If you’ve ever eaten at a fast-food restaurant, filled up at a gas station, or paid for services like home maintenance, childcare, or fitness, you’ve almost certainly interacted with franchises — even if you didn’t realize it.

Knowing how to find out if a brand is a franchise or not can help you:

• Make more informed choices as a consumer.
• Decide where to invest your time and money as a business owner.
• Understand the real difference between franchise vs chain vs corporate brands.

Let’s break it down in a way that works for both curious consumers and serious franchise candidates.

Quick Answer: How to Know If a Company Is a Franchise.

If you want to quickly check whether a brand is a franchise, start here:

1. Check the brand’s website.
   Look for links or language like:
   • “Franchising”
   • “Own a [Brand]”
   • “Franchise opportunities”
   • “Become an owner”
2. Search for “[Brand] franchise” online.
   • If franchise information exists, there will often be franchise pages, FDD summaries, or franchise reviews.
3. Look for a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
   • In the U.S., true franchises are required to provide an FDD to prospective buyers.
4. Talk to a franchise broker.
   • A good broker can quickly clarify what makes a business a franchise, which brands are corporate, and which “chains” are actually franchise systems behind the scenes.

The rest of this article walks you through definitions, indicators, and real-world examples — including some of the most commonly asked-about brands.

Franchise vs. Chain: Is There a Difference?

Before we dive into examples, it’s important to understand what a franchise actually is — and how that differs from a chain or a corporate brand.

What Is a Chain?

A chain is simply a brand that has multiple locations using the same name, branding, and general customer experience.

A chain can be:

• 100% corporate-owned (all locations belong to the company),
• 100% franchised, or
• A mix of corporate and franchise locations.

So when people ask, “What’s the difference between a chain and a franchise?”, the answer is:

“Franchise” is a specific legal and business model. “Chain” is just a way of describing a brand that has more than one location.

You can think of it like this:

• “Chain” = describes the size/footprint of a brand.
• “Franchise” = describes the ownership and legal structure.

What Makes a Business a Franchise?

A business is typically a franchise when:

• A franchisor (the brand/system) grants a license to a franchisee (the local owner).
• The franchisee can use the brand name, trademarks, products, and systems.
• In exchange, the franchisee pays fees and/or a percentage of revenue.
• The franchisor exerts meaningful control over how the business is operated (training, systems, standards, marketing, etc.).

This is the key difference between franchise vs company or franchise vs corporate:

In a franchise, local owners operate the business using someone else’s system. In a corporate model, the company itself owns and operates the locations.

The benefit of franchising is that it allows everyday people to become business owners with:

• A proven model.
• Recognizable brand power.
• Training, support, and infrastructure they don’t have to build from scratch.

How to Find Out if a Brand Is a Franchise or Not: 4 Key Indicators.

Identifying whether a business is a franchise isn’t always easy — there’s no neon sign saying “I’m a franchise!” But there are reliable ways to find out.

1. Check the Brand’s Website.

Scroll to the top navigation or the footer of the site and look for:

• “Franchise”
• “Own a [Brand]”
• “Franchise Opportunities”
• “Franchising”
• “Become an Owner” or “Become a Partner”

If there’s a dedicated page explaining how to apply, investment requirements, and training/support, you’re likely looking at a franchise system.

2. Look in Franchise Directories & Business Databases.

There are many websites and databases that organize brands by:

• Industry.
• Investment level.
• Franchise vs corporate.

If a brand appears with franchise fees, royalties, and FDD information, it’s a strong sign that it operates as a franchise.

3. Look for a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

In the U.S., franchisors must provide a Franchise Disclosure Document to qualified prospective buyers.

If a business is a franchise, it will either:

• Have an FDD available through franchise data providers, or
• Provide it after you complete an initial qualification or application.

No FDD = it’s not operating as a franchise (at least not in the U.S. regulatory sense).

4. Talk to a Franchise Broker.

This is often the fastest and most reliable approach — especially when you’re comparing multiple brands.

A good franchise broker can:

• Explain the difference between franchise vs chain vs corporate for specific brands.
• Clarify when a “mom & pop” or “local” business is actually a franchise location.
• Use data providers and industry knowledge to confirm how a brand is structured.
• Help you find alternatives if a big-name brand is too expensive, saturated, or closed to new franchisees.

