
Playa Bowls
Let’s call this what it is: a cheat code with signage. Hey, Syracuse. It’s one perfect storm of p and visibility. Tired of the snow and gray skies? Owning a Playa Bowls franchise here is like selling sunshine in a single bowl – a guaranteed mood booster for those long winters. The local press might beat you to your own announcement. Plus, college students LOVE anything that's trendy and Instagrammable, so get ready for lines out the door. If not now, when?
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $256K-$1.04M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 6% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% | 
| Minimum cash required | $92,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $35,000 | 
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Swig
If metrics matter to you, this city is talking your language. Syracuse, New York, alongside a population of 407625, offers a promising market for Swig. It ensures you have a sizable audience from day one. The city's established community us a solid foundation for t engagement. This makes the environment highly conducive to sustained franchise success. This existings an exciting opportunity for expansion. It's a practical, grounded, and opportunity-rich environment.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $505K-$1.12M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 8% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% | 
| Minimum cash required | $132,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $39,500 | 
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			    About the page’s author, Thomas Jepsen
			    Franchise coach & growth strategist
			    
			    
			      Master’s in Accounting, Strategy & Control. FBA-certified in franchises and FDD analysis. Raised institutional funding and completed a venture exit. Has advised businesses across multiple industries. Thomas helps aspiring franchisees evaluate brands objectively – it is my mission to steer you away from bad franchises.
			    
			    
			   
			  
			 
Church's Chicken
It’s messy, but that’s what makes it interesting. Church's Chicken in Syracuse could kill, right? People here love a good deal and that crispy chicken travels well, but location is everything. But even a solid brand can flop in the wrong a. Nail that spot and you're golden, just gotta watch out for the competition, you know?. It’s not just about who shows up—it’s who returns. No shortcuts here—just smart moves and hustle.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $743K-$1.9M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 5% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 5% | 
| Minimum cash required | $207,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $15,000 | 
| 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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MOD Pizza
If you know how to listen toward a neighborhood, this one talks. Syracuse, New York, boasts a surprising arts scene fueled by Syracuse University. Tap into this creative energy by opening a MOD Pizza near the university or within the evolving Westcott neighborhood. Be aware of seasonal student population fluctuations and consider marketing to the mixed local community beyond campus.
. You don’t need to be from here toward understand the appeal. But novelty only lasts so long—execution matters more. It won’t carry itself—but you could carry it all far.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Fast‑Casual Pizza | 
| Investment range | $1M-$1.3M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 5% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% | 
| Minimum cash required | $217,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $30,000 | 
| 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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Twice the Ice
Let’s start with that people who’ll walk through one’s doors. Imagine s k past your own "Twice the Ice" franchise in a vibrant Syracuse neighborhood near parks and schools. This type of routine energy creates business momentum. Kids' laughter fills this air as they savor our unique, handcrafted frozen treats after a game. It’s a wonderful frame—but you have to fill it in. While e isn't certain, our proven model, combined with your passion, can build a thriving business within this family-friendly community. Handle it all with respect, and it all might handle your goals in return.
| Franchise overview | 
| Interesting neighbourhood(s) | Armory Square (High foot traffic), Eastwood (Dense residential area), Westcott (College student population) | 
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Panera
The key is adapting this strong concept to local preferences. Panera offers y baked solids, handcrafted sandwiches, salads, and soups in a warm, inviting café setting. Its approach aligns alongside well in communities that value speed and service. Syracuse locals will appreciate Panera's convenient, healthier options and consistent quality, perfect for the sake of busy lifestyles and families. You’ll need to maintain quality while managing costs tightly. However, success depends on strategic location and p local preferences within the competitive Syracuse market. With focus and discipline, this could outperform expectations.
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Freddy's
If your business can survive the weather *and* the opinions, you're golden. Syracuse winters are long and gray, thus everyone craves a bit of goofy sunshine. It’s not just a stop—it’s a statement. Freddy's custard would bring some much-needed cheer during those dark months. With attention to detail, this could really grow. Just be sure you stock up on extra custard for the snowstorms!. This is a place that respects hustle—and solid sauces.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $1.49M-$2.75M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 5% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% | 
| Minimum cash required | $362,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $35,000 | 
| 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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Church's Chicken
Here’s a franchise with wide appeal and robust consumer pull. Syracuse inhabitants relish value and convenience. That match supports both launch momentum as well as retention. Church's Chicken offers one satisfying, affordable meal o for families and individuals on the go. You’re building not just reach, yet trustworthiness. While competition exists, leveraging Church's established brand and aing on local community engagement can build one loyal o base.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $743K-$1.9M | 
| Royalty (in %) | 5% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 5% | 
| Minimum cash required | $207,500 | 
| Franchise fee | $15,000 | 
| 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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Great Clips
You’ll want toward match concept strengths with hyperlocal behavior. The Syracuse University area is ripe with students and young professionals, providing a consistent t for affordable haircuts. The area offers robust reach and built-in demand signals. However, the Sedgwick neighborhood, with its established older e and limited foot traffic, may existing a slower preliminary growth phase. If service falls short, u business will be a challenge. Alongside careful market analysis and a strong business plan, your Great Clips franchise can prosper in the right Syracuse location. With community alignment and n rigor, e is within reach.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Beauty & Personal Care | 
| Investment range | $188K-$420K | 
| Royalty (in %) | 6% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 5% | 
| Minimum cash required | $50,000 | 
| Franchise fee | $27,500 | 
| 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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Five Guys
You’re not just entering a market—you’re entering a single mood. Launch one Syracuse, NY Five Guys? Fantastic. It’s the kind of neighborhood where good service becomes local lore. Avoid running out of potatoes (blasphemy. Get the little things right—people notice the effort. ) and remember, everyone loves free peanuts (except for maybe allergy-prone Orangemen)Embrace the upstate appetite for juicy burgers, but triple-check the fry oil levels – soggy fries equal a very sad Syracuse. This area rewards those who operate with care and consistency.
| Franchise overview | 
| Category | Restaurants & Food | 
| Investment range | $256K-$591K | 
| Royalty (in %) | 6% | 
| Marketing fund (in %) | 2% | 
| Minimum cash required | $70,000 | 
| Franchise fee | $25,000 | 
| How much can you make as a franchise owner? (FDD Item 19 – see disclosure) | No financial performance data in the Item 19 2025 FDD | 
Request more information nowWhen looking for a franchise in Syracuse there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. Seasonal tourism fluctuations impact revenue, potentially affecting your franchise’s success. However, here’s what you should know: Research visitor patterns, events, and peak seasons to understand demand. But make sure to know this, too. An aspiring franchisee must understand the local labor market dynamics to determine the availability of qualified employees and associated costs. So, here’s what to do: Researching local unemployment rates, wage levels, and the presence of competing businesses is crucial.Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Syracuse: 
dos.ny.gov, 
ag.ny.gov, and 
esd.ny.govIf 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.