Washington is cooler than most other states in more senses than one. In addition, it’s also a place that’s ripe for some disruption when it comes to what it has going for it in terms of franchises. 

When you’re looking to plant a flag in the Pacific Nortwest and start or expand your business, Washington is a state that’s on the map for many. And there are good reasons for it. 

As a franchise consultant, I eat nd sleep unit economics, which is why I love writing about the best franchise opportunities in Washington, including multi-unit opportunities. 

I’ve written similar articles on other states like Virginia and New Jersey. Each have their own factors that are necessary to look for when choosing the franchise that’s right for you! 

Maybe you’ve already got a couple of locations under your belt and you’re just looking for your next six-pack possibility, or maybe you’re jumping in feet deep. 

It’s important to mention that the list of companies below is a cherry-picked, curated list, and that there are tons of other options out there too. In fact, it may very well be that these options are not right for you and that we’ll need to get on a call to find the right one for you. 

Crumbl Cookies

The concept of Crumbl Cookies is surprisingly simple in some way, which is what makes me so willing to recommend this. Even if you’re not choosing to go with Crumbl Cookies, the concept has nailed a range of things that other franchisors should learn. 

In this era, it’s particularly important to figure out how to get the most out of every marketing dollar spent, and that starts with encouraging customers to take pictures. Crumbl Cookies are great for that and frequently land themselves on various Instagrams as a consequence. 

If you’re getting excited to learn more about FDDs, territory rights, and royalty structures of this company, reach out and we can look into it together. 

Crumbl Cookies has become a national sensation in a way that seems like it happened overnight. However, you’ll need to get the location right if you choose to invest in serving cookies. Foot traffic can vastly benefit the business, so keep tht in mind. 

Washingtonians love baked goods almost as much as their specialty coffee. Crumbl Cookie’s rotating menu offers something for those wishing to explore different options each week.

Oh, and did I mention how their great margins and repeat business keeps me excited about this brand? The main challenge you’ll likely run into with this business is finding the right staff. 

SportClips

Alright, hear me out with this one. Men love sports, and here’s a concept where they get sports and barbershop vibes. 

Many other concepts are considerably harder than this one, and you’ll sell a product that’s never going out of style. 

Although I’m bald, I know that I feel bad if I don’t keep up with what’s going on on the top of my head. Everyone needs a hair cut. 

If I was opening up this concept myself, I would specifically look around the Seattle metro area which has a high density population.  Being convenient is sometimes the way to get the sale, and it’s definitely the case with getting your hair cut too. 

In my opinion, SportClips is a great model because it combines operational ease with a product there will always be demand for. 

SportClips also values something I personally value in a cut which is honest service at a reasonable price, even if you feel you’re getting the MVP treatment. 

Food service companies, on the other hand, has so many ways in which it can go wrong. SportClips isn’t one of them. Suburban markets with clusters of SportClips is how I would go about it. 

Spokane, Tacoma, and Everett come to mind. Here’s a multi-unit franchise opportunity that’s great in allowing a considerable degree of hands off. 

Jersey Mike’s

There’s no other way to say it than the fact that Jersey Mike’s is a premium sandwich, and one I enjoy every single bite of. It’s not quite as simple to operate as Sports Clips, but it’s better at creating truly loyal fans. 

Fresh slicing and community roots is something special about Mike’s Way! 

I personally know when it’s been too long since I had it Mike’s Way! Washington is a state that’s both health-cpnscious

Jersey Mike’s provide a great mixture between fast and health-conscious, but the location you pick is crucial. However, if you can manage to find a location that has a lot of foot traffic, you’re setting yourself up for success. 

I would personally choose a location that’s convenient for some of the bigger metro areas while being close to office buildings that may not provide other great alternatives for lunch. 

Lunch foot traffic is valuable real estate for the sandwich business model, but it’s needed. Office parks, universities, or other places where people frequent. It’s an even bigger plus if you can get repeat costumers, which Jersey Mike’s lends itself to very nicely. 

Hydrate IV Bar

Hydrate IV Bar is a great addition to any area that is very health-oriented, and IV therapy clinics  are popping up all over the country as a consequence. 

You’ll not be surprised when you start looking at their FDDs and start doing your due diligence because it’s great in affluent neighborhoods. Hydration treatments, vitamins, and the perfect cure for a hangover. That’s essentially their business. However, for people that have money to spare, this is the upper echelon of fine living without being overly expensive either. 

It’s the perfect mixture of biohacker and hangover cure, all in one location. You could even use the products yourself if you’re either very health-conscious or you like a drink on occasion. 

There are many things I love about business models that don’t rely on a lot of food preparation, and that’s one of the strengths of Hydrate IV Bar. You won’t have a considerable inventory at risk of going bad. You have a high-margin product, servicing an affluent part of the market. They’re all traits that are great in a business model. 

Factors to consider

When choosing a franchise to pursue, there is a range of factors to consider. However, there are also state factors that affect certain states more than others. 

When you find the right franchise consultant to work with, it’s important that person is mindful of both your lifestyle goals and the various factors specific to the state of Washington. 

The minimum (or effective) wage you’ll need to pay in Washington is considerably higher than most parts of the country. This could affect the profitability of the business model you’re considering, so make sure the business’ margins can work in that situation. 

Consumer trends are important in Washington. Try going to comparable businesses in the area to the model you’re considering for your own business to see how people order and how busy the location is. Consumer trends are important as you wouldn’t try to sell sweat tea in Alaska. You get the jist! 

The weather in Washington is also different from what it’s like in the South. When it rains, people are likely to stay inside more. Make sure you’re able to offer delivery options if the weather’s so bad that people choose to stay in!