April 2014
| Business World Magazine | 73
2
013 brought an explosion of new
brands and concepts to the franchis-
ing world, and there’s no doubt that
trend will continue in 2014. But the profit-
ability and long-term staying power of these
companies is yet to be determined. “Hot”
doesn’t always translate into satisfied, prof-
itable franchise owners. For example, there
has been an explosion of brands in the fro-
zen yogurt segment, and yet only two brands
(Yogurtland and Zinga!) made the list this
year.
Senior care, child services and education
and food are all popular industries for 2014.
The past year has also seen an increase in the
popularity of franchise concepts selling real
estate (Sotheby’s International Realty) and
offering home services (CertaPro Painters).
Whatever the concept – traditional or
out of the box – it’s important to feel com-
fortable with the franchise’s ability to survive
tough times and stand out from competitors.
One concept that stands out as both
unique and having high satisfaction is Pinot’s
Palette, a Houston-based “sip and paint”
franchise. Pinot’s debuted on the list in 2013
and has seen an explosion of competitors in
the past year as the sip and paint industry has
taken off. President Charles Willis says they
are constantly expanding and improving
their business offerings to stay on top, and
ahead of their competition, in the industry.
They’ve recently added a children’s program
(“Little Brushes”), a mobile offering (so fran-
chisees can take the concept into existing
bars and restaurants for special events) and a
scotch and beer menu to increase male clien-
tele.
