Santa's Favorite Franchises

Before Santa arrives, let’s take a look at some of the franchise opportunities most likely to earn St. Nick’s seal of approval.

Santa Claus is coming to town, so get the christmas lights out, tuck the kids in, put out the cookies and milk, and make sure that chimney is swept.

And while you’re at it, make sure your town has some of Santa’s favorite franchises. As a big traveler, Santa enjoys the controlled quality and consistent experience franchising provides, and there’s no shortage of brands out there making his difficult job just a little bit easier.

2020 has been a rough year for all of us, but the franchise industry has held up better than most, thanks in no small part to the passion, creativity and dedication of franchise owners, employees and corporate team members across the industry.

This Christmas, 1851 Franchise thanks all of those players, who kept our communities — and economy — running when times got tough.

To celebrate, let’s take a look at the favorite franchises of old St. Nick. (That’s Nicholas Claus, not the other Nick.)

Each family’s parents are kind of like Santa’s franchisees, aren’t they? They all manage a local shop — their home — and provide guests — their children — with products and services associated with the global brand of Santa.

So, have you payed your royalty fees lately? Here are the cookies and milk (shakes/coffees) Santa loves to find at the fireplace.

Cookies:

• Great American CookiesUnits: 377Startup costs: $203,400–$379,150

• Nestlé Toll House Cafe by ChipUnits: 90Startup costs: $149,450–$554,800

• Le Macaron French PastriesUnits: 60Startup costs: $90,350–$349,500

• Woops!Units: 40Startup costs: $79,875–$365,675

• Auntie Annie’sUnits: 1,903Startup costs: $199,475–$385,100

• CinnabonUnits: 1,633Startup costs: $214,050–$430,900

Milk (shakes/coffees):

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & ShakesUnits: 84Startup costs: $403,750–$639,100

• Biggby CoffeeUnits: 240Startup costs: $189,550–$378,600

• The Human BeanUnits: 105Startup costs: $340,425–$827,725

• Cold Stone CreameryUnits: 1,252Startup costs: $310,375–$476,975

• Fosters FreezeUnits: 65Startup costs: $611,500–$1,009,000

He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows if you’re awake. He knows how your kid is doing with online classes, so call Sylvan Learning for goodness sake.

For those lucky enough to have them, children represent the ultimate investment. With 2020 disrupting school years around the country, these are the franchises you can rely on to teach your kids how to become a big-hearted provider like you one day.

• Lightbridge AcademyUnits: 51Startup costs: $549,228–$737,635

• Sylvan LearningUnits: 750Startup costs: $70,270–$163,625

• DEA Music and ArtUnits: 4Startup costs: $136,700–$215,400

• Idea Lab KidsUnits: 25Startup costs: $160,500–$373,000

• Big Blue Swim SchoolUnits: 118Startup costs: $2,329,223–$3,636,998

With rumblings of unionization and COVID-19 workflow interruptions among elves at the North Pole, Santa’s supply chain found itself disrupted in 2020. With elf labor a legal grey zone, our jolly friend can use all the help he can get. Here are some toy and game franchises sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.

• Learning Express Toys & GiftsUnits: 91Startup costs: $181,794–$318,594

• Build A Bear WorkshopUnits: 400Startup costs: $5 million–$12 million minimum capital requirement

• Once Upon A ChildUnits: 392Startup costs: $254,700–$396,600

• Mind GamesUnits: 8Startup costs: $80,000–$100,000 minimum capital requirement

• Brilliant Sky Toys & BooksUnits: 14Startup costs: $196,000–$424,000

Santa’s logistics operation is the stuff of legend, but let’s take a moment to appreciate his dedication to a certain aesthetic. The man knows what he likes. The least we can do is get the house looking Christmasy before he squeezes down the chimney. Here are four franchises that will sort out your seasonal decor and outdoor lighting needs.

• Christmas DécorUnits: 256Startup costs: $19,550–$62,250

• Everything ChristmasUnits: 6Startup costs: $35,000–$55,000

• Certified LightsUnits: 2Startup costs: $44,050–$88,000

• The Grounds GuysUnits: 193Startup costs: $81,220–$200,070

• NiteLitesUnits: 17Startup costs: $65,585–$102,205

Franchising is an enormous industry, represented in virtually every sector, but we all share a mission of providing strong business opportunities for passionate entrepreneurs. At 1851, our role in that mission starts and ends with serving you, the reader. Your clicks, shares and feedback on our articles enables us to celebrate the industry as though everyday was Christmas.