Welcome to the Franzy Five — your 5-minute fix on the most compelling franchises and the trends shaping the industry.
Each week, we spotlight one standout concept worth watching, then round up key stories driving growth across food, fitness, home services, and beyond. Think of it as your shortcut to understanding where the smartest money in franchising is headed — and why. | Fast Facts | | 🌿Brand Name: | Waterloo Turf | | 💵Total Investment: | $106,000 – $151,500 | | 💰Franchise Fee: | $59,000 (scales to $39,000 after 3 units) | | 🔁Royalty: | 4-6% (scales down with revenue) | | 🏠Model: | Home-based, mobile, no storefront |
| | Let's Talk About Waterloo Turf 15-minute discovery call with your dedicated franchise coach | Brand Story Waterloo Turf was born in Austin, Texas — where hot summers, water restrictions, and modern landscaping needs collide. The founders saw a massive, underserved market: homeowners and businesses tired of costly, high-maintenance lawns. The solution? A professional turf installation franchise that pairs premium materials with efficient operations. From residential backyards and commercial spaces to athletic fields and dog runs, Waterloo Turf delivers durable, eco-friendly, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that look perfect year-round. Each franchise operates a simple, lean setup: one truck, a small crew, and a consistent pipeline of local projects. It's a smart, scalable business in a category built on sustainability and repeat referrals. | Data Angle | The brand's corporate track record proves how efficiently the system performs. In 2024, Austin generated $1.29M in revenue, while San Antonio hit $772K in its first full year—both running around 15% net margins. Together they topped $2 million in combined sales, powered by a small local team and subcontracted installation crews. No storefronts, no heavy equipment, no massive payroll—just an asset-light business that thrives on operational simplicity. The broader market backdrop only strengthens that story. The artificial turf industry is expected to pass $100B by 2028. North America is one of the fastest-growing regions, expected to surge from $1.4B to nearly $6B by 2032, as homeowners and commercial clients alike look for low-maintenance, drought-resistant landscapes. With average installation costs between $8–$12 per square foot and new environmental regulations pushing water conservation, adoption is accelerating in core U.S. metros. And while turf can last 10–15 years before replacement, Waterloo's Fresh'N Clean Membership turns that long cycle into steady recurring income. Clients can opt for quarterly or monthly cleanings that include power brushing, deodorizing, pet waste removal, and spot treatments, keeping lawns pristine and generating year-round service revenue for franchisees. It's a smart add-on that protects customers' investment while driving predictable cash flow. | | Book Your Free Call 15-minute discovery call with your dedicated franchise coach | Franzy Take | Waterloo Turf is one of those rare home-service concepts that hits every modern investor metric: sustainability, simplicity, scalability. The turf industry is booming, driven by drought-conscious homeowners, rising water costs, and a cultural shift toward low-maintenance living. For operators, this brand checks every box: low cost of entry, recurring demand, and an operational model that's lean yet powerful. And with its Austin-based team focused on franchisee support and quality control, early adopters are stepping into a category primed for long-term growth. If you're looking for a franchise that combines eco-conscious appeal with strong unit economics, Waterloo Turf is as green as it gets. |
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| Ready to Take the Next Step? Going from reading about franchises to owning one starts with a single conversation. Our franchise advisors help you validate your goals, explore vetted brands that match your lifestyle and budget, and connect you directly with franchisors. No pressure, no cost — just clarity on whether franchising is your next move and how to make it happen. Book Your Free Call | ✂️ Franchise News This WeekHere's what else is happening in the franchise world this week. ⛳Topgolf Sells Majority Stake for $770M Topgolf Callaway Brands is selling 60% of Topgolf and Toptracer to Leonard Green and Partners in a deal valuing the business at $1.1 billion. Callaway will net about $770 million and shift back to a golf-focused company. LGP, which backs brands like Zaxbys and Velvet Taco, will guide Topgolf's next growth phase, with the deal expected to close in early 2026. (Source: Golf Digest) 🍟Wendy's to Close Hundreds of U.S. Stores Wendy's plans to close a mid single digit percentage of its 6,011 U.S. restaurants, which could mean roughly 300 closures starting in Q4. The company cited pressure on lower income consumers and ongoing declines in traffic, revenue and same store sales. Wendy's says removing underperforming units will help strengthen the remaining system. (Source: CBS News) 🍔Large Freddy's Operator Files for Chapter 11 M&M Custard, a major Freddy's franchisee with 31 locations, filed for Chapter 11 after heavy losses tied to its Chicago market stores. The group once operated 42 units but closed Chicago locations due to sustained negative EBITDA and limited buyer interest. Freddy's corporate called it an isolated case, noting the brand continues to grow with 560 units and nearly $1 billion in systemwide sales. (Source: Restaurant Dive) | © 2024 Franzy. All rights reserved.
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