Best Franchise Opportunities in San Antonio, Texas

Whether you’re buying Cinnabon franchises in San Antonio, buying Cinnabon franchises in Sacramento, or buying Swig franchises in Austin, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in San Antonio or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Five Guys, Twice the Ice, and Mochinut are some of the best franchise opportunities in San Antonio, Texas. Buying a franchise in San Antonio is more than knowing Jani-King’s franchise cost is $21K-$102K or that Jani-King’s franchise fee is $24625.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in San Antonio, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Alamo Heights or Stone Oak — 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..
Mochinut

The idea’s simple. The c? Not even fair. San Antonio loves a solid snack. If t loyalty had a fan club, this location would be the HQ. Mochinut combines trendy Korean treats with Texas-sized appetites, guaranteeing lines longer than the Riverwalk. Think small space, huge drive. Plus, who can resist a sugary, chewy donut after a day exploring the Alamo?. You’ve got the vision—here’s that vehicle.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Mochinut’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an choice in Stone Oak or Alamo Heights. The Item 19 in the FDD said: A consistent, continuous inflow of franchisees, showing excitement for the brand. San Antonio’s Stone Oak area craves unique, tasty treats, creating a new Mochinut franchise a flawless fit.

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)Stone Oak Mochinut: Niche local likes, appealing to younger patrons, crew availability obstacles, and differing work ethics.
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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Cinnabon

Here’s why this city could support your next success story. San Antonio, Texas, with a resident pool of 2,069,843, presents a promising opportunity for Cinnabon. Alongside this base, marketing ROI tends to be stronger. This city's substantial population base indicates a sizable potential t pool for the franchise. These signals point to high scalability with relatively low friction. San Antonio's vibrant community and varied population could lead to increased customer traffic. Everything here suggests early wins and long-term viability.

Franchise overview & key stats of Cinnabon
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)3%
Minimum cash required$72,500
Franchise fee$30,500
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Alamo Heights Cinnabon: Particular eating habits, limited labor, and health-conscious trends is likely to need adapting to, but it's doable.
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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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
Swig

When yourself show up in that right place, the community often shows up for you. Imagine sunny San Antonio afternoons with families strolling into the heart of your own Swig, drawn by the colorful drinks. It’s the perfect backdrop for low-friction, high-frequency transactions. Picture high schoolers stopping by after school in this family-friendly neighborhood, a blend of residential charm and bustling local businesses. That flow only works if your staff works with intention. While success isn't guaranteed, a Swig franchise in this energetic community offers exciting upside. You personally don’t need flash—you need reliability and care.

Franchise overview & key stats of Swig
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$132,500
Franchise fee$39,500
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestAlamo Heights (high disposable income), Stone Oak (growing family population), Southtown (revitalized urban area).
Typical customer profileYoung San Antonio families seeking trendy, customizable, sugary drinks.
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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Great Clips

This concept has wide appeal—especially in the right pocket of town. Great Clips offers budget-friendly, convenient haircuts along with salon services for the whole family. These product strengths support fast scaling if demand proves consistent. San Antonio's large population and family-friendly culture p a strong p base seeking value and accessibility. But a crowded category means you must differentiate well. While competition exists, a well-managed salon can flourish with the right location and marketing. With solid management, this brand works across multiple surroundingss.

Franchise overview & key stats of Great Clips
CategoryBeauty & Personal Care
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$50,000
Franchise fee$27,500
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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MOD Pizza

Think city pride meets added sauce. San Antonio loves a good fiesta, but sometimes you just need a quick, customizable bite. It’s not just a stop—it’s a statement. MOD Pizza lets you build your perfect pie faster than you personally can say "¡Ándale!" Plus, with so many unique flavor combinations, even your abuela will likely find n she loves (maybe more than her own cooking!). With attention to detail, this could really grow. You’ll be part of the scene if you match the pace.

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 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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Five Guys

In the right location, this could fill an important market gap. San Antonio loves fresh, customizable burgers, and Five Guys delivers on both fronts. It’s the kind of benefit customers rapidly recognize and reward. The simple menu with v-quality o resonates with the city's focus on authentic flavors. Marketing creates visitor flow—but execution builds trust. While competition exists, the brand's reputation for generous portions and peanuts provides a unique edge. It’s a single measured opportunity with real reward for strong execution.

Franchise overview & key stats of Five Guys
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$70,000
Franchise fee$25,000
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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Twice the Ice

Site-specific planning will have a big impact here. Weigh focusing one’s Twice the Ice franchise efforts on the rapidly d Stone Oak area, with its numerous families and community events, offering strong potential for customer engagement and t sales. You’ll find strong alignment between need state and offering here. Conversely, while the historic King William District boasts charm and tourist traffic, its limited residential density and focus on upscale dining may not provide the steady customer base necessary for a thriving ice-focused business. Getting the local value proposition right is critical. Remember to carefully analyze audience segment data and local events calendars for any neighborhood you consider before committing to a location. Lean into where the brand fits best, not just where rent is lowest.

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Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in San Antonio there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. As an aspiring franchisee, you should consider that local event schedules can significantly impact your business. However, here’s what you should know: Review upcoming events that align with your franchise’s offerings. But make sure to know this, too. Preservation regulations are critical to a franchise’s success, especially in older areas. So, here’s what to do: As an aspiring franchisee, research local ordinances regarding building modifications, signage, and operational restrictions.

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

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    San Antonio's expansion fuels stability. FDD review, homing in on Item 19 & litigation, linked opportunity to the Alamo City's economic drivers. Financial due diligence confirmed viability.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    We selected franchises whose aim demographic aligned with San Antonio's (Hispanic majority, median age, family size), using validated datasets.

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

Sprawling corridors mix significant roads, strip malls, and big-box developments with plentiful parking.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-10, I-35, I-37, US-90, and US-281 supply robust regional access and facilitate commuter/weekend traffic flow.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

San Antonio's universities like UTSA and St. Mary's offer a pipeline for potential workforce, especially entry-level and skilled roles.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

Tourism, military, and healthcare are significant economic drivers.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
San Antonio, TexasMochinut
MochinutCinnabon
Austin, TexasSwig
Orlando, FloridaPlaya Bowls
Other Cities
CityPopulation
San Antonio, Texas2069843
Sacramento, California1962998
Austin, Texas1915031
Orlando, Florida1913597

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.