
Cinnabon
Strong markets breed strong businesses—along alongside this is one of them. Baltimore, Maryland, together with its resident pool of 2,189,589, could be a good market for Cinnabon. That scale creates room for both core offerings and local experimentation. Baltimore's diverse community and l foot traffic areas present an prospect for Cinnabon. These advantages position your franchise for early o. With a strategic marketing approach, the franchise might be genuinely able to flourish. That data points toward proaability and operational success.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Cinnabon |
| Category | Restaurants & Food |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 3% |
| Minimum cash required | $72,500 |
| Franchise fee | $30,500 |
| We assessed potential challenges (with example location) | Federal Hill: Customer parking, scarce space, and possibly different patron preferences than Cinnabon's target. Labor pool competition is pronounced. |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | A systems-focused, experienced multi-unit food operator with significant liquid capital. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A 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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Medi-Weightloss
Fells Point’s wellness spending supports a physician-referred model. This waterfront community's demand underpins a brand with reported monthly median gross sales ($59,487 for mature clinics). Source: FDD, Item 19.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Medi-Weightloss |
| Category | Healthcare |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 1% |
| Minimum cash required | $62,500 |
| Franchise fee | $60,000 |
| Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggest | Harbor East (Affluent, health-conscious demographic), Charles Village (Dense residential area with students and professionals, near JHU), Pigtown (Redeveloping area with growing residential density and potential for an underserved market) |
| We assessed potential challenges (with example location) | Thames Street's historic infrastructure necessitates costly plumbing for sink-per-exam-room build-outs; limited access challenges 15-minute consult caps by impacting patient punctuality and provider utilization. |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | Former medical sales rep or healthcare administrators familiar with the value of the "physician-supervised" USP. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | Candidates unfamiliar with regulatory hurdles. |
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About the page’s author, Thomas Jepsen
Franchise consultant & growth strategist
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.

Swig
The scene is already set—you just need to plug in the right piece. Imagine a bustling Baltimore neighborhood, families stroll by, and college students study nearby. There’s something quietly powerful about blending into a community rhythm. Your Swig location becomes that preferred c: friends laughing over custom sodas, parents grabbing a refreshing treat, and locals connecting over unique flavors. That local love comes after consistent delivery. While c isn't guaranteed, this vibrant community is thirsty for something new, and Swig could be it!. The right owner might be able to really thrive in this setting.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Swig |
| Category | Restaurants & Food |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
| Minimum cash required | $132,500 |
| Franchise fee | $39,500 |
| Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggest | Canton (high foot traffic), Hampden (eclectic atmosphere), Locust Point (growing residential area) |
| Typical customer profile | Tech-savvy Baltimoreans valuing convenience and unique, personalized beverages. |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | A hands-on owner-operator with experience in multi-unit QSR. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A passive investor who is afraid of high-volume, low-ticket sales |
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Bonchon
Well-known brands still need great a. Bonchon offers crispy, double-fried Korean fried chicken with signature sauces and Asian-inspired dishes. Its approach fits well in communities that value speed and service. Baltimore residents will appreciate the unique flavor profiles, craveable crunch, and shareable meal options. But scaling up starts with getting one p really right. However, success depends on securing one prime location and effectively promotion to a diverse customer base. It’s all about showing up well—every shift, every service, every week.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Bonchon |
| Category | Restaurants & 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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MOD Pizza
Neglect nationwide trends—this is about neighborhood vibes. Baltimoreans love a good underdog story and crave customization, simply like their rowhomes. Expect to be genuinely meme’d—and maybe even celebrated. MOD Pizza lets you build your own ideal pie, escaping the crab-cake-everything overload. The local crowd can be loyal—if you earn it. Just be sure to offer Old Bay seasoning – we're keeping it real here, hon!. Respect the vibe, serve that local community, and that results is expected to follow.
| Franchise overview & key stats of MOD Pizza |
| Category | Fast‑Casual Pizza |
| Investment range | $1M-$1.3M |
| Royalty (in %) | 5% |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
| Minimum cash required | $217,500 |
| Franchise fee | $30,000 |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | An experienced multi-unit restaurant operator. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A 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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Five Guys
It all offers everyday value with flexible local potential. Baltimore residents value quality, freshly made food, and Five Guys delivers that with customizable burgers and fries. That need is widespread—and growing steadily. The chain's no-frills approach resonates with the city's down-to-earth energy. You’re building not just reach, but credibility. Whilst competition is intense, a well-managed Five Guys can carve out a loyal r base. There’s upside here—if supported by n control.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Five Guys |
| Category | Restaurants & Food |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
| Minimum cash required | $70,000 |
| Franchise fee | $25,000 |
| We Analyzed Who Has an Advantage | A highly-capitalized manager with restaurant experience. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A first-time entrepreneur looking for a hands-off business. |
| How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure) | No financial performance data in the Item 19 2025 FDD |
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Mochinut
Identifying the right blend of the audience segments and traffic is essential. Consider locating your Mochinut in the vibrant Canton neighborhood, known for its young professionals, d, plus bustling waterfront, as it offers elevated foot traffic and a strong sense of community that could readily embrace your unique treats. This zone ls enough activity to support nutritious order volume. However, avoid prioritizing an area like downtown Baltimore's financial district, as its business-centric atmosphere could not offer the consistent leisure n base vital for a dessert-focused franchise. You'll need to align pricing and experience with neighborhood predictations. While downtown has potential, the reliance on weekday office crowds introduces more risk than the more residential Canton area. Treat each neighborhood like its own opportunity—and you’ll win.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Mochinut |
| Category | Restaurants & 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 Advantage | A meticulous, hands-on, trend-savvy operator who understand the power of Instagram. |
| We Analyzed Who Is a Bad Fit | A passive investor that's inexperienced in the retail food business. |
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Playa Bowls
Start with the customer—and end with a clever sandwich name. So, you want to bring a taste of the tropics to Baltimore? Stellar. The rhythm here pairs well with strong customer service and visibility. Just remember, Marylanders love their crab cakes, so don't skimp on the local flavor, or assume everyone knows what pitaya is. Be present and engaged—not just open for business. Adopt the "hon," be truly patient with explaining açai, and you'll be golden. You don’t must have to stand out overnight—you need to fit in well and last.
| Franchise overview & key stats of Playa Bowls |
| Category | Restaurants & Food |
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% |
| Minimum cash required | $92,500 |
| Franchise fee | $35,000 |
Request more information nowWhen looking for a franchise in Baltimore there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. For aspiring franchisees, reliable public transportation is vital, especially for areas with high foot traffic. However, here’s what you should know: Assess the frequency of public transit, its coverage, and the convenience of access points near potential locations. But make sure to know this, too. Consider the local event’s impact on the specific city’s economy as a franchisee. So, here’s what to do: As an aspiring franchisee, you should look for how these local events affect the business’s sales and operational capabilities.Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Baltimore:
egov.maryland.gov,
www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov, and
marylandsbdc.orgIf 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.