For Subscribers

Takin' It to 'Em Franchises help consumers too busy to cook, too tired to drive--and sick of pizza.

By Talicia A. Flint

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Move over, Domino's-home meal delivery isn't justabout pizza anymore. According to food consulting firm TechnomicInc., home meal replacement (HMR) sales will hit $67 billion byyear-end, with an annual growth rate of 8 percent. An ACNielsenreport states that fewer than four out of 10 meals served include ahome-cooked item, and one-quarter of all households dine in ontakeout at least once per week. Franchises have been quick to jumpon the trend.

"It's difficult for people in two-income familiesnowadays to come home and cook a meal and even to go out to get ameal," explains Paul Gooden, managing partner of the Steaks To Gofranchise.

Marked for their convenience, HMR delivery franchises arestriving to provide fast, hot and tasty meals for offices andhouseholds alike. While pizza still remains an HMR staple after allthese years, many HMR franchises offer grilled entrees thattypically include a salad, a baked potato and a roll with thepurchase of a dinner. "We give customers an alternative topizza delivery by offering a full menu of steak and chicken dinnersthat range from $9 to $17," says Gooden.

Don Harkleroad, president of Steak-Out Franchising Inc., has hadgreat success with his more than 85 stores across the nation."We're growing in total number of units opened, volumesper units opened and profitability," he says. "Thisbusiness is riding an up trend, and HMR represents an increasedopportunity for entrepreneurs." According to Harkleroad, theaverage Steak-Out franchise brings in roughly $778,000 in annualsales.

While some franchises include catering services along with theirdelivery and takeout systems, Off the Grill Franchising Inc. presidentAlan Thompson notes that90 percent of Off the Grill units' sales are carryout ordelivery. "This is all we do, so we do it very well," hesays, contrasting Off the Grill with regular restaurants that offertakeout menus.

"People who want a prepared meal at home would much ratherhave us bring it to them than go through the inconvenience ofdriving to a store, standing in line, picking it up and thendriving home again," adds Harkleroad. "We believe thedelivery mechanism is far superior to the takeout approach."From the looks of it, consumers agree.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

This 'Dream' Side Hustle Out-Earned Her Corporate Salary in 2 Years — Now It's a $2 Million Business

Here's the exact blueprint she used to leave her W2 job behind and step fully into entrepreneurship.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Deloitte Is Reimbursing Employees Up to $1,000 — For Buying Lego Sets

Each Deloitte employee can spend up to $1,000 on items to improve their well-being.

Starting a Business

The Next Chapter of Basketball? Why This New League Is Betting Big on 1v1 Hoops

The Next Chapter is a premier 1v1 league turning streetball culture into a marketable, competitive sport. With unique players and pay-per-view events, the league aims to become a billion-dollar basketball business.

Leadership

5 CEOs Sat Down for a Candid Conversation — What They Revealed Could Change Your Entire Perspective on Leadership

These five CEOs get brutally honest about leadership, pressure and letting go of control.

Growing a Business

5 Steps to Negotiate Confidently With Tough Clients

Negotiation should never be a battle. Follow these steps to shift your mindset and negotiate with confidence.