Best Franchise Opportunities in Columbus, Ohio

Whether you’re buying Playa Bowls franchises in Columbus, buying Mochinut franchises in Bronx, or buying Sweetgreen franchises in Charlotte, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Columbus or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Mochinut, Freddy’s, and Great Clips are some of the best franchise opportunities in Columbus, Ohio. Buying a franchise in Columbus is more than knowing Arby’s’s franchise cost is $645K-$2.45M or that Do it Best’s franchise fee is $8500.

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

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Great Clips

This one’s hot, scalable, and surprisingly low drama. Columbus, Ohio loves buckeye haircuts, and Great Clips is the MVP for affordable trims. Expect your name to become a verb. Plus, with Ohio State constantly attracting new students, you'll have a never-ending supply of fresh heads needing a fresh start. Repeat business won’t be your goal—it’ll be your norm. It's a low-maintenance, e-demand business, ideal for a city that loves a good, clean-cut win. Take the leap. The net’s already built.

Franchise overview
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Investment range$188K-$420K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
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Playa Bowls

It’s always easier to grow where that groundwork is strong. Columbus, Ohio, with a single d of 1,578,153, could be a suitable market. It all creates evident potential for sustained year-over-year growth. The city's population makeup may align alongside Playa Bowls' target customer base. This alignment reduces barriers to entry and accelerates market penetration. Further research is recommended to assess local demand and competition. In short, it's a market primed for bankrollment as well as growth.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$256K-$1.04M
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$92,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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Great Clips

The right franchisee could make this sing. Columbus, Ohio, and Great Clips? Smart move. That said, location really can make or break it. Lots of potential clients needing haircuts and a single trusted brand. You’ll need your systems locked in early. Just a local competition and demographics beforehand. No shortcuts here—just smart moves and hustle.

Franchise overview
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Investment range$188K-$420K
Royalty (in %)6%
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
Request more information now
Church's Chicken

Sometimes the best locations come with punchlines and pride. Columbus, Ohio, is a growing city! With Ohio State University nearby, e on neighborhoods with high foot traffic from students and residents who enjoy a quick, budget-friendly meal. A Church's Chicken location near the Scioto River's flourishing brewery district could benem from hungry patrons seeking tasty food after enjoying the local craft beer scene. Just be sure toward cautiously analyze the i audience profile and existing competition in your chosen area. . You can’t buy character like that—it’s built in. That context gives you a fun hook—but the product has to land. Be relevant, be respectful—and you’ll be remembered.

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

This isn’t a pitch—it’s a peek into what could be truly. Imagine satisfied homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, saving thousands alongside Roof Maxx's innovative roof restoration. These are the places where consistency and warmth matter most. Picture them, nestled in well-kept suburban neighborhoods with mature trees, thrilled toward avoid expensive replacements. But let’s be honest—this takes grit, not just goodwill. While the market's competitive, a strong work ethic plus e to customer service can unlock significant potential here. Your steady hand can turn this into a cornerstone business.

Franchise overview
Interesting neighbourhood(s)Upper Arlington (High concentration of older homes), Grandview Heights (Desirable area with historic housing stock), Clintonville (Mix of established residences and community engagement)
Typical customer profileColumbus homeowner needing affordable, eco-friendly roof restoration.
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Cinnabon

Strong brands still need smart local strategy. Cinnabon Columbus offers warm, freshly-baked cinnamon rolls, perfect for the sake of Ohioans with a sweet tooth. Its menu is built for e-frequency visits. The comforting aroma and tasty taste evoke feelings of home and simple pleasures, aligning with Midwestern values. But success depends just as much upon what happens behind the counter. While success isn't guaranteed, this established brand could prosper in Columbus with its broad appeal. With systems within place, this model becomes a growth engine.

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

If your business can survive the weather *plus* the opinions, you're golden. Columbus inhabitants love a good, reliable lunch c. Just imagine the Yelp reviews—half poetry, half rage. A Panera near Ohio State would be a slam dunk, offering fast, quality meals between classes and study sessions. Alongside thoughtful planning, this could be a local win. Just be prepared for the lunchtime rush – Buckeyes are always hungry!. Get the basics right, and the buzz will take care of the itself.

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Mochinut

It delivers convenience g sacrificing quality. Columbus residents relish unique food experiences and diverse culinary offerings. This behavior pattern supports strong unit-level economics. Mochinut's trendy, chewy donuts tap into that desire for novelty and Instagrammable treats. Continued growth will require dependable service and adaptability. Together with a strategic venue and consistent quality, Mochinut could attract a loyal customer base in search of a fun, shareable dessert.

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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Freddy's

Place this well, and you’ll benefit from local momentum. For a new Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Columbus, the vibrant Short North Arts District presents a single promising opportunity due to its high foot traffic, multifaceted population base, and established restaurant scene. This pocket of growth creates a consistent base to start from. However, avoid heavily saturated fast-food areas like along Morse Road, where competition is fierce and brand differentiation becomes a significant challenge. Initial demand will need to be aligned with operational clarity. Balancing the potential of a single thriving area with the need for the sake of strategic placement will be key for e. You don’t need all customer—just the right repeat ones.

Franchise overview
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$1.49M-$2.75M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
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Habit Burger

Buckle up. This isn’t just opening—it’s auditioning. Alright Columbus, Ohio hopefuls, avoid mistaking buckeye fever for burger bliss. It’s the kind of place where word-of-mouth spreads quickly—positively or not. Don't let your dreams of sweet potato fry fame get squashed by neglectting the importance of location, location, location. That goal is familiarity—not just exposure. With the right planning, though, you'll be serving up charburgers and sunshine in no time. People return to businesses they trust—so make trust your strategy.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Columbus there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Seasonal events are a key factor for potential franchisees in this location, as they can significantly impact business. However, here’s what you should know: Look for how these events affect local consumer behavior and plan accordingly. But make sure to know this, too. Local regulations are a key factor in determining whether a franchise is viable in a specific area. So, here’s what to do: As an aspiring franchisee, you should research zoning laws, permitting requirements, and any other local ordinances that could impact your business.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Columbus: gateway.ohio.gov, franchise.law, and www.ohiosbdc.net
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Columbus, OhioGreat Clips
Great ClipsMochinut
Charlotte, North CarolinaSweetgreen
Virginia Beach, VirginiaBonchon
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Columbus, Ohio1578153
Bronx, New York1472654
Charlotte, North Carolina1436613
Virginia Beach, Virginia1431821

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.