More young people are investing in franchise ownership. Rather than treating franchises as places for part-time employment and side hustles, more Gen Z and Millennials are buying into them early, drawn by the job’s flexibility, brand alignment, and purpose. Executives from Yogurtland, Gong cha, Chicken Salad Chick, and PrimoHoagies all say younger franchisees make up anywhere between 15-40% of their systems, bringing digital fluency and customer-first instincts to the job. (While still relying on older gens for operational support.) As entry-level opportunities shrink and layoffs become more prevalent, young people who can afford it are treating franchises as a legit pathway to entrepreneurship instead of a later-in-life retirement plan. (Fast Casual)
