For Jenna and Derrick Ware, their WorldKids® School franchise in Raleigh, North Carolina, is more than just a business venture. It’s the culmination of years spent raising four children, navigating multiple childcare programs and searching for a place that felt warm and globally minded. By Jessica Petrucelli
In 2020, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin Sapp and his wife were sitting at home facing an uncertain future. The couple had recently moved to Mississippi, and Sapp was working in computer software for a bank, but he felt isolated at home and was missing the days of working in an office. By Kelsi Trinidad
According to Josh DuBois, there’s a running joke in franchising that you either grow up in the industry or fall into it. With more than 20 years living franchising from both the franchisee and franchisor side, he proudly reports the former. By Jessica Petrucelli
BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, enters 2026 with strong momentum following a year of meaningful growth, national recognition, and key operational milestones. The brand’s continued progress reflects a disciplined approach to expansion and a strong commitment to franchisee success.
“Our goal for this year is to continue to grow in ways that matter; thoughtfully, strategically, and with purpose,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “In 2026, we’re strengthening our franchise system, improving operational standards, and ensuring that every school reflects the quality, consistency, and attention to detail that families expect. By supporting our franchisees with best-in-class tools, training, and resources, we’re building a foundation for sustainable growth that benefits children, families, and communities alike.”
Spreading Early Education Excellence: Franchise System Expands Across the U.S.
In 2025, Celebree School awarded 16 new franchise agreements and opened 15 new locations across key markets, including Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Oklahoma, and New Jersey. The brand also celebrated its first locations in Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., reflecting a targeted, strategic approach to expansion.
Franchise Leadership Validated: National Recognition Across the Industry
Celebree School’s performance and leadership were recognized through a combination of 2025 honors and early 2026 industry rankings, reflecting the brand’s continued momentum and growing national profile. Notably, the brand earned a No. 305 ranking on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® in 2026, jumping from No. 418 the previous year.
Additional recognitions include:
Internal operational improvements, including technology enhancements and leadership appointments, also positioned the brand for continued success and prepared the system for accelerated growth.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Growth and Innovation in 2026
As Celebree School looks forward, the brand is taking a disciplined, forward-focused approach to growth. The year ahead will prioritize strategic unit expansion rooted in responsible franchising, alongside a continued emphasis on strengthening unit economics to support long-term franchisee profitability.
Targeted growth in both new and existing markets will be balanced with an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and high-quality care.
“Our focus is on growing responsibly, strengthening our franchisees’ capabilities, and ensuring every school delivers the highest-quality education and care, building a foundation for children, families, and communities to thrive,” added Huffman.
Franchise Opportunities Open Across Key Markets
Celebree School offers franchisees a proven business model, comprehensive training, ongoing operational support, and access to proprietary technology and marketing resources. As the brand continues its national expansion, Celebree School is seeking qualified, engaged individuals for both single- and multi-unit ownership opportunities.
Current target markets include: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Philadelphia.
With prime territories available, franchisees can join a growing system built for long-term success while making a meaningful impact by bringing high-quality early childhood education to their communities.
For more information about Celebree School franchise opportunities, please visit https://franchise.celebree.com/.
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Brand Surpasses Expansion Goals, Strengthens Franchise Infrastructure, And Accelerates Digital Innovation to Fuel Next Phase of Growth
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — D1 Training, a leading fitness and enrichment concept that utilizes the five core tenets of athletic-based training to help people of all ages, closed 2025 with significant momentum across its franchise system, operational infrastructure, and member-facing platforms. The brand awarded more than 90 new franchise agreements, opened over 40 locations, and now operates over 165 training facilities nationwide, exceeding its growth goals and positioning D1 Training for another year of accelerated expansion in 2026.
Growing the Network and Strengthening Infrastructure
In addition to surpassing its 2025 expansion targets, D1 Training invested heavily in systems designed to support franchisee success at scale. By expanding the in-house construction project management team, the brand identified more than 10% in cost savings, and internalized equipment procurement to improve consistency, efficiency, and long-term value for franchisees.
Additional 2025 key performance highlights include:
These milestones reflect D1’s continued commitment to scaling responsibly while maintaining strong unit-level performance and franchise support.
