5 Reasons to Diversify with a Family Entertainment Franchise

Deciding what franchise you want to invest in is a significant, life-changing decision. A simple Google search will lead you to thousands of franchise opportunities, ranging across a variety of industries, from fast-casual restaurants to automotive repair, gyms, and more.

When it comes to narrowing in on one industry, the family entertainment franchise industry is a rapidly expanding field, and seamlessly fits into many investors’ portfolios. Launch Entertainment has built a strong foundation for its entrepreneurs. Since the first Launch opened its doors in 2012, it has transformed from a trampoline park to a full-service entertainment center for the whole family.

Let’s break down the top five reasons to join the family entertainment industry and franchise with Launch:

1. Unique Attraction Mix

Projected $41 billion in annual sales by 2025, our unique mix of attraction variety sets us apart in the industry. From laser tag, bowling, dodgeball, rope courses, and more, Launch Entertainment offers a diversified attraction mix with activities for the whole family. Plus, our latest model enhances operations with our “Krave Restaurant” and “Bar Hops” to add additional revenue opportunities.

2. In-House Manufacturing

At Launch, our in-house manufacturing allows for the flexibility of attractions to custom fit your space. Franchisees can work with the Launch design team to choose what attractions they want to incorporate into their park, while our in-house manufacturing keeps costs low and on schedule.

3. Semi-Absentee Model Conducive to Multi-Unit Operators

Operationally, our franchise is highly conducive for multi-unit operators. With the right team in place, we offer a semi-absentee management model, perfect for busy executives who do not have the time to run the day-to-day functions.

4. Corporate Support

The perk of franchising with an established concept like ours, is our operators get all the benefits of corporate support with proven systems in place. From site selection and construction to preparing for your grand opening, our team is there to support you every step of the way.

Unlike other concepts, our indoor family entertainment park is designed to attract customers year-round. Whether rain, snow, sleet, or shine, our concept operates year-round with our awesome attractions and focus on the guest experience.

5. Prime Markets Available

With ten years under our belt, we’re thrilled to expand our family entertainment park nationwide. Most recently, we celebrated our recognition once again by Franchise Times on the Top 500 List, which honors the top brands in the franchising industry.

We’re expanding our presence in both new and existing markets across the country, leveraging our industry-leading and award-winning model to bring the Launch experience to every community.

Learn more about franchising opportunities with Launch Entertainment.

Launch Entertainment Inks Deal to Open Second Alabama Location

Leading Family Entertainment Franchise Locks in Signed Agreement to Grow Southern Footprint with Existing Multi-Unit Operator

FOLEY, Ala. – Launch Entertainment, an award-winning indoor family entertainment franchise, is reaching new heights in the Southeast—

The family entertainment concept has signed an agreement to bring a new location to Foley. This will be the brand’s second location in Alabama, further driving the brand’s growth in the Southeast and supporting its growth goal to reach 100 units in the next five years. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023, and the location will be situated in the Tanger Outlet Mall. Local residents can look forward to Awesome attractions including bowling, a full restaurant and bar, arcade and more.

The new location will be owned and operated by Sammy Razick, an existing franchisee with Launch Entertainment. As the existing owner of the Prattville location, which opened in 2018, Razick is an experienced operator with Launch, and also brings a background in residential and commercial remodeling as a licensed builder to the business.

“After opening in Prattville, I knew almost instantly that the Launch model had to potential to be successful in other markets across Alabama, so I was always eager to become a multi-unit operator with the brand, and play a part in its growth,” said Razick. “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to expand with Launch, and the new scalable park model has allowed us to bring a new location to our community. It’s an honor to open a second park with a concept that allows us to create a great atmosphere for our guests.”

As a leading brand in family entertainment, Launch is continuously reinforcing its reputation as a fast-growing franchise in its respected space. Most recently, Launch has been recognized by Franchise Times, earning a ranking on its Top 500 list, an exclusive annual ranking of the 500 largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. To view Launch Entertainment and the full 2022 Franchise Times Top 500 rankings, visit: https://www.franchisetimes.com/top-500-2022/.

The business model is scalable for multi-unit opportunities and provides a fun, dynamic, and competitive environment to further drive growth and profitability for its franchise operators. With multiple revenue streams, the concept entices customers of all ages with an “Awesome” experience through its various attractions and amenities.

