According to Forbes, Pennsylvania has the sixth biggest state economy in the U.S. at USD $815 billion and is home to nearly 50 of the 1,000 highest revenue U.S. companies. This strong business climate and diverse economy makes Pennsylvania franchises a great investment, and the International Franchise Association (IFA)’s Open for Opportunity roadshow is heading to Philadelphia to generate more awareness among Pennsylvanians of the success of the franchise business model and help them take control of their own financial independence.  

According to IBIS World, Pennsylvania’s gross state product saw a compound annual growth rate of 1.8 percent in the years from 2014 to 2019. Businesses in Pennsylvania employed a total of 24.2 million in 2018, with an average annual employment growth rate of 2.6 percent. The top three industries employing Pennsylvanians include health care and social assistance, retail trade, and STEM services. 

A significant part of Pennsylvania’s economic success has been the state’s recognition of the importance of diversity in its business ownership and the number of programs the state operates to grow access to economic opportunity within underserved communities. Pennsylvania’s best-known franchises may evoke some of the state’s enduring identifiers: Italian food, pretzels, and diners, but the faces behind those businesses are changing. 

To celebrate, let’s take a look at four successful franchises growing in Pennsylvania to invest in 2022. 

 

LaRosa’s Inc. 

Founded in 1954 and franchising since 1967, LaRosa’s Inc. has grown to 66 locations serving pizza and other Italian dishes in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The franchise was recognized for its growth in 2022, ranking 346 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchises 500 ranking. Startup costs to open a LaRosa’s Inc. franchise begin at $35,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with LaRosa’s Inc., click here. 

 

Philly Pretzel Factory 

Founded in Philadelphia in 1998 and franchising since 2004, Philly Pretzel Factory has grown to 162 locations. Originally serving just pretzels, the franchise has expanded its menu to include pretzel dogs and sausages, cheesesteak-stuffed pretzels, dipping sauces and frozen lemonade. Startup costs to open a Philly Pretzel Factory franchise begin at $100,000. To learn more about purchasing a franchise with Philly Pretzel Factory, click here. 

 

Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch 

Founded in 1998 and franchising since 2021, Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch has grown to 21 diner-style locations serving home-style breakfast and lunch. The franchise has garnered numerous awards, including the Best Breakfast/Lunch for more than 10 consecutive years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine; Reader’s Choice Best Breakfast by Philly Magazine; and Gold Plate Award Winner by the New Jersey Restaurant Hospitality Association. Startup costs to open a Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch franchise begin at $695,000. To learn more about available franchises with Turning Point Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch, click here. 

 

WCH Service Bureau 

Founded in 2001 and franchising since 2018, WCH Service Bureau supports healthcare and insurance providers with medical billing, auditing, credentialing and eligibility services. The franchise has a significant national footprint as a member of American Academy of Professional Coders, American Medical Billing Association, American Health Information Management Association and other healthcare organizations. Startup costs to open a WCH Service Bureau franchise begin at $20,000. To learn more about a franchise opportunity with WCH Service Bureau, click here. 

 

More About the Open for Opportunity Roadshow 

In mid-March, the International Franchise Association (IFA) held its first Open for Opportunity roadshow in Miami, Florida. Open for Opportunity events focus on the franchise industry, its benefits, and inclusiveness as the economy continues its recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Open for Opportunity will come to Philadelphia in April to discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in franchising. Previously, the IFA held a successful stop in Atlanta, considered the franchising capital of the U.S. due to having the most franchised brands headquartered in it than any other U.S. city, and discussing minority business ownership opportunities through franchising. 

 

Sources: 

Forbes 

IBIS World 

Search