This is a subscriber-only article. Join Entrepreneur+ today for access

Learn More

Already have an account?

Sign in
Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
For Subscribers

Opportunity in the Raw Franchises are pursuing success with a renewed focus on saving money and greater value.

By Amy Cosper

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Amy C. CosperOn any given Sunday in New York City, the nation's financial base camp and incubator of creativity, the iconic spiritual leader of tourist attractions can be found entertaining the masses. Rain or snow, the Naked Cowboy strums his strategically placed guitar and belts out song after song to the delight of blushing tourists from Kansas, Florida and Texas. He never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience. And, really, who among us is not guilty of at least a furtive glance?

A well-kept secret is that the Naked Cowboy is a franchise. That's right: Naked Cowboy Enterprises offers potential franchisees the opportunity to license the brand for a $5,000 annual franchise fee, plus 20 percent royalty on tips and appearance fees. (See our October 2010 issue for a conversation with his lone franchisee, Naked Cowgirl Louisa Holmlund.)

The Naked Cowboy stands before you (naked, of course) as a tribute to franchising and those who find opportunities in the odd, unexpected and underdressed. He demonstrates that with a little ingenuity, anything can be franchised.