A new franchise finance report offers a clear snapshot of who is driving unit growth heading into 2026—and the buyer pool is getting stronger.
Based on lender-verified franchise applicants active over the past year, the data shows materially higher levels of available capital across QSR, retail, health & wellness, auto repair, and home services.
In QSR, typical buyer liquidity has moved from roughly $293k to $386k, while median net worth increased to about $1.16M, signaling fewer small buyers and more institutional-style operators.
Retail now shows the deepest capital base, with median liquidity above $530k and net worth exceeding $1.2M, reinforcing why multi-unit deals continue to concentrate in the category.
Health & wellness and auto repair followed similar patterns, while home services remains the most accessible entry point, with lower liquidity requirements but solid balance-sheet strength.
Taken together, the numbers confirm what franchisors and lenders are seeing on the ground: growth is increasingly led by fewer, better-capitalized operators executing multi-unit strategies.
JETSET Pilates has officially entered the Arizona market with a 3-unit franchise development agreement in the Scottsdale area.
The deal is part of a broader plan to open 8–10 studios across the metro area in the coming years as the company targets markets with strong wellness demand and population growth.
This expansion reflects JETSET’s rapid national growth since launching its franchise program in 2022, with more than 200 studios currently in development across the U.S. and internationally.
The Scottsdale agreement underscores how consumer wellness brands are securing multi-unit deals with operators who see value in scalable, service-based concepts outside traditional retail or foodservice.
Phenix Salon Suites closed out 2025 with 26 new locations, including its first international opening, and is entering 2026 with a strong development pipeline already in place.
The brand is planning 30+ new openings this year, supported by continued demand from multi-unit operators and strong interest across U.S. markets.
The pace of development highlights sustained confidence in the salon suite franchise model.
The Red Chickz announced a three-unit franchise agreement in Maryland, marking a notable step in its East Coast expansion strategy.
The deal is backed by operators with prior multi-unit experience, signaling growing confidence in the brand’s hot chicken concept.
This move supports broader geographic diversification and continued franchise system growth.
JETSET pilates is a boutique fitness franchise offering 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts on custom reformer machines, serving health-conscious adults, and known for seamless transitions, DJ-curated playlists, and transformative modern Pilates experiences.
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Salon suite franchise offering individual salon spaces for beauty professionals, providing a private and customizable environment to operate their own salon business.
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Purvelo is a rhythm-based indoor cycling franchise that combines high-energy workouts with music-driven experiences to create an immersive fitness environment.
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Bumble Roofing provides roofing installation and repair services, offering high-quality craftsmanship and reliable solutions for residential and commercial properties.
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Jeff's Bagel Run specializes in freshly baked bagels and breakfast sandwiches, offering a delicious and convenient breakfast option.
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