I’m sharing some thoughts about my personal outlook for non-food franchising in 2026.
These have been swirling around in my head, so I put pen to paper to share them for those thinking about starting a business or are curious about non-food franchising.
Now, listen, I don’t pretend to be a messiah or anything.
These are just thoughts based on many conversations from the front lines of franchising and what I’ve been seeing in the market (not from ChatGPT 😂).
Here they are:
Outlook #1: Non-Sexy Will Remain Sexy
Tried and true businesses in property services and in-home care are the two staples of the non-sexy category and both are positioned to continue growing this year.
(plus, both are non-retail-based options, which can make the investment profile look much more attractive).
There ain’t nothing sexy about property services except the amount of money people spend on maintenance and upgrades to their home and commercial properties.
And, generally speaking, if your team can…
…answer the phone consistently.
…show up on time.
…treat the customer right.
…and do good work.
you’re an exceptional company.
As for in-home care, I’m referring to non-medical caregiving services primarily for seniors who are “aging in place” and need daily assistance or companionship.
In-home care has been around for 20+ years and is experiencing a resurgence, driven mainly by demographic tailwinds from the aging population.
It’s a lower investment option that can become a big business.
Elon Musk won’t be able to automate either of these businesses.
Outlook #2: There Will Be Some Sexy Brands in Self-Care
Self-care continues to shift from “treat yourself” luxury moments (e.g., spa trip) to daily lifestyle habits = more spending.
We’re smarter than ever about our health.
Information delivery is easier than ever with social media and ChatGPT.
And more and more of us are prioritizing our health based on the information at our fingertips.
Several franchise brands are capitalizing on this movement.
The word is that a new franchise brand is launching this year with some of the most influential people in this space.
Outlook #3: A New Business Model In the Salon Industry Will Make A Move
Haircare has been one of the most multi-unit and manager-run-friendly franchise categories over the past 40 years.
It started with SuperCuts, Great Clips, and Sport Clips.
Evolved into salon suites about 15 years ago with Sola, My Salon Suites, etc.
And now, a new business model is emerging that addresses the gap between the two.
Over the past three weeks, I’ve met with two different brands franchising this new type of business model.
It’s starting…
Outlook #4: Strong Operators Will Thrive
“No shit, Dru!” 😉
I’m speaking to the would-be first-time franchise owners because now is the time to prepare yourself to become a strong operator.
And it starts with becoming a wise franchise investor.
In my opinion, here is how the most successful franchise owners approach acquiring a franchise:
An open mind
Some of the strongest-performing brands in the non-food franchise world don’t look like much from the surface. The answer is always behind the scenes.
Attack due diligence with vigilance
There are many layers of a franchise you want to analyze. It’s a 4-6+ week process to gather the information, validate it, and make a decision. So, buckle in!
Approach franchise ownership with the right reasons
This isn’t like buying a car or a house. It’s a major life decision with the goal of building a business that can give you what you don’t have now. That could mean more wealth, greater lifestyle flexibility, or both. Like anything worth doing, it will take time to achieve your goal, so again, buckle in!
Final Thought
If you’re thinking about starting a business this year and are interested in exploring franchising, I want to help you.
As you may or may not know, I’m a franchise broker who specializes in non-food franchises.
And I help people buy franchises (kind of like a real estate agent).
And, like a real estate agent, my service is free to you (franchise companies pay my bill).
2026 marks my 20th year in franchising, so if you want experienced help finding the right franchise, I can help you figure this out!
If you want to talk, please use this online calendar to find a time that works best for you.
Schedule a Call To Discuss Franchising
I’m in the office this week and will be at a franchise conference all of next week, where I sit in a room for three days and listen to pitches from 150+ non-food franchises.
Cheers to an amazing 2026!
Dru