How to Choose the Best Franchise Location

Thinking about opening a franchise restaurant? Before you fire up the grill or sign a lease, there’s one decision that can make or break your business: location. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the right franchise location, what your real estate commitments might look like, and how Teriyaki Madness helps you every step of the way. 

Why Your Franchise Location Matters So Much 

Your location is more than just an address. It’s your customer’s first impression, your foot traffic generator, and one of your biggest long-term business assets. 

Whether you’re opening a fast–casual concept like TMAD™ or a full-service restaurant, your location has a direct impact on: 

• Sales volume 
• Brand visibility 
• Operating costs 
• Customer loyalty 

Choosing the right spot could mean the difference between consistent lunch crowds and empty tables. The good news? You don’t have to guess. 

What Kind of Real Estate Commitment Should You Expect? 

Buying a franchise doesn’t just mean buying a business—it also means committing to a piece of real estate. 

Here’s what you’ll typically take on: 

• Lease Terms: Most franchise restaurant leases run between 5 to 10 years, with optional extensions. That means you’re in this location for the long haul. 
• Build-Out Requirements: Your franchisor (like TMAD) may require a certain look and layout, which means construction, permits, signage, and branding need to meet brand standards. 
• Size & Format: TMAD, for example, typically looks for spaces between 1,300–12,0800 square feet (about the area of a Manhattan city block), often in high-traffic retail centers or lifestyle areas. 

These commitments may seem daunting, but with the right support, you’ll navigate them confidently. 

How Your Restaurant Type Affects Location Choice 

Not all restaurants need the same kind of space. Your concept influences where you’ll do best.  

Fast –Casual Restaurants (Like Teriyaki Madness): 

• They thrive in busy shopping centers, near grocery stores, gyms, and college campuses. 
• Benefit from strong lunch/dinner traffic and mobile order pickup. 
• Do well in communities with active lifestyles and younger demographics. 

Drive-Thru Models: 

• Require extra square footage and car stacking space. 
• Need direct road access, strong signage, and traffic visibility. 

Full-Service Dining: 

• May need dedicated parking, ambiance-friendly surroundings, and a larger footprint. 

With Teriyaki Madness’ adaptable model, you have options: whether it’s an endcap, inline retail space, or standalone location. 

What to Look for in a Franchise Location 

Here’s your must-have checklist when evaluating locations: 

• Demographics: Who’s in the area? Does your target customer live or work nearby? 
• Traffic & Access: Can customers get in and out easily? Is parking convenient? 
• Visibility: Can people see your signage from the road? Is your entrance easy to spot? 
• Co-Tenants: Are you surrounded by traffic drivers like gyms, coffee shops, and grocery stores? 
• Competition: Are there similar offerings nearby, or is there a gap you can fill? 

The goal is to balance affordability with exposure. The perfect location might not be the cheapest, but it should have the best potential for success. 

How Teriyaki Madness Helps You Find the Right Location 

One of the biggest advantages of joining a franchise like Teriyaki Madness is the built-in support. 

Teriyaki Madness helps you navigate the complex world of real estate with: 

• Local Broker Partnerships: You’ll work with experts who know your market and can scout opportunities that match our brand’s criteria. 
• Real Estate Team Support: The Teriyaki Madness in-house team evaluates potential sites, reviews lease terms, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. 
• Market Analytics: You’ll get data-backed insights on demographics, traffic, competition, and market saturation. 
• Site Approval Process: Teriyaki Madness signs off on your final location to make sure it fits the brand and supports your long-term success. 

Looking for more guidance? Check out these questions to ask a franchisor about site selection and real estate support. 

FAQs About Choosing a Franchise Location 

Where should I build my restaurant? 

Look for a space that gets high foot and vehicle traffic, sits near your ideal customer, and is surrounded by complementary businesses. Teriyaki Madness often targets retail centers near gyms, offices, and grocery stores. 

How much help do franchisors give with finding a location? 

It depends on the brand. Teriyaki Madness provides end-to-end real estate support, from broker partnerships to lease review to final site approval. 

What are the biggest location mistakes new franchisees make? 

• Prioritizing cheap rent over visibility and traffic 
• Overlooking competitors in the area 
• Not fully understanding lease terms or build-out costs 
• Skipping franchisor input during site selection 

Avoid these by working closely with your franchisor and asking the right questions early. 

Ready to Own a Franchise That Helps You Find the Perfect Location? 

Download our Franchise Report to learn how Teriyaki Madness helps you secure the ideal location, launch successfully, and grow with confidence.