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The 100 Best Recession-Proof Businesses to Start in 2022

A look at today’s top franchise brands with the highest owner satisfaction and the greatest opportunity to perform in these historic times.

Our 2022 list of the Top 100 Recession-Proof Franchises includes award-winning franchise companies from many different industry segments, as well as a wide range of investment levels – including a number of businesses you can start with an initial investment (cash required) under $25,000.

We have surveyed thousands of franchise owners in our many years of research. From our perspective, franchisee satisfaction is one of the most important factors to consider before investing in any franchise opportunity. Not only do the following companies have outstanding satisfaction among their owners, but we feel they hold a strong advantage to out perform their competitors in the years ahead.

Clear Results
Learn More About Kona Ice
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Kona Ice

Food

It’s the beginning of a new day and it’s time for a fresh start. In a year that had most businesses struggling to just survive, Kona Ice has thrived. Many may have felt like global even...

Investment: $127,750
Cash Required: $20,000

Learn More of Kona Ice

Learn More About Christian Brothers Automotive
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Christian Brothers Automotive

Automotive

Christian Brothers Automotive is more than just vehicle repair. Since its founding in 1982, their goal has been to change the way guests view automotive service. Now more than ever, consumers acros...

Investment: $461,250
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Christian Brothers Automotive

Learn More About FASTSIGNS
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FASTSIGNS

Business Services

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the leading sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of more than 750 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS&...

Investment: $234,317
Cash Required: $80,000

Learn More of FASTSIGNS

Learn More About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Services

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the first and largest franchised moving company in the world, aiming to provide our customers with the highest level of service in both local and long-distance moving, a...

Investment: $105,000
Cash Required: $80,000- $190,000

Learn More of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

Learn More About Visiting Angels
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Visiting Angels

Senior Care

We are America's Choice in Senior Home Care. We offer non-medical services to Seniors. Visiting Angels has been fine-tuning our systems throughout the past two decade...

Investment: $84,085
Cash Required: $59,950

Learn More of Visiting Angels

Learn More About Fibrenew
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Fibrenew

Services

Since 1987, we have built and refined a robust franchise business system. This includes the research and development of our proprietary product line, highly specialized techniques, exceptional trai...

Investment: $87,812
Cash Required: $25,000

Learn More of Fibrenew

Learn More About Pinch A Penny
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Pinch A Penny

Retail

Founded in 1975, Pinch A Penny Pool Patio Spa has grown from one store to more than 250 locations across the Southeastern U.S. and Texas. Priding itself on its superior customer service and experti...

Investment: $334,425
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of Pinch A Penny

Learn More About Wild Birds Unlimited
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Wild Birds Unlimited

Retail

With a proven business model over 35 years and over 340 locations, Wild Birds Unlimited is the #1, largest and most recognized source for backyard bird feeding and nature related products in North ...

Investment: $197,919
Cash Required: $40,000- $50,000

Learn More of Wild Birds Unlimited

Learn More About 360clean
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360clean

Cleaning & Maintenance

Have you been searching for a franchise opportunity that offers high earning potential, low investment and the ability to run the business from home?  You should consider a 360clean franchise....

Investment: $20,800
Cash Required: $20,000

Learn More of 360clean

Learn More About Snap-on Tools
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Snap-on Tools

Automotive

Snap-on Tools has the #1 market share position in the industry and our tools are universally recognized by professionals as the absolute highest quality tools in the industry. Snap-on franchisees a...

Investment: $175,146
Cash Required: $38,126-$54,288

Learn More of Snap-on Tools

Learn More About Soccer Shots
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Soccer Shots

Child Services

Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development. We positively impact children’s lives on and off the field through our best-in-class coachin...

Investment: $44,600
Cash Required: $20,000

Learn More of Soccer Shots

Learn More About Right at Home
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Right at Home

Senior Care

Initially founded in 1995 by former hospital administrator Allen Hager, Right at Home provides in-home care services to allow seniors and people with disabilities to retain as much independence and...

Investment: $82,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of Right at Home

Learn More About Mr. Handyman
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Mr. Handyman

Home Services

Mr. Handyman® serves a much bigger purpose than providing home improvement and maintenance. Mr. Handyman’s independently owned and operated franchisees are the key to making people’...

Investment: $117,500
Cash Required: $135,000

Learn More of Mr. Handyman

Learn More About Pizza Factory
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Pizza Factory

Food

Founded more than 35 years ago, Pizza Factory has stayed true to its roots with hardworking owners, family-friendly dining and high-quality products (pizza, pasta, wings, sandwiches, salads, beer, ...

