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- 🧠 The Smartest Hot Dogs in the Game
🧠 The Smartest Hot Dogs in the Game
Nathan’s is offering a bold new way to revive struggling restaurants — and it might reshape how conversions are done.
Alex Smereczniak
July 16, 2025
Welcome to the Franzy Five — your 5-minute fix on what’s moving in the franchise world.
This week, we happen to be in the news ourselves! Franzy just raised $2.2 million to build the future of franchise ownership, including the industry’s first resale marketplace.
In this edition we cover:
🌭 How Nathan’s Famous is flipping the script on restaurant conversions
📈 Which state is leading the nation in franchise growth?
🍗 Why owning a Chick-fil-A is harder than getting into Harvard
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🌭 Franzy Insights: The Hot Dog Reboot You Didn’t See Coming
We all saw Joey Chestnut gobble 70.5 hot dogs last week during Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th. But did you know that Nathan's is trying to gobble up independent restaurants as well? The hot dog franchise recently launched a program to help struggling independent restaurants reboot as Nathan's outlets.
📊 Here’s the deal:
Franchise fee cut in half: Normally $30K, now $15K
Reduced royalties for your first 3 years
Reuse your current build-out — keep your kitchen, layout, and equipment
Pick your footprint: Freestanding, inline, or “Express” (just 500–900 sq. ft.)
🔍 Our Take:
This is how you play offense in a down market. Nathan’s is giving restaurant owners a fast track to rebrand, reopen, and start generating revenue — all without the usual costs of a ground-up launch. The $15K buy-in, reduced royalties, and ability to keep your current build-out make this one of the leanest paths to ownership we’ve seen. Add in ghost kitchen brands like Wings of New York, and you’ve got multiple income streams under one roof. It’s not just a franchise offer — it’s a playbook for brands looking to stay relevant and win in today’s market.
🍑 Georgia Is Leading the Nation in Franchise Growth
Summary:
Franchise growth is surging. Georgia will add 2,152 new units in 2025 — more than any other state.
The business climate is strong. Tax cuts and state investment are fueling expansion.
More people, more demand. Georgia’s population is growing, driving a need for services across sectors.
Our take:
Georgia’s a franchise hotbed right now — and it’s not slowing down. The momentum is driven by population growth, pro-business policies, and smart investments in infrastructure and education. It’s not just Georgia, either. Other Southeastern states are riding the same wave, creating prime territory for brands looking to expand and buyers looking to get in early. If you’re thinking regionally, the Southeast should be on your map.
🐔 Chick-fil-A’s Franchisee Strategy is Next Level
Summary:
It’s not about the fee. At $10K, Chick-fil-A is affordable, but the process is long and ultra-selective.
They promote from within. 93% of franchisees are former employees or leadership program grads.
Outsiders need an edge. Those who make it often bring local ties or serious leadership chops (veterans and business execs are common exceptions)
Our take:
Chick-fil-A isn’t selling franchises, they’re awarding them. This brand recruits like a pro team, picking culture-first, long-term operators over anyone with just capital to spend. It’s a masterclass in brand control and loyalty. For franchise buyers, it’s a reality check: if you want in, you’ll need more than money, you’ll need to prove you’re mission-aligned and built for the long game.
🔑 A More Inclusive Franchise Future
Summary:
Lower costs, wider access. Brands are cutting fees and offering low-investment models to help new owners get started.
Mentorship is growing. New franchisees are getting support from experienced operators, not just onboarding manuals.
Representation is rising. More minority owners are being highlighted — and supported — across franchise systems.
Our take:
Franchisors are finally recognizing that opening doors to underrepresented owners leads to stronger communities, more loyal customers, and better operators. For too long, talented operators from underrepresented communities were held back by financial hurdles or a lack of access. The barriers are coming down, and the industry’s getting more reflective of the people it serves. For those who’ve been sidelined, now’s the time to get in the game.