“This agreement comes at an exciting time for Launch, as we are moving full steam ahead on our nationwide expansion efforts,” said Jeff Todd, SVP of Business Development at Launch Entertainment. “We are actively seeking multi-unit operators to fuel our growth pipeline in several states across the nation, including Alabama. Sammy is the exact type of franchisee we are looking for at Launch, and we were thrilled to see him further expand with our brand by developing his second location to fill the need for entertainment in an underserved market.”

Target markets for growth include new and existing markets around the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest, with a current emphasis on Georgia, Texas, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Indiana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Alabama, New Jersey, Kansas and Missouri. The brand is seeking franchise partnerships with investors wanting to diversify their portfolio through its multi-revenue stream business model. Potential franchisees are higher net-worth individuals, with $1M liquid and $2M net worth.

To learn more about the Launch Entertainment franchise opportunity, visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com/franchise/.

About Launch Entertainment

Launch Entertainment is the leader in the indoor family entertainment segment. Founded in 2012, the concept has evolved from a trampoline park and small arcade to the ultimate family destination: a full family entertainment center offering a variety of “Awesome” attractions, premium bar, and restaurant. The brand currently has 31 locations across 14 states, with several new locations in development. Backed by an experienced leadership team and a private equity deal with Silver Oak Services Partners, Launch Entertainment has initiated a full-scale franchise development plan.

For more information about Launch Entertainment, visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com/. To learn more about its franchise opportunities, visit

www.launchtrampolinepark.com/franchise/.

Join A Family Entertainment Franchise with Recurring Revenue

The family entertainment sector of the franchise industry presents a unique opportunity for seasoned investors to turn their passion for active family fun into reliable recurring revenue. When entrepreneurs invest in the leading indoor family entertainment park, they are capitalizing on a world-class action park with a diversified attraction mix and semi-absentee model to reach untapped profit potential.

As the #1 market leader in the family entertainment space, we’re continuing to elevate our reputation with stable, recurring revenue. Let’s break down the benefits of diversifying with Launch:

Diversified Attraction Mix for Activities Year Round

The first step towards recurring revenue is providing services that are available year-round. Since each of our diversified attractions are indoors, families can enjoy every activity 365 days of the year.

Recently, we revolutionized our model with the rollout of Generation 3 parks. Expanding our initial park design, Gen 3 activates increased revenue potential with an expanded attraction mix, premium dining and broad market appeal. This new model can increase customer spend while at the same time keeping costs low through labor efficiencies.

Depending on their retail space, franchise owners can customize their activity offerings to best fit their target customer base. Our Gen 3 model features a full bar and Krave Kitchen to maximize ROI for children and adults of all ages. Backed by a strong franchise system and support, our in-house manufacturing lowers buildout costs and trims turnaround times for production. It’s one of the many ways we support our franchisees.

Semi-Absentee Model for Passive Income

With passive revenue potential, there’s no need to manage day-to-day operations. In fact, most Launch Entertainment franchise owners hire a general manager to lead the day-to-day operations and maintain an awesome culture for their employees. In addition, Launch Corporate provides world-class franchisee support including;

Marketing: Our corporate marketing team will plan and execute all of your marketing campaigns.
Creative: In-house graphics and video production to continuously create Launch content.
Launch Guest Services: A full guest support center that will handle all incoming inquiries, book parties, handle online reviews, and more.

The sales ambassador and assistant manager assume prominent roles in the business, generating recurring business from children and adults in the community.

This opportunity pairs well for a variety of investors, especially those in the childhood education, hotel operation or real estate space who are looking to diversify their portfolio with a muti-revenue stream business model, without fully running the operations.

Untapped Profit Potential

You may be wondering, what is the profitability of a family entertainment park? Launch Entertainment franchisees reap the benefits of massive profit potential, with franchise locations bringing in an average $2,035,472 in total income.*

Our family fun franchise is home to an array of awesome attractions to keep families coming back year-round while offering franchisees multiple revenue streams to maximize unit profitability.

Ready to Launch your portfolio? Learn more about franchising opportunities with Launch Entertainment.

*According to the Item 19 of the 2022 FDD. Referring to franchised locations, average of 6 parks trailing 12 months

Launch Entertainment is Leveling Up its Franchise Development Strategy for Nationwide Expansion

Leader in Family Entertainment Space Projecting to Reach 100 Units Through its Innovative New Park Model

WARWICK, R.I. – Launching into a new era of entertainment for the entire family, the leader in indoor family entertainment is soaring above its competitors with an aggressive franchising initiative.

