Franchising USA: 6 models to be evaluated by October 29, 2026
On October 1st, the Franchise Expo opened in Milan, with brands from 11 countries and a significant fact: in 2025 Italian franchising generated revenue. 39 billion euros With 62,449 outlets, according to Assofranchising. Two weeks later, on October 16, Captain D’s, an American chain of fish fast food restaurants with about 540 locations, announced that it was in talks with potential partners in Italy. In the summer, Wendy’s had announced the first opening in Milan, as part of a plan to have 170 restaurants by 2035. USA franchising Look at Italy, and he does so with determination.
The road goes in both directions. American brands are looking for Italian partners capable of opening and managing a network. And more and more Italian entrepreneurs are evaluating the United States based on a proven model, with public figures and a method to follow, rather than starting from a blank sheet of paper.
The difficult part is choosing. There are about 4,000 brands in franchising in the USA, each with its own characteristics. FDD, The information document that federal law requires to be provided to candidates. Every two weeks we read part of it, cross-check growth data and industry news, and choose the most solid models for a European investor. Here is the selection from late October, divided into three different paths.
In short: the three paths of this selection
1. Moving in and managing in person: Metal Supermarkets, PuroClean
2. Invest in and rely on a manager: Express Employment Professionals, BODYBAR Pilates
3. Bringing an American brand to Italy: Visiting Angels, Duck Donuts
1. Moving to the USA and managing it in person
What it means. They are franchises for those who move and run the business every day. The franchisors also work with foreign investors, which we verify on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the type of activity and the volume of investment, they may qualify for Visa E-2, If the project is built well.
Metal Supermarkets
Sector: sale of custom-cut metals · Investment: 357.000 € – 602.000 €
It sells small quantities of custom-cut metals to artisans, workshops and small businesses. The franchisor declares average sales of 2.1 million dollars In 2025, with a gross margin of over 50%. The limit: the investment exceeds €600,000 and the warehouse ties the accounts to the price trend of metals. A commercial mindset is required, because the customers are companies.
PuroClean
Sector: restoration of damage caused by water, fire and mold · Investment: 217.000 € – 249.000 €
It is based in Tamarac, a few kilometers from Miami, and has over 500 locations. On October 7th it announced that owners with dedicated sales teams generate an average of 1.4 million dollars. Here we would be cautious on one point: it is a B2B job related to insurance and experts, with different licenses from state to state. It is not for those who dream of having a shop on the street.
2. Invest and entrust the management to a manager
What it means. The investor remains the owner but does not work in the retail outlet. They are semi-absentee models with a local manager, designed for those who stay in Europe or want a role as an investor.
Express Employment Professionals
Sector: employment agency · Investment: 118.000 € – 258.000 €
The owner does not make the selection in person. He leads a team of sales and selection managers, and offices with more than two years of activity average about 5.4 million euros. Attention, however: in temporary work, turnover is high and margins are tight. In the early years, commercial development requires a presence.
Bodybar Pilates
Sector: study of Pilates reformer · Investment: 350.000 € – 682.000 €
It provides for management in writing with a management study formed before opening. It is among the few to publish the profit: in 2024 the median net profit of the 21 studies opened throughout the year was approximately 185.000 €. The limit is the network, which is still small, and a cost that exceeds our budget.
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3. Bringing an American brand to Italy
What it means. You become the Italian partner of a US brand with a master franchise: The rights for the country, a pilot store, then the development of the network. This is the most challenging path and must be set up in accordance with Law 129/2004.
Visiting Angels
Sector: home care for the elderly · Status: not yet in Italy
It offers non-health care at home, has about 800 affiliates worldwide and over 60 in the United Kingdom, from where it has announced a European plan. In a country that is aging like ours the need is evident. The limit: the competition from informal work and regional rules to be studied carefully.
Duck Donuts
Sector: warm donuts made on the spot · Status: not yet in Italy
The donuts are prepared and decorated in front of the customer. The brand has about 150 stores in the USA and its first European headquarters is in Belfast. It operates in shopping centers and tourist cities, but here donuts and pastry shops are everywhere and they cost little. The format must sell the experience, not just the product.
The 6 models compared
| Franchise | Street | Sector | Indicative investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Supermarkets | In person | B2B trade | 357.000 € – 602.000 € |
| PuroClean | In person | B2B services | 217.000 € – 249.000 € |
| Express Employment Professionals | With a manager | Work | 118.000 € – 258.000 € |
| Bodybar Pilates | With a manager | Fitness | 350.000 € – 682.000 € |
| Visiting Angels | Master Italia | Support | US unit: €113,000 – €154,000 |
| Duck Donuts | Master Italia | Catering | US unit: €417,000 – €583,000 |
The figures are indicative, converted from the dollar at the exchange rate of October 28, 2026 (1 € = 1.1133 USD). They should be verified on the updated FDD of the franchisor and with a specialized lawyer. For master franchises, the fee for Italy is negotiated with the franchisor.
How can we help you?
Choosing a franchise in the United States is not a decision to be made alone, nor based on brochures. Numbers, territories, and questions must be verified before signing.
Our team in Miami assists you in three stages:
1. Research. We identify the models that suit your budget and your goals.
2. Selection. We compare the most promising ones and tell you where we would be cautious.
3. Data verification. We read the FDD with you and prepare the questions to ask the franchisor.
This applies to the models in this selection and to any other franchises that interest you. You can find the details on our page. Consulting for the search for franchises in the USA.
Are you interested in one of these franchises, or are you thinking of creating another one? Click the button below and fill out the short questionnaire: we will contact you for a first assessment. We will contact you again to schedule a first assessment of the project…