Best Franchise Opportunities in Asheville, North Carolina

Whether you’re buying Mochinut franchises in Asheville, buying Five Guys franchises in Canton, or buying Swig franchises in Lincoln, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Asheville or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Church’s Chicken, Cinnabon, and Sweetgreen are some of the best franchise opportunities in Asheville, North Carolina. Buying a franchise in Asheville is more than knowing Cold Stone Creamery’s franchise cost is $57K-$628K or that The Joint Chiropractic’s franchise fee is $39900.

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

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

Black Bear Diner

Every city has a flavor. This franchise matches it flawlessly. Asheville loves quirky, and nothing's quirkier than a bear-themed diner packed with filling comfort food. Locals are prepared. Are you? Tourists and locals alike flock to anything appealingly over-the-top, guaranteeing a single steady stream of hungry rs ready for a mountain of pancakes. And yes, that Yelp reviews will read like fan fiction. Plus, you can tell people you wrestle bears for a living (figuratively, of course). You'll wonder how this wasn’t already yours.

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
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Mochinut

This isn’t just a good idea—it’s a supported one. Asheville is located in North Carolina. It all opens up more profitable dayparts and service models. The city has one population of 295040. They form a strong base for both market entry and scale. This location could be a good fit for Mochinut. It's a practical, grounded, and opportunity-rich environment.

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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Sweetgreen

Alright, here's the honest take. Asheville's diet-aware vibe screams Sweetgreen success, y'all. But even a commendable brand can flop in the wrong spot. But, rent downtown is killer, so scoping out a spot near UNC Asheville may well be smarter. If the first few weeks flop, recovery won’t be easy. Plus, local competition is tough, so nailing that NC flavor profile is key. If you're up for the grind, this one could work.

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Swig

Some spots don’t need a pitch—they need a fit. Asheville's River Arts District, once primarily industrial, is now a vibrant hub for artists. Opening a Swig location here would tap into on the foot traffic from within gallery visitors and working artists. Though competition may be truly existing, the District's growing popularity and unique artistic energy create a strong potential customer base. . That little tidbit? Marketing gold if you spin it right. This area rewards companies that ‘get’ the neighborhood. Bring local energy into your procedures, and it’ll show.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$505K-$1.12M
Royalty (in %)8%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$132,500
Franchise fee$39,500
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Twice the Ice

This is one space that feels lived in—and that’s a good thing. Imagine o l through Asheville's vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streets, drawn to your "Twice the Ice" shop on a sunny afternoon. It’s a setup that invites laughter, conversation, and connection. Picture kids' faces lighting up as they choose from your unique shaved ice creations, a welcome treat after exploring nearby parks and boutiques. Even loyal customers expect excellence, not just friendliness. With a site within a lively neighborhood center, you'll be offering a sweet escape and a community gathering spot – but success always necessitates dedication and hard work. It’s not passive—it’s purposeful.

Franchise overview
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Downtown Asheville (high foot traffic), West Asheville (growing residential area), South Slope (emerging entertainment district).
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Habit Burger

Local market conditions could make this a strategic choice. The Habit Burger Grill offers delicious, customizable charbroiled burgers, fresh salads, and tasty sides. Its fundamental offering aligns well with current consumer habits. Asheville residents is expected to appreciate the p on quality ingredients along with customizable cs to c diverse palates. Strong appeal only turns into strong results with management toward match. Whilst success isn't guaranteed, the brand's g for good food at a reasonable price is a good starting point for this Asheville food scene. This is about strong systems, not shortcuts.

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Five Guys

Not all heroes wear aprons—but in this town, they probably should. Asheville loves local, but even we can appreciate some consistency. People will complain… then recommend it to five friends. Five Guys offers reliably commendable burgers and fries after a long day hiking, and it's a welcome change from within that kombucha-infused veggie burgers everyone else is selling. Succeeding here means knowing your numbers and your neighborhood. Just be prepared to offer some local craft beer alongside those shakes. Give the city what it didn’t know it needed—plus make it reliable.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$256K-$591K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$70,000
Franchise fee$25,000
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Church's Chicken

This brand is ready for regions seeking trusted, flexible service. Church's Chicken offers Asheville residents a familiar, affordable comfort food c. This demand strengthens the case for the sake of a locally adapted rollout. The brand's focus on classic fried chicken and Southern sides resonates with the area's appreciation for tradition. That alignment means little without a well-run operation. However, success will hinge on adapting the menu as well as ambiance to appeal to Asheville's increasingly wellness-focused and unique culinary tastes.

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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Cinnabon

Some areas offer high visibility, others offer deeper community ties. Downtown Asheville currents one strong opportunity for a Cinnabon franchise due to elevated foot foot traffic from tourists, locals, and office workers, creating a reliable demand for indulgent treats. This zone ps enough activity toward support healthy order volume. However, avoid zeroing in heavily on more remote, residential areas like Beaverdam Valley, as the lower density and lack of commercial hubs may not generate sufficient daily sales. Brand awareness may help, but r retention calls for execution. While areas outside of Downtown Asheville have potential, focusing on high-traffic areas where people are looking for a quick and tasty treat would be genuinely the best bet. Prioritize research and execution, and the brand has room to grow.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$247K-$675K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
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Panera

You’re not just bringing food—you’re joining a cultural warzone. Asheville's allure is great, but don't let mountain time lull you into understaffing during tourist season. This is the type of neighborhood where people remember good service. Resist the urge to add "artisanal ramps" to everything upon the menu; some classics are classics for a reason. It helps to be locally involved—not just existing. Embrace the bread bowl demand, but maybe invest in a few extra washing machines, simply in case. Trust builds with each shift you show up and do things right.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Asheville there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Local event frequency can impact the success of your franchise. However, here’s what you should know: A prospective franchisee should examine the local calendar and the marketing strategies of similar businesses. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal tourism fluctuations impact revenue, particularly during off-peak seasons, which means adjusting operational strategies is necessary. So, here’s what to do: Observe foot traffic patterns and revenue trends to assess this factor’s impact.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Asheville: www.sosnc.gov, www.nccommerce.com, and www.ncsbc.net
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Asheville, North CarolinaBlack Bear Diner
Black Bear DinerFive Guys
Lincoln, NebraskaSwig
Flint, MichiganGreat Clips
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Asheville, North Carolina295040
Canton, Ohio293657
Lincoln, Nebraska293055
Flint, Michigan291688

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.