Best Franchise Opportunities in Tampa, Florida

Whether you’re buying MOD Pizza franchises in Tampa, buying Black Bear Diner franchises in Brooklyn, or buying Bonchon franchises in Denver, I’m here to help you avoid the wrong choice. Read about my approach to franchise consulting in Tampa or book a call with me using the button below. Read why I think Mochinut, Roof Maxx, and Freddy’s are some of the best franchise opportunities in Tampa, Florida. Buying a franchise in Tampa is more than knowing Ameriprise’s franchise cost is $12K-$130K or that Pizza Hut Traditional’s franchise fee is $25000.

My name is Thomas Jepsen, and I’m a FBA-certified franchise consultant. When you’re ready to buy a franchise in Tampa, let me know. It doesn’t matter if it’s South Tampa or Wesley Chapel — 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..
Freddy's

Let’s cut toward the chase: this franchise slaps. Tampa's scorching summers nearly e Freddy's frozen custard, creating a year-round excuse for flavorfulness. People here spend money fast when they trust . Imagine endless sunshine, stunning beaches, and lines stretching down the block for your concretes. One’s regulars will bring their friends, then their friends’ friends. Forget retirement, you'll be swimming in custard profits. The opportunity is knocking louder than ever.

Thomas’s Take: Consultant’s Note

I reviewed Freddy’s’s FDD. Here’s why I like it as an choice in Hyde Park or Channelside. The Item 19 in the FDD said: Median weekly gross receipts of $35,445 across franchised restaurants. Hyde Park’s growing community and vibrant energy make it the flawless spot for a brand new Freddy’s.

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)Hyde Park Freddy's: Drawing in families/teens over established bars, keeping employees, and adjusting to standout local preferences create challenges.
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)
Request more information now
MOD Pizza

Bases matter—along with this city brings a solid one. Tampa has a population of 2,906,035, which suggests a large customer base for MOD Pizza. Such density increases advertising efficiency and reach. The city's location in Florida ys a varied and vibrant market. That kind of alignment gives this opportunity real weight. This could lead to t. The environment is favorable, as well as that metrics are promising.

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)Channelside's standout market segments might mean adjusting menu preferences and facing sourcing talent competing offers for staff due to scarce local workforce.
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.
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
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

South Tampa’s professional corridors demand value-driven lunch options. The Great Greek’s (founded 2011) strong catering program can serve the Bayshore business community's daily needs and large-scale events from nearby MacDill.

Franchise overview & key stats of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
Neighborhood(s) we analyzed & suggestHyde Park Village (Affluent demographic/Dining culture), Seminole Heights (Emerging food scene/Younger demographic), Carrollwood (Established residential/Family market)
We assessed potential challenges (with example location)MacDill AFB's demand for varied, quick service necessitates strict assembly line protocols for high-mod menus and meticulous temperature log compliance for spit-roasted meats.
Request more information now
Playa Bowls

This isn’t just about brand—it’s about relevance to real rs. Playa Bowls offers customizable, lively bowls and smoothies featuring fresh fruit, granola, and nutritious toppings. That menu structure supports high throughput with minimal friction. Tampa inhabitants will love this refreshing, healthy option perfectly suited for Florida's warm climate and active lifestyle. Rollout is where the business becomes profitable—or not. However, success depends on location, promotion, and managing ingredient costs in a competitive market. With focused marketing and consistent delivery, results is able to follow quickly.

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
Great Clips

You’ve got the fries—we’ve got that footnotes. Tampa residents love a commendable deal, especially when it comes to looking their best for beach days and Bucs games. Just wait until the city’s influencers catch the scent. With this unpredictable Florida humidity, finding a consistently affordable haircut is a total game-changer. It’s a strong start—but the rest is on you. Just be truly prepared toward handle the occasional debate on whether a "Florida fade" is actually a thing. With consistency and care, you could win over even the skeptics.

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)
Request more information now
Mochinut

It offers the right blend of accessibility and distinctiveness. Tampa residents enjoy unique food experiences and crave trendy treats. This connects well with community expectations around quality along with speed. Mochinut's innovative mochi donuts and Korean hot dogs offer a delightful departure from the ordinary. But no amount of the awareness offsets poor delivery. With Tampa's varied population, Mochinut has a solid opportunity to capture one loyal customer base if the product is superior. It’s a clean setup for those who execute with care.

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.
Request more information now
Roof Maxx

This is less about the city overall—as well as more about the micro-markets within it. Focus your initial Roof Maxx advertising efforts on established neighborhoods like South Tampa, where residents are often likely put money intoed within maintaining their properties and have the disposable income for roof restoration. The area offers strong visibility and built-in demand signals. While Riverview shows promise due toward its rapid growth and brand-new construction, it could be too early toward heavily invest there as many roofs are still under warranty and less likely to need your services. A efficiency must scale with local foreseeations. By prioritizing older, affluent areas first, you can build a strong reputation and generate consistent revenue to later expand into developing communities. That isn’t just about visibility—it’s about strategic relevance.

Request more information now
Twice the Ice

Come hungry—for both t and humility. Launch a "Twice the Ice" in sunny Tampa? Great choice. That lifestyle match points to more than sales—it points to bond. Just remember, Floridians love ice, but not melted ice. This is a place where showing up regularly makes a big difference. So, invest heavily in reliable freezers, and maybe a snowbird-repellent game plan. A steady rollout with the right energy can go far within this area.

Request more information now

Factors to consider

When looking for a franchise in Tampa there are city-specific factors to consider. Consider this. For the city in question, the proximity to beaches is a key factor that significantly influences the success of a franchise. However, here’s what you should know: Aspiring franchisees should look for areas with high foot traffic and easy access to the beach. But make sure to know this, too. Humidity affects the business operations. So, here’s what to do: The aspiring franchisee should look for an environment-controlled space to mitigate the impact of this factor.

Here are some local links to help you when opening a franchise in Tampa: dos.myflorida.com, www.fdacs.gov, and floridasbdc.org

Our Evaluation Methodology

  • 1
    Franchisor Vetting & Financial Due Diligence

    FDD evaluation showed sound P&L figures, stability tied to Tampa's vibrant pulse, and a manageable litigation history. Item 19 offered key earnings claims.

  • 2
    Local Market Feasibility & Demographic Alignment

    Franchises shown align with Tampa's population density, age distribution, & prevalent way of life factors. Local market drivers informed choice.

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

Expect dispersed shopping along major roads, with strip malls and big-box shops offering abundant dedicated parking and visibility.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🛣️ Major corridor access Access

I-4 and I-275 converge, enabling regional access and pass-through traffic.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🎓 University presence Demand

USF and UTampa provide a pipeline of young talent, potentially easing recruitment for the prospective owner.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
🏭 Industry snapshot Broad

Tourism and services dominate, with a growing healthcare and distribution representation.

As of 2025 Confidence: High
Other Cities
CityHighlighted franchise
Tampa, FloridaFreddy's
Freddy'sBlack Bear Diner
Denver, ColoradoBonchon
Queens, New YorkMOD Pizza
Other Cities
CityPopulation
Tampa, Florida2906035
Brooklyn, New York2736074
Denver, Colorado2691349
Queens, New York2405464

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.