Top 50 Franchises that Are NOT Available for E2 Investors

NOT available for E2 investors
Patrick Findaro
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Published on 16 Aug 2021 Time to read 12 min read Last update on 13 Dec 2023

Are you an investor looking to move to the U.S. through the E-2 Visa? The E-2 Visa allows foreigners to legally reside in the U.S. as an owner-operator of a business with a minimum $100,000 investment. We at Visa Franchise, believe that the best opportunity for obtaining your E-2 visa is through a franchise. After all, franchises tend to be well-established businesses with a proven track record of financial success. Overall, they come with lower risk than starting a brand new business.

However, there are some franchises that do not allow E-2 investors to become franchisees. Many of these franchises tend to be very large, expansive franchise systems that are giants in their own industry. As a result, their application process tends to be much more selective.

Contents

Below, our team has compiled the top 50 franchises that are NOT available for E-2 investors for any number of reasons. For example, franchises that require multi-unit development agreements tend to not be accessible for foreign investors, while other franchises like Domino’s primarily hire internally, meaning they promote managers and supervisors into franchise investors.

franchises

 

50 Franchises NOT Available for E-2 Investors

1. McDonald’s 

Number of U.S. Locations: 13,769 (2020)

Year Founded: 1955

Starting Investment Amount: $464,000

McDonald’s provides franchises to operate a quick-service restaurant offering a limited menu of value-priced foods. McDonald’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

McDonalds Logo NOT available for E2 investors

2. Dunkin’ Donuts 

Number of U.S. Locations: 8,282 (2019)

Year Founded: 1950

Starting Investment Amount: $211,000

Dunkin’ offers franchises to operate restaurants featuring Dunkin’ coffee, donuts, bagels, and other related food items and beverages. Dunkin’ is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry, but it’s NOT available for E-2 investors.

Dunkin Logo

3. Domino’s Pizza 

Number of U.S. Locations: 6,157 (2019)

Year Founded: 1960

Starting Investment Amount: $144,000

Domino’s Pizza sells pizza, cheese breads, desserts, and other authorized foods and beverages for delivery and carry-out. Domino’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Dominos Logo NOT available for E2 investors

4. Circle K 

Number of U.S. Locations: 5,976 (2019)

Year Founded: 1951

Starting Investment Amount: $614,000

Circle K is a retail convenience store chain offering a wide variety of products for people on the go. Circle K is a franchise concept in the Retail Products and Services industry.

Circle K logo

5. Pizza Hut 

Number of U.S. Locations: 5,976 (2019)

Year Founded: 1958

Starting Investment Amount: $787,000

Pizza Hut provides franchises to operate restaurants offering pizza, pasta and WingStreet chicken products and side dishes in a traditional location. Pizza Hut Traditional is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Pizza Hut Logo NOT available for E2 investors

6. UPS Store 

Number of U.S. Locations: 4,773 (2018)

Year Founded: 1980

Starting Investment Amount: $138,433

UPS Store offers franchises for centers featuring business and communication services to be operated at Traditional locations. The UPS Store Traditional is a franchise concept in the Business Services industry. However, it is NOT available for E-2 investors in the USA.

UPS Logo

7. KFC 

Number of U.S. Locations: 4,035 (2018)

Year Founded: 1930

Starting Investment Amount: $1,010,000

KFC offers franchises to operate a dine-in and carryout KFC outlet selling chicken and other menu items. KFC Traditional is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

KFC logo NOT available for E2 investors

8. Arby’s 

Number of U.S. Locations: 3,367 (2020)

Year Founded: 1964

Starting Investment Amount: $320,000

Arby’s offers franchises to operate a restaurant featuring deli-inspired sandwiches and complementary side items and desserts. Arby’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Arby's Logo

9. Jimmy John’s 

Number of U.S. Locations: 2,701 (2020)

Year Founded: 1983

Starting Investment Amount: $313,000

Jimmy John’s offers franchises to operate a restaurant featuring gourmet deli sandwiches, fresh-baked breads, and other food and beverage products. Jimmy John’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Jimmy Johns logo NOT available for E2 investors

10. Hardee’s 

Number of U.S. Locations: 2,194 (2020)

Year Founded: 1960

Starting Investment Amount: $1,310,000

Hardee’s quick service restaurant offers limited breakfast, lunch, and dinner products and features quick service menu items. Hardee’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry. This franchise is NOT available for E-2 investors.

