Franchise VS Independent

Going franchise is more expensive in the short term but you have everything planned and proven. You can't go off script. There is no creative freedom. There are a lot of fees too. The advantages of the franchise route are that you have everything planned out for you so there is no need to stress out. But the disadvantage is you have no creative input.

Independent - you have all the freedom. Every choice is up to you. It can be less expensive typically. But you don't know if what you are planning is a good idea or not. One wrong move in the beginning and your business is going to sink like the Titanic. If you go out on your own there is a slim chance that you become the next big franchise, but that chance is VERY slim. Independent is less expensive but more of a gamble.