Launch Entertainment, an indoor family entertainment franchise, is aiming to reach 100 units in the next five years. Moving full-steam ahead on its development goals, the concept has three new locations slotted to open in the second half of 2022, with parks in Grand Rapids, MI; Jeffersonville, OH and Leominster, MA. Additionally, there are two signed agreements in New Jersey and Virginia as well as signed leases in several states to jumpstart development in 2023.

The Launch Entertainment business model is scalable for multi-unit opportunities and provides a fun, dynamic, and competitive environment to further drive growth and profitability for its franchise operators. With multiple revenue streams, the concept entices customers of all ages with an “Awesome” experience through its various attractions and amenities. Diversifying from its sole trampoline park origins, the brand now also offers bowling, laser tag, mini golf, a build-your-own pizza restaurant, a premium bar, and more, for the entire family to enjoy. As the global family/indoor entertainment centers market size is projected to reach $40 billion by 2025, Launch Entertainment is zeroing in on the potential with its franchise initiative over the next several years.

“We’re quickly establishing Launch as the go-to destination for family entertainment, and investors are looking to join our momentum,” said Rob Arnold, CEO of Launch Entertainment. “Not only do we have plenty to offer our customers with exciting activities for all to enjoy, but we also have an excellent opportunity for potential franchisees. Our parks provide multiple channels of income through various revenue streams, all centered to entertain guests and bring in more foot traffic, which ultimately increases the return for operators. We are intentionally seeking investors with a higher net worth who are looking to diversify their portfolio with a scalable, multi-revenue business model.”

Laying the foundation for its wide-scale development plans, additional support comes from Silver Oak Services Partners, which acquired a majority stake in Launch in 2020. Further aiding the efforts, Launch Entertainment leveraged the deal to strategically invest in its corporate executive team to provide top-notch support for franchise owners and help the brand reach its growth goals. Jeff Todd, a reputable franchise industry professional, has recently joined the brand as its new SVP of Business Development, bringing his expertise in expanding successful brands. Prior to his role at Launch Entertainment, Todd was Vice President of Franchise Development for Driven Brands, Inc.

Differentiating from its competitors and other franchise concepts, the Launch Entertainment corporate team provides hands-on support for franchise owners, including intensive training, operational, marketing, and sales support. The brand also manufactures its own fully-patented equipment, that allows for flexibility and innovation to create custom-designed parks, at a lower cost.

“We have the ability to fill a need in many markets that are underserved in full-family entertainment—creating a great opportunity for those looking to expand their portfolio with our unique concept. As we’re looking to strengthen our nationwide footprint and set ourselves apart as a brand, Launch continues to differentiate itself through our franchisee support,” said Todd. “With our next-level corporate support and an innovative new park model, Launch is on the verge of a record-breaking growth era.”

Since its inception, Launch has transitioned through three generations of entertainment centers that have progressed over time, increasingly offering more activities. The Generation 3 park, introduced in 2020, is a 35,000+ sq. ft. building, with trampoline courts, a full bar, premium food and beverage service, XP Arena, Bowling, Air Track Basketball, Omni Virtual Reality, 25+ games arcade, Krave Kitchen with build-your-own pizza and ice cream, private party spaces, laser tag, rock wall, ninja and ropes courses, and more.

Target markets for growth include new and existing markets around the Midwest, Northeast and Southwest, with a current emphasis on Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York, and New Jersey. The brand is seeking franchise partnerships with investors wanting to diversify their portfolio through its multi-revenue stream business model. Potential franchisees are higher net-worth individuals, with $1M liquid and $2M net worth.

To learn more about the Launch Entertainment franchise opportunity, visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com/franchise/.

About Launch Entertainment

For more information about Launch Entertainment, visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com/. To learn more about its franchise opportunities, visit

www.launchtrampolinepark.com/franchise/.

Generate Passive Income Through Semi-Absentee Franchise Ownership

The key to building wealth is having multiple streams of revenue. Investors have long thought of franchise ownership as a predictable and recession-resistant investment, offering high-yield returns. The franchise model also offers a safe, low-volatility investment compared to higher-risk ventures.

Despite these benefits, traditional franchising often requires owners to be on-premises and heavily involved in running the day-to-day operations to oversee the growth of their business. The time required is often an issue for investors who simply do not have time to spare. But what if you could do both? The secret is choosing the right franchise.