Hardees Logo

11. Planet Fitness 

Number of U.S. Locations: 2,050 (2020)

Year Founded: 1992

Starting Investment Amount: $936,600

Planet Fitness is a fitness training facility offering exercise machines, weights, training services, and other related services. Planet Fitness is a franchise concept in the Fitness Centers industry.

Planet Fitness logo NOT available for E2 investors

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12. Chem-Dry 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,831

Year Founded: 1994

Starting Investment Amount: $67,000

Chem-Dry features carpet cleaning, upholstery, and other authorized services to residential and commercial customers. Chem-Dry is a franchise concept in the Home Services industry.

Chemdry logo

13. Kumon 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,568 (2019)

Year Founded: 1989

Starting Investment Amount: $74,000

Kumon offers franchises to operate an after-school center that provides math and reading programs using the Kumon Method of learning. Kumon is a franchise concept in the Education Programs industry.

Kumon Logo NOT available for E2 investors

14. WingStop Restaurants 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,436 (2020)

Year Founded: 1996

Starting Investment Amount: $376,000

WingStop Restaurants is a franchise brand that sells spicy chicken wings marinated in a variety of hot sauces. WingStop Restaurants is a franchise in the Food and Beverage industry

*not listed on Vetted Biz website*

Wingstop Logo

15. Valvoline Instant Oil Change 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,275 (2019)

Year Founded: 1986

Starting Investment Amount: $181,000

Valvoline Instant Oil Change is a quick-service engine oil change facility that offers automotive services. Valvoline Instant Oil Change is a franchise concept in the Automotive industry.

Valvoline logo NOT available for E2 investors

16. Cold Stone Creamery 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,252 (2021)

Year Founded: 1988

Starting Investment Amount: $310,000

Cold Stone Creamery is an ice cream parlor that sells ice cream and other related frozen dessert products. Cold Stone Creamery is a franchise in the Food and Beverage industry.

cold stone creamery logo

17. Firehouse Subs 

Number of U.S. Locations: 1,152 (2020)

Year Founded: 2004

Starting Investment Amount: $89,000

Firehouse of America offers franchises to operate an area representative business that screens prospective franchisees for Firehouse Subs restaurants. Firehouse of America is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Firehouse Logo NOT available for E2 investors

18. Midas 

Number of U.S. Locations: 992 (2019)

Year Founded: 1959

Starting Investment Amount: $198,000

Midas Logo

Midas is an automotive service center that repairs tires and brakes and services oil changes. Midas is a franchise concept in the Automotive industry.

19. Edible Arrangements 

Number of U.S. Locations: 987 (2019)

Year Founded: 2000

Starting Investment Amount: $173,000

Edible Arrangements sells sculpted fruit floral arrangements, gift baskets made with fresh fruit, and other chocolate and fruit-related products. Edible Arrangements is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Edible Arrangements Logo

20. Smoothie King 

Number of U.S. Locations: 972 (2019)

Year Founded: 1973

Starting Investment Amount: $269,000

Smoothie King offers a franchise to operate a retail business offering smoothies and other general nutritional products. Smoothie King is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Smoothie King Logo NOT available for E2 investors

21. Baskin-Robbins 

Number of U.S. Locations: 894 (2020)

Year Founded: 1945

Starting Investment Amount: $123,000

Baskin-Robbins offers franchises to operate retail restaurants selling ice cream, related frozen products, and other food items. Baskin-Robbins is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Baskin Robbins Logo

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22. Dairy Queen 

Number of U.S. Locations: 885 (2019)

Year Founded: 1962

Starting Investment Amount: $363,075

Dairy Queen offers franchises to operate DQ Treat Stores featuring quick service foods such as soft-serve, treat products, and beverages. Dairy Queen Treat is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Dairy Queen Logo NOT available for E2 investors

23. Whataburger

Number of U.S. Locations: 824 (2018)

Year Founded: 1950

Starting Investment Amount: $545,500

Whataburger is a fast food restaurant chain that serves burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, and other related products. Whataburger is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

*not listed on Vetted biz website and NOT available for E-2 investors*

Whataburger

24. Fantastic Sams 

Number of U.S. Locations: 801 (2020)

Year Founded: 2003

Starting Investment Amount: $215,000

Fantastic Sams is a franchise concept in the Health and Beauty industry. It is NOT available for E-2 investors.

