Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

Zero to Profitable Franchise Podcast

Tariq Johnson from Zero to Profitable Franchise (and YouTube) reveals his strategies (profitable franchise secrets) on buying franchises and getting them profitable FAST, so you can experience the freedom and flexibility with owning a profitable franchise business! Get access to exclusive interviews with top performing Franchisees, accountants, and business experts so you can learn from their mistakes, and hear real life success stories so you can feel more confident in your franchise journey. Tariq signed onto his first franchise in 2015 after making a (scary) $300,000 investment. He got that location profitable in less than 60 days, and has since gone on to buy and sell numerous franchise locations. He intimately understands the fear, confusion, and overwhelm that comes with trying to make it as a full time entrepreneur. You’ll learn about FDD’s, franchisee validation calls, how to buy a franchise, the most profitable franchise industries, franchise funding, SBA loans, and marketing strategies so you can thrive as a franchise owner and create your dream life with your family and loved ones. No matter what stage of buying a franchise you are in, this podcast will help you do one thing. Go from Zero to Profitable Franchise! Hit subscribe, and get ready to create your dream life.

Episodes

September 10, 2025 18 mins

Watch our FREE Franchising Masterclass to find vet and launch for: https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=TJsep10Podcast

I spent over 80 hours reviewing 400 applicants just to find the right hire.

In this video, I share the full breakdown of the process, what I was looking for, how I structured the interviews, and why this decision is the most important hire I’ve ever made. 

If you’re a fo...

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Hey! Download our list of 42 High Performing (and profitable) Franchises: https://www.franchiseempire.com/42hpf

Thinking about opening a Pizza Hut in 2025?  In this financial deep dive, I break down the real startup costs, royalties, and revenue potential from traditional dine-in units to carryout-only models. 

The numbers might surprise you. Find out what Pizza Hut owners are actually earning, what risks you need...

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Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEsep0425

Most people rush into the wrong brand, ask the wrong questions, and walk away with regret. In this episode, I sit down with Laura, a top franchise broker and former franchisee, to break down what smart buyers do differently. Laura didn’t just study this. She lived it. You'll find out the b...

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Culver’s is making waves in the franchise world with $3.7M in average sales, but is it worth the $8.6M startup cost? In this video, we break down the 2025 Culver’s FDD, covering royalties, fees, and what makes this burger brand a potential goldmine.

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Considering Investing In A Franchise?

🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availability here: http://www.franchiseempire.com/checkterritory...

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Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEaug2825

Service-based businesses are quietly dominating in 2025, and most new franchise buyers don’t even realize it.

In this video, I break down why service businesses are faster, cheaper, and more scalable than brick-and-mortar and what you need to know before you invest. If you’ve ever thou...

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August 26, 2025 20 mins

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=TJjul2025

Most people only share their wins. I’m doing the opposite.

Last month, my business lost $50,000, and I’m opening up the books to show you exactly what happened, why it happened, and how I’m handling it.

This is the emotional, raw side of entrepreneurship you rarely see. If you...

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Speed up your journey with our step-by-step mini-course: https://www.franchiseempire.com/FBA

If you're trying to decide between starting your own business, buying a franchise, or purchasing a resale, this episode will give you real clarity.

I sits down with two top Franchise Empire brokers, Marc and Chris who both built, scaled, and sold their own franchises to talk about what most people get wrong when choos...

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With over 9,700 U.S. locations, Dunkin’ dominates the quick-service coffee space, but is owning one really worth the cost? In this video, we break down Dunkin’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document to show you the startup costs, average earnings, hidden fees, and red flags every future franchisee should know.

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Considering Investing In A Franchise?

🔍 Request a Territory Check | Check territory availabili...

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August 17, 2025 79 mins

Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost

Most people think buying a franchise is a shortcut to passive income. 

But that’s not the truth and Chris breaks it down.

In this episode, I sit down with Chris, a former franchise founder turned broker here at Franchise Empire. We dive into what it really takes to succeed as a franchise owner, th...

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Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEaug1425

Popeyes has exploded in popularity thanks to its viral chicken sandwich, but does that mean it’s a good investment? In this episode, I break down the real costs, hidden fees, profit margins, and the biggest red flags inside the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

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Grab & understand 14 Franchise Buying Mistakes that could destroy your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEaug1025

Is The UPS Store a smart franchise investment in 2025? 

In this video, Tariq Johnson breaks down the startup costs, royalties, and average earnings for UPS Store owners, straight from the latest FDD. Find out what they don’t tell you and whether this iconic brand is a lo...

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Get my FREE Franchising Masterclass: https://www.franchiseempire.com/masterclass?utm_source=FEaug0725

Jersey Mike’s Subs is ranked #2 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for a reason, but is it still worth the investment in 2025?

In this video, Tariq Johnson breaks down the startup costs, average earnings, royalties, and major risks hiding in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Watch this before you buy.
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Grab and understand 14 franchise buying mistakes that could ruin your investment: https://www.franchiseempire.com/14fbm?utm_source=FEaug0325

Is Wingstop a cash cow or just hype? In this video, I reveal the real costs and average earnings from Wingstop’s 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document. With startup costs up to $1M and average sales over $2.1M, we’ll unpack what it takes to turn chicken wings into serious profit—or wheth...

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Grab our breakdown of the 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost?utm_source=FEjul3125

Taco Bell dominates the Mexican fast-food market, but is it actually a smart investment? 

In this video, Tariq Johnson breaks down what it really costs to own a Taco Bell in 2025, the hidden restrictions, and what the FDD doesn’t tell you about making money with this brand.
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Ray Titus, founder of United Franchise Group, has helped build over 1,800 franchise locations worldwide. In this episode, we talk about what separates successful franchisees from the rest, why speed matters more than you think, and the sacrifices no one talks about when building a business. This is a masterclass in franchise growth, leadership, and execution.

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Considering Investing In A Franchise? Discover Available...

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Grab your free list of 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost

Wendy’s franchises generate over $2.1M in sales per year, but is the $3M startup cost worth it? In this breakdown, Tariq Johnson dives into Wendy’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document to reveal the truth about profits, royalty fees, and one former NBA player who got rich off of Frosty.

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Considering Investing In A...

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Grab my FREE gift for you, filled with everything you need to know to own a money-making franchise: https://www.franchiseempire.com/mifge?utm_source=FEjul2025Buzz

Franchising isn’t semi-absentee, and success takes more than money. In this episode, Tariq Johnson and franchise owner Guy Coffey unpack the real work behind successful franchise ownership. From emotional support and hiring to CRM migration and building a busines...

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Grab my FREE gift for you, filled with everything you need to know to own a money-making franchise: https://www.franchiseempire.com/mifge?utm_source=FEjul1825

Is Arby’s worth the investment in 2025? In this video, I break down the real costs, earnings, and ROI of owning an Arby’s franchise. From the $2.4M startup range to its $1.3M average unit volume, we’ll use the FDD to reveal what most people miss — and why some Arby’s...

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Grab your free list of 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost

Hampton by Hilton is one of the most recognizable names in hospitality, but is this hotel franchise actually worth the $20M+ investment?

In this video, I break down the startup costs, hidden fees, and what Hilton doesn’t tell you in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
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Cons...

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Grab your free list of 5 Low-Cost Businesses That Make $1 Million: https://www.franchiseempire.com/lowcost

Ace Hardware’s "franchise" model is unlike anything else, with no royalties, co-op ownership, and massive growth.

In this video, we break down the costs, revenue, and unique features of the Ace Hardware business model using their 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
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Co...

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