“This past year, we made a very intentional decision to build for scale without compromising quality,” said Will Bartholomew, Founder and CEO of D1 Training. “That meant investing in our franchisees, tightening our infrastructure, making key appointments to our home office, and elevating how we serve athletes at every level. The growth we saw this year wasn’t accidental, it was the result of disciplined execution and a relentless focus on performance, both on and off the turf. That foundation puts us in an incredibly strong position for a monumental 2026.”
Driving the Next Wave of Growth and Impact
Building on its 2025 momentum, D1 Training enters 2026 with a goal to open its 200th location, expand youth sports camps and combines, and amplify partnerships tied to athlete performance testing and verification systems. These initiatives are designed to deliver more personalized, data driven training experiences for youth athletes, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts nationwide.
“D1 Training has always believed that great training changes lives, not just outcomes on the field,” added Bartholomew. “As we move toward our next milestone, we’re focused on expanding access to elite-level coaching, deeper performance insights, and experiences that help every athlete build confidence, resilience, and long-term habits. 2026 is about scaling our impact responsibly with our incredible franchise partners, continuing to raise the bar for what athletic-based training should look like nationwide.”
To continue its growth, D1 Training is looking for franchisees interested in opening their own locations. For more information, please visit https://d1franchise.com/.
About D1 Training
Founded in 2001 by former NFL player Will Bartholomew, and based in Nashville, D1 Training is positively impacting the lives of thousands of athletes of all ages. With 170+ locations nationwide, and 200+ more franchises in various stages of development, D1 is one of the fastest growing private companies in the nation. D1’s 5-Star Training System is trusted by top athletes because it trains the whole body: no fads, no shortcuts. For more information on D1 Training and franchise opportunities, please visit D1training.com and D1franchise.com.
LOS ANGELES — Mathnasium Learning Centers, a globally recognized franchise with over 1,200 locations across 12 countries, enters 2026 with significant momentum following a year of robust franchise growth and industry recognition. The brand earned a No. 83 ranking on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking, and continued to invest in technology designed to enhance the parent and student experience.
“The growth we saw in 2025 reflects more than just the strength of our franchise system, it shows how deeply our mission resonates with families,” said Tyler Sgro, CEO of Mathnasium. “As we look to 2026, our focus is on growing thoughtfully, demonstrating value to families, continuing to invest in our educators, and using data and technology in smart ways that support the human connection at the heart of how our students learn.”
Spreading Math Mastery: Franchise System Expands at Record Pace
In 2025, Mathnasium awarded 121 new franchise agreements and opened 88 new locations worldwide, including 63 in the U.S. and six in Canada. The brand expanded its global footprint to over 1,250 locations, representing 6% year-over-year systemwide growth. Growth was fueled by sustained franchisee interest, even amid uncertain economic conditions, reinforcing the Mathnasium system as resistant to short term economic trends and the long-term value proposition for franchise owners.
Franchise Leadership Validated: Top Honors Across the Industry
Mathnasium’s excellence in franchising was validated nationally, earning widespread recognition across multiple rankings announced in late 2025 and early 2026. In addition to ranking No. 83 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the brand secured a spot on Entrepreneur’s Fastest-Growing Franchises and celebrated 11 consecutive years in the Franchise 500® Consecutive Club. Mathnasium was also named to Franchise Business Review’s Top 200 Franchises, and received additional honors including Top Franchises for Women, Franchise Culture 100, Recession Proof Franchises, and Top Innovative Franchises.
Additional 2025 accolades included:
Internally, Mathnasium also saw its highest number of franchise expansions in several years, fueled by both new franchisees and existing owners reinvesting in the system. Operational improvements in 2025 centered on strengthening parent communication and engagement, as well as enhancing educator training and development, giving franchisees better tools to deliver consistent, high-quality instruction at scale
Advancing Parent Engagement, Education, and Franchisee Support in 2026
Looking ahead, Mathnasium plans to award 100 franchise agreements in 2026 while advancing a set of strategic initiatives designed to enhance the parent experience, elevate educational outcomes, strengthen educator development, and support franchisee operations through deeper insights and analytics.
