FRANCHISE BUSINESS IDEAS : Franchising Ideas

Here are your top 10 most requested franchise business ideas according to citizens in Toledo.

1. Trader Joe's.
This was by far the most popular request, with more than 150 mentions. It's a specialty grocery store that features imported cheeses, organic produce and hand-tossed pizza from Italy.

"You must add Trader Joe's to the list," wrote Melinda Toth of Toledo. "They are a specialty grocery store with their own store brands, including organic choices. If you've never been to one, you must check it out. I would love to have one in the Toledo area."

"Many people make the drive up to Ann Arbor to visit and buy at Trader Joe's," said Kris Bottles. "Let's save some gas and bring one here!"

Though the closest Trader Joe's is in Ann Arbor, the franchise does have six locations in Ohio and more than 300 stores in the United States. Online: www.traderjoes.com.

2. Romano's Macaroni Grill
Macaroni Grill is an Italian-style chain restaurant of the likes of Olive Garden. Its closest location is in Ann Arbor. Macaroni Grill has more than 200 locations in 12 countries. Online: www.macaronigrill.com

3. Crate & Barrel
Crate & Barrel is a retail store that specializes in furniture, housewares and home accessories. The closest Crate & Barrel is in Troy, Mich. The chain has more than 170 stores in the United States. Online: www.crateandbarrel.com.

4. Cheesecake Factory
A self-described "upscale" casual dining restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory specializes in just about everything, be it pizza, pasta, seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and cheesecake. The closest Cheesecake Factory is in Westlake. There were reports a Cheesecake Factory was headed to Levis Commons, but a spokeswoman there said Sept. 16 there is no truth to that.

"Anyone who says that they wouldn't like to have desserts of this quality around is simply telling untruths," wrote Tim Higgins of Toledo.

The Cheesecake Factory has more than 160 locations in the United States. Online: www.thecheesecakefactory.com.

5. Uno Chicago Grill
Uno Chicago Grill specializes in Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Its menu also features various sandwiches, pasta and chicken dishes. The closest Uno Chicago Grill is in Sterling Heights, Mich. Uno Chicago Grill has more than 200 restaurants in five countries. Online: www.unos.com.

6. Quaker Steak & Lube
Quaker Steak & Lube is a motorsports-themed family restaurant that claims to have the "best hot wings in the United States." The chain's locations are built to resemble old gas stations. The closest Quaker Steak & Lube is in Sheffield.

"Not just another burger joint, this one has an automotive flair that would be a perfect fit for this area!" wrote Ron Johnson.

Quaker Steak & Lube has more than 30 locations in the United States. Online: www.quakersteakandlube.com.

7. On The Border
On The Border is a chain restaurant that offers traditional Mexican fare and mesquite-grilled specialty items. It touts its grilled enchiladas as a "far from ordinary" featured item. Its closest location is in Allen Park, Mich. On The Border has restaurants in 33 states. Online: www.ontheborder.com.

8. Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters could be described as a retail store that sells clothing with a hipster or vintage look. Its closest location is in Ann Arbor (notice how that keeps coming up?). Urban Outfitters has stores throughout the United States and seven other countries. Online: www.urbanoutfitters.com. 9. Fatburger/In ‘n' Out
Need we say more? Fatburger is a fast-food chain that uses the slogan "The last great hamburger stand." All food at Fatburger is made to order. Fatburger's closest location is in Southfield, Mich.

There are more than 90 Fatburger restaurants.

There were a few requests for In ‘n' Out Burger, a chain housed in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. Online: www.fatburger.com. Online: www.in-n-out.com.

10. One-shots
There were dozens of one-request franchises, from O'Charley's ("It is a good value and really good food," said Robin McConnell of Perrysburg); Cinema Grill (a sit-down restaurant and cinema in one convenient location); Mimis Café ("Great food at a really reasonable price," wrote Cheryl Ann); Pinkberry, ("The next best thing to the sadly defunct TCBY that left our area," according to reader Lisa Kudlac); and California Pizza Kitchen (suggested by Jeff Schaaf, who also proposed a Shooters, a Bahama Breeze and a better location for Champs); Sweet Tomatoes (a soup and salad bar restaurant suggested by Sylvia Righi); The Container Store (a storage and organization store recommended by Anne Ellett); to Tom Schuster's requests for department stores Nordstroms, Kaufmann's, Saks and Marshall's.

By Michael S. Miller Editor in Chief Friday, 19 Sep 2008 - myFOXToledo

Franchise Definition

Franchising refers to the methods of practicing and using another person's philosophy of business. The franchisor grants the independent operator...

Franchising Ideas

Here are your top 10 most requested business franchise ideas according to citizens in Toledo...

4 Important Franchise Question to ask Before Investing Feb 26, 2010

These are the 4 most important questions to ask before you invest in a franchise...

Small Business to Franchise Owner Jan 30, 2010

6 months into her small business, Bev Halisky wanted to expand her "Driving Miss Daisy" transportation service for seniors and the disabled into a franchise. ...

Successful Dog and Cat Grooming Franchise Business Jan 19, 2010

The Youngs have grown Aussie Pet Mobile, an international franchise business, to groom an average of 50 animals per week. The time needed and the cost of the ...

10 Things About Franchise Contracts September 12, 2009

Many people are turning to owning a franchise business as an alternative to the standard corporate job. They’re attracted by the empowerment this business strategy represents ...

Recession Proof Franchise Businesses April 23, 2009

Talented people are simply victims of our current economic recession. Many people are looking into buying their own franchise business. In tough times like these ...

Mrs. Fields Cookies Gives Marketing Tips April 1, 2009

If the smell of fresh baked cookies isn't enough to draw customers in during a recession cookie franchise Mrs. Fields Cookies has some ideas to help. ...

Franchise Family Photos Business

Lisa and KC Flynn are co-owners of a photography business that focuses on children and families. The studio opened in 2006 and is expecting its first franchise...