Franchise of the Week: $250k Tool Truck and a Resale With a Manager Of 14 Years In Place
Hey Empire Builders, Welcome to this week’s Franchise Empire Newsletter, where we share specific franchise opportunities that we think are interesting and examples of everyday folks building their empires.
Today, in 5 minutes or less:
✔ A Resale with $1M in existing sales**
✔ IHOP franchise breakdown (sales, costs, and fees)
✔ From Avionics to Ownership: Michael and Joann’s Franchise Move
✔ The #1 Mistake Franchisees Make
✔ How Much Does a UPS Store Make in 2025? (Costs, Sales, & Fees)
**Sales are non-verified information provided by the franchise Owner. The data provided has NOT been verified by the source; they should treat the values as approximated values. Buyer is encouraged to independently verify the financial information and asking price supplied by the Seller.
Attention Franchise Buyers:
For those of you who are struggling to find the right franchise, or maybe you’ve worked with a broker or consultant and haven’t had success…
We now offer complimentary access to our proprietary Zero to Profitable Franchise™ system to help you get access to the most proven franchises and reduce your risk, so that you can buy a money-making franchise with confidence and PROTECT YOUR ASSETS.
This is exclusively available for franchise buyers that want to work with our team in a brokerage capacity to find, vet, and launch a money-making franchise.
You can schedule a free consultation with our team to see if you qualify and if we are the right fit to work with each other.
You can do that here https://www.franchiseempire.com/ztpf
FEATURED RESALE
Franchise resales possess many benefits for aspiring business owners – established cash flow, experienced employees, systems in place, and brand awareness, to name a few.
CONFIDENTIAL - For Qualified Buyers
South Illinois (CONFIDENTIAL: Brand & Location available upon request)
- Home Services business
- Asking Price: $415,000
- 2024 Gross Sales: $1.04M**
**Revenue, or any financial numbers, is non-verified information provided by the franchise Owner. The data provided has NOT been verified by the franchisor. You should treat the values as approximated values. Buyer is encouraged to independently verify the financial information and asking price supplied by the Seller.
Franchise Empire’s Take:
- This Franchisor is part of an established brand with proven systems and a long track record of success.
- Growth opportunity for a hands-on operator and experienced leader.
Curious to learn more about this particular franchise resale, or other resales available in your area?
We have a list of over 100+ resales with various brands spanning the United States and Canada. Click the link below to find out what specific opportunities are available in your area.
🎉New Franchise Owner through Franchise Empire 🎉
Michael and Joann Fenner came to us with a clear goal in mind. They wanted to find a business Joann could lead full-time, with Michael supporting the growth behind the scenes and eventually stepping in full-time as the business scaled.
Michael had spent 16 years working in avionics, and both he and Joann were ready to build something of their own. They explored several service-based franchises but weren’t set on any one industry at the start.
That’s when they connected with Marc from our team.
Together, they narrowed in on a few high-potential opportunities, and it quickly became clear that senior care checked all the boxes. Homewatch CareGivers stood out as the right fit, offering strong systems, long-term growth, and the chance to make a real impact in their community.
Now, Michael and Joann are the proud owners of two territories across South Carolina and Georgia and are officially on their way to building a legacy they can grow together. Congrats, Michael and Joann. This is the beginning of something big!
FRANCHISE OF THE WEEK
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Description & History:
In 1958, brothers Al and Jerry Lapin, along with investors Al and Trudy Kallis, opened a small breakfast restaurant in Toluca Lake, California, called the International House of Pancakes. By 1960, the concept began franchising, marking the start of what would become one of America’s most recognizable family dining brands.
In 1973, IHOP introduced its famous acronym, simplifying its name while expanding its reach. Through the 80s, the company restructured around a bold mission: to evolve from a breakfast-only spot into a three-meal-a-day family restaurant. That strategy worked. IHOP became the go-to neighborhood diner for pancakes in the morning, burgers at lunch, and comfort food at night.
Fast forward to 2018, when IHOP pulled off one of the most talked-about marketing stunts in fast-casual history by temporarily rebranding as IHOb, the International House of Burgers. The move went viral overnight and successfully drew attention to its growing lunch and dinner offerings.
The brand is now part of Dine Brands Global, the same parent company that owns Applebee’s. They've expanded to more than 1,800 restaurants across 17 countries and serve about 700 million pancakes every year, all through independently owned and operated franchise locations. So, let's dive into what it takes to own an IHOP of your own.👇
*You should treat the values as approximated values. These values were found online through research.
Numbers*:
- Initial Investment: $639,000 - $2.8 million
- Franchise Fee: $20,000
- Royalty Fee: 4.5% of gross sales
- National Advertising Fee: 3.5% of gross sales
- Minimum Net worth: $1.5M
- Minimum Liquid Assets: $500,000
*Numbers according to their FDD, released in 2025, and their updated website.
Ideal Franchise Candidate:
- Experienced Operator: A business leader or multi-unit restaurant operator with strong management and operations experience.
- Brand Builder: Understands the value of accessible pricing, family dining, and community engagement.
- Growth-Minded Investor: Capable of developing multiple restaurants within a defined territory.
- Strategic Leader: Skilled in real estate selection, team development, marketing, and customer experience.
- Community Seeker: Values being a visible, local presence and fostering family-oriented environments.
Financial Data*:
*Information below taken from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document – Item 19
Benefits for the Franchisee:
- Established Global Brand: Over 65 years of trust, brand equity, and cultural recognition backed by Dine Brands Global.
- Three-Meal Revenue Model: Strong breakfast dominance with growing lunch and dinner segments, supported by national marketing.
- Comprehensive Franchise Support: IHOP provides training, site selection guidance, design assistance, and ongoing operations consulting.
- Multiple Format Options: Freestanding, inline, and end-cap layouts ranging from 1,000 to 4,500 sq. ft. to match local markets.
- Proven Multi-Unit Growth Model: Preferred partnerships for operators who can develop multiple locations, ensuring long-term scalability.
To see if this franchise is available in your territory OR Check the availability of ALL franchises in your area
Episode #145: The #1 Mistake Franchisees Make
Thinking about buying a franchise? Before you write a check or jump on a discovery call, there’s one question that could make or break your success: Can you actually follow the system? In this episode, we break down why some candidates get rejected, how franchisors quietly test you before awarding a territory, and the #1 trait that separates the top-performing franchisees from everyone else. If you think franchising is just plug-and-play… watch this first.
Episode #146: How Much Does a UPS Store Make in 2025? (Costs, Sales, & Fees)
Is the UPS Store actually worth the investment? In this video, we walk through the real startup costs, franchise fees, and average sales data shared in their FDD. You’ll also hear a few things most people don’t consider, like how shipping margins work and what Amazon’s dominance could mean for long-term profitability. If you’re thinking about investing in a UPS Store or any franchise, these are the numbers and questions you need to know before moving forward.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Franchise Empire newsletter.
Feel free to reply with any questions, or feedback. I appreciate and value your time and attention.
I’ll see you at the same time next week!
-Tariq and The Franchise Empire Team
