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Franchise NewsDecember 26, 2025 • 11 hours ago

Management Systems Are Here To Stay: How Mellow Mushroom Integrates Tech Without Cutting Human Connection

Five years later, nearly 70% of diners make same day reservations, rendering things like table management systems, which once seemed like temporary COVID solutions, a more regular part of the American dining experience.Test Schedule 2025 

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Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising
Franchise NewsDecember 12, 2025 • 14 days ago

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

As the health and wellness business in America continues to fill out, the fitness industry is growing alongside it. The industry now generates over $7 billion in annual revenue, with a revenue increase of nearly 3% in 2023 alone.Rebounding since COVID, both big box and boutique franchises have shown membership growth, with premium establishments up 21% compared to a whopping enrollment bump of almost 70% on the budget gym side.  The Pros And Cons Of Big Box GymsWhen it comes to choosing the right fitness franchise, there are pros and cons to each.Big box gyms are able to cast a wider net, attracting a clientele ranging anywhere from newbie to seasoned veteran, with a lower cost of entry potentially attracting even the marginally curious to the idea of a well-established, properly marketed brand. Big box and other low-cost fitness franchises are also able to capitalize on services like personal training and retail amenities, increasing revenue.Driven by recurring membership fees, big box gyms generally cost less. However, the wider net cast in terms of building a clientele, tends to require more equipment in a bigger space, increasing costs like rent. And with a wider array of workout machines to both service and maintain, additional costs tend to follow.The Pros And Cons Of Boutique Fitness ConceptsOn the boutique side, franchises are typically able to offer a more personalized fitness experience, catering to niche markets with an eye on community, quality and loyalty. However, a more hands on approach to management and day-to-day operations may also be necessary to deliver the more customized, immersive experience often demanded of the more boutique environment.As a result, boutique fitness concepts are typically able to capitalize on a more premium pricing model driven by the idea of exclusivity.But, while less equipment in a smaller space can help rein in expenses, it can also be difficult to build the more specific clientele required by the boutique experience, rendering selection of proper location crucial.Finding The Right FitAs potential franchisees assess the available opportunities in the fitness franchise realm, it’s important to ponder a number of factors which can impact the bottom line.In terms of budgeting, a full understanding of both initial investment and ongoing operational costs is crucial. Getting to know the customer and surrounding area can help franchisees assess just how much the consumer is looking to pay for a gym membership, helping clarify the big box versus boutique decision when it comes to the question of how to buy a franchise.There’s also market saturation, with big box gyms in particular becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace.On the management side, it’s important for franchisees to seize upon a specific approach, whether it’s applying a more hands on style to the level of personal interaction required on the boutique side or focusing on the moving parts in play in the larger, more complex big box environment. When it comes to buying a fitness franchise, an understanding of the consumer, proper assessment of the marketplace and specific approach to management can go a long way towards avoiding potential risk, helping franchisees find success as they ponder entrepreneurship via fitness franchises.For more info on fitness franchises, check out these related stories on 1851 Franchise:The Rise of Fitness Franchises in 2025: Trends, Opportunities and What to ExpectTop 15 Health and Wellness Franchises Opportunities for 2025How To Choose the Right Fitness or Wellness Franchise for You

Jim Ryan

Jim Ryan

Sr. Content Writer

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Benefit
Franchise NewsNovember 18, 2025 • a month ago

Jobseekers Are Flocking to “Unglamorous” Jobs — And Home Service Franchises Could Be Poised To Benefit

A tight labor market is pushing jobseekers to rethink what kinds of work offer stability — and many are now gravitating toward roles they once overlooked. Bloomberg reports that staffing agencies and employers in typically shunned industries, from traffic control to substitute teaching and recycling facilities, are seeing a surge in applicants. Behind this shift is a growing sense of urgency: 26 percent of unemployed professionals have been out of work for six months or more, one of the highest rates in the past decade.This renewed openness to hands-on, essential work may create a meaningful window for home service franchise brands. These systems have long battled the perception that service jobs are “unglamorous,” even as they offer strong earning potential, predictable career paths and opportunities for rapid advancement. Now, with jobseekers more willing to consider non-traditional roles, franchise owners may find it easier to attract reliable talent and build deeper benches.For franchisees, this shift can translate into faster hiring cycles, greater retention and stronger operational consistency — especially in categories that rely heavily on technicians and field teams. Brands in restoration, HVAC, plumbing, lawn care, cleaning and other service sectors can use this moment to highlight what jobseekers increasingly value: steady hours, on-the-job training, clear pathways to leadership and the chance to work in roles that meaningfully support local communities.As more Americans look to dependable, skill-based work, home service franchises are well positioned to meet the moment, strengthen their workforce and build long-term operational momentum heading into 2026.Read the full article here. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey. 

Victoria Campisi

Victoria Campisi

Staff Writer

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers - VP of Culture Operations - Cuyler Esposito - 1851 Franchise

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Appoints Cuyler Esposito as Vice President of Culture Operations

Jollibee

Jollibee Franchise - EOY 2025 - Momentum 2026 - 1851 Franchise

Jollibee Closes Out Landmark Year With Strong Franchise Momentum Across the United States and Canada

Fitness Premier

Fitness Premier Franchise - Looking Ahead to 2026 - 1851 Franchise

Building a Fitness Business With Staying Power: Why Fitness Premier Is Looking Ahead to 2026

Fresh Coat

Fresh Coat Painters - Seph Duggan - Lakeland Florida - 1851 Franchise

Multigenerational Contractor Seph Duggan Launches Fresh Coat Painters of Lakeland, Florida

Fresh Coat

Fresh Coat Painters - Mary Steele - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

How a Major Life Pivot Led This Military Spouse to Open a Fresh Coat Franchise in Melbourne, Florida

United Water Restoration Group

United Water Restoration Group - UWRG - Kathy and Ben McClain - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Former Educators Build a Multi-Generational Future With United Water Restoration Group Franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally - John Dawes Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Sioux Falls Business Owner and Sales Veteran To ‘Finish Strong’ With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers - Alex Camp - VP Operations - 1851 Franchise

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Promotes Alex Camp to VP of Operations Services Amidst Record Growth

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Franchise - EOY 2025 - 2026 Momentum - 1851 Franchise

2025 in Review: How the Senior Care Authority Franchise Expanded Its Impact and Supported Families Nationwide

Mellow Mushroom

Mellow Mushroom -  EOY 2025 - 2026 Momentum -1851 Franchise

Mellow Mushroom Franchise Finishes 2025 With Expanded Kitchen Tech and a Clear Development Plan for 2026

Jollibee

Jollibee Franchise - South Florida Market - 1851 Franchise

Why Jollibee Is Targeting Florida for Franchise Growth

Jollibee

Top 5 Reasons To Invest in Jollibee in 2026 - 1851 Franchise

Top 5 Reasons To Consider Investing in Jollibee in 2026

Griswold

Home for the Holidays: How Griswold Helps Families Stay Connected and Cared For During the Most Important Time of Year

Home for the Holidays: How Griswold Helps Families Stay Connected and Cared For During the Most Important Time of Year

United Water Restoration Group

image of water restoration group Air Force veteran Nathan Sherman

Is United Water Restoration Group the Right Franchise Opportunity for First-Time Business Owners?

Paris Baguette

image of Paris baguette franchise owner success

The Recipe for Success: A Step-By-Step Guide to Opening a Paris Baguette Franchise

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