Best Franchise Opportunities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Whether you’re buying Mochinut franchises in Philadelphia, buying Great Clips franchises in Atlanta, or buying Panera franchises in Washington, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Philadelphia or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Roof Maxx, Bonchon, and Roof Maxx are some of the best franchise opportunities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Buying a franchise in Philadelphia is more than knowing H&R Block’s franchise cost is $34K-$158K or that Maven Meals’s franchise fee is $40000.

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

Finally, a franchise that makes real-world sense. Philly's known for its cost-effective eats and even more affordable haircuts. S won’t just line up—they’ll camp out. With all that hair from cheesesteaks, inhabitants will must have regular trims. This is what demand looks like in real time. A Great Clips in Philly? Fuggedaboutit, it's a guaranteed moneymaker. If you’re primed, that city’s waiting.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Great Clips’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in Fishtown or Northern Liberties. The Item 19 in the FDD said: $382,316 in median (50th percentile) total sales (not profit) across eligible salons. Fishtown’s growing population and energetic ambiance create high demand for a convenient and cost-effective hair salon like Great Clips.

Franchise overview & key stats of Great Clips
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Fishtown's distinct style clashes with chain standards; finding specialists familiar with trends near Philadelphia is difficult.
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)
Request more information now
Mochinut

This isn't hype—it's market alignment in action. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with its population of 5,696,588, us a solid customer base for Mochinut. This sets the stage for consistent and predictable revenue streams. This city's diverse population and high foot traffic areas offer good opportunities for brand awareness and customer acquisition. They form a robust foundation for both market entry and scale. Philadelphia's strong economy and community support system also increase the likelihood of business e. The numbers and local dynamics support confident next steps.

Franchise overview & key stats of Mochinut
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Investment range$234K-$486K
Royalty (in %)5%
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Northern Liberties' youthful demographic might prefer trendier options, requiring strong promotion. Personnel issues competing offers and nuanced customer preferences introduce early hurdles.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA meticulous, hands-on, trend-savvy operator who understand the power of Instagram.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor that's inexperienced in the retail food business.
Request more information now
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
Roof Maxx

Don’t roll your eyes yet—this has legs. Roof Maxx in Philly? Row homes take a beating, and everyone's budget-conscious here. That kind of crowd brings eyes—but also scrutiny. Might be truly tough cracking into established roofing companies, but worth looking into. There’s wiggle room—but not much. Get the details right, and you personally might surprise yourself.

Request more information now
Medi-Weightloss

East Passyunk's destination dining creates a market for premium wellness. Its boutique-lined avenues suggest a clientele for Medi-Weightloss's high-margin services (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 & suggestRittenhouse Square (Affluent, health-conscious demographic), Fishtown (Rapidly growing young professional population), East Passyunk Crossing (Increasing middle-class health awareness)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)East Passyunk Avenue's robust local economy favors Cash Pay, offsetting Commercial Reimbursement volatility, while its urban appeal attracts NPs with DEA prescriptive authority.
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.
Request more information now
Church's Chicken

It all begins with a how people live, work, and relax. Imagine the aroma of Church's Chicken wafting through a bustling Philadelphia neighborhood, drawing in hungry o and hectic workers. That variety of energy can be the heartbeat of the a successful l. Picture smiling faces enjoying crispy, juicy chicken at your new franchise, a vibrant hub in this thriving Pennsylvania community. But let’s not forget—execution makes this difference. While success is o, our validated system offers the chance to build a single profitable business and become a neighborhood favorite. The ingredients for the sake of success are here—you bring the recipe.

Franchise overview & key stats of Church's Chicken
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$207,500
Franchise fee$15,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestOlney (High population density), West Philadelphia (Growing demand for fast food options), Kensington (Affordable real estate)
Typical customer profileBudget-conscious Philadelphians seeking convenient, flavorful comfort food.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageAn experienced multi-unit restaurant manager with sufficient capital
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitAn owner inexperienced in QSR and supply chain management
How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure)According to the 2025 FDD, freestanding units (with a drivethrough) made $1.115M in average annualized sales (not profit).
Request more information now
Bonchon

Area-by-area strategy is essential for continued success. For a new Bonchon franchise in Philadelphia, consider one location in University City. This pocket of growth creates a reliable base to start from. This high density of students and young specialists creates a built-in customer base that appreciates quick, flavorful meals. Avoid placing too much weight on regional growth a searching at block-level behavior. However, a location in the more suburban and well-off Chestnut Hill might not be ideal, as residents there tend to favor upscale dining experiences. When placed well, this franchise can deliver trustworthy performance.

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
Request more information now
Playa Bowls

Bring your A-game—and maybe a biscuit recipe. So you're dreaming of açai empires? Don't let your kale-tus aspirations turn into kale-amities by underestimating Philly winters; nobody wants brain freeze in January. The energy in the area is ripe for a reliable, steady brand r. And remember, Pennsylvanians love a good cheesesteak, so make sure your own bowls are bowl-d enough to compete. The opportunity is real, but so is the need for consistency and reach. You can do this. The opportunity is real—but it’s earned through presence and reliability.

Franchise overview & key stats of Playa Bowls
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$92,500
Franchise fee$35,000
Request more information now

Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Philadelphia there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. For this location, local sports teams are very important to consider when deciding on a franchise. However, here’s what you should know: Seek to understand fan demographics and how the franchise can offer incentives. But make sure to know this, too. Seasonal events can significantly impact the franchise’s performance, so an aspiring franchisee should learn how the franchise will operate within this context. So, here’s what to do: You should identify how these events affect sales, staffing, and marketing efforts.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Philadelphia: www.dos.pa.gov, www.attorneygeneral.gov, and pasbdc.org

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    Philadelphia's dynamic scene demands stable franchises. FDD review, including Item 19, plus litigation history, was vital. Location's financial drivers ensured lasting viability, proofing stability beyond the cheesesteaks.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    We targeted franchises whose ideal customer mirrored Philadelphia's broad demographics (age, household income, education) and consumption patterns within key zip codes.

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

Mixed retail, with mature main street corridors alongside newer development with varied on-site parking options.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

Interstate highways and primary arterials facilitate regional access, supporting commuter and weekend traffic flows.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

Philadelphia's numerous colleges like UPenn and Temple provide a steady stream of potential workers.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

Healthcare, education, and government are major economic drivers in this established urban center.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGreat Clips
Great ClipsGreat Clips
Washington, District of ColumbiaPanera
Boston, MassachusettsFirehouse Subs
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania5696588
Atlanta, Georgia5211164
Washington, District of Columbia5146120
Boston, Massachusetts4355184

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.