Starting a hospitality franchise: where do you begin?

How large are hospitality franchises in the Netherlands?

Hospitality accounts for €5.2 billion of the €50.5 billion in franchise turnover and 113,200 of the 438,800 people employed. Calculated from NFV figures, average turnover per hospitality location is €1.23 million, slightly below the franchise average of €1.45 million. A hospitality brand has an average of 27 locations. To see the whole route, first read the step-by-step plan for starting a franchise.

Which hospitality franchise brands can you choose from?

Hospitality is not one market. A delivery outlet runs on online orders and fast kitchens, a restaurant on hospitality and evening covers. Choose a type that suits how you want to work. A broader overview of franchise brands in the Netherlands helps you compare with other sectors.

What does a hospitality franchise ask of you and your staff?

With an average of 26.8 people employed per location, staff are your biggest challenge. You draw up rotas, recruit, train and cover sickness, often in the evenings and at weekends. Expect long days in the business yourself during the first year.

What the franchise brand usually provides

A brand often supplies a manual, training, recipes and purchasing. Ask specifically what training your staff will get and whether there is help with recruitment.

What remains your job

Day-to-day management, the atmosphere in the business and being an employer. No manual does that for you.

How do you choose a location and which licences do you need?

In hospitality, location determines a large part of your turnover. The franchisor often helps you search or already has premises in mind. You arrange licences with the municipality; the exact rules differ by municipality, so always check locally what is required.

What does it cost to start a hospitality franchise?

Dutch averages per type of hospitality business are not available. A 2025 French market study (IntoTheMinds, 21 franchise brands) cites a total investment of €150,000 to €530,000 in the mid-range segment, a personal contribution of usually €25,000 to €150,000 and break-even after typically 18 to 24 months. That is a French sample; Dutch franchise brands may differ. Read all about entry fees and royalties under the costs of starting a franchise.

Financing options

Qredits offers an SME credit of €50,000 to €250,000 with a term of 1 to 10 years. Through your bank you can use the BMKB: the Dutch government guarantees 90% of the BMKB credit, up to €1.5 million, available until 1 July 2027 inclusive. How much personal contribution is required varies by bank and franchise brand. More on financing a franchise without savings.

Do you start a new hospitality location or take one over?

An existing business has turnover figures, staff and regular guests, but also a takeover price and possibly arrears. A new location is a clean slate, but uncertain. Read more about buying an existing franchise.

What do you agree with the hospitality brand in advance?

The Dutch Franchise Act has applied since 1 January 2021. The franchisor must inform you in advance, including about fees and required investments (Articles 7:913 and 7:916 of the Dutch Civil Code), followed by a four-week standstill period before you sign. Changes to the franchise system with financial consequences above an agreed threshold require franchisee consent (Article 7:921 of the Dutch Civil Code); think of a mandatory refurbishment. Have your contract reviewed by a franchise lawyer; this is not legal advice.

Also ask how the brand handles local marketing per location. In our Local SEO Benchmark Franchise Chains 2026 (500 profiles, 100 chains) only 40% of Google Business Profiles were fully completed. For hospitality businesses, where guests often choose in Maps, that is money left on the table. See how it can be done under franchise marketing for hospitality. Questions about your own situation? You can always get in touch.