From restaurants and salons to childcare, pet care, and home services, franchises are part of everyday life. Behind many of those familiar brands are local business owners creating jobs and investing in their communities, including several Texans recently recognized among the nation’s top franchisees.

We Are Austin welcomed International Franchise Association President and CEO Matt Haller to discuss the 2026 Franchisee of the Year Awards and the role locally owned franchises play in communities across the country.

Watch the full video above to learn more about franchising and meet some of the business owners being celebrated.Recognizing local business owners

The International Franchise Association recently honored 89 franchise owners in Washington, D.C., as 2026 Franchisees of the Year.

“Local franchise business owners are really the fabric of local economies,” Haller said. “While they do bear a brand that is commonly known to the consumer, these brands are executed locally.”

Haller also emphasized that franchising extends well beyond the restaurant industry, encompassing businesses ranging from hair salons and pet care to home services and childcare.

Texas tops the list

According to research cited by Haller, Texas ranks as the top state for franchising in 2026, with more than 83,000 franchise locations employing nearly 900,000 Texans and generating more than $92 billion for the state’s economy.

“Everything is bigger in Texas, and Texas is actually the top state for franchising,” Haller said.

Several Texas business owners were among this year’s honorees, representing brands including Sport Clips, CertaPro Painters and Ivy Kids Schools.

A path to business ownership

Haller says one appeal of the franchise model is the opportunity to own a local business while operating with an established brand and business structure.

“You’ve got the backing of the brand that’s working with you to set you up for success, but you’re the employer, you’re the person giving back in the local community,” Haller said.

For more information about franchising and the 2026 Franchisees of the Year, visit Franchise.org.