Long Island businesses will face more competition from franchises as some familiar names move to ramp up their numbers soon and new chains plan to open first locations here beginning next month.
Franchisers’ keen interest in Long Island in some respects mirrors strong franchise growth nationwide, but it also reflects the Island’s affluence and demographic appeal.
Among established companies on Long Island, Carvel and Nathan’s Famous intend to open more outlets in the next year. Newcomers include Fantastic Sams hair salons and Saladworks, which hope to open dozens of locations here.
Fatburger, which has a celebrity following in California, plans to open its first Long Island outlet next month, in Massapequa Park, not far from a well-known independent, All American Hamburger Drive In, which has a loyal following on Long Island. The beverage purveyor Juice It Up, another California-based franchise, also plans to open in May in Massapequa Park.
“The growth in franchising has been tremendous,” said Ken Stein, a managing director of Roslyn Heights-based Kensington Co., whose FranNet division advises franchisees. “Long Island in many respects is probably one of the biggest markets where franchisers are looking.”
The number of new franchise concepts introduced nationally jumped from 200 in 2003 to 500 in 2005, according to the International Franchise Association in Washington, D.C.
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