What is the Process to Own a Franchise?

So, you’ve been thinking about breaking free from the 9-to-5 and owning something of your own. You want more flexibility and more control over your time and income. Franchising might just be the smartest way to get there.

Franchise ownership isn’t just about buying a business, it’s about stepping into a tested system, building community connections, and making an investment in yourself. But how do you go from “kicking the tires” to opening day?

Step 1: Do Your Homework

Before reaching out to any franchise, get clear on what kind of business fits your goals and lifestyle. Start by narrowing down categories like food, fitness, education, home services and ask yourself:

• Do I want a seasonal or year-round business?

• Do I want to work weekends or stick to events and school calendars?

• Am I more excited about brick-and-mortar or mobile?

• Will I run the business full-time or hire a team to help?

• Do I prefer food, services, retail, or something else entirely?

• What level of startup cost and risk am I comfortable with?

Most franchisees interested in food trailers will check out food truck festivals, evaluate who is in their market from a savory and sweet perspective, read through online reviews and speak with operators

At Rainbow Snow, prospective franchisees have explored other sweet food truck concepts, researched food trucks v. trailers, test-tasted shaved ice competitors, and chatted with legacy operators about revenue/expenses. ​

Step 2: Reach Out and Start the Conversation

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the next step and connect with the franchise team. Most brands start with a short inquiry form that leads to a discovery call or info session.

Use this time to ask questions and see how well the brand’s mission, support, and business model align with what you’re looking for.

At Rainbow Snow, we keep the first call casual and informative. It’s your chance to share your story, learn more about us, and start picturing what this business could look like in your life. Many of our franchisees say they felt the connection immediately:  fun, community-first, and full of possibility.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

If everything feels like a good fit, the next step is to submit a formal application. This typically includes background information, financial details, and your preferred timeline and territory.

Franchisors use this to assess your readiness, business goals, and whether you’re a strong match for the brand’s culture.

At Rainbow Snow, we’re selective about who we award territories to, especially in our early growth phase. Your franchise application helps us understand your why, your market, and your vision for success. We’re building a community of passionate, purpose-driven owners.

Step 4: Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)

After your application is approved, you’ll receive the Franchise Disclosure Document or "FDD" for short. This legal document outlines everything you need to know about the franchise opportunity including fees, startup costs, support, territory rights, and your obligations as a franchisee.

By law, franchisors must give you at least 14 days to review the FDD before you can sign a Franchise Agreement. This waiting period is designed to protect you and give you the time to fully understand what you’re signing—without pressure or rushed decisions.

Use this time to:

• Read through the FDD carefully

• Ask the franchisor questions to clarify any terms

• Consult with a franchise attorney or advisor if needed

At Rainbow Snow, we walk prospective franchisees through key sections of the FDD in plain, straightforward language. We’re here to make sure you understand what’s in the document, what to expect, and what support comes with your investment. Many of our owners say this step gave them the clarity and confidence they needed to move forward.

Step 5: Select Your Territory

Once you’ve reviewed the FDD and are ready to move forward, the next step is choosing your franchise territory. A territory is a defined geographic area where you have exclusive or protected rights to operate your franchise.

Territories can be based on different requirements for brick and mortar v. mobile locations, but here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Population or radius

• Geographic boundaries (zip codes, counties, or custom borders)

• Proximity to nearby franchisees

At Rainbow Snow, we define territories by a population of 100,000 and tailor boundaries based on zip codes or county lines. Territories are designed to be contiguous, meaning your area should feel connected and easy to navigate. We work closely with each franchisee to help choose a territory that offers strong event potential, low competition, and room to grow. Check out the territories we have available today!

Step 6: Attend Discovery Day & Franchise Agreement

Once your territory is confirmed and the 14-day FDD review period has passed, the next step is to meet the team!

Before signing your Franchise Agreement, you’ll attend a Discovery Day. This is a deeper, more personal conversation with the executive leadership team and an opportunity for both sides to confirm alignment before making things official.

What to expect:

• Meet the founders and franchise support team

• Ask detailed questions about operations and support

• Get a clear picture of what launch and ownership really look like

At the conclusion of Discovery Day, you may or may not be offered a Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement is the official contract that finalizes your partnership with the franchisor and grants you the rights to operate within your designated territory.

At Rainbow Snow, we use Discovery Day to ensure mutual alignment. If the energy is right and the vision is shared, you will receive a Franchise Agreement tailored to your approved territory. Signing that agreement marks your official start as a Rainbow Snow franchisee!

Step 7: Train & Launch

Once the Franchise Agreement is signed, it is time to shift from planning to preparing. This stage is all about getting operationally ready, learning how to run the business, ordering your equipment, and finalizing everything you need to open with confidence.

Training typically includes:

• Business operations and day-to-day systems

• Health codes, permits, and compliance

• Menu prep, portioning, and serving procedures

• Inventory management and supply ordering

• Customer service, branding, and event marketing

• Using your point-of-sale (POS) system and tracking sales

At Rainbow Snow, franchisees complete a hands-on training program that walks through every element of the business, from how to set up your trailer for a school event to how to reorder syrup and supplies using our approved vendor network.

This is where everything comes together. From operational systems to physical assets, you’ll have what you need to hit the ground running. Our team works with you closely through this entire stage to ensure no detail gets missed—because a smooth setup means a strong start.

Whether you’re launching at a grand opening, a school event, or your town’s next big festival, you’ll be prepared, supported, and ready to start building your business from day one.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you understand the full process of owning a franchise, from doing your research to launching your business, you might be wondering what it would look like for you. Every journey starts with a simple conversation.

Book a call with our team  and take the first step toward owning your own Rainbow Snow mobile shaved ice business today.