Types of Franchise Models

There are three different types of models for franchise ownership: owner/operator, semi-absentee and absentee owner. Owner/operators is the most common type of franchise ownership, with individuals involved in all aspects of the business. With all your time focused on operations, there is no room to diversify with additional investments or keep a full-time job.

Semi-absentee opportunities are designed to be manager-run. Although owners spend 5-20 hours a week checking in on operations and meetings, they still have ample time to pursue other opportunities in the workforce.

The most hands-off franchise ownership opportunity is absentee management. Similar to investing in the stock market, these owners simply finance the endeavor while a general manager oversees the entire operation. The only drawback is there are very few franchise opportunities that offer semi-absentee or absentee models.

Launch into Franchising

With semi-absentee and absentee opportunities available, Launch Entertainment is leveling up our franchise development strategy for nationwide expansion.

As the leading full-service family entertainment concept, we’re soaring above the competition with a diversified attraction mix, immersive dining experience and expanding customer demographic profiles to maximize profitability. Our scalable, multi-channel revenue entertainment space entices customers with an “Awesome” experience to help drive repeat visits and amplify returns for franchisees.

Unlike other concepts, Launch can be run semi-absentee or 100% absentee, with the right management team in place. Most franchise owners will hire a general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations. Launch corporate provides several key services to allow your management team to focus on the operations of the park:

Guest Services Center: Centralized call center to handle all incoming inquires, party booking, outbound party confirmation calls, online review management, and other customer service-related tasks.
Marketing Team: Launch’s in-house marketing team provides all marketing for your park including planning, research, digital ads, social media management and advertising, and email marketing.
Business Support Manager: A dedicated business support manager will work hand-in-hand with your management team to be sure your park is operating efficiently with a focus on profitability. Business support managers will assist with operations, costs, sales, and other KPI’s vital to your business.
Owner Calls: You will be kept up to date with the latest information about Launch and the direction of the company with periodic calls.

This opportunity pairs well with a variety of investors, especially those in the childhood education, hotel operation or real estate space who are looking to diversify their portfolio with a multi-revenue stream business model without fully running the operations.

Ready to Launch your portfolio? Learn more about franchising opportunities with Launch Entertainment.

Single-Unit Franchise: Three Reasons It’s Right For You

Have you been dreaming of opening your own business? One of the best ways to get started in a successful venture is to become a single-unit franchise owner. In this arrangement, a franchisee buys one location of a franchisor’s business along with the right to use the franchisor’s brand name, business model, etc. while operating that location. Unlike the multi-unit franchise model (where a franchisee owns two or more locations and hires managers to run them), the single-unit model allows a franchisee to have much more control over the day-to-day management of their location. Single units are the most common type of franchise and offer many advantages, especially to first-time business owners. Here are three reasons it may be right for you.

Lower Costs

One of the main reasons that new businesses fail is because their owners run out of money. That’s why it’s wise to avoid overspending when you’re first starting out in any business. Fortunately, when you partner with a reputable company, your franchisor will verify that you have the capital you need to operate your business, and they’ll train you to anticipate future expenses. An obvious way to keep your initial expenditures low is to invest in a single unit, which will naturally be less expensive than purchasing two or more units. Plus, you’ll have fewer operating expenses for a single location as compared to the costs of running multiple ones.

More Oversight

Opening a franchise is like starting any other business — there are risks involved. As a single-unit franchisee, you’ll get to manage the day-to-day operations of your location, so you’ll have more control over how the business is run. You’ll be in charge of hiring and firing employees, determining how much money is spent on various operations, supervising customer service, ensuring that employees are following company guidelines, managing quality control and more. You should be directly involved with employees and customers, you’ll have the ability to spot issues when they arise and stop them from becoming bigger problems.

Enhanced Opportunities

If you’re a new business owner, being a single-unit franchisee allows you to learn the particulars of all the franchise’s systems and processes. According to Entrepreneur’s “The 10 Commandments of Franchise Ownership,” the franchise owners who are most involved in the business are usually some of the most successful. As you learn more about running your business, you may come up with ideas or methods that enhance performance at your location and for the franchisor. As your success mounts, you may decide that you’d like to expand to become a multi-unit franchise owner.

