Entertainment franchises can take many different forms…
Of course, there’s the more traditional entertainment franchise such as 810 Billiards & Bowling, which offers its customers a place to bowl and play billiards, as well as get something to eat and drink. Also, in addition to its namesake activities, patrons can compete at ping pong, corn hole, bocce ball, darts, shuffleboard, and foosball depending on the specific location too. Some locations even offer miniature golf and live entertainment.
Another option for you, if you want to invest in an entertainment franchise with multiple revenue streams, is Take All In Adventures. The franchise allows its franchisees the flexibility to “[utilize] our four activities (game show rooms, beat the seat, axe throwing rooms, and mystery rooms) as you choose.”
On the other side, if you’re seeking a franchise with a narrower focus, painting franchises, such as Imagine Arts Academy and Kidcreate Studio, have been a consistently popular entertainment franchise in recent years.
For children, these franchises represent a way to express themselves creatively, as well as, perhaps, gain exposure to an area deeply impacted by educational budget cuts. They are also a family-friendly activity. As noted by Créatif Art Studio, “It’s a place for everyone—our wide item selection and varied offerings appeal to adults & children.”
However, for adults specifically, painting franchises are also a way to express themselves, but many of these franchises also combine two other things: a unique venue for a social outing and (sometimes) wine. These “paint-and-sip” franchises have become a way to unwind, relax or celebrate in a different (and typically not-too-expensive) way.
And the franchise segment is proving popular with franchisees themselves as well. “They want to do something for themselves, and something that’s fun,” the marketing manager of Pinot’s Palette once said in a Forbes article. “[The franchisee’s] role is to have a party every night — and that’s attractive to people leaving the corporate sector.”
Mentioned earlier as a part of Take All In Adventures’ offerings, axe throwing is a franchise niche that has seen its notoriety rise lately. Why? Think along the lines of what Top Golf did for the driving range. These franchises are yet another avenue for adults to engage in an interesting, unique activity in a lounge-like atmosphere.
“Axe throwing is a low-cost activity that embodies community, fun, and an urban twist on a traditional sport, creating a highly sought after event that can be added to your community. A growing number of casual participants and axe throwing leagues continue to join the excitement,” notes HaliMac Axe Throwing.
…And those franchise segments only represent a sample of the options you’ll find when searching for an entertainment franchise that fits your lifestyle and business goals.
How does the future look for entertainment franchises?
According to researchers, painting nights and related entertainment activities will begin to re-expand in the near future – and not just for the private consumer market segment. As things return to normal, don’t be surprised to see corporate consumers looking for ways to keep their employees engaged with their workplaces create a significant sub-market for these franchises as well.
Initial Investment and Opening Costs for Entertainment Franchises
The amount necessary to open an entertainment franchise varies depending on the unique business system and execution requirements.
The exact opening costs for a given entertainment franchise depends on many factors, including but not limited to: the franchise fee, training expenses (such as travel and living expenses, not the actual training courses), grand opening advertising and marketing costs, the cost for a dedicated building space or work vehicle (if necessary), and more.
The franchise profiles on our website will present you with a basic range for the initial investment or minimum cash required to open a franchise. But when it comes to finding out the details of an initial investment, the franchise disclosure document is the best place to look. Franchisors offer itemized estimates in their franchise disclosure document (FDD) based upon their experience establishing, and in some cases operating, units.
Keep in mind these estimates are just that, though—an estimate. Prospective franchisees should review the figures presented with a business advisor, taking into consideration their unique circumstances, before making the decision to enter into a franchise agreement.
Top Benefits of Being an Entertainment Franchise Owner
The benefits of owning a franchise can be numerous vs. independent operation. Here are a few of the top benefits for those who decide to own an entertainment franchise instead of going at it alone.
Name Recognition: While people sometimes do want to try something new, most people tend to be creatures of habit. Franchises tend to have established brand names that, in many instances, have been around for years. If you buy an entertainment franchise, you will be given the right to associate your business with that franchise company's name, trademarks, and logo.
Training and Support: A popular feature with all franchises is the training provided. While in business, franchisees will have access to the franchisor’s operations manual, computer systems, and other items designed to help you successfully manage your entertainment franchise.
Insurance and Licensing: One of the advantages to aligning yourself with a franchise is, in many cases, the franchise brand you choose already has a measure of familiarity with the rules and regulations that must be adhered to. In fact, within the FDD many franchises provide a detailed list of insurance coverages that should be carried by you while in business.
Advertising: Getting your name out there can be expensive and sometimes it can be hard to know where to spend your advertising and marketing budget. With a franchise, national advertising is typically done by the franchisor. In addition, though local advertising is generally up to you, you’ll have guidelines in place to help guide you.