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Silly Franchise Concepts
By JLP | November 8, 2007
Every Thursday the Wall Street Journal has a section on franchises, where different franchises advertise their particular “opportunity.” This week’s was a year in review. Looking through the listings, I found some franchises that I don’t think I would touch. Of course some of them may not be a bad idea if you can locate them in an area with lots of people. Here’s the franchise opportunities that I would pass on and the reason why I would pass:
Pollo Campero
Description: Latin American chicken concept founded over 35 years ago.
Website: www.campero.com
Why I Would Pass: Although in some parts of the US this concept might go over well, most people aren’t going to know what the heck “Polo Campero” is. The concept looks like a Spanish version of KFC, Popeyes, or Church’s Fried Chicken.
The Great Frame Up
Description: Where picture framing is an art.
Website: www.thegreatframeup.com
Why I Would Pass: Stupid name. Enough said.
College Hunks Hauling Junk
Description: Your Junk Removal Specialist.
Website: 1-800-junk-usa.com
Why I Would Pass: It sounds like a franchise opportunity for a kid.
Robeks
Description: Premium Smoothies For Healthier Lifestyles.
Website: robeks.com
Why I Would Pass: Do we really need another smoothie company? Besides, do people still drink smoothies? Also, how long will it take before people attach the name “Robeks” to smoothies? At least with a franchise like SmoothieKing, people know what you are selling.
Red Rock Chili
Description: A chili restaurant.
Website: www.redrockchili.com - at the time of this writing the website was not working. Not a good sign!
Why I Would Pass: Too focused! By including the word “chili” in their name they are limiting themselves to cold-weather dining. I mean, who eats chili during the summer?
We Olive
Description: The finest place for everything olive.
Website: www.weolive.com
Why I Would Pass: WAY TOO FOCUSED! It sounds like a cool place to visit - ONCE! I can’t imagine people coming back time and time again. But, that’s just my opinion.
Finally, there was one interesting concept that might just work:
Dagwood’s Sandwich Shoppes
Description: Sandwich shop named after the comic strip.
Website: www.dagwoods.us.com
My Thoughts: This is actually an interesting idea. However, there’s a ton of sandwich shops out there so competition would be tough.
Okay, those are the franchises that I found in the Wall Street Journal.
What are some silly concepts you have come across?
Topics: Miscellaneous |