“We’ll continue to expand strategically, focus on the experiences that matter most to families and educators, and use better insights to support stronger outcomes across our system. Everything we’re building is designed to reinforce confidence in our students, our franchisees, and the future of Mathnasium,” added Sgro.
Franchise Opportunities Open Across Key Territories
With prime territories available, Mathnasium provides franchisees with an affordable entry point with quick buildout time, a comprehensive initial training program with ongoing support, access to proprietary software tools and resources, and a balanced approach between corporate and locally driven marketing.
For information about Mathnasium’s franchise opportunities, visit — https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/.
About Mathnasium
Mathnasium Learning Centers is North America’s leading math-only supplemental education franchise. Since 2002, the Mathnasium Method™ — the result of decades of hands-on instruction and development — has been transforming the lives of children in grades K-12 by offering comprehensive assessments, fully individualized learning plans, and teaching true math comprehension. With more than 1,200 learning centers worldwide in 12 countries, Mathnasium has been ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine’s list of top 500 franchises 18 times since 2004. For more information about Mathnasium franchise opportunities, visit https://mathnasiumfranchise.com/.
Brand Advances Wellness-First Strategy with DASH, Technological Enhancements, and Spa Products
PHOENIX — Dogtopia, the nation’s leading pet wellness franchise, today announced a momentous 2025, marked by strong growth, a decade-long streak of positive year-over-year same store sales growth and decreased new store opening costs. While the broader pet services category faced rising construction costs, Dogtopia emerged as the only brand to reduce average build-out costs year-over-year—significantly strengthening unit economics and ROI for its growing network of franchisees.
“At Dogtopia, we’re not just adding more units—we’re redefining what dog daycare can be,” said Neil Gill, President and CEO of Dogtopia. “In 2025, we delivered a 90 NPS score, proving our parents love what our franchisees and teams are delivering. We doubled down on wellness, technology and efficiency so that every new location opens stronger, every playroom runs smarter, every franchisee can be more profitable, and every dog can live a longer, healthier, happier life.”
Growth
Dogtopia enters 2026 celebrating massive momentum with nearly 5 million dog visits last year. The brand is poised to cross the 300-store milestone this year with 27 new agreements signed last year, building on a development pipeline of more than 250.
Leveraging an efficient store design, supply chain scale and disciplined value engineering, Dogtopia was the only national brand over the past three years to reduce average initial investment cost. Dogtopia’s new 3.0 store design concept increased revenue-generating space by more than 10%, improving unit-level economics for franchisees while reducing build-out costs – all while preserving Dogtopia’s uniqe positioning, standards for safety, cleanliness and playroom design. These improvements, combined with rising consumer demand for dog daycare and the dedication of Dogtopia’s franchisees and team members, have helped extend the brand’s streak of positive year-over-year same-store sales growth to 10 consecutive years.
Accolades
Dogtopia received top honors once again in two of the most prestigious franchise industry awards:
Dogtopia is the largest pet services franchise in the world, with net growth of almost 80 units over the last three years. With a mature system and the highest brand awareness in its class, Dogtopia reported an impressive Net Promoter Score of 90, which is considered “world class” and ranks as the highest loyalty amongst any brand in North America.
Innovation
The 2025 launch of DASH by Dogtopia® has transformed the pet parent experience. As a proprietary daycare activity monitor integrated with the Dogtopia mobile app, DASH allows parents to track their dog’s steps, distance and rest. Dogtopia’s DASH leaderboards provide a ranking of dogs by distance in both the daycare and by playroom, where dogs are separated by both size and temperament. This gamified wellness ecosystem provides a level of transparency—beyond Dogtopia’s live webcams—that is currently unmatched in the industry.
DASH was rigorously tested for several years inside active playrooms and approved for use in a social setting, making wellness trackable rather than assumed. Dogs in Dogtopia daycare average a remarkable eight miles of activity, equating to more than 70,000 steps a day.
As Dogtopia crosses the major milestone of 300 locations in 2026, the brand will continue expanding DASH and elevating its focus on dog health and wellness. On track to hit 500 locations by 2030, Dogtopia remains one of the fastest-growing brands and hottest franchise opportunities within the pet industry and beyond.
