New York City represents both a competitive and rewarding market for business owners. Its population density, diversity, and economic strength make it highly desirable for entrepreneurs looking to launch a successful brand. However, there are high costs associated with ownership and significant competition.
Choosing the right franchise will be paramount to opening a successful franchise in this city. In this blog, we will explore the best franchises in NYC by industry, considering demand, market saturation, unit economics, franchise continuity, and growth trends.
Top franchise picks in NYC | ||||
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Franchise | Industry | Avg Revenue / AUV | Initial Investment | Key Strength |
Dave’s Hot Chicken | Food & Beverage | $600M U.S. sales total | Varies | Fast growth and brand momentum |
Paris Baguette | Food & Beverage | $2.7M AUV | Varies | Global brand with NYC appeal |
Uptown Cheapskate | Retail / Resale | $1.23M avg revenue | $328K – $597K | Youth-focused resale with strong ROI |
MaidPro | Home Services | $466K avg revenue | $106K – $131K | Recurring revenue and low overhead |
Take 5 Oil Change | Automotive | $1.29M avg revenue | $223K – $1.62M | Underserved market in NYC boroughs |
Heyday | Beauty & Wellness | $2.31M AUV | $966K – $1.23M | High demand for personalized skincare |
Food and beverage franchises
The restaurant industry in NYC is valued at around $50 billion annually. This market is still recovering post-COVID and consists of many fast-casual, healthy, and global cuisines that outperform traditional full-service chains. Because of high foot traffic, tourism, and local demand for food delivery, this flourishing metropolitan area is highly desirable for entrepreneurs looking to start a successful food and beverage franchise.
NYC’s 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the fast-casual segment is 8.9%. Franchise continuity rates remain high at 92%. Many food concepts offer scalable formats such as inline locations, kiosks, and food hall placements.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
This franchise specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken. As of December last year, Dave’s Hot Chicken operates 293 locations across the U.S. and internationally. This could be a good option to get in before the brand explodes in popularity and becomes a household name.
The brand reported over $600 million in U.S. sales for the prior year, a 57% increase from the previous year. In June 2025, Roark Capital acquired the company in a deal valued at $1 billion and intends to accelerate its expansion further.
Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette is a bakery-café model that thrives in NYC neighborhoods. This franchise chain provides both global brand recognition and strong operational support. According to their 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average unit volume (AUV) for franchised cafés in 2024 was $2,861,550, reflecting a 23.26% average year-over-year growth from 2020 to 2024.
The brand operates over 4,000 units worldwide and is expanding in the U.S., with plans to open 1,000 units nationwide by 2030.
Home services franchises
New York City is constantly changing, from construction and renovation to home improvement and cleaning. Apartment cleaning, especially pest control, is a year-round industry. Dense apartment living and high-income households earning an average of $155,000 per year create a consistent demand for specialized home service franchises that offer these services. Featured franchises demonstrate strong SBA loan performance, with failure rates below 10% indicating financial stability and lower lending risk.
MaidPro
MaidPro is a nationally recognized residential cleaning franchise with a scalable business model that generates consistent, recurring revenue. The average unit revenue is $465,803, and total investment costs range between $105,560 and $130,800. Franchisees will benefit from comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a flexible schedule that promotes a balanced lifestyle.
Mosquito Joe
Mosquito Joe specializes in outdoor pest control services on a 21-day cycle, resulting in recurring revenue and higher customer retention. This franchise is proud of its 79% customer retention rate and requires a total upfront investment ranging from $102,850 to $148,150. Its seasonal business model enables owners to focus on operations during peak months while having more flexibility during the off-season.
Retail and resale franchises
Retail franchises contribute significantly to the economy of New York City, but the best opportunities are in specialization. Customers prefer more sustainable options and curated experiences. Resale and niche retail concepts are particularly appealing to younger customers. This area is booming with affordable fashion, accessories, and secondhand retail franchises.
The NYC resale market is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 11%. Real estate costs can be lower in the outer boroughs, and high foot traffic in mixed-use neighborhoods such as Brooklyn and Astoria creates excellent opportunities for consistent walk-in business.
