Best Franchise Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois is an interesting state, and it can absolutely be a great place for your next business venture too! 

It’s not just a state that offers some great deep dish pizzas, but it’s also a state that’s full of investment possibilities. 

Investing in franchising is a thrilling ride, whether you’re doing multi-unit investing in New York or opening up a location in Illinois. 

However, the reality is there are many ways to do franchising wrong, so the more prep work you do, the higher the chances you’ll be successful. 

In the coming months, you’ll learn a lot about FDDs, territory rights, and royalty structures. 

Since I frequently get asked about opportunities in Illinois, I’ve chosen to write this article with the best franchise opportunities in Illinois. Don’t worry if you’re not thrilled with these options. Instead, book a call, and we’ll find the right one for you together! 

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Nothing Bundt Cakes is at the top of my list of the best franchise opportunities in Illinois for a number of reasons. People in Illinois like a good experience without things starting to feel pretentious. 

That’s almost as if it has Nothing Bundt Cakes written all over it! 

It’s a quality franchisor that offers a product that’s easy to sell. There are lots of franchises out there I generally don’t recommend because the operational part of it is pretty complicated. 

However, you can choose varying degrees of how complex it will be to operate your next business opportunity. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes feels like it was made for the Midwest. Its premium offering is something that draws in a loyal set of customers after they’ve tried out the cakes for the first time! 

The business also has great margins. Not only is the name of the business a fun play on words, but you feel good as you enter the store. Nothing Bundt Cakes takes advantage of the strong celebration culture in Illinois, and you could be benefiting all the way to the bank. 

Graduations in Naperville, office parties in Schaumberg, or your kids’ 16th birthday. They all call for something sweet! As you figured, there’s no shortage of moments that require cake. 

The biggest challenge you’ll face in certain areas is the cost of real estate. I would personally look at suburban strip centers to set up shop where you get a healthy mixture of foot traffic and reasonable rents. 

Once Upon A Child 

Having a child is expensive, so parents often look for ways to save when they have one. Once Upon a Child is a great contender in that space. Illinois families, with their higher-than-average cost of living, don’t mind when they don’t have to pay full price for certain products.

For that reason, the resale market for children’s products is strong in Illinois, and you could be the franchisee who stands to gain. 

Even if families may be looking for ways they can save a buck or two, the residents in the state still want high-quality products. 

I would personally look to set up shop in places like Bloomington, Rockford, Aurora, or Orland Park. Those are places where a value-driving concept are surely appreciated. 

The main thing you’ll need to know is that Once Upon a Child is not the easiest franchise to operate, and your presence will definitely be required. Buying inventory and reselling it isn’t quite as straightforward as just writing to a manufacturer and having it shipped in. 

You both need a well-trained team and straightforward processes to make sure this model is a success. Is it a business for everyone? Maybe not, but part of the intention with this article is also to show you the many options out there.

Black Bear Diner

When the weather is bad outside, Americans crate hearty breakfasts. However, the cozy atmosphere and generous portions are popular among diner patrons. 

Whenever I’m working with an aspiring franchisee, I always like to remind them that getting a business that generates repeat customers is great, and Black Bear Diner generates regulars. With repeat customers comes reliable revenue. 

Comfort food is appreciated in the Midwest, but you’ll need to make sure service is on top for it to truly be one of the best franchise opportunities in Illinois. Midwesterners are known for their kindness, and that needs to shine through in the service offered at any diner. 

Springfield, Joliet, or Decatur are places I would look at to set up a diner like this. Black Bear is a perfect in-between a fast-casual and a traditional diner. 

To be successful, it’s a huge bonus if you have restaurant experience. The restaurant model requires tight operational control in order to be successful, but wouldn’t you love to be the new spot in town everyone talks about? 

With the right team, you can have a place people crave going on a Sunday after church. 

Hydrate IV Bar

Hydrate IV Bar is definitely a step in a different direction, but it’s putting wellness back on the map. A thing that’s very popular this year! 

Rather than having to deal with the operations of a restaurant, Hydrate IV Bar is an operationally easier concept. You’re not wondering when chicken is going to spoil. You’re operating with a smaller staff. However, for something like Hydrate IV Bar, everything needs to be and feel top notch. 

When customers are dropping a pretty penny, which is the case with this franchise, the consumer expects the Bentley in terms of experience. 

The idea of IV therapy clinics is commonly associated with the fitness and wellness culture. Some people associate this culture more-so with the coastal cities, but I believe the culture is big enough in parts of Illinois too. Downtown Chicago where wealthier singles congregate, all potential customers at your soon-to-be franchise location! 

Is opening up an IV therapy clinic making you want to read FDDs yet? 

In addition, I would also be curious to see if Naperville feels appropriate for this concept, where there is also a high density of fitness-focused millennials with money to spend. However, Hydrate IV Bar is not just for fitness nuts. It’s also a great a product when someone has had a little too much to drink after a night out. 

Key factors to consider

Choosing the right franchise to start isn’t easy, but it’s easier when you know key factors to consider that are specific to Illinois. 

You probably already have certain lifestyle goals that need to fit into owning a business that you’re not willing to budge on. That’s completely fine. 

There are many facets to Illinois, and how the population is made up is crucial to consider. Certain products are much more targeted at a very specific consumer, whereas other brands have wider appeal. 

Customers at Hydrate IV Bar will easily drop a couple of hundred dollars when they go in, so it’s not a product everyone may be willing to purchase. 

In addition, there are certain types of franchises that require a very specific location to be successful, and real estate is scarce and expensive as is. Even if it’s not impossible to find the right location, being mindful of how selective you need to be with a specific concept could be the difference between a successful or flopping location. 

Regardless of the state, you want to find the right franchise that works for your lifestyle. Your next action is to schedule a call so we can go over your options together.