Crabs, commutes, and cookies. Some thing are definitely not foreign to people living in Maryland. 

Maryland’s a great state in a range of ways that combines a lot of the DC hustle while staying more chill in a lot of ways. For those reasons, there are certain franchises that are good, strategic business opportunities in hte state. 

As a franchise consultant, I help aspiring (and existing) franchisees. It’s my mission to get you from “I want to invest” to finding the opportunity that’s right for you and your intended lifestyle. For some, it’s an opportunity to try a different career. For some, it’s an opportunity to expand and diversify, and for some, it’s an opportunity to slow down. 

Regardless of what your intentions are, you want to find one that’s right for you. 

The companies below are among the best franchise opportunities in Maryland, including multi-unit, but the best options are found by working with me to match it with your unique preferences. The companies below are also just a selection of the vast number of options available. 

Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl Cookies is a strong contender on the list of the best multi-unit franchise opportunities in Maryland and has also made it onto the list for Indiana and Tennessee. However, just because I think it’s a good business doesn’t mean it’s right for you. 

In many ways, Crumbl Cookies is the Beyoncé of cookies. Loaded with tons of talents. Multi-faceted. Impressive. With its weekly rotating menu, your offering of sweet treats is bound to do well on Instagram and TikTok accounts of those living in Maryland. In return, it’ll help you sell a lot of cookies. 

When it comes to franchises, particularly ones intended to scale to many units, I love it when there’s a strong reason why people should come back and buy more. 

You can’t possibly tell me you don’t think kids will want to come back week over week to keep experiencing the many flavors available. The virality of the product coupled with the rotating many means the product practically sells itself. 

I would personally put the location in a kid-friendly suburb (ideally where there’s still some foot traffic). Potential places that come to mind are Elliott City, Rockville, and Severna Park. 

Marylands appreciate local initiatives, and when local businesses do things for the local community. However, you’ll need to be careful with site selection as it can make or break a business where accessibility is key. Labor may not be as expensive as the heart of DC, but it isn’t the cheapest place in the country either. 

Sport Clips

Providing a solid fade and being able to make money off of it isn’t just smart, it’s practically art. Or at least head art. 

There’s something to be said about businesses where you’re operating with as good margins as you are for Sport Clips. It may not be quite as flashy as some of the other upcoming opportunities that often get displayed, but recurring revenue is a different type of attractive. 

On top of that, if you can find the right locations for these franchise units, Sport Clips is well on its way to being one of the most attractive multi-unit franchise opportunities in Maryland. 

Men are practical, and they like to watch their sports. Most don’t want to feel it’s an overpriced spa they are walking into just because they are coming in for their monthly fade. 

Columbia, Frederick, and Waldorf are great locations I would look into myself as they offer population density and get-it-done culture, while valuing being able to step in and relax with some football on. 

Sport Clips is a semi-absentee opportunity you could buy into, and once it’s running, there would be very little for you to do. 

Bethesda and Towson could be areas where it’s tough to find stylists, and the wages in the area don’t help either. I would focus on culture so as to make sure the team sticks around. Fortunately, Sport Clips has the brand’s recognition to lean on which will also give you a leg up as you’re hiring! 

Paris Baguette

European flair is making its way onto the U.S. bakery café scene in a big way. Top it off with the efficiency provided in a well-run franchise system, and you potentially have a money-printing machine.

Offering pastries, artisan breads, sandwiches, and top-tier coffee, there’s something for everyone at Paris Baguette. 

Maryland has an appreciation for good food and the expectations are high. That’s why Parirs Baguette will fit right in. Affluent, globally-minded communities is where you’ll be successful. You may even find a travel partner in the process too! 

Howard County, Silver Spring, Bethesda Row are all communities that come to mind where Paris Baguette could be successful. To me Paris Baguette is what Starbucks aspires to be. 

The reality is that running a Paris Baguette isn’t as easy as some of the other options. It’s a QSR that’s more complex than other options, so you’ll need to be able to lean heavily on and invest in the staff you find. 

Production, inventory, and labor are all components of running a successful Paris Baguette. It’s important you get a manager in place you can rely on as that person will be imperative in ensuring things are running smoothly on a daily basis. 

Hydrate IV Bar

Buying into a Hydrate IV Bar would be buying into an emerging trend we’re observing right in fron of us. There’s a select group of people that are turning very health-focused. At the same time, Hydrate IV Bar also serves the group of people that have had a drink the night prior. 

And you could bring all of that to Maryland. If you choose to buy into a Hydrate IV Bar franchise, you’ll learn a lot about vitamin infusions, immune boosters, and post-marathon drinks. 

Marylanders are serious when it comes to their health game. They work hard, and they want to know that they’re putting good things in their body. Hydrate IV Bar is, however, a premium product that doesn’t work in all markets. 

To find the right location, look for places where health-savvy professionals congregate. Potomac, Columbia, and Chevy Chase come to mind. Offering the services provided at Hydrate IV Bar is about creating an upscale feeling while providing various types of luxury. Put this franchise in the wrong location, and people living there may not be your target customers. 

It’s important to go for neighborhoods with significant amounts of disposable income if you’re going after as much of a luxurious market as Hydrate IV Bar is. As a final note, you want to make sure you’re abiding by the various rules and regulations that are relevant where you’re setting up shop. 

Factors to consider

Maryland has its specific set of factors you need to consider as you’re considering setting up shop there. It’s no different from if you were going to set up a franchise somewhere else. 

While having some of the highest median household incomes of the country, it doesn’t mean you can put any business anywhere in the state. Some areas lend themselves better to certain types of businesses. While Crumbl Cookies may work well across most of the state, Paris Baguette may not. 

Traffic is an important consideration in Maryland. I-270 gets busy and so does the remaining part of Maryland’s road system. Some franchises rely heavily on foot traffic or parking because it provides accessibility and visibility.

If you’re opening up a Hydrate IV Bar, doing so next to a complementary business can be a great move!