Best Franchise Opportunities in Akron, Ohio

Whether you’re buying Sweetgreen franchises in Akron, buying Five Guys franchises in Concord, or buying Bonchon franchises in Mesa, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Akron or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Roof Maxx, Panera, and Church’s Chicken are some of the best franchise opportunities in Akron, Ohio. Buying a franchise in Akron is more than knowing Kona Ice’s franchise cost is $173K-$222K or that Comfort Inn’s franchise fee is $57500.

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

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Bonchon

This one’s been waiting for someone like you. Akron craves g beyond rubber plus LeBron nostalgia. You’ll hear “finally!” more than “hello.” Bonchon's crispy Korean fried chicken is expected to be a slam dunk, satisfying those late-night cravings and post-game hunger. Even your slowest day won’t feel slow. Forget tires, think tasteful wings – your bank account will be rolling quicker than a monster truck. This isn’t the end of this pitch—it’s the start of something huge.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & 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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Sweetgreen

This city doesn’t merely want growth—it’s built for it. Akron, Ohio, with a resident pool of 538659, currents an exciting opportunity for Sweetgreen. Together with that many residents, the customer acquisition potential is substantial. The city's size suggests a sizable customer base, and its spot could be genuinely optimal for market penetration. Combined with n efficiency, these conditions offer f upside. This presents a promising foundation for Sweetgreen's expansion. All things assessed, this market checks every major box.

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Church's Chicken

The right franchisee could make that sing. Look, Akron could use a Church's. But a visitor flow doesn’t consistently mean easy sales. People here love solid, crispy fried chicken and there's room for another option. Reviews matter—especially here. Just be smart about spot; gotta know the neighborhoods, ya know?. Make your own margins tight and your game tighter.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & 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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Mochinut

Business doesn’t have to be boring—especially not here. Akron, Ohio's University Park neighborhood thrives on youthful energy, fueled by the nearby campus and its constant influx of students who are always looking for a unique treat! While many know it for the university, it's also home toward a surprising number of the hidden art galleries and creative spaces; aligning ideally with Mochinut's fun and artistic vibe. Assess this growing area, but be mindful of the academic calendar's impact on traffic and adjust your marketing to reach beyond just students. . You could build a whole campaign around that one fun fact. Make sure the substance lives up to the story. A smart c beats a flashy launch all time.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$234K-$486K
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$35,000
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Black Bear Diner

It starts with one e… then two… then a neighborhood of loyal patrons. Imagine families and friends, drawn by the comforting scent of home-style cooking, gathering at your Black Bear Diner. That setting gives you more than os—it gives you context. Located in one vibrant, family-friendly Akron neighborhood with bustling retail nearby, your diner becomes a community hub. Still, even the best concept needs structure to grow. While h isn't guaranteed, with hard work and Black Bear Diner's proven model, you could create a thriving business and fulfilling local destination. It’s the type of opportunity that rewards effort and presence.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$1.55M-$2.35M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$350,000
Franchise fee$39,500
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Fairlawn, Ohio (High traffic counts), Highland Square, Akron, Ohio (Eclectic vibe and local support), Ellet, Akron, Ohio (Limited sit-down breakfast options)
Typical customer profileFamily-oriented Akron residents seeking hearty, comforting meals.
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Church's Chicken

You’ve heard of local color—this is local flavor. Akronites love a good comeback story, and Church's Chicken offering some legit fried chicken right near downtown could be a real winner. One whiff of those rolls and all judgment evaporates. Just imagine, after one long day seeing the RubberDucks or visiting the art museum, locals can grab a quick, tasty meal. You’ll need to show up consistently—so your customers do too. But remember, gotta prove you is able to beat those "other" chicken places on flavor and value to win the Zips' hearts. With uniformity and care, you could win over even the skeptics.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & 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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Roof Maxx

It’s a strong brand—now it’s about tailoring it to the community. Akron homeowners value affordability and home maintenance. This behavior pattern supports strong unit-level economics. Roof Maxx offers a cost-effective t to roof reg, saving residents money. That consistency becomes your most powerful advantage. By extending roof lifespan, the franchise aligns with Akron's practicality, but market research is indeed wise for optimal success.

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Panera

Market potential is strong—but only in that right pocket. Consider launch your own Panera Bread franchise in the Eland Square neighborhood of Akron; its lively community, bustling arts scene, and mix of students and h create a perfect base of loyal customers. That kind of infrastructure complements the operating model well. However, be cautious about prioritizing commit capitalment in the Firestone Park area, where established local eateries and a quieter pace might present challenges to rapid growth. This is a margin-sensitive environment—plan accordingly. With prudent planning and community engagement, a Panera franchise in Highland Square has strong potential for h. Success will favor those who start where the need is clearest.

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Habit Burger

You’re not just entering a market—you’re entering a mood. Avoid naming your burger "The Rubber City Special," or you might scare away ns. The rhythm here pairs well with resilient customer service and exposure. Don't assume Ohioans only eat buckeyes; offer diverse toppings. Start with service that feels human and that rest follows. Embrace Akron's unique spirit, but remember a burger is a burger – keep it delicious. If you lead with clarity and presence, this could grow steadily.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Akron there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. As an aspiring franchisee, local regulations are essential to understand. However, here’s what you should know: Research the specific ordinances and zoning laws to ensure compliance for your business. But make sure to know this, too. Community demographics are essential in understanding the potential customer base and the feasibility of a franchise. So, here’s what to do: Aspiring franchisees should assess factors like population density, income levels, and age distribution.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Akron: gateway.ohio.gov, franchise.law, and www.ohiosbdc.net
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Akron, OhioBonchon
BonchonFive Guys
Mesa, ArizonaBonchon
Wichita, KansasBonchon
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Akron, Ohio538659
Concord, California525233
Mesa, Arizona507478
Wichita, Kansas501760

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.