Best Franchise Opportunities in Virginia

Virginia is a great place in many regards. It’s the first place I lived in the US before I moved to North Carolina. 

However, it’s also a place that’s great for franchising. 

Whether you’re keen on multi-unit opportunities or simply want to own one of something, there’s the right thing out there for anyone.

However, Virginia is definitely a place I get asked about a lot, so I figured I would put some thoughts into writing. 

I’ve done this with places like New Jersey and Michigan as well. Starting your journey on the road to franchise ownership can be a thrilling experience or your worst nightmare. 

Things like FDDs, territory rights, and royalty structures are things that can either keep you up at night or have you sleeping like a baby if you have a franchise consultant on your side. 

The list below is merely a cherry picking of the best franchise opportunities in Virgina, so you’ll want to schedule a call once you’re ready to move forward. I can even help with multi-unit placements. That way, we can find you the opportunity that’s right for you!

Crumbl Cookies

One of my favorite franchises to recommend if you’re about to get into sweet treats is Crumbl Cookies. In addition, it’s a great choice in Virginia because there’s a special kind of sweet tooth in the state. 

Any customer will love when they receive a pink box the size of a steering wheel while filled with goodies. 

The great thing about these cookies is they’re so addictive that they practically sell themselves. With a rotating menu, you’re not just keeping customers coming back because it’s a good product. It’s also a thrilling experience to see what’s available week after week. 

As a business I love the concept. You have a product that people keep coming back for, and you have high margins. Once you’re established in Richmond or other markets, the customers keep coming back as long as you keep creating those Instagram-worthy treats! 

… And that’s another thing I love! In the era we live in, it’s fantastic and cheap marketing to have a product customers love taking pictures of. 

Are you ready to explore Crumbl’s FDD together? The downside is that it can be tough to come across good high-foot-traffic spots that will vastly improve the ease at which customers find your store. 

However, what’s great is that customers easily spend $20 or more per visit and keep coming back. On top of that, you won’t smell like fried chicken at the end of the night. 

Wingstop

Southerners love their wings for a reason. Virginia’s state sauce (if it had any) would be a hybrid between garlic parmesan and buffalo. Wings is another one of those products that’s so addictive that customers keep returning to you. 

Whether it’s sports events or just your everyday dinner, many people find themselves consuming significant amounts of wings. 

There are various reasons why Wingstop has made it so high up on my list of the best multi-unit franchise opportunities in Virginia. It’s a state with NFL, NBA, and college sports. Wings will need to be served, and Wingstop is a brand people know and love. 

The franchise has the benefit that it’s not a dine-in experience, which can make it considerably easier to operate. There are just a few things that could go wrong. Instead, it’s a product people take home and enjoy in front of the TV with friends and family. 

It’s a business that has some challenges, as there are definitely periods of time when it’s busier than others. High-volume events like game day, weekends, or other times when people love this good food are when you’ll be slammed. 

Jersey Mike’s 

The one thing I missed when I went to Virginia last time was a good sandwich. I know I frequent the location that’s by my house. However, I just wished I would have come across one on my last visit up North. 

The great thing about Jersey Mike’s (among other things) is how fast nd consistent it is. With its strong brand recognition, it’s not like you’re starting from scratch, and it also means you can devote more time to other aspects of the business. 

Mike’s Way is the only way (at least if that’s the place you’re getting your sub from). 

Staffing and consistency are two things you’ll want to nail down. Sandwich shops aren’t the easiest product in the world to scale – at least not without proper procedures. That’s one of the benefits you get from buying into a franchise rather than starting from scratch. 

Hydrate IV Bar

We’ve entered an era where health is once again on the horizon, and that opens up a lot of very exciting opportunities! Hydrate IV Bar is a great place to get involved with if you’re looking to run a business that’s health-based. 

The company offers a great range of options for an affluent market that wants to feel healthier. In addition, it’s also a business that’s set up so that affluent market is willing to post about it on Instagram.

That means more customers for you! I’ve personally always been thrilled about starting something where you’re selling to an affluent market and price is less of a discussion. 

Personally, if it was me setting up shop in Virginia, I would specifically look into Arlington and Alexandria to tap into those high-income neighborhoods. If you can combine that with a reasonable amount of foot traffic, you’re well on your way to a very successful business. 

Another option is to tap into the market of hungover bridesmaids in Charlotteville. The only issue is they’re not repeat business, which is always a preference if you’re able to tap into that market. 

IV hydration and other related health services are really getting on the map this year, and there’s a reason why these businesses are spreading like wildfire. 

I know Virginians love their mimosa moments, but that doesn’t mean there’s not space for IV therapy as well. 

Factors to consider

Much like other states, Virginia has some state-specific factors you’ll want ot consider. Virginia Beach and NoVA are high-density with the price tag that follows (both for labor and the location you’re getting into.)

On the other hand, Roanoke and Lynchburg offers options with lower overhead. For that reason, you’ll want to know if the business you’re going after is more suited for one location over another. 

The military presence in the state is another reason why Wingstop is a great option. A presence near a base will provide predictable, high-volume takeout orders. It’s also a great option for Jersey Mike’s. 

When you’re choosing to enter Virginia, you’ll need to know some counties have tougher regulatory environments than others. So make sure you know if they affect the business you’re interested in!