Investment: $274,000
Cash Required: $90,000

Learn More of Pizza Factory

Learn More About Wetzel's Pretzels
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Wetzel's Pretzels

Food

Profitable. Simple. Fun. Wetzel’s Pretzels offers a proven franchise business model that satisfies consumer’s cravings for handheld snacks on-the-go. With ingredients like flexible loca...

Investment: $153,100
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Wetzel's Pretzels

Learn More About New Again Houses
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New Again Houses

Real Estate

You want to build a real business, not just a second job. If you want to build a business that makes a difference in your life and the community, you will need professional lead generation, capital...

Investment: $94,000
Cash Required: $35,000

Learn More of New Again Houses

Learn More About Payroll Vault
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Payroll Vault

Financial & Tax

A business to business service, Payroll Vault is a boutique-style full-service payroll company designed for small business. Payroll is ranked in the Top 3 Outsourced Business Services, and with ove...

Investment: 38,875
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Payroll Vault

Learn More About Creative World School
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Creative World School

Education

Creative World School is a unique business opportunity in the early child education industry. Our schools are unlike any other in the market and provide several selling advantages to our owners. Ou...

Investment: $2,445,300
Cash Required: $400,000

Learn More of Creative World School

Learn More About SYNERGY HomeCare
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SYNERGY HomeCare

Senior Care

Today, you stand at the brink of a home care industry that is poised for exponential growth. Currently there are more than 50 million seniors aged 65 or older in the United States, and through the ...

Investment: $44,286
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of SYNERGY HomeCare

Learn More About Amazing Athletes
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Amazing Athletes

Child Services

Amazing Athletes is a mobile, year-round, educational sports and fitness program that introduces young children to the basic fundamentals of 10 different sports while helping them master 6 key area...

Investment: $33,100
Cash Required: $30,000

Learn More of Amazing Athletes

Learn More About Checkers & Rally's
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Checkers & Rally's

Food

Checkers & Rally’s franchisees achieve their goals faster with a strong return on investment, innovative technology and competitive growth incentives.

Because of our metrics-dri...

Investment: $790,797
Cash Required: $250,000

Learn More of Checkers & Rally's

Learn More About Mr. Appliance
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Mr. Appliance

Home Services

Mr. Appliance®, in operation since 1996, is North America’s largest appliance repair franchise. With longevity comes trust, a recognizable brand, and a loyal customer base. Whether you ar...

Investment: $78,925
Cash Required: $85,000

Learn More of Mr. Appliance

Learn More About TeamLogic IT
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TeamLogic IT

Technology

TeamLogic IT franchisees provide outsourced IT services and support to small- and medium-sized businesses. This support ranges from day-to-day computer repair and upgrades all the way to the instal...

Investment: $111,218
Cash Required: $60,000

Learn More of TeamLogic IT

Learn More About Assisting Hands
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Assisting Hands

Senior Care

Assisting Hands Home Care is one of the leading in-home care franchises, emphasizing exceptional customer service and personalized care, providing our franchisees with a proven and scalable busines...

Investment: $80,650
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Assisting Hands

Learn More About Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts
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Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts

Travel & Hospitality

We work with REIT’s, current campground owners, and prospective franchisees on building, improving, or buying existing campgrounds. We are considered destination campgrounds, and not just a p...

Investment: $63,000
Cash Required: $250,000

Learn More of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (TM) Camp Resorts

Learn More About Any Lab Test Now
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Any Lab Test Now

Services

Any Lab Test Now makes it easy for consumers to take control of their health by empowering them to purchase lab tests with affordable, transparent prices. Common types of customers we serve include...

Investment: $133,900
Cash Required: $90,000

Learn More of Any Lab Test Now

Learn More About 30 Minute Hit
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30 Minute Hit

Fitness

The 30 Minute Hit is definitely not your typical gym. Not a typical women’s only gym. And certainly not a typical Kickboxing gym. The 30 Minute Hit is a special place, that inspires and empow...

Investment: $122,000
Cash Required: $45,000

Learn More of 30 Minute Hit

Learn More About Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services
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Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Cleaning & Maintenance

Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services, based in Palm Harbor, Fla., is one of the most respected full-service commercial cleaning companies in the nation. Office Pride’s business was built...

Investment: $70,900
Cash Required: N/A

Learn More of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services

Learn More About Glass Doctor
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Glass Doctor

Automotive

Glass Doctor®, a Neighborly® company, is an industry-leading glass repair and replacement franchise specializing in both auto glass services and home and business glass services with over 1...

