Best Franchise Opportunities in Riverside, California

Whether you’re buying Freddy’s franchises in Riverside, buying Mochinut franchises in Las Vegas, or buying Panera franchises in Baltimore, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Riverside or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Swig, Mochinut, and Five Guys are some of the best franchise opportunities in Riverside, California. Buying a franchise in Riverside is more than knowing The UPS Store Non-Traditional’s franchise cost is $51K-$426K or that Bombshells Restaurant & Bar’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 Riverside, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Downtown Riverside or Canyon Crest — 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

Skip the vision board—this one’s real. Listen up, future hair mogul. It’s the secret weapon most owners only dream about. In Riverside, where allone's perpetually sun-kissed and slightly windswept, Great Clips is a goldmine. Everything about this just clicks. Think endless trims for sun-faded surfer strands and quick fixes before those crucial Coachella selfies. You’re not just investing—you’re inviting success.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Great Clips’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in Arlington or Canyon Crest. The Item 19 in the FDD said: $382,316 in median total sales (not profit) across eligible salons. Arlington residents need a convenient and affordable Great Clips for their hair care needs.

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)Arlington's Great Clips faces competition, attracting qualified service personnel, and aligning with service offerings to diverse neighborhood demographics.
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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Freddy's

If you're strategic about your next franchise, this should be on your radar. This Riverside location us a strong foundation for Freddy's due to its established community. This helps ensure a steady stream of new and returning ps. California offers a multifaceted customer base. In business terms, this equals lower friction and higher yield. The population base of 2288508 suggests ample opportunity for business growth. Strong indicators and proven infrastructure offer real leverage.

Franchise overview & key stats of Freddy's
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$362,500
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Canyon Crest Freddy's: Mismatched population makeup, inconsistent student traffic, and hiring obstacles could influence initial profitability.
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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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
Five Guys

It’s one of those ‘do it right or don’t do it at all’ spots. Five Guys in Riverside? Yeah, that could kill it. That base gives you a head start—but not a free ride. Allone loves a good burger as well as fries, and frankly, the es around here are kinda stale; just gotta find the right spot. If the first few weeks flop, recovery won’t be easy. That isn’t one lottery ticket—it’s a blueprint.

Franchise overview & key stats of Five Guys
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$70,000
Franchise fee$25,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Mission Grove Five Guys: Attracting wide-ranging taste profiles, managing student body labor, and shifting established fast-food habits pose initial hurdles.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA highly-capitalized manager with restaurant experience.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA 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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Teriyaki Madness

Orangecrest’s commercial zoning along Mission Grove Parkway creates a market for cook-to-order quality. Teriyaki Madness (150+ units) provides this differentiation, reporting median gross sales ($1.1M per unit; Source: FDD, Item 19).

Franchise overview & key stats of Teriyaki Madness
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$107,500
Franchise fee$45,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestCanyon Springs (High retail traffic), Magnolia Center (Dense residential and local business presence), La Sierra (Growing residential and university proximity)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)MLK High School necessitates KDS load balancing for <8-minute ticket times during lunch rushes, while increased student DSP usage demands active margin mitigation strategies against commission erosion.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA Multi-Unit Empire Builder to truly benefit from supply chain economies.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA person unfamiliar with the intensity of running a kithcen.
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Firehouse Subs

What if your business was the one people talk about after dinner? Imagine families from the nearby soccer fields, hankering a rewarding meal after a game, flocking to your Firehouse Subs. That’s the kind of setting where authenticity succeeds. Picture students and faculty from that local university grabbing a swift, tasty lunch during their busy day within this lively Riverside neighborhood. It’s a great setting—but the follow-through is indeed on you. This location offers a unique opportunity in a community with strong local ties and consistent foot traffic, but success calls for m and a smart business approach. This could be a place where good work pays off.