Launch Entertainment Provides Excellent Franchise Opportunities

Whether you want to start out as a single- or multi-unit franchisee, Launch Entertainment has excellent opportunities you should consider. Our service-based, high-margin business model provides customers with the kind of fun experiences that will have them coming back again and again. We’re much more than a trampoline park. With climbing walls, bowling lanes, laser tag, an arcade, Krave restaurant, Bar Hops and more, each Launch location is the perfect place for kids and adults to enjoy active entertainment in a family-friendly environment.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

Just as our trampolines help customers fly high, our corporate training team will teach you how to take your new business to incredible heights. We have multiple markets available and are positioned to expand across the United States. Fill out our contact form to get started with Launch!

Opening a Franchise as an EB-5 Investment: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the United States! As a foreign investor looking to establish yourself, perhaps also your family, in the U.S., you have several options open to you. If you have the drive and the capital available, then opening an EB-5 franchise may be your best choice.

What is EB-5?

The EB-5 immigrant investor program is a program the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service administers for prospective business owners seeking to immigrate to the U.S. The program allows foreign investors like yourself to apply for a green card by investing in a qualifying commercial enterprise in the U.S. and planning to create and preserve 10 or more permanent, full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. The name EB-5 comes from how participants in this program receive an employment-based fifth-preference visa.

What Qualifies as an EB-5 Business Idea?

If you’re looking for EB-5 business ideas, it’s important to keep in mind the qualifications. To qualify for a visa, you must invest at least $1.8 million USD in your business, or $800,000 in a targeted employment area (TEA). Qualifying TEAs for this program are either rural areas or areas experiencing high unemployment. If you’re investing in a pre-existing business, there may be additional requirements. If you invest in a commercial enterprise established prior to Nov. 29, 1990, the enterprise must change into a new business or expand to add at least 40% to its net worth or employees.

EB-5 Franchise Opportunities

Now that you know what’s required for an EB-5 franchise, you need to decide how you’re going to establish one. Starting your own business from scratch requires a good deal of business acumen, not to mention knowledge of whatever industry you’re starting. Additionally, depending on which country you’re immigrating to the U.S. from, the domestic market here may be unfamiliar territory for you. Industry standards and U.S. regulations may also be different to you.

Investing in a franchise can be a good way for a newcomer to the U.S. to start their own business. A franchise location ensures you’ve got a ready source of advice and guidance in the franchisor, as well as fellow franchisees. The franchisor can also help connect you with the necessary service providers, such as suppliers, as well as provide you with services of its own, like market research and advertising. Franchises often have prospective markets already scoped out, which will help take the guesswork out of finding your best choice for an opening location. The motto of franchising is “in business for yourself, but not by yourself,” which for a newcomer to both the country and your market of choice is a good position to be in.

While the advantages of investing in a franchise are noteworthy, it’s important to also consider the challenges it may bring. As a franchisee, you will need to meet the requirements of your franchise agreement, particularly following the franchise business model. Franchisors also charge a fee for the use of their brand and separate fees for various support services such as marketing and business consulting. Finally, depending on the franchise, the initial investment and staffing requirements for a single franchise location might not be enough to meet the EB-5 qualifications, so you might need to invest in multiple franchise units to qualify.

Get Your Business Off the Ground with Launch

If an EB-5 investment opportunity sounds like the right path for you, then Launch Entertainment is a great option. Launch Entertainment is a part of an industry that is expected to keep growing for years. According to the Allied Market Research Study, the Family Entertainment industry generated $25.14 billion in 2021, employs more than 61,000 people and has 6,000+ total locations in the United States. The industry is expected to grow to more than $69.55 billion over the next five years, a 10.9% CAGR. Your initial investment will meet EB-5 qualifications, and with Launch’s eye toward expanding territories, there’s lots of room for growth in the U.S.

If you want to learn more about franchise advantages with Launch, and how to get started with Launch, fill out a contact form today!

Are Preschool Franchises a Good Investment? Explore Alternatives Here

As parents search for more ways to get their children back on track and more socialized with their peers, the demand for high-quality, safe learning environments is rising. Childhood development is at the forefront of parents’ minds since widespread lockdowns isolated young families.

The 2022 Child Day Care Market Research Report shows the industry has grown at an annual rate of 4.6%. But with that growth comes the realization that preschool franchises may cost more than they’re worth for investors.

When researching child-focused franchises like a preschool, investors should also consider the demand for active play spaces that foster childhood development in a safe and fun environment.

