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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 F E B R UA R Y 7 , 2 0 2 2 F O C U S C O M M E R C I A L D E V E L O P M E N T Franchise frenzy In Maine, there are 272 franchise brands and 1,433 units from eateries to retail stores and other businesses owned by 864 franchisees, according to information compiled for Mainebiz by Washington, D.C.-based FRANdata. After 2020's slump, the sector was expected to open more than 26,000 locations nationwide in 2021 for a 780,188 total, add 800,000 jobs and contribute $477 billion to U.S. GDP, the Washington, D.C.-based International Franchise Association projected. Experts are seeing bullish momentum. "Everything we're seeing right now is trending in the right direction," says Jeff Hanscom, the association's vice president of state and local government relations. "Overall, franchising has con- tinued to rebound well since 2020. Like everybody else, we suffered some pretty significant job losses and closures most of 2020, but data on 2021 shows a solid economic recovery." Getting that same sense from retail clients, Peter Harrington of Portland-based Malone Commercial Brokers says investors are looking to franchises for growth. "ere's so much money out there looking to invest in new ideas and new capital is flowing, and Maine and the greater Portland area are worth taking a fly at," Harrington says. Aroma Joe's expansion drive Among regional franchise brands, South Portland-based Aroma Joe's has 82 locations in six states, of which 51 are drive-thru only, 28 are coffee houses with a drive-thru and three are stand-alone coffee houses. In Maine, where Aroma Joe's has 30 locations, another nine are in development, including one under construction in Scarborough and one in Topsham set to break ground this spring. Shops are also planned in Auburn, Lewiston, Winslow, Naples, Raymond, Augusta and Kittery, though some are still awaiting final approvals. It's Time to Take Command #DCTakeCommand " Clark Insurance's strong growth is supported by what our people are learning in Dale Carnegie classes. " — Jeff Shaw A family-owned business @dale.carnegie.maine / Dale Carnegie Maine / @dalecarnegiemaine maine.dalecarnegie.com / maine@dalecarnegie.com / 207.775.DALE (3253) Are your employees fully engaged? Could your productivity improve? Mention this ad for a free Business Improvement Discussion. contactDCmaine.com Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com Greater Portland 2022 Industrial Market Survey DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Everything we're seeing right now is trending in the right direction. — Jeff Hanscom International Franchise Association