Unlocking Success with Celebrity Side Franchises in Our May Franchise Discovery Newsletter

The Franchise Discovery – Vol. 22

Celebrities Run Franchises on the Side So Can You

Ever wondered how celebrities juggle blockbuster films, concerts, sports careers, and red-carpet appearances while running successful franchise businesses? It’s not magic. It’s smart business. Franchising offers a path to build wealth without having to build a business from scratch. If Mark Wahlberg can shoot movies and grow Wahlburgers into an 80-location empire, or if Patrick Mahomes can balance an NFL career while expanding his favorite fast-food brand, Whataburger, to new markets, why can’t you keep your day job and launch a thriving franchise side hustle?

The answer is—you absolutely can.

Celebrities Who Have Franchise Investments

Let’s talk about a few names you know—and how they're using franchises to grow their empires.

• Patrick Mahomes loved Whataburger so much, he helped bring it to Kansas City through an investor-led group called KMO Burger, LLC. Since 2022, they’ve opened 8 locations and plan to hit 30 by 2028. He’s not just eating burgers—he’s scaling a brand he believes in.

• Shaquille O’Neal has built one of the most diverse franchise portfolios in the game. He co-founded Big Chicken, owns 17 Auntie Anne’s, a Krispy Kreme, and 9 Papa John’s locations. He used to own 155 Five Guys—which he sold in 2016 after scaling fast and exiting smart.

• Rick Ross owns over 25 Wingstop locations, tapping into a brand that averages over $1.5 million in annual revenue per store.

• Mark Wahlberg helped grow Wahlburgers from a family idea into a national franchise and made a massive return on his early investment in F45 Training.

If celebrities can fit franchise ownership into their busy lives, it’s more than possible for anyone willing to make the commitment.

You Don’t Need Fame—Just a Smart Plan

Not every franchise needs you full-time. In fact, many are designed specifically for semi-absentee ownership. That means 10–20 hours a week of oversight, coaching a manager, and making strategic decisions—without being stuck in daily operations. The secret to successful semi-absentee ownership—the industry term for running a franchise part-time—is clear goals, proper planning, and delegation.

This model can vary greatly across franchises. For instance, some brands require as little as 10 hours per week, mostly remote, while others might need 20 to 25 hours with more direct involvement.

Four Things to Get Clear On Before You Start

How much time can you give it? Be honest with yourself. Can you consistently carve out 10 to 20 hours a week to focus on the business, even if it’s remote? That time matters.

• How available are you, really? If your manager calls or texts with a question, can you respond within an hour? A day? Make sure your level of accessibility matches the demands of the franchise.

• What kind of work do you actually enjoy? Some owners love getting out in the community and building relationships. Others prefer staying behind the scenes and managing the numbers. Know your strengths and pick a franchise that plays to them.

• What’s your end game? Are you hoping to grow one location or looking for scalability? Will you eventually leave your job and go full-time? Think through the long term now, so you’re not caught off guard later.

Great Franchise Options for Side Income

Once you're clear on your time, goals, and management style, the next step is finding a franchise that matches your lifestyle. Here are a few strong semi-absentee models worth checking out:

LaundroLab: Laundromats are considered a classic semi-absentee model. It typically takes 6–12 months to get comfortable running your store and developing a solid frontline team. Your main role? Hiring and training the right people to handle day-to-day operations while you focus on oversight and strategy.

Phenix Salon Suites:This is a true property management-style concept. Many franchisees keep their full-time jobs because the business can be managed remotely. Once your location is up and running, your job is to lease salon suites and maintain the property—no retail sales or inventory required.

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers:A premier physical therapy franchise with strong brand recognition in a growing healthcare segment. The semi-absentee model is built around hiring licensed therapists and running the business from a high-level leadership position. It’s a good fit for those interested in health services with scalable growth potential.

Why Franchising Works—Even on the SideStarting your own business comes with risk, delays, and a lot of trial and error. With a franchise, you get:

• A playbook to follow

• A recognized brand

• Ongoing operational support

• A model that’s already working

That’s why professionals, creatives, and yes—celebrities—keep turning to franchising.If you're serious about finding a franchise that matches your lifestyle and goals, I’m here to help. Let’s find the right one.

You Network Franchising for serious investors.

Contact me to help you...

• Research other franchise opportunities

• Providing ongoing guidance throughout the franchise process.

• Connect you with Franchise funding partners and attorneys

• Determine full franchise costs

• Research market trends and the size of the industry

• Account for all compliance considerations and franchisor requirements

Book time on my calendar to explore the right franchise opportunities for you. I’d love to help you find your perfect franchise fit.

To Learn more about the basics of purchasing a franchise watch our SCORE.org webinar.