While preschools offer more curriculum-based learning, active play spaces, including Launch, encourage fitness for the whole family. To keep kids and parents engaged, Launch offers a variety of physical and fun activities, including group exercise classes, trampoline basketball and dodgeball, foam pits, and open jump time so parents can bring their kids as an alternative to outdoor parks and playgrounds.

Another reason Launch is an excellent alternative to a preschool is the ability to incorporate several income streams, including events like birthday parties, family and corporate events, or parents’ date night.

When considering preschool and family entertainment facilities like Launch for an investment opportunity, it’s essential to consider asking some critical questions so you can make the most informed decision.

How much do preschool franchises typically cost?

Although financing options are made available for qualified individuals through the Small Business Association (SBA), potential franchisees must understand the cost of starting this new venture.

For some preschools, the initial investment for a 13,000-square-foot school could cost nearly $5.4 million, according to the Creative World School website. Their table shows expenses including:

Initial franchise fee
Building/leasehold improvements
Landscaping, irrigation, sidewalk, trail, fencing, playground equipment, and resurfacing
Impact fees and utility connection fees
Land costs
Architectural/engineering, legal, and accounting
Opening furniture, fixtures & equipment
Opening inventory and supplies
Pre-opening expenses
Operating capital for three months
SBA & bank fees
Closing costs

Pros and cons of opening a preschool

Opening a preschool on your own comes with some benefits, including minimal education requirements, the luxury of not having to place your own child in daycare, and the ability to operate on a smaller scale out of your home.

Although you’re not required to enroll a certain number of children to cover the costs of significant expenses mentioned above, you’ll still be required to meet safety standards for infants and small children. These requirements can tack on additional fees that may be significant if an older home needs to be updated.

When investing in a preschool, you’ll need a significant amount of capital to get started and the knowhow to retain good teachers. Although franchises offer team support, much of the responsibility to stay afloat and increase profit is up to you.

Alternative franchises for active play

According to IBISWorld, the market size for indoor play centers is $658 million. These indoor playgrounds offer games, food, party hosting, play areas, and snacks. Adding additional income streams like a parents’ night out, CPR certification course, or other child/parent-centered activities is a great way to supplement your income when running an indoor playground.

Indoor playgrounds offer child development-centered activities for social skills; they keep children active and healthy, are a great alternative for days with bad weather, and are an excellent option for birthday parties. In addition, indoor playground franchises are relatively low maintenance and require less staff on payroll than preschools.

Many potential investors interested in education franchises may want to rethink their investment unless they’re genuinely passionate about the education piece of the business.

Explore franchising with Launch

If high startup costs and maintenance fees are of concern, indoor playgrounds are an excellent option for investors and allow children and families to enjoy fun and safe socialization. As parents continue to praise the safety inside these family entertainment centers, potential franchisees should take note of their needs and the high demand for family fun.

Launch has one of the lowest insurance rates in the business thanks to our safety record. It’s a great franchise opportunity because of our robust support system and the opportunity to join a forward-thinking culture with a community built on unique experiences and family fun. Launch is one of the fastest growing family recreation trends and shows no sign of slowing down, with more families looking for alternatives to outdoor parks and playgrounds on hot or rainy days.

Launch offers operational support, local marketing, and national advertising. The team also assists with proven business management, systems, and policies and procedures to take the guesswork out of running your business efficiently.

Franchise Development: What It Is & What It Tells You About A Franchise

We’ve all heard of franchises, but many people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes of building a booming business that spans dozens or even hundreds of territories. Strategic franchise development is essential for building and growing a profitable franchise, and there are many moving parts to ensure its success.

Let’s cover the basics of franchise development and how its processes can often make or break your business.

What is franchise development?

It combines sales, marketing, legal and real estate. It is the strategic process from the beginning stages (concept) through the expansion phase and beyond.

So, what’s involved in the development process, and who’s responsible for ensuring a franchise hits the ground running and remains sustainable?

First and foremost, you must create a franchise business plan. This blueprint will include a profile of the target buyer, franchise fee, royalty fee, advertising fund model, and more. Another critical step to building a successful franchise is mapping out a profitable financial model for both franchisor and franchisee.

The development process also involves the management of legal documentation and the state registration process. A Franchise Disclosure Document must be provided to and updated annually with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in order to sell franchises in the U.S.