Dogtopia continues to invest in its spa product line – available at Dogtopia Shop and on Amazon– including individualized dog shampoos, conditioners, facial scrubs, wipes and deodorizing sprays for at-home use between Dogtopia spa appointments.
Dogtopia’s success is also fueled by its purpose beyond profit. Its nonprofit arm, The Dogtopia Foundation, has sponsored nearly 800 service dogs for veterans, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to enabling dogs to positively change our world.
For more information about Dogtopia or to find a location near you, visit www.dogtopia.com.
About Dogtopia
Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety, and transparency in the market. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps our furry friends live long, healthy, and happy lives with services that holistically address canine wellness. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with the safety of dogs in mind, including spacious playrooms assigned by size and play style, comfortable rubber flooring to reduce the impact on joints and paws, and webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com.
Expanded Clinical Capabilities & Strong Franchise Performance Drive Momentum Into 2026
BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — BrightStar Care, a leading provider of in-home care, medical staffing, and senior living solutions, announced a milestone year marked by strategic investment, accelerated franchise growth, and record-setting performance across its national network. In 2025, BrightStar Care opened more than 30 new locations, welcomed 20 new franchise owners, and saw existing owners expand into 21 additional markets. This momentum reflects the strength of the company’s nurse-led care model and its differentiated structure of five revenue streams: companion care, personal care, skilled care, staffing, and national accounts.
For the 13th consecutive year, BrightStar Care earned the Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality Award, highlighting its commitment to the highest standard of care. BrightStar Care’s multiple revenue streams provide franchisees the opportunity to grow their business beyond traditional companion and personal care, which drives greater market penetration. Franchisees also continued to achieve strong financial performance.
“Demand for home-based care continues to grow, and BrightStar Care is well-positioned to support franchise expansion,” said Pete First, Chief Development Officer at BrightStar Care. “Our nurse-led model, diverse revenue streams, and ongoing investments in technology give entrepreneurs a strong foundation to build high-performing businesses. Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains on expanding our footprint while helping franchise owners meet the evolving needs of families in their local communities.”
The company’s new partnership with a leading middle-market private equity firm marks a new era of innovation, operational support, and long-term growth, enabling investments in technology, expanded clinical resources, and enhanced systems designed to strengthen franchise support and elevate the client experience.
As care continues moving into the home, BrightStar Care enters 2026 ready for continued expansion and innovation. These strategic investments, strengthened clinical capabilities, and a growing franchise network position the company to further its mission to deliver exceptional nurse-led care across the country. BrightStar Care remains committed to raising industry standards, supporting franchise owners, and leading the future of home-based healthcare.
About BrightStar Care
Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care is a leading franchisor of home care services with more than 420 franchised locations nationwide that provide skilled and unskilled home care to clients and custom medical staffing solutions to corporate entities. BrightStar Care franchise agencies employ more than 15,000 caregivers and 5,700 registered nurses who oversee the care and safety of each individual client. All BrightStar Care agencies are accredited by The Joint Commission, and the brand has been recognized as an Enterprise Champion for Quality for over a decade. In addition to supporting families at home, BrightStar Care partners with healthcare organizations to meet evolving staffing needs with experienced, credentialed professionals. Learn more at www.brightstarfranchising.com.
Leading Global Staffing Franchise Opens 54 Units in 2025 With Expansion into New Markets Nationwide
OKLAHOMA CITY — Express Employment Professionals, the leading global staffing provider franchise, closed out 2025 with 54 new and resale franchise agreements, bringing the system to nearly 900 locations worldwide.
Over the course of the year, Express hosted 12 Discovery Days, providing prospective owners an in-depth look at the brand’s mission to connect businesses with qualified talent and job seekers with employment opportunities. These events resulted in 38 new franchisees joining the system, while five existing franchise owners expanded their portfolios by acquiring additional locations, signaling continued confidence in the Express franchise model.
The brand also entered seven new territories in 2025, including:
“2025 reinforced the strength and durability of the Express franchise system,” said Melissa Davis, Vice President of Franchising at Express Employment Professionals. “Our franchisees stayed focused on growth, strengthening their operations, and delivering consistent results by meeting the evolving workforce needs of their local communities. That momentum positions us well as we move into 2026.”
