Threepeat
What you need to make sure when looking into owning a franchise is what limitations you have ie marketing, layout and design, new product management and disbursement, and employee compensation/incentive packages. In a franchise each one is different (2nd Cup, Kentucky fried chicken, etc), where they have taken a template of an existing business found that it works and multiplied it using the exact system of the original. Alot, of the time new business owners get excited over this concept, it is not for everyone, and can sometimes be quite limited in expansion possibilities. Take a look at the area you want, talk to anyone with and existing business there (most times if the franchise is not yet built-they select the area that they feel will work) and lastly talk to another franchise owner face to face they will let you know what's up and if you do decide to buy into one they will become your biggest advocate and learning tools. Let me know if you need more info.
Licks to all...............................................................................!