At the Franchise Brokers Association (FBA), our brokers do this at no cost to buyers, which removes a lot of the confusion and guesswork.

Is This Brand a Franchise?

Real-World Examples of Franchise vs Chain vs Corporate.

Below is a simplified guide to some of the most commonly asked-about brands and whether they are franchises, corporate-owned chains, or something in between.

Note: Some brands marked with an asterisk (*) are not franchises but are publicly traded companies. If you can’t franchise with them but want to participate in their growth, you may be able to invest through the stock market. This is general information, not financial advice — always do your own research or speak with a financial professional.

Chick-fil-A – Yes, but Very Unique.

Chick-fil-A uses a highly selective owner-operator model that is technically a form of franchising, but very different from most systems.

• The company retains ownership of the real estate and assets.
• Operators manage the restaurant and share in the profits but don’t build equity in the store itself.
• The application process is famously competitive, and opportunities are limited.

In simple terms:

• Chick-fil-A can be a good job with leadership and income potential, but it’s not ideal if your goal is to build and sell a multi-unit business asset.

Read our article on Chick-fil-a here.

Chipotle Mexican Grill* – No (Corporate + Internal Pathways).

Chipotle is not a franchise in the traditional sense.

• Most locations are company-owned and operated.
• Chipotle offers a “restaurateur” program where high-performing managers can share in the success of a unit, but this is an internal path — not a franchise opportunity you can simply buy into.

If you love Chipotle and want to be involved, your options are usually:

• Pursue a career track within the company, or Consider investing in the public stock as an outside investor, if it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Read our article on Why You Can’t Franchise Chipotle.

Crumbl Cookies – Yes (Fast-Growing Franchise).

Crumbl Cookies is a franchise-based brand that has expanded rapidly across North America, known for:

• Its rotating weekly cookie menu.
• Highly social-media-driven marketing.
• Iconic pink boxes.

Because of this growth, many territories are now sold out or highly competitive. Even if you don’t see a location in your area yet, it doesn’t necessarily mean territory is available.

For franchise buyers, Crumbl is a good example of:

• A hot, trendy brand where timing and territory matter.
• The importance of reading the FDD and understanding real costs and margins — not just riding hype.

Read our article on Crumbl here.

Dutch Bros – Historically Franchised, Now Mostly Corporate.

Dutch Bros is a popular drive-thru coffee brand that has grown quickly and built a loyal fanbase. Historically, it used franchising as one of its growth tools.

However, today:

• New locations are primarily company-owned.
• The brand has moved away from offering new franchise opportunities to the general public.
• Leadership roles and regional operator positions are usually reserved for people who have worked within the company for several years.

If you’re dreaming of owning a Dutch Bros, your best path is typically:

1. Build a career inside the company.
2. Work your way into leadership and internal ownership or operator roles.

Read our article on The Dutch Bros Franchise Cost & Model.

Panda Express – Corporate + Licensing, Not a Typical Franchise.

Panda Express operates mostly as a corporate-owned chain.

• They do not offer traditional franchises to individual buyers in the U.S.
• Some locations operate under licensing agreements (for example, in airports, universities, and certain non-traditional venues).

Licensing is different from franchising:

• Fewer rights and less control for the licensee.
• Typically more limited support and oversight than in a full franchise system.

For most individual investors, Panda Express is not a realistic franchise path.

Read our article about A Complete Guide to Licensing Opportunities with Panda Express.

Starbucks* – No (Corporate + Licensed Stores).

Starbucks is not a traditional franchise.

• Most locations are company-owned.
• Some are licensed to partners (like airports, hotels, large institutions).

Starbucks tightly controls:

• Branding.
• Store design.
• Menu and customer experience.

This is a classic franchise vs corporate example: a global brand with massive reach that chooses licensing and corporate control, not franchising, as its primary growth model.

For most individuals, you can’t buy a Starbucks franchise — but you may see licensed locations in places like casinos, airports, or big-box retail.

Read our article on Starbucks Franchise Cost—And Why You Can’t Buy One and if you are intrested read The Story Behind Starbuck.

Subway – Yes (One of the Largest Franchise Systems).

Subway is a franchise, and for many years it was one of the largest franchise systems in the world by unit count.