Investment: $158,200
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Glass Doctor

Learn More About Senior Care Authority
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Senior Care Authority

Senior Care

Senior Care Authority is a "feel good” business in the high demand senior industry that gives franchise owners the opportunity to build a business that is both financially and personally...

Investment: $71,095
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Senior Care Authority

Learn More About Supporting Strategies
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Supporting Strategies

Business Services

With the vision of becoming the go-to resource for outsourced bookkeeping and operational support services in her Greater Boston, MA community, Leslie Jorgensen founded Supporting Strategies in 200...

Investment: $77,930
Cash Required: $100,000

Learn More of Supporting Strategies

Learn More About Green Home Solutions
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Green Home Solutions

Services

Our business model includes multiple different revenue streams as well as an endless list of potential commercial and residential customers. This has led to us being awarded Recession Proof awards ...

Investment: $84,095
Cash Required: $120,000

Learn More of Green Home Solutions

Learn More About Image One
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Image One

Cleaning & Maintenance

Image One is a national franchise that has grown incredibly since it started to offer franchising opportunities in 2011. There are a few key aspects of the Image One franchise opportunity that are ...

Investment: $42,775
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Image One

Learn More About Truly Nolen of America
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Truly Nolen of America

Services

Truly Nolen started pest control operations in 1938 and is one of the most stable pest, termite, lawn, and rodent control companies in the industry. Their longevity in the industry, impactful brand...

Investment: $50,200
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Truly Nolen of America

Learn More About Storm Guard Roofing & Construction
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Storm Guard Roofing & Construction

Home Services

Storm Guard is the largest residential roofing and construction franchise in the US, offering quality insurance and non-insurance construction expertise and services to homeowners and business owne...

Investment: $185,400
Cash Required: $185,400 - $221,600

Learn More of Storm Guard Roofing & Construction

Learn More About Mr. Electric
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Mr. Electric

Services

Since 1994, Mr. Electric® has specialized in electrical installation and repair for both residential and business customers. Mr. Electric® independently owned and operated franchisees now s...

Investment: $106,100
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of Mr. Electric

Learn More About HomeWell Care Services
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HomeWell Care Services

Senior Care

HomeWell Care Services provides personal care, companionship, and homemaker services that help seniors and other homebound individuals remain safely in the comfort of home. We’re one of the f...

Investment: $96,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of HomeWell Care Services

Learn More About Premier Pool Service
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Premier Pool Service

Home Services

Founded in 1988, Premier Pool Service has built a well-earned reputation for delivering first-class results within the customer’s budget. Homeowners nationwide entrust Premier Pool Service wi...

Investment: $26,822
Cash Required: $10,000

Learn More of Premier Pool Service

Learn More About NEXTAFF
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NEXTAFF

Business Services

Build your dream life helping others find their dream job!

Put your sales or business background to work as a NEXTAFF Owner and help job seekers and empl...

Investment: $118,000
Cash Required: $150,000

Learn More of NEXTAFF

Learn More About Oasis Senior Advisors
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Oasis Senior Advisors

Senior Care

Oasis Senior Advisors is a home-based, scalable concept with high growth potential, recession resilience, and a low investment / low overhead business model that allows owners to control their own ...

Investment: $64,890
Cash Required: $40,000

Learn More of Oasis Senior Advisors

Learn More About ATAX Franchise
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ATAX Franchise

Financial & Tax

ATAX is a full-service national tax preparation and business services franchise. We are proud to serve clients in both English and Spanish.

We offer many services to help you with your pe...

Investment: $53,350
Cash Required: $40,000

Learn More of ATAX Franchise

Learn More About A Place At Home
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A Place At Home

Senior Care

A Place At Home was co-founded in 2012 by two childhood friends, Dustin Distefano and Jerod Evanich in Omaha, Nebraska. After several attempts at finding acceptable care for their loved ones, they ...

