Why are franchisees so reluctant to open chains in the Houston market? (Dallas: 2015, hotels)

[Meyerland]

I see taco trucks all the time and in all parts of town. Even the burbs have them.

[ipuck]

California got their burritos and fish tacos, but nobody make better tacos than Houston. Even the street vendors catering to the day laborers make a decent product or they won't be selling here for long.

[detachable arm]

The best tacos are the ones that cater to the day laborers.

BTW the inner loop is a fast food heaven. Everywhere you turn there is some sort of fast food joint. The market is over saturated.

[hendersj31]

I would like some White Castle. Was never able to figure out why that crap is so good...even sober.

[Augiec]

Originally Posted by hendersj31

I would like some White Castle. Was never able to figure out why that crap is so good...even sober.

I've never had White Castle sober... Not sure I ever will... lol

OP's broader question is more valid. I think the poor guy realized picking mexican restaurants/taco vendors was a bad choice. LOL

While I don't have any data to support this assumption, I think it has to do more with the slow & steady growth of the city, as well as the fact we don't really publicize ourselves too much.

Like many have said though, I prefer the small mom & pop places.

[lipbalm]

Originally Posted by Lowexpectations

I'm not against their model but a reason why it's cheaper to get into one is you give up a higher percentage of revenue/profits, you don't own the real estate and you don't get to pick location as chik-fil-a picks and owns it all. I've still considered doing it though

They also only pick 75-80 out of 10000 applicants each year, that's a 0.8% chance you can get one.

[shortel]

Originally Posted by texas7

Variety? A fast food taco is a fast food taco.

A perk for the med center maybe. We have one of the greatest med centers in the country and a steady diet of chain fast food cr&p ensures the med center stays busier than it already is.

The problem with the medical center in the past was food trucks were not allowed since they carried propane tanks.

I think their is some heavy handed anti business agenda going on there personally.

The other thing is other then the main roads in the medical center most of the other roads are private and they are allowed to say what goes on there.Most people do not realize this.

[SouthernBoy205]

Originally Posted by Chrisrock

Understood. So the one story I have in this regard pertains to Krystal Burger. It may or may not apply to other franchises.

There used to be a Krystal Burger up around 1960 and 45 maybe 5 years ago. The person that owned this particular Krystal had exclusive rights in Houston. For one reason or another, he never followed through and his Krystal eventually closed, but his exclusive rights remain for some unspecified time, or until that contract is bought out. Maybe some entity owns rights to this region of the country which prohibits any random LLC from opening any aforementioned franchise. As a former fattest city in the country, Houston should be prime for anything fast food related that any other city has.

Krispy Kreme should re-open in a month or so, and I keep hearing about In & Out, but have yet to see anything. Maybe no one wants to compete with Whataburger.

Checkers is opened now.

[Spade]

I don't know about food places but I'm surprised that Houston is not very big in the luxury big hotel chains at least. Sure you have your Hyatt's, Marriott's, and Westin's. But no Ritz Carltons, no W's, no Peninsula's, no Mandarin Oriental's. Virgin Hotel is starting a hotel chain and Dallas is going to get one.

[rednas]

I just wish there was 7-11 in Houston and it would be even better if there was one near me.