Best Franchise Opportunities in St. Louis, Missouri

Whether you’re buying Playa Bowls franchises in St. Louis, buying Great Clips franchises in Portland, or buying Mochinut franchises in San Antonio, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in St. Louis or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Mochinut, Bonchon, and Church’s Chicken are some of the best franchise opportunities in St. Louis, Missouri. Buying a franchise in St. Louis is more than knowing Jackson Hewitt’s franchise cost is $16K-$128K or that Ace Hardware’s franchise fee is $5000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in St. Louis, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s Clayton or The Grove — 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..
MOD Pizza

Sometimes all it takes is one smart align. That is it. St. Honestly, you might need to franchise the franchise. Louis loves adaptable anything, and MOD Pizza's "build-your-own" concept satisfies that appetite. The vibe is less 'startup' and more 'staple'. Plus, with its affordable prices, even after Cardinals losses, folks can still afford a pieOwning a MOD franchise here? You'll be slinging pizzas speedier than Albert Pujols rounded the bases. If not now, when?

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed MOD Pizza’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an option in The Hill or Central West End. The Item 19 in the FDD said: A reliable, continuous inflow of franchisees, showing excitement for the brand. St. Louis’ The Hill neighborhood is a flourishing food destination, making it the perfect place for a new MOD Pizza franchise.

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)The Hill's constrained-knit Italian community may show brand loyalty. Attracting labor amidst restaurant competition could be tough. Demographic misalignment is possible.
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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Playa Bowls

Location isn’t —unless it’s this location. St. There’s no better testbed for strong a models. Louis, Missouri, with a t of 2127843, offers a robust customer base for Playa Bowls. The synergy here translates into operational clarity and confidence. The city's diverse demographics and dynamic community provide an perfect surroundings for the franchiseThis creates an prospect for Playa Bowls to thrive. This opportunity blends market readiness with business compatibility.

Franchise overview & key stats of Playa Bowls
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)2%
Minimum cash required$92,500
Franchise fee$35,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)CWE's health-conscious resident population group may lean toward established local options, creating customer acquisition and labor supply roadblocks.
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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
Church's Chicken

There’s upside here, but it’s not on autopilot. Look, Church's in St. You’ve got an edge, but others do too. Louis could really take off, especially with the right spots. It’ll take effort to stay relevant once the novelty fades. Competition's tough, but that flavor profile is different, which could win over asDo your s, but it could be a great investment. If you're ready to commit, this might be truly worth the jump.

Franchise overview & key stats of Church's Chicken
CategoryRestaurants & Food
Marketing fund (in %)5%
Minimum cash required$207,500
Franchise fee$15,000
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)Soulard's unique patron behaviors, limited labor pool, and demographic differences may current unexpected challenges for a Church's Chicken franchise.
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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Ellie Mental Health

Tower Grove South's walkable lifestyle demands convenient local services, addressing a key accessibility gap in mental healthcare. Ellie Mental Health (180+ units) meets this need; median monthly revenues are $100,000 for company-owned clinics (Source: FDD, Item 19).

Franchise overview & key stats of Ellie Mental Health
CategoryHealthcare
Marketing fund (in %)N/A
Minimum cash required$60,000
Franchise fee$40,000
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestCentral West End (Proximity to major medical institutions and affluent population), The Grove (Rapidly growing young professional population and vibrant commercial corridor), Shaw (Increasing number of young, educated families and strong community engagement)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)South Grand Boulevard's vibrant commercial corridor signals high incumbent referral density, requiring agile clinician scope expansion to effectively manage diverse patient case-mix severity.
We Analyzed Who Has an AdvantageSemi-Absentee Executive in the medical space who lives in a spreadsheet with KPIs.
We Analyzed Who Is a Bad FitNon-clinician owner unprepared for hthe 90-120 day insurance credentialing lag.
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Great Clips

Let’s look at one a where your own brand could actually feel like home. Imagine a bustling St. It’s less about big gestures and more about small moments done well. Louis neighborhood, l strolling, students studying, all needing a fresh look. It’s not automatic—you earn it all with every shift. Your Great Clips franchise in this vibrant area becomes the go-to spot for affordable, quality haircutsWhile success isn't guaranteed, a visible venue near shops and schools offers significant potential for growth. You’re not chasing trends—you’re building roots.

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 & suggestClayton (High average income), The Grove (Rising popularity and redevelopment), Soulard (Dense residential with events and festivals)
Typical customer profileBusy, value-conscious St. Louis residents 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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Freddy's

It's a known quantity—however performance is local. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers serves cooked-to-order steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries, as well as c churned frozen custard treats. That is the kind of menu that performs well in shopping zones. St. Strong appeal only turns into strong results with management to match. Louis residents will appreciate the classic American comfort food and family-friendly ambiance, potentially finding it a delicious and welcome additionSuccess requires careful market analysis and r the local dining scene. There’s a business here for those ready to lead it with purpose.

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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Mochinut

A n appetite for this concept is alset prominent. St. This creates that product more than timely—it makes it relevant. Louis craves unique, shareable food experiences. Good fit alone doesn’t guarantee retention. Mochinut's chewy donuts and savory Korean hot dogs offer a trendy t to traditional optionsIntroducing this novel concept could tap into the city's adventurous palate and growing demand for multifaceted flavors. Lead the business well, and the market will follow.

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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Bonchon

Your market entry should align this pulse of the community. The Central West End, with its high density of young professionals and thriving nightlife, offers a prime location for one Bonchon franchise, capitalizing on its demand for unique dining experiences. This is where visibility and utility combine effectively. However, f focusing upon more suburban areas like Chesterfield Valley, where existing chain restaurants dominate and the appetite for fashionable, fast-casual options may be less pronounced. If service falls short, repeat business will be a challenge. Concentrating on neighborhoods with a strong foodie scene and s international chicken options is the key to e. Execution in the right zone leads to long-term viability.

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 St. Louis there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. The city’s relationship with the Mississippi River provides a significant advantage for franchise opportunities. However, here’s what you should know: Evaluate the city’s river-related infrastructure and tourism to understand potential customer traffic. But make sure to know this, too. Local architectural preservation laws may influence the design and construction of your franchise location. So, here’s what to do: When evaluating potential sites, look for any restrictions on building materials, signage, or exterior modifications.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in St. Louis: bsd.sos.mo.gov, ago.mo.gov, and missourisbdc.org

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    Rigorous FDD review, linking financials to the Gateway City's pulse. Item 19 scrutinized, litigation history assessed. Stable concepts proven resilient amid St. Louis' market tides.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    Evaluated franchises with aim demos matching St. Louis's (age, household income, Clayton density). Substantiated area appetite via industry reports & local business figures.

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

Classic Midwestern city with mature, established retail along major thoroughfares, supplemented by modern strip malls.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-64, I-70, I-44, and I-55 converge here, enabling regional ease of access for commuters and travelers.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

SLU and WashU may provide a pipeline of skilled graduates, possibly easing recruitment for specialized roles in St. Louis.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

The area contains a diverse business climate with strengths in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
St. Louis, MissouriMOD Pizza
MOD PizzaGreat Clips
San Antonio, TexasMochinut
Sacramento, CaliforniaCinnabon
Other Cities
CityPopulation
St. Louis, Missouri2127843
Portland, Oregon2084045
San Antonio, Texas2069843
Sacramento, California1962998

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.