The Franchise Guy Blog: Trends, Tips & Ownership Insights

What Low-Cost Franchises Actually Cost, and What You're Really Getting

What Low-Cost Franchises Actually Cost, and What You're Really Getting

The number next to the brand name is usually the least useful thing on the page. Matt Stevens on what…
How to Read a Franchise Disclosure Document

How to Read a Franchise Disclosure Document

Most people open an FDD looking for the answer. That is not what the document is for. Matt Stevens explains…
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Franchise? (Real Numbers)

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Franchise? (Real Numbers)

Franchise costs range from $10,000 to $2M+. A complete breakdown of franchise fees, royalties, working capital, and what you really…
Man reviewing franchise business model and financial planning steps.

How to Open a Franchise: The Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Opening a franchise takes 8 steps, from budgeting and liquid capital to due diligence, financing, and training. Here's exactly how…
Man reviewing franchise documents and laptop, exploring franchise investment advice.

Semi-Absentee Franchise Ownership Explained

A semi-absentee franchise lets you own a business while a manager runs daily operations — so you can keep your…
Man working from home office exploring franchise opportunities and consulting services.

Home Based Franchise Opportunities: No Storefront Required

A home based franchise lets you run a real business from a home office, with no retail lease, no buildout,…
Man thoughtfully reviewing financial documents and franchise investment options on laptop.

What Is Liquid Capital? Franchise Requirements Explained

What is liquid capital? In plain terms, it is the cash you can get your hands on quickly — checking,…
Franchise consultant advising potential franchisee during a consultation.

What Does a Franchise Consultant Do?

What does a franchise consultant do? In short, they're your no-cost guide through franchising, working for you, not the franchisors,…
Confident franchise owner in smart-casual attire standing in front of a modern Fresh Bites café and deli.

How to Become a Franchise Owner: The 7-Step Roadmap

Learn exactly how to become a franchise owner in 2026, from setting your budget to signing the agreement. Matt Stevens…
Friendly franchise consultant advising clients on franchise opportunities and investment.

What Is a Franchise Consultant — And Do You Really Need One?

A franchise consultant helps you find the right franchise for your goals at no cost to you. Learn what they…
Illustration of a man walking away from a birdcage in a scenic landscape, with the text "The Employee Trap: Why Professionals are Seeking an Escape" by Matt Stevens, representing The Franchise Guy's insights on franchise opportunities.

The Employee Trap: Why Professionals are Seeking an Escape

For many professionals, the dream of escaping the corporate grind and becoming their own boss feels out of reach, but…
Graphic featuring the title "Why Smart Investors Are Turning to Franchise Ownership in 2025," with a cartoon-like character holding a box, set against a city skyline background, representing franchise consulting and investment opportunities by The Franchise Guy.

Why Smart Investors Are Turning to Franchise Ownership in 2025

In an era of economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, smart investors are turning to franchise ownership for stable, scalable,…
Group of four professionals analyzing data on a laptop, discussing franchise opportunities, with graphs displayed in the background.

Franchise Trends and Lessons in 2022

I recently returned from a week-long franchise industry meeting. Three Big Takeaways on Franchise Trends in 2022: Labor is no…
The Franchise Guy logo with the tagline "Finding a franchise is easy... finding the right one is not!" against a blue background, symbolizing guidance in franchise ownership.

The Franchise Guy: Matthew Stevens Is Helping Candidates Find Opportunities Within The Franchising Industry.

Franchising can help individuals feeling lost as a solo entrepreneur find a profitable and manageable business solution.
Coffee shop interior featuring a wooden counter, espresso machine, and shelves with baked goods, emphasizing franchise opportunities in the food and beverage industry.

Choosing A Franchise That Is Right For You

There are hundreds of options to choose from when it comes time for you to curiously review franchise options...
Group discussion in an art gallery setting, featuring diverse individuals engaged in conversation about franchise opportunities and business ownership.

The hardest questions to ask when buying a franchise

There’s one thing you should do before anything else when…
Person typing on a MacBook, illustrating career advice and franchise consulting insights for business success.

Keep it simple.

Successful business ownership is not much different than working to achieve success in everyday life as a non-business owner...
HOW TO CHOOSE A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRANCHISE CONSULTANT

If you’re working for “someone else,” the decision to go into business for yourself is a BIG one...
Coffee shop interior with a prominent "COFFEE" sign, featuring patrons engaged in conversation and work, highlighting a welcoming atmosphere for potential franchise opportunities.

Why Should You Consider Buying A Franchise?

Statistics show that franchises have a much lower failure rate than new business start-ups...
Meet Matt Stevens- The Franchise Guy

Meet Matt Stevens- The Franchise Guy

Having placed franchisees since 1992, including as a FranChoice consultant since 2001, Matt uses his extensive education...
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Franchisors should step up to the food hall craze

Typical food courts aren’t exactly the stuff of hot-and-heavy dreams. At worst, they are dingy and depressing...
Top 3 Myths About Franchising

Top 3 Myths About Franchising

Not really. Even McDonald’s stores have been razed and the event failed to make your newsfeed...
Franchise Buying Basics - Explained

Franchise Buying Basics - Explained

Are you thinking about buying a franchise? We've got all the information you need to help you decide...
Two individuals engaged in a discussion over documents on a wooden table, illustrating consultation and collaboration in the context of franchise buying.

12 Things To Do Before You Buy A Franchise

Buying a franchise can be a great move for a would-be entrepreneur who doesn’t want to create a new business…
Downtown street scene at night, featuring historic buildings, string lights overhead, and a tree-lined sidewalk, reflecting a vibrant urban atmosphere related to franchise opportunities.

"Couldn't thank you enough for turning us on to this opportunity

Matt, my wife and I are looking into businesses again. this time for her., The initial franchise has done well…

I Have Successfully Placed New Franchise Owners Into Many Hundreds of Franchises. Are You Next?

Professional franchise consultant smiling, wearing a suit, promoting franchise opportunities and expertise.

I Have Successfully Placed New Franchise Owners Into Many Hundreds of Franchises. Are You Next?

Smiling man in professional attire, representing The Franchise Guy, a franchise consulting service focused on guiding potential franchise owners.