National rankings hide where brands really are. A chain with thousands of locations can be absent from your state, while a regional brand you have never heard of fills every town. Pick a state to see its largest brands, the best franchises to own with locations there, the brands most concentrated in it and well-known names that have few locations there yet.
Franchises in every state
States that register franchises
The federal rule applies everywhere: a franchisor must give you its documents at least 14 days before you sign or pay. Some states add their own rules on top.
- Registration and state review: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington.
- Annual notice filing: Indiana, Michigan, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
- Exemption notice under a business opportunity law: Florida and Utah (annual), Kentucky, Nebraska and Texas (one-time).
- State disclosure law, no filing: Oregon.
Questions
Can I buy a franchise in a state where the brand has no locations?
Often, yes, but only if the franchisor is allowed to sell there and can support you. In registration states the brand must be registered first. Even where it can sell, a first location in a new state usually means no local brand recognition, a longer supply route and field support from far away, so ask how the franchisor will train and supply you before you sign.
Does state franchise registration mean the state approved the brand?
No. Registration means a state examiner checked that the required disclosures are there and complete. It is not an endorsement of the brand or its profits, and franchisors in those states are not allowed to suggest that it is. Source: Wiley Rein, Regulation of Franchise Sales