Sponsored content by PuroClean.

As entrepreneurs research franchise opportunities, they often begin by looking at quick-service restaurants (QSRs) because of their recognizable brands and numerous locations across the country. But, restoration has emerged as a hidden gem in franchising, offering entrepreneurs a needs-based business model, diverse revenue streams, and opportunities to serve both residential and commercial customers.

Demand: Restaurants Versus Restoration

Like many entrepreneurs who have transitioned from the restaurant industry or diversified their portfolios by adding restoration, PuroClean Franchise Owner Steven Barbot saw an opportunity to apply his franchising experience to a different kind of franchise model. He owned Dunkin’ and Pizza Hut franchises before investing in PuroClean, which boasts a proven model built for long-term growth in the recession-resistant restoration industry. 

As Barbot evaluated his investment options, he discovered that PuroClean not only made sense financially but also provided an essential service that would always be in demand, rather than an indulgence tied to discretionary income. When a home or business is damaged by water, fire, mold, or biohazard contamination, the property owner cannot wait to get it fixed: living conditions or business operations must be restored immediately. 

Comparing the Numbers

One of the first steps in deciding between franchise options is reviewing each brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Barbot’s experience with Dunkin’ and Pizza Hut helps to illustrate the wide gap between traditional QSRs and a restoration franchise as far as financial costs and profit potential.

For example, according to each brand’s FDD, it costs up to $277,118 to open a PuroClean franchise, while the high-end investment exceeds $1.8 million for Dunkin’ and $2.1 million for Pizza Hut. 

Of course, a brand’s potential to generate revenue and its profit possibility are also key parts of the equation. According to the 2026 PuroClean FDD, Franchise Owners with a Business Development Representative (BDR) averaged a gross revenue of $1,488,476.* For comparison, Pizza Hut reported $972,864 in average gross sales while Dunkin’ reported $1,372,069, according to each brand’s respective FDD.

Highlighting each brand’s top performers paints an even better picture. The top 25% of PuroClean Franchise Owners with a BDR averaged $3,757,060 in annual sales, compared to $2,154,341 for Dunkin’.* Meanwhile, the highest-performing PuroClean Franchise Owner reported more than $20 million in annual sales, over three times the revenue of Dunkin’s top-selling location, which generated just over $6 million.**

A Streamlined System

Several other factors make the restoration business more lucrative than owning a restaurant, which requires waiting for construction of a brick-and-mortar location, managing a large staff, and maintaining food inventory. 

PuroClean’s fundamentally different business model uses a much leaner operation. In Barbot’s experience, he was able to launch a PuroClean business with only two to four employees compared to operating a QSR, which often requires 30 or more workers. 

PuroClean’s corporate support also goes above and beyond. PuroClean not only provides an established brand, operating system, and marketing support, like a QSR would, but it also offers qualified Franchise Owners direct assignment work as the Home Office has established relationships with partners including three of the five largest insurance carriers in the nation, plus dozens of TPAs and commercial clients. In 2025, these relationships led to more than $80 million in National Account work for PuroClean Franchise Owners. 

Set Up for Success

Many restaurant Franchise Owners like Barbot eventually look to diversify their investment portfolios. A restoration franchise offers an essential service, multiple revenue streams, lower startup costs, and a quicker timeline to open. 

To learn more about owning a PuroClean franchise, visit PuroCleanFranchise.com.

*With Sales Rep: See 2026 FDD

**This figure represents the results of a single franchisee identified in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document (“FDD”).  Individual financial performance will vary based on numerous factors.  Prospective franchisees should carefully review the full FDD — including Item 19 — and consult with their own legal, financial, and business advisors before making any investment decision.

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