Uptown Cheapskate
Uptown Cheapskate is a youth-oriented resale clothing franchise that has high unit margins and targets fashion-conscious consumers looking for more affordable options. The average franchise generates approximately $1.23 million in annual revenue, with top quartile stores earning up to $1.9 million. Net income averages $188,000, with top performers earning $354,000. The total initial investment for opening a store ranges from $328,002 to $596,502, with a midpoint of $462,252.
Style Encore
Style Encore is a women’s fashion resale franchise with a high retention rate that is currently expanding into suburban markets. The average store reports annual sales of $884,938, while the top quartile stores generate $1,515,801. Gross profit is high, averaging $520,437 across all stores and $881,154 for the top performers. The total initial investment required to open one of these franchises ranges between $274,800 and $415,300.
Automotive service franchises
New York City’s outer boroughs and metro area suburbs are filled with drivers who need reliable and affordable maintenance services. Despite opportunity, market saturation in these areas remains low, with less than 5% coverage, which presents a strong potential for expansion.
Midas
Midas is a full-service, high-trust brand with modest investment requirements and widespread recognition. The total initial investment required to open a franchise varies between $104,000 and $1,043,000, depending on location and facility type. The average annual revenue for a Midas franchise is around $1,080,000. Midas currently operates over 2,100 locations worldwide, with approximately 1,300 in the United States and Canada.
Take 5 Oil Change
The Take 5 Oil Change franchise is underrepresented in many New York City boroughs. The initial investment to start a franchise ranges between $223,000 and $1,617,000. The average annual revenue is approximately $1,285,000. Take 5 Oil Change operates over 600 locations throughout the United States.
Education and tutoring franchises
NYC is one of the most education-focused cities in the U.S. High-income families regularly invest in enrichment, tutoring, and college prep starting from an early age. Our top picks for education and tutoring franchises report strong Item 19 profitability, with net margins raging from 20% to 30%.
Kumon
Kumon is a globally recognized math and reading program with a strong presence in NYC. The average gross sales for a Kumon franchise are estimated at $300,000 with franchisees typically earning a net profit margin of about 30%. The initial investment to open one of these franchises ranges from $74,000 to $166,000, making it relatively affordable to get started.
Code Ninjas
Code Ninjas is a rapidly expanding STEM franchise that teaches kids coding using a martial arts-inspired belt system that makes learning enjoyable. This franchise generates an average unit volume of $221,000, with startup costs ranging from $149,800 to $378,050. Franchisees are required to have $400K net worth and $75K in liquid capital. The brand charges 8% for royalties and 2.25% for marketing. They also provide extensive training to franchisees and regularly update their curriculum to keep up with technological trends.
Health, beauty, and wellness franchises
Health and beauty services are in high demand among locals. From express facials to personalized fitness and wellness, residents and tourists in the city prioritize self-care, even with hectic schedules and living in a fast-paced environment. Franchises in this industry thrive by offering both high-quality services and luxury.
My Salon Suite
My Salon Suite offers equipped, private suites for beauty professionals. Startup costs range from around $675,000 to $1.68 million. According to franchise disclosure data from 244 locations, average gross revenue is around $485,000, with an average EBITDA margin of 42.8%. If you’re looking for a semi-absentee model and recurring rental income, it could be a great pick that provides steady cash flow.
Heyday
Heyday is a modern skincare franchise that focuses on personalized facials. They have been in constant growth since their inception in 2015. The brand’s membership-based model appeals to consumers looking for high-quality skincare treatment.
Startup costs range between $966,000 and $1,231,000, with an AUV of $2.31 million. Franchisees must have at least $1 million in net work and $350,000 in liquid assets. They also offer comprehensive training and support to ensure brand consistency and quality services in all locations.
Still on the Fence? Contact Us Today About the Best Franchises in NYC!
Whether you want to open a franchise in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or a growing suburb in the metropolitan area, NYC has plenty of opportunities. However, in addition to choosing the appropriate brand, industry, and location, it is critical to understand saturation rates, demographics, income levels, unit performance, and other variables.
With a strategic approach, franchise owners can achieve long-term economic stability and success in one of the world’s most famous cities. If you still have questions about the best franchises in NYC or would like to know more about the franchises mentioned above, contact us today! We have years of experience guiding investors towards the best franchise opportunities that meet their unique needs.
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