Franchise overview & key stats of Firehouse Subs
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$110,000
Franchise fee$20,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestDowntown Riverside (High foot traffic), Canyon Crest (Affluent residential area), Arlington Heights (Growing family population)
Typical customer profileRiverside residents seeking delicious, convenient, and community-minded subs.
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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Bonchon

This model succeeds on familiarity, simplicity, along with strategic placement. Bonchon offers crispy, zestful Korean fried chicken with unique sauces, alongside Asian-inspired dishes. It appeals to customers looking for a fast, familiar treat. Its bold flavors and satisfying textures will likely appeal to Riverside's varied palate and x foodie scene. You still have to get the blocking and tackling right. However, market research is crucial toward understand local preferences and competition before bankrolling. This model thrives when operated with rigor and responsiveness.

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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Swig

Let’s consider how that franchise taps into key y needs. Riverside's warm climate and active local community make Swig's invigorating, customizable drinks a ideal fit. This positions the franchise as more than just a transaction. S and students alike crave tasty beverages, offering Swig a unique opportunity to become a local favorite. You’ll need strong fundamentals to keep drive going. However, c hinges on understanding Riverside's tastes and providing exceptional customer service. It’s not complicated—but it all does require uniformity.

Franchise overview & key stats of Swig
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$132,500
Franchise fee$39,500
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageA hands-on owner-operator with experience in multi-unit QSR.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitA passive investor who is afraid of high-volume, low-ticket sales
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Mochinut

Demand is not evenly distributed—choose your area wisely. ONE Mochinut franchise could thrive in Riverside's vibrant Urban core area, drawing in students, young specialists, and families seeking trendy treats. That kind of infrastructure complements the operating model well. Conversely, one site in the more established and d Canyon Crest neighborhood is indeed likely to face challenges, as it's further from the bustling foot traffic crucial for impulse buys. It’s easy to be visible—harder toward be essential. I on areas with high visibility and a youthful demographic, but be truly aware that competition in Riverside's food scene is fierce. The groundwork is here—what matters is how you build on it.

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 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.
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Church's Chicken

Get set for foot traffic—and foot-in-mouth moments. So, you want to bring that crispy goodness to Riverside? Awesome. You're stepping into a part of town that values thoughtful operators. Just remember, California sunshine doesn't automatically guarantee chicken sales, so scout your location wisely. Consistency is key—especially early on. And maybe invest in a GPS that cs the 91 freeway during rush hour – hangry customers are no joke. That key here is to gain one place in the local routine.

Franchise overview & key stats of Church's Chicken
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$207,500
Franchise fee$15,000
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).
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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Riverside there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Public transportation reliability can significantly impact business operations and customer accessibility. However, here’s what you should know: Aspiring franchisees should assess the frequency, coverage, and condition of public transit options in the area. But make sure to know this, too. Franchisees should prioritize local permitting processes because they can significantly impact the speed and feasibility of launching a business. So, here’s what to do: Prospective franchisees should investigate the specific requirements and timelines for obtaining necessary permits and licenses in the desired area.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Riverside: www.sos.ca.gov, dfpi.ca.gov, and calosba.ca.gov

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDD audit pinpointed stability. Riverside's lively pulse linked to franchise expansion. Item 19 & litigation history were key. Economic feasibility proof drove final choices.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    We used Riverside's ESRI data on household income, population density, and buyer spending behaviors to filter franchises showing local demand congruence.

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

The shopping corridor archetype offers significant roads with strip malls, big-box storefronts, and ample customer parking.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-215 and CA-91 provide regional access, suggesting commuter and weekend travel through the area.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

UCR and RCC supply a steady stream of opportunity employees for new-grad and management positions.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

The area features a diverse balance of logistics, government, and service industries, with a growing healthcare sector.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Riverside, CaliforniaGreat Clips
Great ClipsMochinut
Baltimore, MarylandPanera
St. Louis, MissouriMOD Pizza
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Riverside, California2288508
Las Vegas, Nevada2256509
Baltimore, Maryland2189589
St. Louis, Missouri2127843

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.