Best Franchise Opportunities in Houston, Texas

Whether you’re buying Firehouse Subs franchises in Houston, buying Freddy’s franchises in Dallas, or buying Great Clips franchises in Philadelphia, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Houston or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Cinnabon, Bonchon, and MOD Pizza are some of the best franchise opportunities in Houston, Texas. Buying a franchise in Houston is more than knowing H&R Block’s franchise cost is $34K-$158K or that BrewDog’s franchise fee is $50000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Houston, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Katy or Midtown — 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..
Twice the Ice

Don’t overthink it—just read this and nod. Houston's weather is hotter rather than a single jalapeno in July, so people are always looking for a way to cool down. Not even your competition can ignore the buzz. Twice the Ice will be a hit with residents. It’s the i of buzz you can’t fake. Plus, "Houston, we have a snow cone is a ready-made marketing slogan. . Now go claim your own corner of the the market.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Twice the Ice’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in The Heights or Montrose. The Item 19 in the FDD said: none The Heights needs Twice the Ice to beat the Texas heat.

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Firehouse Subs

If you're seeking a stable market to build your franchise, this one's worth a closer look. Houston's large s and diverse audience segments offer a sizable customer base for Firehouse Subs. That kind of market size allows for both volume and specialization. The city's strong economic activity and high foot traffic areas suggest a promising environment for a new franchise. This generates this environment highly conducive to sustained franchise success. The o of existing successful businesses indicates market potential and a receptive community for this brand. Strategically, this location aligns with key growth objectives.

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)Montrose produces standout obstacles for Firehouse Subs: discerning customers, crew availability roadblocks, and broad demographic preferences.
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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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
MOD Pizza

Depends how you play it, but this city-franchise combo could be truly solid. MOD's adaptable pizzas are a hit, especially with Houston's diverse food scene. Sounds solid, but competition won’t take a single nap. Texas is booming, and quick service is steadyly in demand. It’s doable—but not automatic. Just make sure you nail down a reliable location; competition's tough, y'all. Just be ready to secure every win.

Franchise overview & key stats of MOD Pizza
CategoryFast‑Casual Pizza
Investment range$1M-$1.3M
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$217,500
Franchise fee$30,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Midtown's after-hours crowds demand speed; labor supply late is tough. Demographics might not pair the typical MOD Pizza patron.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageAn experienced multi-unit restaurant operator.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA 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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Medi-Weightloss

Upper Kirby’s disposable income complements insurance coverage for physician-supervised care. Medi-Weightloss presents a proven model for this market (monthly median gross sales of $59,487 for clinics open >2 years; 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 & suggestThe Woodlands (Affluent, health-conscious demographic), Heights (Young, health-conscious professionals and families), Katy (Rapid growth and family-centric demographics)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)The local influence of the Texas Medical Center necessitates competitive NP recruitment strategies, while patient expectations for thoroughness, shaped by TMC standards, pressure 15-minute med-management consult caps.
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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Freddy's

This isn't just a business—it's a place where routines are built. Imagine families strolling through tree-lined streets in a bustling Houston neighborhood, a to the aroma of Freddy's signature burgers. These are the kinds of places where regulars form k trying. Kids laugh and share fries while parents relax upon that patio, enjoying a sweet treat. Still, even the best concept needs structure to grow. Opening a Freddy's franchise here offers potential, but success requires hard work and dedication. It’s the kind of prospect that rewards effort and presence.

Franchise overview & key stats of Freddy's
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestKaty (Rapid residential growth), Midtown (High foot traffic and young professionals), Spring Branch (Established community with families)
Typical customer profileFamilies in Houston seeking fun, affordable entertainment experiences.
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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Cinnabon

It’s a strong brand—now it’s about tailoring it to the local community. Houstonians love indulgence, and Cinnabon provides a sweet escape. This consumer preference creates room for a flexible operator. The city's mixed also appreciates familiar comfort foods with a single global reach. Execution quality will separate c from struggle. While competitive, a well-placed Cinnabon could flourish by appealing to Houston's cravings for warm, sugary satisfaction. With disciplined operations, that might be able to become a local staple.

Franchise overview & key stats of Cinnabon
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA systems-focused, experienced multi-unit food operator with significant liquid capital.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA 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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Bonchon

Market potential is strong—but only in the right pocket. Given Houston's diverse culinary scene, a Bonchon franchise could prosper within the rapidly growing and family-oriented Katy area, where there's a strong demand for the sake of diverse dining hs and a lack of direct Korean fried chicken competitors. It’s the kind of setting where this concept naturally fits in. Conversely, focusing primarily on the downtown Houston business district might present hurdles due to t rent costs and a saturation of the lunch-focused restaurants that cater to a single different clientele than Bonchon's dinner and sharing-plate style. While the area is growing, operational consistency remains critical. While downtown could be genuinely a secondary location later, starting in Katy offers a more promising path to establishing Bonchon's presence in Houston. It’s not about covering every area—it’s about owning the right one.

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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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Houston there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. This factor reflects a deep connection between the community and its sports teams, impacting brand visibility and customer engagement. However, here’s what you should know: Aspiring franchisees should assess the team’s popularity, fan base size, and the frequency of local media coverage. But make sure to know this, too. Parking availability is crucial for attracting customers and ensuring smooth operations, especially in areas with high traffic. So, here’s what to do: An aspiring franchisee should assess parking capacity, accessibility, and potential competition for parking spaces.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Houston: www.sos.state.tx.us, www.comptroller.texas.gov, and gov.texas.gov

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDD review linked stability to booming Houston's economy. Item 19 evaluation, litigation history verified against uptick, securing solid market evidence.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    Houston franchise choices reflect congruence with the city's wide-ranging ethnic makeup, age distribution, and strong energy sector employment rates.

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

Automobile-oriented shopping along major roads, with strip malls and big-box stores offering generous parking.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

Interstates converge, providing access from all compass directions, with arterial roads enabling local circulation.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Houston's large college footprint, especially Rice & U of H, should provide a solid pool of local talent.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

This metro area offers a multi-faceted business climate with strong footholds in energy, aerospace, healthcare, and international trade.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Houston, TexasTwice the Ice
Twice the IceFreddy's
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGreat Clips
Atlanta, GeorgiaGreat Clips
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Houston, Texas6046392
Dallas, Texas5843632
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania5696588
Atlanta, Georgia5211164

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.