost of establishing a franchise location. So, here’s what to do: Aspiring franchisees should carefully review these regulations, including zoning laws, building codes, and environmental restrictions.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Queens: dos.ny.gov, ag.ny.gov, and esd.ny.gov

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    Targeted Queens gems. FDD review: Item 19, litigation history. Stability linked to NYC hustle;transport access, cultural district strength validated capital outlay opportunity.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    We selected franchises based on match with Queens' diverse ethnic enclaves (Jackson Heights, Astoria), median household income, and existing business density.

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

Dense, urban streets meet neighborhood shopping strips, with a mix of independent storefronts and chain shop operators, often transit-accessible.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-495 and Grand Central Parkway facilitate regional access; local arterials see significant commuter and weekend traffic.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Queens College and St. John's University likely provide a pipeline of graduates for entry-level and management duties.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

The local economy includes a mix of services, healthcare, and logistics, with a growing technology representation.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Queens, New YorkMOD Pizza
MOD PizzaGreat Clips
Las Vegas, NevadaMochinut
Baltimore, MarylandPanera
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Queens, New York2405464
Riverside, California2288508
Las Vegas, Nevada2256509
Baltimore, Maryland2189589

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.