However, it’s important to know:

• The system has shrunk in recent years in some markets.
• Subway has faced litigation and brand challenges.
• Competition in the sandwich space is intense.

Subway can still be an opportunity in the right market, but it’s not automatically the safe or “easy” choice some people assume. A careful review of the current FDD, local competition, and system health is essential.

Read our article on Subway: An In-Depth Guide to Subway Franchise Costs.

Target* – No (Corporate Chain).

Target is a corporate-owned retail chain, not a franchise.

• All stores are owned and operated by Target Corporation.
• There are no Target franchise opportunities for individual buyers.

If you’re drawn to Target as an investor rather than an operator, your path would be via the stock market, not franchising.

What does the stock say? Target Corporation (TGT) closed at $174.54 on February 16th, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST.

Trader Joe’s – No (Privately Owned Chain).

Trader Joe’s is a privately owned grocery chain, not a franchise.

• All stores are company-operated.
• There are no franchise opportunities for individual buyers.
• Trader Joe’s also isn’t publicly traded, so you can’t invest through stock either.

The only way to be “involved” is typically as an employee or loyal customer.

Read our article on Trader Joe’s Franchise: Pros & Cons—and Whether You Can Actually Buy One.

Topgolf – No Traditional Franchise (Corporate + Large-Scale Deals).

Topgolf is a high-capital, entertainment-focused brand that operates large venues.

• Most locations are corporate-owned.
• In some international markets, there may be large-scale partnership or licensing deals, but these are not typical “Main Street” franchise opportunities.

For everyday franchise buyers, Topgolf is not a realistic franchise brand in the way a restaurant or service concept is.

What does the stock say? TopGolf Callaway Brands Corp. (CMG) closed at $24.02 on February 16th, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST.

Waffle House – Yes (But Limited and Selective).

Waffle House uses a franchise model, but:

• Opportunities are limited.
• The brand is highly selective and often prefers experienced operators or internal candidates.
• Many locations are company-owned, and the franchise waitlist can be long.

If you’re interested, be prepared for:

• A long timeline.
• High expectations around brand culture and operations.

Read our article on the Waffle House Franchise A 24/7 Icon Serving Up More Than Just Breakfast.

Walmart* – No (Corporate Chain).

Walmart is not a franchise.

• All Walmart stores are corporate-owned and operated.
• There are no Walmart franchise locations.

Walmart has made major shifts in its store footprint and online strategy over the years, but those decisions come from corporate leadership — not a network of franchise owners.

What does the stock say? Walmart (WMT) closed at $144.27 on February 16th, 2023 at 4:00 PM EST.

Our article on Is Owning a Walmart Franchise Possible? Will clear your questions on the topic.

Wendy’s – Yes (Franchise + Corporate Mix).

Wendy’s operates as a franchise system with a mix of:

• Franchise-owned restaurants.
• Company-owned locations.

It offers:

• Training and operational support.
• Branding and national marketing.

However, like many “empire brands”:

• Some markets are saturated, making territory access difficult.
• The system has seen store closures in underperforming or outdated locations.

Wendy’s can be a strong franchise opportunity in the right market and with the right capital, but it’s not an “automatic yes.” The FDD, local competition, and real estate all matter.

Something else to think about…

Owners of these empire brand franchises typically use the business as a means of paying rent for the real estate on which their store or restaurant is located.

Because these brands are heavily sought after, the price to purchase the rights to the name and the actual space is steep. So while the business makes money, the take home is usually not that significant. This is just another potential downside to big brand ownership.

However, some buyers simply see it as an investment – like putting your money in the stock market so it can compound, rather than letting it sit in a savings account untouched.

Why Buying Big Brands May Not Be Your Best Option.

Big-name brands can be very appealing. Most people recognize Subway, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Target, Walmart, etc. and assume that brand recognition = safe investment.

But there are trade-offs:

• Limited access.
  • Top brands often have strict and non-negotiable requirements.
  • Many markets are fully built out.
• High investment & real estate costs.
  • You’ll often pay a premium for the name + prime locations.
  • This can squeeze your profit margins.
• Heavy time commitment.
  • Many large brands expect owners to be deeply involved, especially at the beginning.
  • Instead of working on the business, owners end up working in it, with less flexibility than they imagined.
• Lower personal upside in some models.
  • In certain “empire brands,” owners may use the business primarily as a vehicle to pay rent on valuable real estate.
  • The take-home income can be lower than people expect once costs, debt, and fees are considered.

