Established
1982
Franchise Units
318
Minimum Investment
$955,500
Franchise Fee
$60,000
Total Investment Range
$1,519,500
Home Based
No
Description
Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bruce Irwin, American Family Care (AFC) has become a national leader in urgent care and accessible healthcare services. With a commitment to "putting the patient first," AFC provides a faster, more convenient alternative to traditional emergency room visits. Each clinic offers a comprehensive range of services including primary care, minor emergency treatment, occupational medicine, digital X-rays, lab testing, and more—all supported by state-of-the-art diagnostics and electronic medical records. AFC’s efficient model ensures that the average patient visit is completed in about an hour, delivering high-tech, high-touch care that has earned the trust of over six million patients annually.
By the end of 2024, AFC will operate over 400 clinics in 31 states, with plans to surpass 500 locations within five years. As one of the fastest-growing healthcare franchises in the country, AFC presents a robust opportunity for franchisees seeking a scalable, recession-resistant investment in the medical services space. Backed by decades of proven success and a rapidly expanding national footprint, AFC is on track to become one of the most recognized and respected names in urgent care across the United States.
Background
Established Year: 1982
- Founder: Dr. Bruce Irwin
- First Unit Franchised: 2013
- Franchised Units: 318 (400 total)
- Company Owned Units: 82
- Industry Category: Urgent Care / Healthcare
- Ownership: Independently owned and operated
The Journey: The story began when Dr. Bruce Irwin witnessed the inefficiencies of hospital emergency rooms. Inspired by his father’s struggles with the healthcare system, Dr. Irwin envisioned a clinic that treated patients with the speed of a "drive-thru" but the care of a family doctor. What started as a single clinic in Alabama has grown into a national powerhouse. In 2013, the acquisition of Doctors Express accelerated its franchise footprint, making AFC the largest independently owned urgent care company in the world.
States Registered In: All but Alabama, Arizona, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Carolina, New Jersey, Colorado, Utah, Alaska and Hawaii
Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No
Support Training
Financial Assistance Provided: Preferred lenders (SBA and Conventional)
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Recruiting Assistance: Yes - in-house staffing vendor for providers
Co-Operative Advertising: No
Training: At HQ and on site. This includes Urgent Care 101, Center Administrator Training, and a dedicated Opening Consultant.
Ideal Candidate
A motivated, self-starter
Totally focused and 100% committed to the business
A people person
Communicative – they reach out and ask for advice
Understands and executes marketing
Follows the system
Supportive of other franchisees – team player`
Passion for helping others
Have family and friends that support their business
Financial Detail
Financial Details
Total Investment: $955,500 – $1,519,500
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Cash Liquidity Required: $500,000
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Minimum Net Worth: $1,200,000
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Franchise Fee: $60,000
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Royalty: 6%
-
Ad Fund: 1%
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Item 19: Yes
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Veteran Discount: No
Ownership & Operations
Passive Ownership: Yes — must have previous franchise experience
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Home Based: No
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B2B: No
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Master Franchise Opportunities: No
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Visa Candidates: Yes
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Average Number of Employees: 10