Lehi Business
A Look at the Most Popular Franchise Businesses in Utah
With a population of 3.5 million, Utah is among the less densely populated states in America. However, the Beehive State is known for a vibrant economy, low unemployment rate, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Many successful businesses in Utah include those established on a franchise model. Like all states, the “Major Franchise Players” can be found here, such as McDonald’s (89 locations), Taco Bell (44 locations), and auto repair service Midas (21 locations).
A demographic profile of Utah’s population shows that businesses that focus on family-friendly and health-oriented products and services tend to do well.
Digging Deeper into Utah Franchises
This state in the American southwest tends to mirror the percentage of major brand franchises located throughout the nation. However, it is informative to take a deeper look into other kinds of franchise operations that are finding success in Utah.
Here are some examples of thriving franchise businesses in Utah by category:
1. Food Related
As stated, behemoths like McDonald’s and Taco Bell have a huge presence in Utah. Note that while McDonald’s is the most popular, Subway actually has more locations. Other popular fast-food providers are Chick-fil-A, Domino’s Pizza, and Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Are there any food franchise brands that originated in Utah? Yes! Two of the most successful are Café Rio and Cupbop. Both have enjoyed expanding locations outside the state.
Can you guess where the iconic food franchise, KFC, opened its very first fried chicken location? No, it wasn’t Kentucky. The first KFC opened in Salt Lake City in 1952.
2. Education
Noting Utah’s reputation as a family-oriented state, it’s not surprising that franchise models here that offer educational and tutorial services are thriving.
Among the most popular is a franchise called Kumon. It specializes in improving the math and reading skills of students. Another franchise that falls under the education category is Shredder Ski School, which teaches downhill skiing, not surprising for a state with some of the best ski slopes in America.
Yet another unique Utah franchise that is doing well is Flour Power Kids Cooking Studio. It teaches cooking skills to children. This franchise is one of the newer brands in Utah and was recently rated as “the second most purchased franchise” in Utah.
3. Beauty and Wellness
There is at least one beauty and wellness franchise that originated in Utah. That company is IMAGE Studio. It launched in Salt Lake City in 2010 and then developed a franchise model in 2015.
Several national beauty franchise brands are doing well in Utah. These include Great Clips, Sport Clips, Diesel Barbershop, Fantastic Sam’s Cut & Color, Lemon Wax, and LunchBoxWax.
4. Retail and Services
A popular service franchise in the Beehive State is Rolling Suds. This company bills itself as a “power washing” provider that serves both residential and commercial clients. In the copy and printing category, Minuteman Press has two locations in Utah. This franchise company started in New York in 1973.
The women’s fashion franchise Apricot Lane Boutique is enjoying success in Utah. The apparel store is popular with both moms and daughters and features “edgier styles” for teens and young adults.
Future Franchise Outlook Bright
Although sparsely populated, Utah’s population is growing at a robust pace. Unemployment here is low at 3.1%, a full percentage point lower than the national average. Tech and tourism are booming industries in Utah. The opportunity to launch a new franchise location in just about any category is excellent.
