WHAT FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP REALLY LOOKS LIKE

Franchise ownership is often sold as a dream. Open a store, let the brand do the work, and sit back while the profits roll in. But anyone who’s actually done it knows that’s not the full picture.

The truth? Franchise ownership is a business like any other. It takes hard work, focus, and consistency especially in the beginning.

Real moments, real people, real rewards.

The first 6 to 12 months are critical. You’re not just learning the systems, you’re learning how to lead a team, manage customer expectations, respond to challenges, and stay present through it all. You’re hiring, training, and making decisions that shape the culture of your store. Some days, you’re handling logistics; other days, you’re mopping the floor. It’s a full-spectrum role, and it’s not always glamorous.

But there’s a reason people choose this path. It’s because with the right model behind you, that early effort sets the foundation for something sustainable. At Drizzl’d, we’ve always believed that a business should run with or without the owner present. If it can’t, you don’t own a business, you own a job with more stress and fewer days off.

That mindset has guided us from day one. Since launching our first store in December 2021, we’ve built a framework designed to support real owners, not just operators. Today, I’m proud to say I haven’t been rostered on for a shift in years. My role is now focused on leading from above: quality control, team development, branding, and growth. That shift only happened because we spent years building the right systems from the ground up.

As we head into our fourth year of operation, we’re more confident than ever in the resilience of our model. We’ve navigated economic uncertainty, changing customer behaviour, and a labour market that’s more competitive than ever. And through it all, our stores have remained stable and consistent.

Franchise ownership also comes with its share of tough calls, managing staff, handling unexpected costs, or dealing with operational hiccups. But with the right systems and support, these don’t have to be roadblocks. They become part of the rhythm of running a business, not the reason it stalls.

If you’re exploring franchise opportunities, whether with Drizzl’d or elsewhere, focus less on the hype and more on the structure. Ask yourself: Can this business run without me on the floor? Is there a clear roadmap to grow into a leadership role, not just an operations one?

The goal isn’t to check out completely. The goal is to create space to reinvest in more stores, expand into other ventures, or simply have more time for the things that matter most.

Because that’s what real franchise ownership should give you: control, flexibility, and freedom.

And if you’re going to work hard to build something, make sure it’s something that gives back.