Investment: $84,185
Cash Required: $50,000

Learn More of A Place At Home

NextHome

Real Estate
Investment: $16,250
Cash Required: $4,500 - $8,750

100% Chiropractic

Health & Beauty
Investment: $169,671
Cash Required: $10,000

Weed Man

Services
Investment: $69,490
Cash Required: $60,000

Express Employment Professionals

Business Services
Investment: $150,000
Cash Required: $40,000

Anago Cleaning Systems Master Franchise

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $11,265
Cash Required: $1,000 - $23,500

American Poolplayers Association

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $22,737.34
Cash Required: $29,242.34

Culver's

Food
Investment: $2,304,000
Cash Required: $500,000- $750,00

Fastest Labs

Services
Investment: $84,309
Cash Required: $75,000

Rhea Lana's

Retail
Investment: $20,550
Cash Required: $15,000

Sotheby's International Realty

Real Estate
Investment: $194,650
Cash Required: $63,650 - $206,000

Weichert Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $62,500
Cash Required: $25,000

Kampgrounds of America

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $30,250
Cash Required: $500,000 - $3,000,000

The Wendy's Company

Food
Investment: $300,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Auto Appraisal Network

Automotive
Investment: $16,700
Cash Required: $3,000-$10,000

Pizza Ranch

Food
Investment: $1,135,500
Cash Required: $400,000

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Food
Investment: $257,500
Cash Required: $125,000-$350,000

Home Instead

Senior Care
Investment: $125,000
Cash Required: $59,000

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Health & Beauty
Investment: $178,000
Cash Required: 120,000

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $113,920
Cash Required: $50,000 - $100,000

Planet Fitness

Fitness
Investment: $968,100
Cash Required: $1,500,000

Pet Supplies Plus

Pet Services
Investment: $439,870
Cash Required: $200,000

Complete Weddings and Events

Services
Investment: $67,270
Cash Required: $50,000

Sola Salons

Health & Beauty
Investment: $545,476.33
Cash Required: $500,000

Realty ONE Group

Real Estate
Investment: $44,000
Cash Required: $15,000 - $22,000

Penn Station

Food
Investment: $389,731
Cash Required: $300,000

Property Damage Appraisers

Services
Investment: $20,300
Cash Required: $20,300 -$41,950

Junk King

Services
Investment: $89,000
Cash Required: $50,000-$75,000

Zaxby's

Food
Investment: $351,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Fazoli's Restaurants

Food
Investment: $466,750
Cash Required: $500,000

HomeSmart International

Real Estate
Investment: $65,500
Cash Required: $20,000

LaRosa's Pizzeria

Food
Investment: $800,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Chicken Salad Chick

Food
Investment: $657,300
Cash Required: $250,000

We Insure

Financial & Tax
Investment: $27,500
Cash Required: $25,000 - $85,000

East Coast Wings + Grill

Food
Investment: $434,268
Cash Required: $200,000

AtWork Group

Business Services
Investment: $159,000
Cash Required: $161,000

Signal

Services
Investment: $59,200
Cash Required: $45,000

Motto Mortgage

Financial & Tax
Investment: $57,800
Cash Required: $15,000

The Haagen-Dazs Shoppe

Food
Investment: $214,518
Cash Required: $80,000

JPAR Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $37,690
Cash Required:

Another Broken Egg

Food
Investment: $811,000
Cash Required: $500,000

Monster Mini Golf

Sports & Recreation
Investment: $431,000
Cash Required: $30,00

Slim Chickens

Food
Investment: $1,000,000
Cash Required:

United Country Real Estate

Real Estate
Investment: $10,875
Cash Required: $15,000 - $20,000

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

Services
Investment: $108,800
Cash Required: $80,000

Grasons Co.

Services
Investment: $48,900
Cash Required:

Wings Etc.

Food
Investment: $351,200
Cash Required: $200,000

The Human Bean

Food
Investment: $380,025
Cash Required: $104,000-$150,000

Junkluggers

Cleaning & Maintenance
Investment: $120,310
Cash Required: $75,000

FranNet

Business Services
Investment: $23,754
Cash Required: 10,000

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

Food
Investment: $1,184,000
Cash Required: $500,000-$1,500,000

Donatos Pizza

Food
Investment: $386,500
Cash Required: $200,000

Stretch Zone

Investment: $106,533
Cash Required: $55,475 - $61,000

House Doctors Handyman Services

Home Services
Investment: $104,625
Cash Required: $60,000

HomeVestors of America

Real Estate
Investment: $80,000
Cash Required: $80,000

Unishippers

Business Services
Investment: $55,000
Cash Required:

Epcon Communities

Real Estate
Investment: $3,107,700
Cash Required: $500,000 +

PropertyGuys.com

Real Estate
Investment: $30,000
Cash Required: $50,000-$70,000

TGI Fridays

Food
Investment: $2,600,000
Cash Required: $500,000 - $1,000,000

Keller Williams

Real Estate
Investment: $183,230
Cash Required: $150,000
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and does not constitute any investment recommendation. A franchise investment requires a personal assessment of your objectives, financial situation, skills, goals, and many other factors. Before making any investment decision, you need to consider whether this information is appropriate to your situation and needs.

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