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:

✔ Resale showing over $300k in Sellers Earnings**

✔ Papa John’s Franchise Breakdown (Sales, Costs & Fees)

✔ Cheryl’s Franchise Journey: From Vision to Ownership

✔ Franchise Secrets You Need to Know

✔ Is Investing In an IHOP Worth It?

**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

Franchise resales possess many benefits for aspiring business owners – established cash flow, experienced employees, systems in place, and brand awareness, to name a few. 

• Home Improvement business, Established in 2018
• Asking Price: $1.2M
• 2024 Gross Sales: $1.6M**
• Owner is retiring
• 5 Full-time employees, including the owner

Numbers:

• Gross Profit Margin: 44% 
• SDE: $342,332

**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.

• Rare opportunity to buy a business producing multiple six figures of SDE

• This is for an owner-operator, not someone looking for an absentee business

• 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.

Cheryl had been searching for the right franchise in the San Francisco Bay Area for years. With a strong background in healthcare and business, including experience owning and operating assisted living facilities, she knew exactly what she wanted: a brand that aligned with her expertise, values, and long-term vision.

But it wasn’t until she partnered with Chris at Franchise Empire that things started to click. Together, they explored multiple opportunities, narrowed down the options, and found a franchise that checked every box.

Cheryl is now the proud owner of three territories in the Bay Area and is bringing her entrepreneurial drive and leadership skills into a new space. Chris shared that he felt honored to be part of her journey, and there’s no doubt she’s going to make a major impact in her market.

Let’s go, Cheryl!

In 1984, John “Papa” Schnatter sold his beloved 1971 Camaro to buy some used pizza equipment. He set up shop in the back of his father’s tavern in Jeffersonville, Indiana, not in a shiny kitchen, but in a broom closet. From that tiny space, he started baking pizzas with one big promise: “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.”

That promise took off. By the 1990s, Papa John’s had exploded in popularity, moving into its Louisville headquarters and going public in 1993. It was also a pioneer in tech, becoming the first national pizza delivery chain to launch online ordering in 2001.

Along the way, Papa John’s created some iconic food moments. The garlic butter dipping sauce, introduced in 1984, completely changed how people eat their crust. And in 2019, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal joined the brand as a franchisee and board member, helping launch the oversized “Shaq-a-Roni” pizza with 60+ pepperonis and extra cheese.

Today, Papa John’s operates in nearly 50 countries with over 6,000 restaurants, making it one of the largest pizza delivery chains in the world. From a broom closet and a sold Camaro to a global empire, it’s a story that shows how far resourcefulness (and a lot of garlic butter) can take you. So what does it look like to open one of your own?👇

*You should treat the values as approximated values. These values were found online through research.

*Numbers according to their FDD released on March 31, 2025

• U.S. Units: Over 2,800 (2024)
• Global Units: 6,000+ in nearly 50 countries
• Initial Investment (Traditional Units): $261,000 – $853,000
• Non-Traditional Units (mall, campus, etc.): $111,000 – $463,000
• Franchise Fee: $5,000 – $25,000 (varies by type of unit)
• Royalty Fee: 5% of net sales
• Marketing Fee: 6% of net sales (higher than most QSR competitors)
• Total Net Worth: $2,500,000
• Total Liquid Assets:  $1,500,000

• Growth-Minded Operator: Someone eager to expand into prime U.S. and international territories.
  
• Committed to Quality: Believes in Papa John’s “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.®” promise.
• Hands-On Leader: Ready to engage with day-to-day operations while building a long-term business.
• Experienced Business Builder: Comfortable managing teams, systems, and multiple units.

*Information below taken from the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document – Item 19 

Benefits for the Franchisee:

• Prime Market Access: 25+ new international markets identified for growth.
• Robust Training: Includes classroom education, on-the-job training, and ongoing development support.
• Proven Innovation: Constant investment in product development, marketing, and technology.
• Global Brand Strength: Backed by 6,000+ restaurants across 50+ countries and territories.
• Commitment to Support: Strong franchisee collaboration and development solutions for growth.

To see if this franchise is available in your territory

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Check the availability of ALL franchises in your area

Episode #137: Franchise Secrets You NEED to Know!

Starting a business from scratch sounds exciting until you’re buried in building systems, hiring teams, and guessing what works. In this video, we break down why so many entrepreneurs are turning to franchising instead and why it’s not just about royalties or brand names. You’ll discover the hidden risks of going it alone, the real advantages of a proven system, and how franchising can help you start faster, scale smarter, and avoid costly mistakes. If you’re deciding between building your own business or buying a franchise, this episode could save you years of trial and error.

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Podcast Platforms

Episode #138: Is Investing In an IHOP Really Worth It? (Costs, Sales, & Fees)

Thinking about buying an IHOP franchise? In this breakdown, I go deep into what it really costs to open an IHOP, what kind of profit you can expect, and whether this iconic franchise is a smart investment in 2025. We’ll talk IHOP franchise costs, royalties, startup fees, sales data, and more, straight from the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You’ll also hear my personal take on the business model.

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Podcast Platforms

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

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