Big brands aren’t “bad” — they’re just not always the best match for first-time owners or people looking for flexibility, creativity, and a healthier work–life balance.

Why You Should Diversify Your Franchise Search.

When people start exploring franchising, they often ask:

• “What’s the difference between a chain and a franchise?”
• “What’s the difference between franchise and company?”
• “Should I pick a brand I recognize, or something smaller?”

The truth:

Your investment will usually perform better if you choose a franchise that matches your goals, skills, and lifestyle — not just a brand with the biggest name.

A few key points to remember:

• Longevity ≠ current performance: A brand that’s been around for decades may be shrinking or stagnant today.
• Being a good manager matters: Even a strong brand can underperform if the owner isn’t engaged, organized, and committed.
• Alignment beats ego: Choosing a franchise that truly fits your values, schedule, and strengths usually leads to better satisfaction and results.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown push you toward big brands only. There are hundreds of excellent franchise opportunities that:

• Are more affordable.
• Offer better work–life balance.
• Allow you to work on the business, not just in it.

Franchises for First-Time Business Owners.

At FBA, our mission is to help you find the right franchise, not just the most famous one. Our brokers work with 700+ brands — from home services and senior care to fitness, staffing, and more.

Below are just a few examples of brands in our inventory that often work well for first-time owners. (Availability and fit depend on your market, background, and financial profile.).

Floor Coverings International.

Industry: Residential flooring services (in-home design, selection, and installation).

• Mobile model focused on in-home design consultations.
• Services include personalized product selection, design, and professional installation.
• Boutique Design Studio to support the local team and showcase products when needed.

What sets them apart:

Floor Coverings International is North America’s leading in-home designer floor coverings brand, built around a shop-at-home model that fits today’s busy, convenience-driven consumer. Instead of asking homeowners to wander aisles in a big-box store, Design Associates bring curated samples, product expertise, and design guidance directly into the customer’s home, helping them choose flooring that fits their lifestyle, décor, and budget right from the living room.

Behind the scenes, Project Coordinators manage scheduling and installation so jobs are completed on time and to spec, while proprietary InspireNet™ and a tablet-based operations platform help franchisees and their teams preview options using images of the customer’s actual rooms and manage projects end-to-end. The model is mobile-based with no major retail build-out, minimal inventory, and low fixed overhead, which can help support scalable growth when paired with strong local execution (individual results will always vary by owner and market).

Backed by the $2.2B FirstService Brands family and recognized as the #1 mobile flooring franchise and a top-rated flooring business for customer satisfaction, Floor Coverings International combines a strong national brand with systems, training, and support designed to help franchise owners focus on building a team and growing their business.

Read more about the Floors Coverings International Franchise Opportunity.

Camp Bow Wow.

Industry: Pet care (dog daycare, boarding, enrichment).

• Services include dog daycare, overnight boarding, enrichment-based play, and grooming.
• Structured play yards where dogs are grouped by size, temperament, and activity level.
• Webcams that let pet parents watch their “campers” from a smartphone or computer.

What sets them apart:

Camp Bow Wow, a Propelled Brands company, is an industry-leading dog care franchise with a simple mission: Making Happy Campers.

The brand combines a fun, dog-first culture with carefully honed safety and operating standards that inspire strong customer loyalty and high repeat use.

With over 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, Camp Bow Wow sits in a relatively small group of franchise brands that have scaled past 200 units, and its system-wide network generated more than $200 million in revenue in 2023 (brand-level performance only; individual franchise results will vary and are not guaranteed).

As part of Propelled Brands, franchise owners also benefit from the backing of an experienced multi-brand franchisor focused on long-term support and growth.

Read more about the Camp Bow Wow Franchise Opportunity.

Daycation for Seniors.

Industry: Senior social day centers / adult day services..

• Senior social activity centers for aging adults who may be living with dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke characteristics, or simply need daytime supervision and engagement.
• Membership-based programs that provide structured activities, assistance, and social stimulation during the day.
• Center-based model that complements in-home and 24-hour care by offering a “daycation” experience at a more accessible price point.