Fantastic Sams Logo NOT available for E2 investors

25. Culvers 

Number of U.S. Locations: 783 (2020)

Year Founded: 1987

Starting Investment Amount: $2,350,000

Culver’s offers a franchise to operate a quick-service restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches, salads, frozen custard desserts, and beverages. Culver’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Culvers Logo

26. European Wax Center 

Number of U.S. Locations: 750 (2019)

Year Founded: 2012

Starting Investment Amount: $356,000

European Wax Center establishes and operates a wax center that offers high-end facial and body waxing and related skin care services. European Wax Center is a franchise concept in the Retail Products and Services industry.

European Wax Center NOT available for E2 investors

27. Comfort Keepers 

Number of U.S. Locations: 662 (2019)

Year Founded: 1999

Starting Investment Amount:  $91,000

Comfort Keepers is a senior care business that provides hospice care and other home care related services to the elderly. Comfort Keepers is a franchise concept in the Healthcare Services industry.

Comfort Keepers Logo

28. Fastsigns 

Number of U.S. Locations: 659 (2020)

Year Founded: 1985

Starting Investment Amount: $218,000

Fastsigns specializes in selling, marketing, producing, installing, and repairing visual communications products. Fastsigns is a franchise concept in the Business Services industry.

Fast Signs Logo NOT available for E2 investors

29. Home Instead 

Number of U.S. Locations: 611 (2019)

Year Founded: 1994

Starting Investment Amount: $108,000

Home Instead is a home healthcare company that provides hospice care for seniors. Home Instead is a franchise concept in the Healthcare Services industry.

Home Instead Logo

30. Checkers 

Number of U.S. Locations: 585

Year Founded: 1991

Starting Investment Amount: $780,000

Checker’s offers franchises to operate a restaurant featuring a menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and other menu items. Checkers is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Checkers Logo NOT available for E2 investors

31. Rita’s Italian Ice 

Number of U.S. Locations: 565 (2018)

Year Founded: 2016

Starting Investment Amount: $175,000

Rita’s Italian Ice sells Italian ice, frozen custard, and other specialty frozen dessert products. Rita’s Italian Ice is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry

Ritas Italian Ice

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32. Hooters 

Number of U.S. Locations: 341 (2018)

Year Founded: 1984

Starting Investment Amount: $956,000

Hooters offers a limited menu featuring chicken wings and other food and beverage offerings and merchandise. Hooters is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Hooters Logo NOT available for E2 investors

33. Interim Healthcare 

Number of U.S. Locations: 333 (2019)

Year Founded: 1967

Starting Investment Amount: $125,000

Interim Healthcare provides health care services to individuals, and as temporary staff to other health care providers and facilities. Interim HealthCare is a franchise concept in the Healthcare Services industry that is NOT available for E-2 investors.

Interim Healthcare

34. Home Helpers 

Number of U.S. Locations: 310 (2019)

Year Founded: 1997

Starting Investment Amount: $84,000

Home Helpers provides senior care and home care services, medical alert, medication management, telehealth, and related services. H.H. Franchising Systems (Home Helpers) is a franchise concept in the Healthcare Services industry.

Home Helpers Logo NOT available for E2 investors

35. Taco Bell 

Number of U.S. Locations: 265 (2020)

Year Founded: 1962

Starting Investment Amount: $1,258,000

Taco Bell Express offers inexpensive, Mexican-style food for take-out eating, situated in non-traditional locations. Taco Bell Express is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry

Taco Bell Logo

36. Marble Slab Creamery 

Number of U.S. Locations: 262 (2020)

Year Founded: 2007

Starting Investment Amount: $316,000

Marble Slab Creamery operates a retail ice cream store selling a superior grade of ice cream, home baked cones, ice cream cakes, and more. Marble Slab Creamery is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Marble Slab Creamery NOT available for E2 investors

37. Decorating Den Interiors 

Number of U.S. Locations: 241

Year Founded: 1969

Starting Investment Amount: $53,000

Decorating Den Interiors System is an interior decorating business. Decorating Den Interiors is a franchise concept in the Home Services industry. It is NOT available for E-2 investors.

