Hot Franchise Trends

Children's Education Programs, Specialty Ice Cream, and Coffee Shops

By LEANNE BEATTIE

It's summer time and the living is easy, especially if you operate one of the hottest franchises for 2004. From children's education programs to specialty ice creams and coffee, these niche markets are enjoying dramatic growth-despite a weak economy.

Children's Education Enrichment is Booming

School may be out for summer, but education is still on the top of many parent's minds as the phenomenal growth in several kid-friendly franchises shows. Parents want their kids to have fun and be well-educated and they'll spend the money to make this happen, in good times and bad.

According to Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® listing for 2004, the children's products and services segment enjoyed steady growth over last year-with about a 6 percent increase in the market And that's terrific news for today's franchisee.

If you're considering getting into the education sector, this might just be the ideal time to do so, as Generation X is now having babies. And with $736 billion in spending power, these young parents are looking for the best opportunities for their children. Today's parent wants to prepare their children for college and the tougher demands of the workforce. To do this, parents are looking into enrichment programs-a regular public school education just isn't enough for today's competitive market.

Studies have shown that the most formative years of a child's brain development occurs before a child enters kindergarten or pre-school. One company that believes in the importance of getting children off to the right start is FasTracKids International Ltd. Started in 1998, FasTracKids International delivers quality enrichment education to children aged three to six and helps parents tap into their children's individual gifts and talents at a young age.

Parents today know how important it is for their children to develop good reading skills at an early age. The ability to read well often means the difference between a child excelling at school or facing difficulties. Started over 50 years ago in Japan, Kumon North America's reading and math programs help children master the fundamental skills that are essential to their overall success in school. The first Kumon Center in North America was opened in New York in 1974. Today, there are more than 1,500 franchised Kumon Centers in the U.S. and Canada.

Coffee is King

Even though it's hot outside, Americans love their "cuppa joe" and up-and-coming coffee franchises offer a unique twist on the common cup of coffee. One example, Java Dave's Coffee, offers something for everyone.

Started in 1972 by the Neighbors family in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Java Dave's Coffee began selling franchises in 1993. With an extensive list of delicious products-from 100% Arabica coffee to gourmet cocoas, instant cappuccinos and specialty teas - Java Dave's Coffee has something to offer even the most discriminating coffee connoisseur.

Another strong player in the coffee market is The Coffee Beanery. The Coffee Beanery opened its first stores in 1976, long before the average American knew about specialty coffee. Now, almost 30 years later, the company has grown to 180 locations in seven countries.

Cool Treats Beat the Heat

And it just wouldn't be summer without a delicious ice cream cone. But consumers today aren't satisfied with the same old, same old-they want something unique. And today's specialty ice cream franchises offer the public just what they're looking for.

A relative newcomer to the ice cream market, MaggieMoo's believes in giving the customer what they want. Started in 1989, MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery offers thousands of ice cream, mix-in and cone combinations, prepared fresh daily right in front of the customer's eyes. With a menu that includes over 40 ice cream and sorbet flavors, a line of real fruit smoothies and ice cream cakes for every occasion, there are currently 103 stores in operation, with more opening all the time.

A popular name in the industry that's still making news is Ben and Jerry's. After opening their first shop in 1978, Ben and Jerry's became known for their rich, unusual flavors and their concern for the environment. Ben and Jerry's is dedicated to making the finest all natural ice cream, while promoting business practices that respect the Earth. Ben and Jerry's franchisees are known for giving back to their communities in a socially responsible way-a terrific concept for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

Hot Franchise Trends for Summer

With such a diverse range of franchises showing positive growth, there are plenty of excellent opportunities to investigate. Whether you want to help children succeed in school or you'd just like make some happy taste buds, the hottest opportunities this summer could mean cold, hard cash in your pocket.

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