A franchise system must have a fully defined and documented operations system in the operations manual and legal documentation. This manual will be a critical sales and training tool for the franchisee.

What does a franchise developer do?

The role of franchise developers is to streamline different areas of building up the franchise, including working with digital marketing companies, branding agencies, business consultants, and franchise and trademark attorneys. Because the FTC closely regulates the process, a franchise developer is the point person to ensure all regulations and requirements are met on both the federal and state levels.

Like a general contractor builds houses, franchise developers manage the entire development process and work closely with business owners who envision taking their franchise nationwide. Some of the essential tasks developers tackle are:

Defining the franchise relationship and structure
Researching similar franchise businesses in the marketplace
Coordinating documentation and working with a legal team to ensure everything is aligned.

More specifically, a Franchise Area Developer is responsible for the growth and expansion of the franchise to multiple locations and is typically called a multi-unit developer.

What is the franchise development process?

As the franchise developer spearheads the “concept to creation” process for a new business, it’s essential to understand their detailed approach. The process works in phases, including:

Establishing a profitable business model
Ensuring legal documentation is completed
Securing real estate & meeting site requirements
Construction & opening of the unit
Hiring management staff to run the franchises
Selling your franchise to expand
Providing support to your franchisees

This can seem like a pretty hefty task list for one person to handle, which is why many franchisors hire a team of developers to ensure the process runs smoothly. Typically, once a franchise developer or team starts working with an owner, they remain on board as active members of the franchise.

Mark Murphy, our Director of Franchise Sales/Development, handles all things dealing with the development of our franchise at Launch Entertainment.

Are franchise developers in-house or outsourced?

While Launch is lucky enough to have someone on our leadership team, smaller companies typically don’t have the budget to hire an in-house higher level professional to operate the business.

Tasks like bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and other back-end support can be outsourced to one company that provides cohesive services. Outsourcing technology is also standard in franchising until budgets allow for in-house help. Of course, outsourcing gives new business owners access to a larger talent pool and the ability to free up more time for themselves by delegating a lot of the operational responsibility.

At least in the beginning stages of developing a franchise, real estate development and marketing are two areas where outsourcing makes sense. Eventually, if the franchise is doing well, these can turn into in-house positions.

Launch, which opened in 2012, started franchising in 2013. We now have over 25 locations with an ambitious growth plan to continue expanding across the U.S. Murphy is in a key role to oversee that expansion.

What are signs of a strong franchise?

When researching a franchise, there are many things to consider before investing and committing to a team. Here are a few key factors to help determine whether a franchise developer is strong enough to succeed.

Financial success. You can look at previous FDDs to determine whether a business has shown consistent growth. Explore the franchise’s past financials by exploring Item 19 in the FDD.

High-demand market. Look to see if your potential franchise is popular and in demand. Is this service something the market needs and is currently looking for? Launch is a service-based business that specializes in providing indoor fun for children and adults alike.

Brand recognition. Being able to recognize a brand means there’s consumer loyalty, therefore increasing the demand for more locations. Simply put, more consumer loyalty can increase the franchise’s value and put you on top as an owner. Launch has been building our reputation for 10 years, and in fact can boast some of the lowest insurance rates in the business thanks to our safety record.

Sustainability. Since the onset of the pandemic, more people are looking for ways to protect the environment and invest in their future. Sustainable businesses are not only a part of a growing trend but aim to minimize their carbon footprint and negative environmental impact.

Replicable business. Ask yourself, does this franchise offer multi-unit options? If so, your chances of exponential growth are much higher than a single unit franchise. Look at how many units a franchisee typically owns and runs efficiently. This may be a good sign that the business is able to be replicated and profitable.

Consider franchising with Launch

A deeper understanding of the franchise development process and the developer’s role can help you differentiate a good investment from a poor one. At Launch, we’re proud of Murphy and our entire franchise support team.

We are a standout franchise in the family entertainment business, having evolved from our start as a trampoline park into a wildly popular entertainment center. Launch offers trampoline courts as well as a battle pit, laser tag, dodgeball and other thrilling activities. In addition, franchise owners can diversify their income streams by hosting birthday parties and other social events, selling merchandise, operating our in-house Krave pizza restaurant and offering locker rentals. By offering memorable experiences, you can gain repeat business.

