As we do every year, we are seeing several new franchise concepts vying for prospective franchisees’ attention in 2026. These include social gaming and boutique fitness franchises, among others. If you are thinking about buying a franchise, should you consider a new concept in one of these trending industries? Here are some key considerations from national franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein.
7 Important Considerations When Choosing a Trendy Franchise Opportunity
Trendy franchise opportunities have obvious appeal. If you can take advantage of a current trend, you can hit the ground running—and you can potentially build a loyal following before competitors start entering the market.
While buying a trending franchise can offer benefits, prospective franchisees also need to consider some countervailing factors. For example:
1. Is the Trend Here to Stay?
While some trends become permanent fixtures in our daily lives, others come and go. Buying a franchise requires a substantial investment, and building a profitable business is a long-term process.
With this in mind, when considering a trendy franchise, it is important to make an informed and realistic assessment of whether the trend is here to stay. While you can’t predict the future, you can do your research—including looking at franchise concepts that grew out of trends in the past and how they are faring today. If you feel reasonably confident that a trend has staying power, then a related franchise concept may be worth considering. If you aren’t so sure, you will need to think carefully about whether you are prepared to accept the risk involved.
2. Is the Franchisor Ready to Support a Franchise System?
Another key consideration is whether the franchisor is ready to support a franchise system. Often, new franchisors have experience operating the type of business they are franchising, but not in franchising. Operating at the unit level and managing a franchise system are very different businesses, so this lack of experience can show. While buying a franchise from a new franchisor isn’t necessarily a bad idea, prospective franchisees will want to address this factor during their due diligence.
3. Is There a Local Market for the Concept?
Just as well-established business concepts have a larger market in some geographic areas than others, so too will trendy business concepts. While being the first to bring a new concept to your local market can be good for business, you need to make sure there is enough demand so your investment pays off in the future. If there is a reason why the concept hasn’t yet been introduced in your local market, this is a fact you need to know.
4. What Size Territory Do You Need?
Let’s say you buy a franchise, and let’s say there is sufficient local demand to sustain your business for years to come. How much of this local demand will you need in the long term?
While you won’t be able to prevent competing brands from opening for business in your local area, you may be able to secure territorial protections in your franchise agreement. Many franchisors will be willing to grant reasonable territorial protections to their franchisees—especially during the early stages of their growth. If you can secure territorial protections now, this could pay off in the future, even if you aren’t necessarily concerned about intra-brand competition in the short term.
5. How Long Will it Take (and How Much Will it Cost) to Open?
If you are hoping to be the first to bring a new product, service, or concept to your local market, it is important to set realistic expectations for the timeline to open for business. It will be important to make sure you have realistic expectations regarding the costs of opening for business as well.
While franchisors are required to provide initial investment estimates in Item 7 of their Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), some of these estimates are more accurate than others. In any case, if you are considering buying a franchise, it will be important to conduct your own independent assessment of the initial and ongoing costs.
6. Does the Concept Represent a Viable Long-Term Opportunity?
When evaluating any franchise concept, your goal should be to accurately assess whether it represents a viable long-term opportunity. At a minimum, you will likely be required to operate your franchise for 2 or 3 years, and you may need to operate for this long (if not longer) to recoup your initial investment. Again, while you can’t predict the future, you can (and should) take the steps necessary to ensure that you are making an informed and reasoned decision.
7. Can You Expect Support from the Franchisor (or Will It Be Focused on Growth)?
Finally, franchisors bringing trendy concepts to market are often in “growth mode.” They want to sell many franchises quickly to build brand awareness and achieve market penetration.
If your chosen franchisor is focused on growth, this could mean receiving minimal support (if any) as a new franchisee. Here too, this is a factor to consider during your due diligence, and you should not hesitate to ask questions about what you can expect as a franchisee when talking to the franchisor’s representatives. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers you receive, there are plenty of franchises to choose from, and you should not hesitate to consider alternate franchise opportunities.
Buying a Franchise in 2026? Schedule a Free Consultation with National Franchise Lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein
Are you thinking about buying a franchise in 2026? We help prospective franchisees nationwide make informed decisions during the buying process. To discuss your franchise opportunity with national franchise lawyer Jeffrey M. Goldstein in confidence, call us at 202-293-3947 or tell us how we can reach you online today.
