Gen Z and Millennials Embrace Franchising for Business Ownership

A new trend sees Gen Z and Millennial entrepreneurs opting for restaurant franchising as a route to business ownership. This path is favored by young individuals seeking stability and flexibility, often prioritizing franchise guidance over the inherent risks associated with launching independent startups or the traditional corporate career ladder.

Kugan Suppiah, who opened a Bang Cookies franchise in Oklahoma City at 24, is an example of this trend. Now 25, Suppiah is exploring locations for a second store, viewing franchising as a stepping stone to his broader entrepreneurial aspirations. He states, "I've always been business-minded, so this was something that I've always wanted to get into," adding, "I'm definitely interested, down the line, in opening something of my own."

Industry observations support this shift. Ashleigh Ewald, a 23-year-old public policy graduate student and entrepreneur, notes that "A lot of Gen Z is less focused on following one traditional path and more interested in creating opportunities for themselves," emphasizing that "The appeal is really about independence and ownership."

Franchise brands like Chicken Salad Chick and Gong Cha report a surge in younger franchise candidates, who frequently cite stability, structure, and built-in support as key motivators. At 16 Handles, more than half of current and incoming franchisees are Millennials, including two 30-year-old finance professionals in Brooklyn who opened a location while maintaining their day jobs and are planning a second.

Andrew Titus, President of United Franchise Group, has observed a noticeable demographic shift, with more owners closer to his age of 29. Historically, many franchisees were in their 40s or 50s. Titus highlights that franchising appeals to younger entrepreneurs by offering a level of certainty through provided support, training, and a proven playbook for business operations.

Amaan Bhanji, 22, began planning his Graze Craze franchise during high school. After two years of site selection, buildout, and training, he opened his Arlington, Virginia, business in 2024. Bhanji expressed, "I knew in my gut that I needed to build something of my own," and found that "Attending university and working for someone else just did not appeal to me." For these entrepreneurs, franchising represents a lower-risk entry into business ownership, allowing them to build equity and make independent decisions without starting a brand from scratch.

According to Business Insider, young entrepreneurs are increasingly finding franchising to be a viable path to achieving their business ownership goals.