Launch Entertainment Franchisees Aim to Revive Leominster Community with New Location

Husband-and-Wife Duo to Open Family Entertainment Center Franchise in Massachusetts

LEOMINSTER, Mass. – (June 7, 2022) – Launch Entertainment, a leading operator and franchisor of innovative, year-round family entertainment centers, continues to expand its footprint in Massachusetts. Launch franchisees, Mark and Christine Emma, are currently transitioning what once housed a Toys “R” Us into the sixth Launch Entertainment location in the state. The latest family entertainment center will be located at The Mall at Whitney Field in Leominster, Massachusetts.

The city of Leominster holds a special place in Mark’s heart — this is where he grew up! When Mark was younger, the city was alive with places to shop, eat, and play. Over the years, the Emmas saw the place they call home drastically changed. Businesses in the area dwindled away, either closing shop or relocating to larger cities. With slim to no options for their 12-year-old son and his friends to enjoy themselves as Mark did growing up, Mark and Christine decided it was time to make a difference and begin to revitalize the community and its businesses. They began researching business opportunities that would benefit the community and jumped at the chance to open their very own Launch Entertainment.

“We were introduced to the family entertainment center franchise when our son was seven,” said Christine. “We immediately fell in love with Launch Entertainment’s concept, leadership, and ability to evolve with the times. Our goal is to rekindle the city of Leominster and surrounding communities. It’s a community that’s been neglected for years. With Launch opening at The Mall at Whitney Field, we can provide a safe, fun, active, and inclusive environment for children, teens, parents, and grandparents to enjoy. We hope to drive significant foot traffic in the area and, in turn, help attract other businesses to invest or reinvest in our community.”

Launch Entertainment, headquartered in Warwick, Rhode Island, is one of the fastest-growing family entertainment concepts in the United States. The state-of-the-art family entertainment center franchise was founded in 2012 by Rob and Erin Arnold. Launch offers a differentiated entertainment experience with a wide variety of attractions and amenities for all ages.

The Leominster location will include Launch’s signature trampolines, eight lanes of bowling, XP Arena, Omni Virtual Reality, ninja course, battle pit, rock wall, x-treme dodgeball, basketball dunk lanes, a full arcade, birthday party rooms, Krave restaurant and Bar Hops beverage service, and more.

The Emma family knows the value of a fun-filled experience with a great atmosphere to celebrate birthdays, family gatherings, church events, work outings, or just a date night that everyone in the surrounding community can enjoy. Mark and Christine are planning to offer bowling and dodgeball leagues for both children and adults in the city. They also plan to host special weekly events like Toddler Time, Teen Nights, V.I.P. Time, and 21+ Nights to create an inclusive atmosphere where all residents can find a sense of community.

“We started this journey with Launch Entertainment in 2018,” said Mark. “It’s been a long time coming, and we are beyond excited to open our doors. Our intention is to not only make an impact on our community and those we serve but also help Leominster thrive once again. Launch will provide an outlet to countless people and create memories that will last a lifetime. We are eager to welcome guests in the Fall. I know our son can’t wait.”

The Leominster family entertainment center, located at 118 Commercial Rd., is slated to open in late November, just in time for the holiday season.

“The opening of our sixth location in the state of Massachusetts is yet another indication that our ongoing expansion efforts are effective,” said Launch CEO Rob Arnold. “Mark and Christine have what it takes to not only become productive business owners but make a true impact in Leominster and the surrounding communities while doing so. This location will provide the entertainment the city of Leominster is yearning for and beyond. We look forward to the impact Launch will have within this community.”

Launch Entertainment currently has 28 locations operating in 13 states across the nation. The rapid expansion of the family entertainment franchise continues by the hour, with numerous other locations in various stages of development.

Visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com for more information.

For franchising information, visit https://launchfamilyentertainment.com/franchise/.

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ABOUT LAUNCH FRANCHISING, LLC

Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Rob and Erin Arnold, Launch Entertainment is an innovative leader in the family entertainment industry. What started as an indoor trampoline park for kids has evolved into a year-round, all-inclusive family entertainment center featuring an XP Arena, ninja courses, climbing walls, laser tag, battle pits, bowling, giant trampoline surfaces, and more. As an ideal space for kids and adults alike, Launch offers a safe and enjoyable environment for date nights, birthday parties, family events, corporate events, church outings, fundraisers, and other get-togethers. Currently, there are 28 parks open and operating in 13 states, with numerous others in development across the country.