The franchise market in the United States continues to grow at a rapid pace, offering a wide variety of options for investors from all over the world. From franchises related to commercial cleaning to fast-food giants like McDonald’s, each comes with its own benefits, business models, and investment requirements. In this article, we explore three of the largest franchises in the United States: Stratus Building Solutions, Bimbo Bakeries USA , and McDonald’s, analyzing both their investment models and their growth opportunities. If you are thinking of investing in a franchise in the United States, this information will be invaluable.
Stratus Building Solutions Franchise
We start with one of the biggest franchises that can be a bit complex to explain, but no less interesting: Stratus Building Solutions.
Stratus Building Solutions is a company specializing in commercial cleaning and maintenance services. They offer a wide range of services including cleaning offices, hospitals, shopping malls, schools, and other commercial buildings. In addition, they are known for using eco-friendly cleaning products and environmentally friendly solutions.
This business model works under the concept of master franchise, which means that, within the main brand, there are master franchises that, in turn, oversee unit franchises.
What is a master franchise?
A master franchise is a model where the franchisee not only operates one business, but manages and oversees several franchises under their command. In the case of Stratus Building Solutions, there are 59 master franchises in the United States that oversee a total of 3,144 unit franchises.
Differences between unitary and master franchise
It is important to understand the differences between these two types of franchises:
- Unit franchise: Ideal for those who want to operate cleaning businesses directly, either with their own teams or through contractors. The investment for this type of franchise ranges from $4,000 to $8,000.
- Master Franchise: Perfect for investors who prefer to manage large-scale business relationships, such as contracts with property managers, hospitals, or clinics. Here, the investment is considerably higher, with a range ranging from $75,500 to $219,000.
If you are looking to be at the center of the cleaning operation, the unitary franchise is for you. On the other hand, if your interest lies in the management of commercial contracts, the master franchise will allow you to access great business opportunities.
Bimbo Bakeries Franchise
If you are Latin American, you undoubtedly know Bimbo, the famous brand of bakery products that has conquered the world. In the United States, Bimbo Bakeries operates under a product distribution model, where franchisees are responsible for distributing products from brands such as Bimbo and Barcel throughout the country.
Investment and litigation
The investment range for a Bimbo franchise varies between $14,000 and $66,000, depending on the initial franchise fee and other factors. However, something interesting that draws attention is that Bimbo Bakeries has 66 registered litigations , a considerably high number, especially if you take into account that there are 5,770 units operating throughout the country.
Despite these litigations, Bimbo continues to be a very attractive franchise for those looking to enter the food product distribution business. However, it should be noted that franchising has shown negative growth in the last 3 years, according to the Franchise Disclosure Document.
McDonald’s Franchise
We can’t talk about franchises without mentioning one of the biggest and most iconic: McDonald’s. With 12,772 franchises operating worldwide, this brand has dominated the global market since it began franchising in 1955.
Impressive figures
McDonald’s is famous for its strict requirements and high investments. The investment range to open a McDonald’s franchise varies between $523,000 and $2.6 million dollars. In addition, the franchise fee is usually between $45,000 and $500,000, depending on the size of the market.
Although McDonald’s places limitations on foreigners to access its franchises in the United States, the sales figures are impressive. The average gross sales of a McDonald’s franchise is $4 million a year, with some locations generating as much as $19.5 million.
A giant with challenges
Despite its success, McDonald’s is not without its challenges. In 5% of its corporate units, the brand has had 32 litigations, a relatively low figure considering its global size. Additionally, while it can be tricky to access a McDonald’s franchise, it’s still a very lucrative option for those with the financial ability to do so.
The world of franchising is diverse and full of opportunities, from master franchise models like Stratus Building Solutions, to distribution giants like Bimbo Bakeries USA, and of course, the one and only McDonald’s. Each offers unique business models, with investments varying depending on the franchisee’s needs and goals.
If you’re considering investing in a franchise in the United States, the most important thing is to evaluate not only the capital needed, but also the type of operation you want to run. From commercial cleaning to food distribution, the opportunities are there. Now it’s your turn to make an informed decision and take the step towards success!
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