Franchise Surge: How Retail Specialists Sees Opportunity in Chicken, Coffee, and Career Transitions

Press

Franchise Surge

How Retail Specialists Sees Opportunity in Chicken, Coffee, and Career Transitions

From Layoffs to Ownership — The Franchise Career Pivot

In today’s shifting job market, laid-off tech workers are turning to franchising as a path to stable income and business ownership. Retail Specialists executive vice president Bill Read explains the trend:

“Companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon are all cutting back, and these were really good-paying jobs,” said Read.
“If you’re accustomed to making that kind of money, you’re probably best advised to buy into a franchise system with a proven concept and sales.”

This new wave of franchisees is fueling rapid growth across sectors—from health and wellness to fast food—changing the landscape of U.S. retail.

Chicken and Coffee Dominate the Franchise Frontier

The hottest trends in franchising right now? Fast-casual chicken concepts and drive-thru coffee shops. Bill Read puts it simply:

“I would summarize it as chicken, chicken and more chicken and also coffee, coffee and more coffee.”

From Dave’s Hot Chicken and Raising Cane’s to Scooter’s Coffee and 7 Brew, these brands are expanding aggressively, especially in the Southeast where Read is based. Their smaller footprints and efficient models make them attractive to both landlords and first-time franchisees.

Fitness Franchises Offer Leaner Path to Entrepreneurship

Franchise opportunities in boutique fitness and wellness are also thriving—especially for entrepreneurs who want low-barrier entry into business ownership. As Read explains:

“They can be owner operated, and the investor doesn’t have to buy a piece of land on which to build an expensive QSR building,”
“It’s a way for somebody who has been in the workforce for 10 or 15 years to own their own business and be part of a growing franchise.”

From yoga and cryotherapy to pickleball clubs and infrared saunas, the evolution of health-focused concepts offers flexibility and lower startup costs—making it easier for new franchisees to enter the market.