Despite 2025 being a year of significant loss for the organization with the passing of both co-founders, William H. Stoller and Bob Funk Sr., Express franchisees demonstrated notable grit and resilience, continuing to support employers and job seekers in their local communities. That determination was reflected not only in system expansion, but also in sustained interest in the franchise opportunity, with more than 5,000 individuals expressing interest in becoming Express franchise owners, underscoring confidence in both the brand and the long-term stability of the staffing industry.
Express’s long-term goal of putting a million people to work annually remains central to the company’s vision: to help as many people as possible find good jobs by helping as many clients as possible find good people.
As the number-one staffing franchise for individuals, communities, and businesses, Express has achieved numerous accolades that showcase its success. For the 15th consecutive year, the brand was recognized as the top staffing franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and ranked #75 on the overall Franchise 500 list. Furthermore, Express ranked #32 on the Franchise Times Top 400 and #10 on FranchiseDirect’s Top 100 Global Franchises.
As Express looks ahead, franchise development efforts are focused on key growth markets across Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Ontario, Illinois, and New York, supporting the brand’s long-term expansion strategy.
To learn more about franchise opportunities with Express Employment Professionals, contact their franchise development team at franchising@expresspros.com or visit www.ExpressFranchising.com.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million people globally since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
Premier Turf Franchise Welcomes First Family-Owned Location
AUSTIN, Texas — Waterloo Turf, a national artificial turf franchise, has expanded into Denver, Colorado, marking the brand’s first family-owned franchise location. The Denver launch builds on Waterloo Turf’s existing presence in Boulder and Fort Collins, and strengthens its footprint across Colorado.
Mother-and-son team Misti and Steven Black will operate Waterloo Turf’s Denver location, serving the metro area and surrounding suburbs. As long-time Denver residents, they understand the environmental constraints and performance demands unique to the region.
“Denver is home for our family. Our roots are here, and we want to stay involved in the community we care about most,” said Misti Black. “We believe artificial turf is still early in Denver, and it can be a strong solution for the unique needs of the market, especially as water restrictions increase.”
Steven and Misti Black bring complementary skill sets to the Denver location, with Steven focused on installation quality, execution, and day-to-day operations, and Misti contributing her background in gardening and outdoor design. Together, they prioritize craftsmanship, clear communication, and long-term performance on every project.
“We joined Waterloo Turf as a mother-and-son team because our skills complement each other in a way that benefits our customers,” said Steven Black. “We’ve always been close, and we wanted to build something that reflects how our family tries to show up: treat people well, communicate clearly, and stand behind our work. When we signed on with Waterloo Turf, we knew this would be our long-term focus.”
The Denver franchise will serve customers across the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert and Jefferson.
“Denver embodies the active, outdoor lifestyle that inspired Waterloo Turf in the first place. Expanding here lets us help even more homeowners and business owners spend less time maintaining their lawn and more time enjoying the things they love,” said Tim Lovett, CEO of Waterloo Turf. “Denver is full of opportunity, and Misti and Steven represent the kind of driven, community‑minded entrepreneurs we’re proud to partner with. Their family‑run approach aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional service with a personal touch.”
Led by top leaders in both franchising and turf and backed by investors with over 60 years of combined franchise experience across 13 different brands, Waterloo Turf’s franchise opportunity was built off proven, streamlined operations and ongoing corporate support. Waterloo Turf is seeking franchisees with a “team captain” mindset, offering a 10% discount to owners who are ex-NCAA athletes and ex-military.
For more information, please visit https://waterlooturf.com/denver
About Waterloo Turf
Founded in 2021 and franchised since December 2024, Waterloo Turf offers a unique opportunity for franchisees to enter the growing turf industry with a low upfront investment and minimal overhead. Waterloo Turf offers services for both residential and commercial-based projects, delivering high-quality turf solutions for a wide range of properties including luxury homes, commercially owned areas, dog parks, daycares, schools and more. Waterloo Turf promotes the ideal lifestyle of “Getting your Saturdays Back,” allowing families and friends to focus on spending quality time together in their outdoor space.