Happy Sunday, folks.
As a franchise consultant, I hear pitches from hundreds of different franchise concepts every year.
I’m taking the most interesting ones, and telling you:
What sets them apart
One potential weakness
Who the ideal buyer is
My promise: you’ll learn something about franchising every time.
Today’s mystery franchises: urban soccer complexes and rock’n’roll barbershops
The business: Soccer complexes
You’ve seen indoor trampoline parks and pickleball clubs popping up. This is the soccer version. Large indoor/outdoor facilities focused entirely on small-sided games, offering pay-to-play matches, field rentals, and youth programs. Think urban soccer theme park for adults and kids alike.
What they do differently
They're the only franchise game in town. While rec leagues and community fields exist, no one else is franchising a dedicated, private soccer facility model. That means wide-open terrain for a brand to scale up fast in a sport that’s gaining serious ground in the U.S.
Multiple income streams, one space. Most fields just rent space. This model layers on youth academies, adult pick-up games, private events, snack sales, and more. If one stream slows, the others can carry the load. It’s like running a gym—but with shin guards.
Scalable from day one. Their top-performing locations are already running five to six fields and pulling in seven figures. The systems are built to scale. Either you grow a multi-unit portfolio, or you appoint a GM and keep your day job.
🚩Potential weakness: Big upfront buildout. These aren’t mobile carts or home-based gigs. The real estate needs are serious with tens of thousands of square feet, plus turf, lighting, and permits. Not a small lift in terms of time or money.
The takeaway:
If you’ve got project management chops or experience in venue-based businesses, this is a rare “category creator” opportunity. You don’t need to know soccer, but you do need to know how to run a business with a big footprint. Ideal for someone ready to go big—and who doesn’t flinch at six-figure startup costs.
Interested? Let’s talk soccer complexes.
The business: Hip barbershop chain
Most hair franchises lean one of two ways: either discount haircut mills or hyper-trendy salons that scare off anyone over 35. This one threads the needle. It’s a high-volume barbershop with legit style, a rock’n’roll edge, and a surprisingly polished corporate backbone.
What they do differently
They own half their shops. Most franchisors just collect royalties. These guys operate over 70 of their own locations, so the playbook isn’t theoretical—it’s tested and profitable at scale. That shows up in their support systems, which are stronger than usual for this space.
Unusually strong financials. They claim the highest average unit volume in the industry—around $1M per shop. That’s rare in haircare, where many franchises struggle to break $500K.
Built for brand loyalty. This isn’t a bland, beige haircut chain. It’s loud, proud, and full of character—think music posters, edgy stylists, and a vibe that keeps both staff and clients coming back.
🚩Potential weakness: You need real capital. The startup cost can hit three-quarters of a million dollars, and you’ll be managing a decent-sized team. This is not a side hustle.
The takeaway:
Best fit for someone who wants a branded, retail-style business with real foot traffic and strong unit economics—but isn’t looking to reinvent the wheel. It’s retail, but the kind with a playbook and a fanbase. You’ll need operational chops (or someone who does), but not beauty industry experience.
Interested? Let’s talk barbershops.
If these aren’t doing it for you, I work with hundreds of other brands. Get in touch and we can find something that scratches the itch.
Thanks for reading!
Connor
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