Decorating Den Interiors

38. Biggby Coffee 

Number of U.S. Locations: 231 (2018)

Year Founded: 1998

Starting Investment Amount: $189,000

Biggby Coffee offers espresso-based beverages, coffee, tea, energy drinks, sandwiches, baked good, and other related food and beverages. Biggby Coffee is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Biggby Coffee Logo NOT available for E2 investors

39. Eye Level 

Number of U.S. Locations: 184 (2019)

Year Founded: 1976

Starting Investment Amount: $52,000

Eye Level Learning Centers offers methods and programs for mathematics and English from pre-school up to high school students. Eye Level Learning Centers is a franchise concept in the Education Programs industry.

Eye Level Logo

40. Sonic Drive-In 

Number of U.S. Locations: 176

Year Founded: 1950

Starting Investment Amount: $361,000

Sonic Drive-In offers a franchise to operate a customer restaurant park, which includes a drive-thru lane, a patio, and an enclosed patio or indoor seating. Sonic Drive-In is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

*This company is no longer franchising*

Sonic Drive In NOT available for E2 investors

41. ARCpoint Labs 

Number of U.S. Locations: 95

Year Founded: 2005

Starting Investment Amount: $156,000

ARCpoint Labs provides full-service lab screening and testing services and other related services. ARCpoint Labs is a franchise concept in the Healthcare Services industry.

ARCpoint Labs

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42. Pinkberry Ventures 

Number of U.S. Locations: 80 (2020)

Year Founded: 2005

Starting Investment Amount: $295,000

Pinkberry Ventures is a company that primarily focuses on selling frozen yogurt products and a variety of toppings. Pinkberry Ventures is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Pinkberry Ventures NOT available for E2 investors

43. Red Mango 

Number of U.S. Locations: 77 (2019)

Year Founded: 2006

Starting Investment Amount: $305,000

Red Mango offers frozen yogurt, treats, and related products and services for dine-in consumption and take-out service. Red Mango is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Red Mango Logo

44. Premier Martial Arts 

Number of U.S. Locations: 69 (2019)

Year Founded: 2018

Starting Investment Amount: $150,000

Premier Martial Arts provides martial arts classes for adults and other related services. Premier Martial Arts is a franchise concept in the Fitness Centers industry.

Premier Martial Arts NOT available for E2 investors

45. Coffee Beanery 

Number of U.S. Locations: 58 (2019)

Year Founded: 1976

Starting Investment Amount: $260,000

Coffee Beanery sells coffee, including espresso-based beverages, coffee beans, tea, salads, spices, sandwiches, baked goods, and more. Coffee Beanery is a franchise concept in the Retail Products and Services industry.

Coffee Beanery Logo

46. Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken 

Number of U.S. Locations: 43 (2021)

Year Founded: 1987

Starting Investment Amount: N/A

Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken sells South African style chicken marinated in a special peri peri sauce. Nando’s is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry

Nandos Logo NOT available for E2 investors

47. Frutta Bowls 

Number of U.S. Locations: 34

Year Founded: 2016

Starting Investment Amount: $163,000

Frutta Bowls is a casual eatery that sells “superfood” and other related healthy food items in a bowl style. Frutta Bowls is a franchise concept in the Food and Beverage industry.

Frutta Bowls Logo

48. Digital Doc 

Number of U.S. Locations: 33 (2017)

Year Founded: 2010

Starting Investment Amount: $128,000

Digital Doc provides phone and tech repair services. Digital Doc is a franchise in the Retail Products and Services industry

Digital Doc Logo NOT available for E2 investors

49. Send Me a Trainer 

Number of U.S. Locations: 15 (2021)

Year Founded: 2019

Starting Investment Amount: $49,000

Send Me a Trainer is a fitness concept that sells services through cutting-edge technology that allows them to provide personal fitness training from the home. Send Me A Trainer is a franchise concept in the Fitness Centers industry.

Send Me a Trainer

50. Cauldron Ice Cream 

Number of U.S. Locations: 4

Year Founded: 2015

Starting Investment Amount: $269,100

Cauldron Ice Cream sells unique ice cream flavors and other related frozen dessert products. Cauldron Ice Cream is a franchise in the Food and Beverage industry

 

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