Best Franchise Opportunities in Detroit, Michigan

Whether you’re buying Firehouse Subs franchises in Detroit, buying Sweetgreen franchises in Seattle, or buying Five Guys franchises in San Francisco, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Detroit or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Twice the Ice, Habit Burger, and Panera are some of the best franchise opportunities in Detroit, Michigan. Buying a franchise in Detroit is more than knowing Burger King’s franchise cost is $2.06M-$4.73M or that Bimbo Bakeries’s franchise fee is $254000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Detroit, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Corktown or West Village — 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..
Firehouse Subs

Here’s where your franchise is able to meet real traction. Detroit could be a commendable location for Firehouse Subs. It’s a city where market saturation still leaves room for standout concepts. Detroit has a population of 3716929 and is located in Michigan. This further strengthens the case for a location-based strategy. This could mean there is a lot of the potential for customers. This isn’t just a good local market—it’s the right one.

Franchise overview & key stats of Firehouse Subs
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$110,000
Franchise fee$20,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Midtown Detroit Firehouse Subs: Parking limitations, winning over stable local lunch crowds, and finding committed staff are key challenges.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA community-minded, systems-focused owner-operator with QSR experience.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitAn absentee owner that's inexperienced managing a younger workforce.
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Medi-Weightloss

Eastern Market’s regional sprawl creates a commuter base demanding insured wellness options. Near Capitol Hill, Medi-Weightloss leverages insurance integration within a mature system (80+ units; $59,487 monthly median gross sales; Source: FDD, Item 19).

Franchise overview & key stats of Medi-Weightloss
CategoryHealthcare
Marketing fund (in %)1%
Minimum cash required$62,500
Franchise fee$60,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestMidtown (Proximity to medical centers and universities, high density of educated professionals), Grandmont Rosedale (Stable, middle-to-upper-middle-class residential area with strong community engagement), West Village (Historic neighborhood with a growing population of health-conscious young professionals and families)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Shed 3 at Eastern Market necessitates robust CPOM-compliant service agreements and auditable cold-chain custody for short-dated injectable inventory.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageFormer medical sales rep or healthcare administrators familiar with the value of the "physician-supervised" USP.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitCandidates unfamiliar with regulatory hurdles.
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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
Great Clips

The best sites don’t merely serve—they connect. Imagine families from the nearby suburban neighborhoods stopping within after school events and weekend soccer games. That vibe is what produces emotional stickiness. ONE steady stream of young professionals and college students from the revitalized downtown area seek quick, affordable trims. Yourself still need to bring great service to match the environment. Located in a single bustling strip mall with complementary businesses, this Excellent Clips franchise promises a stable, consistent income stream in a thriving Detroit suburb. It’s not about luck—it’s about preparation as well as follow-through.

Franchise overview & key stats of Great Clips
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestCorktown (High density, growing residential), West Village (Increasing disposable income, revitalization efforts), Rosedale Park (Strong community ties, limited competition)
Typical customer profileBudget-conscious Detroiters seeking affordable, convenient haircuts.
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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Bonchon

The secret sauce? Knowing your neighborhood l. Detroiters love a good comeback story. You’ll need humor, hustle, plus added napkins. Bonchon's crispy, savorful chicken is poised to take the city by storm, offering a tasty s to the usual wings. It’s a solid pair—but only if the implementation holds up. Just be ready for a friendly debate over whether the soy garlic or spicy is truly superior, because every singleone here has strong opinions!. You don’t need to be ideal—just existing and prepared.

Franchise overview & key stats of Bonchon
CategoryRestaurants & 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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Twice the Ice

There’s an increasing demand for the sake of exactly this type of offering. Detroiters value quality, affordability, and local pride. That demand strengthens the case for the sake of a locally adapted rollout. Twice the Ice offers a refreshing treat that is both budget-friendly and a source of community enjoyment, especially during hot summers. A strong launch must be paired with long-term reliability. While the market is competitive, a well-run franchise g into those core values has strong potential for the sake of the success. This concept can scale—but only if managed closely.

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Freddy's

You’re not just bringing food—you’re joining a cultural warzone. Opening a Freddy's in Detroit, Michigan? Avoid deep-dish pizza topping rivalries (stick toward cheese skirts. It’s the right kind of change that creates this location feel promising. ). Don't underestimate how much design and tone shape first impressions. Prepare for unconsistent weather, but welcome those hungry hockey fansWith careful planning, your frozen custard dreams can come true. Run it well, and this can grow into something respected and relied on.

Franchise overview & key stats of Freddy's
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA well-funded, restaurant-experienced, culture ambassador with a passion for nostalgia
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor with no QSR experience
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)Average annual gross receipts (not profit) of $1.86M across 463 franchised restaurants (Item 19, 2025)
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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Detroit there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Given limited public transportation, aspiring franchisees should expect that most residents will rely on personal vehicles. However, here’s what you should know: Franchisees should look for locations with ample parking and easy accessibility. But make sure to know this, too. High local labor costs are a key factor that may impact your bottom line. So, here’s what to do: An aspiring franchisee should investigate the impact of these costs on operational expenses and potential profitability.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Detroit: cofs.lara.state.mi.us, www.michigan.gov, and michigansbdc.org

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    Rigorous FDD audit focused on Detroit's pulse. Examined Item 19 alongside litigation; linked franchise stability to the Motor City's economic figures, proving viable opportunities.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    Detroit options shown match with local population makeup. We given priority concepts mirroring Detroit's diverse population and recovering earnings, favoring walkable areas.

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

Balance of arterial roads with strip malls, interspersed with areas of big-box retail and generous parking.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

Multiple interstates converge, enabling regional access and pass-through traffic.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Detroit's proximity to Wayne State, Tertiary education of Detroit Mercy, and others offers a moderate pool of potential crew members.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

Manufacturing and automotive industry influence a blend of distribution and services.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Detroit, MichiganPanera
PaneraSweetgreen
San Francisco, CaliforniaFive Guys
San Diego, CaliforniaPlaya Bowls
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Detroit, Michigan3716929
Seattle, Washington3555253
San Francisco, California3364862
San Diego, California3057778

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.