What sets them apart:

Daycation for Seniors™ focuses on a highly specific and fast-growing need: dementia-friendly, daytime social care for older adults. Instead of providing in-home or 24/7 residential care, each center offers a safe, engaging environment where seniors can socialize, participate in activities, and receive appropriate support while family caregivers work or take time to recharge.

This approach taps into an underserved segment of the senior care market and is designed to balance meaningful impact with a clear, structured business model.

Since 2015, the brand has refined a franchise system that includes guidance on state registration, assistance with center design and layout, and comprehensive training and operations support to help new owners launch smoothly. The estimated initial investment ranges from approximately $168,000 to $298,000, including a $40,000 franchise fee (figures reflect startup costs only; revenue and profitability will vary by location and owner).

Daycation for Seniors seeks franchisees who are passionate about serving the aging population and who bring solid business acumen and a commitment to customer care—whether they’re seasoned entrepreneurs or first-time franchise owners.

Read more about the Daycation for Seniors Franchise Opportunity.

PrideStaff.

Industry: Professional staffing and recruiting (temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire).

• Full-service staffing company serving employers and job seekers in a wide range of roles.
• Provides temporary, temporary-to-hire, and direct-hire staffing solutions.
• Franchisees operate in large, protected territories with a lean internal team and professional weekday hours.

What sets them apart:

PrideStaff is designed to sit between large corporate staffing firms and small independent agencies, giving franchise owners the best of both worlds: big-firm resources and technology with a highly personalized, local approach.

Franchisees benefit from extensive onboarding and ongoing training, award-winning marketing support, and a franchisee-friendly agreement and royalty structure aimed at building a sustainable business over time.

The brand stands out in the industry for its long-running client and talent satisfaction performance: PrideStaff is the only nationwide staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to have earned Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Satisfaction awards for fifteen consecutive years, placing it among the top tier of staffing companies for service quality.

With a culture built on collaboration, support, and shared success, owners join a community that helps businesses find great talent while helping job seekers find meaningful work.

Read more about the PrideStaff Franchise Opportunity.

The Camp.

Industry: Group fitness, weight loss, and body transformation.

• High-energy group training built around high-intensity interval workouts and strength-based programming.
• Signature 6-Week Challenge as the main entry point for new members, plus additional challenges and programs throughout the year.
• Multiple revenue streams, including memberships, proprietary challenges, personal training, supplements, and retail.

What sets them apart:

The Camp Transformation Center is a purpose-driven fitness brand focused specifically on weight loss and body transformation, an underserved niche in an $80+ billion fitness industry. Founded in 2010, The Camp has grown to more than 90 open locations (with additional centers in development) by combining results-focused programming with a highly supportive, community-centered atmosphere.

Members start with the 6-Week Challenge and can continue with a series of year-round challenges designed to keep them engaged and progressing, which helps many locations build a strong base of repeat clients and long-term members.

For franchise owners, The Camp offers a scalable model with systems refined over more than a decade, HQ support in operations and marketing, and a day-to-day role that blends team leadership, community engagement, and strategic growth.

Historical system-wide performance figures cited in the brand’s FDD, including average unit volumes and resilience through COVID-19, reflect how the model has performed in the network to date, but individual results will always vary by owner, market, and execution.

Read more about The Camp Transformation Center Franchise Opportunity.

Learn About Brands Like These — Live.

YYou don’t have to research all of these brands on your own.

Twice a month, the Franchise Brokers Association hosts live “Speed Round” webinars, where you can hear directly from multiple franchise brands in a single, fast-paced session. It’s a simple way to:

• Compare different franchise models side by side
• Ask questions in real time
• Start narrowing your shortlist with expert guidance

Save your seat for an upcoming session here: Register for the next FBA Speed Round webinar.

We Help You Find the Best-Fit Franchise.

Franchising isn’t just about giant corporations and fast-food chains. It’s a unique model that allows small business owners to succeed with the support of a larger system — while still owning their own business.

Now you know:

• How to find out if a brand is a franchise or not.
• The difference between franchise vs chain vs corporate.
• That some of the most popular brands are off-limits to individual franchise buyers — and why that’s okay.
• That there are excellent alternatives designed for first-time owners.

Choosing the right opportunity is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You don’t have to do it alone.

At the Franchise Brokers Association, our brokers work with buyers at no cost — because we believe that good franchise guidance shouldn’t come at a price.