Sponsored Section: Hot New Franchise Opportunities

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In 2008, Kidville acquired an existing company franchising in the same space and today has seven company-owned and 40 franchised units. Kidvilles come in two sizes: 8,000 square foot hubs and satellite operations about half the size. Stenzler, himself a veteran franchiser, has assembled a sterling team to help drive the concept as far as it will go, and they're aiming high. "Our motto is a Kidville for every kid," he says.

Games2U

Games2U is a concept that, on the other hand, brings itself to kids, in the form of mobile gaming theater--vans stuffed with high-end video gaming systems, plus outdoor activities like laser tag, air cannons that launch t-shirts and candy and giant inflatable hamster balls.Co-founder brothers David and Stuart Pikoff started selling franchises for the Austin, Texas, company in 2008 and already have 41 operating in 18 states.

The concept is a natural for kids' birthday parties, but also appeals to corporate training and teambuilding events, video game maker demonstrations, fairs, family nights, and many other events, David Pikoff says. They plan to continually expand the offerings, most recently with a patented six-anda-half-foot tall motorized gadget called the Ubot that lets kids climb inside and pilot a smoke-emitting, light-flashing robot. "It's a simple great way to throw a party," David Pikoff says. "However, we're never done. We're always challenging ourselves to do something new and different and keep it fresh and unique."

Elements Therapeutic Massage

Elements Therapeutic Massage Inc. of Highlands Ranch, CO, plays to a different side of healthcare that has found a warm reception among franchisers. The company began franchising in 2006 and has 78 units already. One reason for their success,according to President and CEO Jeff Jervik,is that Elements focuses on the therapeutic aspect of massage, as opposed to the self-indulgent angle. Despite the soft economy, unit average revenues are up and consumers are just beginning to wake up to the real health benefits of massage. Jervik believes the concept could expand at the rate of a couple of hundred new units annually for the next five years."We are really on the right track,"he says."We're differentiating ourselves from the pack, which is why our growth continues at a sustainable level."

Snap Fitness

In the health and exercise niche, Snap Fitness Inc. of Chanhassen, MN, has found a similarly comfortable niche with its concept of conveniently located, affordably priced, moderately sized but well-equipped fitness centers. CEO Peter Taunton, a long-time fitness industry veteran, founded the chain in 2003, began franchising in 2004, and has more than 1,000 units in operation.

Taunton says Snap's attraction lies in the way the clubs are designed to fit into a community retail center.That allows them to locate the clubs in people's neighborhoods."We make it very convenient for them," Taunton says. The modest size keeps franchisee costs down, and the $35-a-month membership fee, which includes access to any of its clubs, represents a value in tune with the times. "When you compare it to other fitness concepts out there, it's very affordable," Taunton says.

HealthSource Chiropractic

HealthSource Chiropractic of Vermilion, Ohio, is unusual among chiropractic franchisers in its emphasis on the business of providing care. Approximately one half of the 42 master franchise-holders in the 243-clinic chain are entrepreneurial businesspeople, not chiropractors. "We have a nice blend of real-world experience as well as doctors,"says founder and CEO Dr. Chris Tomshack. "It makes for a much more salable and profitable business."

Healthsource's locations consist of existing offices already in operation, meaning costs of converting to the franchise format are minimal. Tomshack thinks the care emphasis, which focuses on remedying underlying health issues that can cause repeat visits, will help HealthSource grow and also improve the industry. "Five years from now we'll be sitting at over 1,000 clinics,"he forecasts."But more important than the number, we want to change the landscape of chiropractic by raising the bar."

Green Energy Barrier

No roster of hot new concepts could be complete without one that addresses energy conservation. Green Energy Barrier of Hickory, NC, fills the bill with an insulation installation business opportunity that has sold 37 locations in just a year of trying. Vice President Jason Herald says the company's goal is to reach 250 nationwide.

Herald says Green Energy Barriers' emphasis is less on the product they use, and more on teaching business owners how to market and sell the concept."The biggest thing is that we bring a comprehensive program," he says. "We go in and analyze the market, and then we really work with them on TV commercials, radio commercials, newspaper ads, Yellow Page, Internet --a comprehensive marketing strategy." Herald says the company plans to add additional products, such as energy-saving windows or weatherization products, as growth ramps up.

No matter how innovative a concept seems, or how grand the founders' visions, the proof must always be in the doing. Franchisees looking for the next big thing are really looking for the financing, operations, marketing, and the rest as well as a great concept "They have to be certain that the franchiser has the legs to pull off what they are going to do," cautions Seid. With their recent records of rapid growth and continuing appeal, these franchises are among the few that have demonstrated they have more than just another good idea.

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