---
title: "Unexpected Franchises"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/65b48078-0880-4de3-8dd9-bfb3bceee4b6
source: "1851 Franchise"
original_url: https://1851franchise.com/5-franchises-you-didnt-know-were-franchises-2715702
category: "Franchise Industry"
industry: "Franchise Industry"
published: 2021-05-11T15:10:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T02:25:52.926Z
image: https://newimage.1851franchise.com/cdn-cgi/image/quality=85,format=webp,width=1280,height=720/story/featureImage/98d39dc77a21ed7bf73b819ddcd464679530.jpg
---

# Unexpected Franchises

**TL;DR:** Five unexpected franchises, including BP and Valpak, are part of the franchising industry, offering a wide range of businesses and services. These franchises include petroleum retailer BP, marketing company Valpak, car repair business Midas, employment agency Express Employment, and travel planning company Dream Vacations.

*originally published in 1851 Franchise on 2021-05-11. [Read the original](https://1851franchise.com/5-franchises-you-didnt-know-were-franchises-2715702).*

## Story

When people hear the word “franchise,” they typically think of iconic fast-food restaurants or sports teams. There are, however, other industries that house franchised brands that aren’t quite as recognizable.

Petroleum is a globally sought-after good, but many people aren’t aware the industry is largely franchised. Widely known around the world, BP is one of the top petrol and diesel retailing franchises with over 7,000 locations in the U.S. alone.

Valpak has supported local businesses with marketing initiatives for more than 50 years and is known by millions for its distinctive blue envelope full of local offers and opportunities. Valpak has 140 locations nationwide.

The car repair business has more than 60 years of experience and 1,200 locations worldwide. Midas’ success is due in part to its focus on complete auto care for vehicles.

Employment agencies are not typically associated with franchising, but Express Employment is one of the largest firms in the world with 830 franchise locations. The company has a long-term goal to employ one million people annually.

Dream Vacations is a team of people that helps customers plan hassle-free vacations including relaxing escapes, romantic honeymoons or family reunions. Franchisees are able to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection and are encouraged to travel as much as possible to keep their travel knowledge up to date. The brand has 30 years of experience and 985 franchises worldwide.

## Entities

- 1851 Franchise (publication)
- Franchise Industry (sector)
- Dream Vacations (company)
- marketing services (topic)
- Midas (company)
- BP (company)
- Express Employment (company)
- employment agency (topic)
- car repair (topic)
- franchise variety (topic)
- petroleum retail (topic)

---
Originally reported by 1851 Franchise (https://1851franchise.com/5-franchises-you-didnt-know-were-franchises-2715702). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/65b48078-0880-4de3-8dd9-bfb3bceee4b6).