The franchise landscape is evolving fast, and some of the most exciting opportunities aren’t the ones you already know—they’re the ones you don’t. While big-name brands dominate the headlines, a wave of emerging franchises is quietly gaining traction across industries.
These up and coming franchises often offer lower entry costs, modern business models, and untapped territories—making them highly attractive to today’s entrepreneurs. According to the International Franchise Association, franchising in the U.S. is projected to grow by 2.4% in 2025, adding over 20,000 new franchise locations and contributing more than $936.4 billion to the economy (IFA, 2025 Outlook).
If you’re looking for new franchise opportunities with long-term potential, these five types of emerging franchise brands are worth a closer look.
Franchise Concepts You Should Consider
#1 – Innovative Service-Based Franchises
As consumer lifestyles shift toward convenience and personalization, service-based franchises continue to thrive. Many new franchise concepts now focus on:
- Mobile repair and maintenance
- On-demand cleaning and sanitation
- Specialized home services (e.g. lawn care, HVAC, pet grooming)
Service businesses tend to be recession-resilient and require minimal inventory or brick-and-mortar investment—ideal for first-time owners and home-based entrepreneurs.
Fast Fact: The global home services market is projected to grow to 1.03 trillion from 2025-2029, driven by demand for convenience and outsourcing household tasks (PR Newswire).
#2 – Health & Wellness Franchises
The wellness industry is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Consumers are prioritizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being, creating fertile ground for up and coming franchise opportunities such as:
- Boutique fitness studios
- Meditation and mindfulness centers
- Personalized nutrition and recovery clinics
These hottest new franchises stand out by offering niche, results-oriented programs that appeal to younger, health-conscious demographics.
Data Point: The global wellness economy reached $6.3 trillion in 2023 and is expected to hit $9.0 trillion by 2028 (Global Wellness Institute).
#3 – Tech-Enabled Franchise Concepts
Technology is transforming franchising. Whether through automation, AI, or smart devices, emerging franchises are leveraging tech to streamline operations and improve customer experience. Common examples include:
- Virtual learning or tutoring
- AI-powered marketing services
- Smart vending or retail kiosks
These new franchise opportunities often allow for remote management and scalability—ideal for multi-unit or semi-absentee owners.
#4 – Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Franchises
Eco-conscious consumers are fueling demand for green alternatives. Many emerging franchise brands now lead with sustainability at their core, including:
- Refill and reuse retail shops
- Plant-based food concepts
- Green construction and energy efficiency services
These businesses not only attract environmentally minded customers but also align with shifting government incentives and regulations.
Fast Fact: 78% of consumers say sustainability is important when choosing where to spend their money (McKinsey & NielsenIQ, 2023).
#5 – Boutique Retail & Lifestyle Brands
While traditional retail faces pressure, small-format, experience-driven retail is booming. Many up and coming franchises focus on:
- Artisanal goods and handmade products
- Customized gifting or subscription boxes
- Micro-boutiques offering curated lifestyle products
These new franchise concepts combine personality, storytelling, and local flair to attract loyal communities—especially in urban or walkable areas.
Why Consider an Emerging Franchise?
Here’s why emerging franchises are worth your attention:
- Lower startup costs: Many offer affordable franchise fees and minimal overhead
- Available territories: Get in early before markets saturate
- Modern operations: Tech-forward models, flexible hours, and home-based options
- Franchisee-centric support: Newer brands often prioritize collaboration and feedback
Interested in Owning a Franchise?
Whether you’re chasing freedom, flexibility, or financial growth, the most promising new franchise opportunities might not be the ones you already know. These emerging franchise brands are modern, nimble, and built for today’s economy—often offering more potential for innovation and impact than legacy models.
Before investing, do your homework. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), speak with current franchisees, and work with a FranNet franchise consultant to assess fit. We’ll walk you through the process of buying a franchise from start to finish. Schedule your free consultation today!