A restaurant franchise expert shares his tips for success

Aaron Anderson is not any stranger to the restaurant world. He has over eight years of experience in franchise operations, sales and development of multiple restaurant service brands. Anderson previously owned five The original hot dog factory restaurants that gained national prominence due to multiple appearances on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” He also scored two Rita’s Italian ice cream franchises in 2021 and 2022 and in addition owned three Chef of Rube Kitchen locations including Subaru Park, Philadelphia’s soccer stadium.

Anderson can also be a franchisor Brunchaholics, a delicious brunch spot in Metro Philly that serves unique twists on classic brunch dishes. With three current locations (in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill and Chester) and three more coming soon in Miami, Atlanta and Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, Anderson’s emerging brunch franchise concept is gaining momentum. Brunchaholics was recognized by Eater Philly as one in all 15 must-have brunch spots in Philadelphia. Brunchaholics offers its franchisees financing opportunities each directly and thru partnerships with financial institutions.

Anderson shared BLACK ENTERPRISES“I became keen on franchising after selling my previous company, which I built from scratch. Once I sold it, I began looking for the essential business that might generate day by day money flow and had structure – but this time I wasn’t keen on constructing from scratch. I began researching restaurant franchises and decided to go in that direction. Since then I have never looked back.

Anderson added: “I understood the challenges of making and constructing a brand from scratch and, given the calculated risk, I felt that investing in an organization with a proven business model would allow me to grow at a unique pace, an exponential one. You are already working with an organization or brand that’s already recognized by the general public and has systems in place to show you how to succeed, including marketing, software and more.

Anderson was recently tapped as co-CEO This marketa family-owned restaurant based in North Carolina, Pine Hurst, known for its delicious sandwiches, tasty cocktails and clove-infused iced tea.

Anderson has advice for restaurant owners considering franchising their restaurant concept. “Proven business model, brand strength and differentiation, operations and systems, legal considerations, financial model and investment, support infrastructure, market research, growth strategy, adaptability and innovation, exit strategy. Also look for a thriving company within the industry/industry. For example, breakfast/brunch concepts are currently in high demand. According to the 2023 US Restaurant and Brunch Trends Market Report, the variety of consumers eating breakfast and brunch away from home has increased by almost 40% since 2022.

As a Certified Franchise Consultant, setting expectations for clients when it comes to investment costs, revenues and overheads is incredibly vital to me, and Anderson couldn’t agree more.

“For Black Enterprise readers considering purchasing a franchise, setting realistic expectations is crucial to successfully navigating the franchise acquisition process and ensuring long-term satisfaction with the investment. Here are things to contemplate: initial investment, due diligence, financial projections, support and training, compliance and restrictions, work engagement, market research, long-term commitment, legal and financial advice, lifestyle impact, social and impact initiatives diversity. “