2008
137
$50,000
$59,900
$257,465
No
HOODZ is a leading commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning franchise that offers a unique and essential service to businesses across Canada. Specializing in the cleaning, inspection, maintenance, and repair of kitchen exhaust systems, HOODZ ensures that establishments meet stringent health and safety regulations. With a focus on compliance-driven services, HOODZ has established itself as a trusted partner for restaurants, schools, hospitals, and other facilities with commercial kitchens.
The franchise's business model is designed to provide recurring revenue streams, making it a stable and profitable investment. Backed by the BELFOR Franchise Group, HOODZ offers comprehensive support and training to its franchisees, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.
Investing in a HOODZ franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Recession-Resistant Industry: The demand for kitchen exhaust cleaning services remains steady, even during economic downturns, due to strict health and safety regulations.
Recurring Revenue Model: Regular maintenance contracts with clients provide a consistent and predictable income stream.
Comprehensive Support: HOODZ provides extensive training and ongoing support to franchisees, ensuring they are equipped to manage and grow their businesses effectively.
Established Brand Reputation: As part of the BELFOR Franchise Group, HOODZ benefits from a strong brand presence and industry recognition.
1. Established Year and Origins:
HOODZ was founded in 2008 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. It began as a specialized commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning company, focusing on helping businesses comply with strict fire safety and health regulations. Recognizing a critical need in the hospitality and commercial sectors, the founders developed a professional, standardized approach that combined technical expertise with reliable customer service.
2. Franchising Journey:
HOODZ started offering franchises in 2009, allowing entrepreneurs to enter the commercial cleaning industry with a proven business model. The franchise quickly expanded across the U.S. and into Canada, emphasizing recurring revenue through service contracts with restaurants, hospitals, schools, and other commercial kitchens.
3. Founders and Ownership:
HOODZ is currently owned by the BELFOR Franchise Group, part of BELFOR Property Restoration, a global leader in property restoration and specialty cleaning services. This ownership provides HOODZ franchisees with access to a trusted brand, industry credibility, and the operational support of a large parent organization.
4. Brand Journey and Company History:
From its beginnings as a single-service company, HOODZ evolved into a nationwide franchise with approximately 137 locations in North America, including a growing presence in Canada. The brand emphasizes compliance-driven services, ensuring client kitchens meet fire safety codes and hygiene standards. Over time, HOODZ has become synonymous with high-quality commercial kitchen cleaning, recurring service contracts, and professional franchise support.
5. Market Presence in Canada:
HOODZ is expanding steadily in the Canadian market, identifying opportunities in urban and suburban areas with dense commercial kitchen activity. Canadian franchisees benefit from a proven business model that leverages both operational efficiency and recurring maintenance contracts. The brand is targeting growth in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, where restaurant and commercial kitchen density is high.
6. Industry Category:
HOODZ operates in the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning and Maintenance industry, a niche but essential segment within facility services. The industry is recession-resistant because businesses are legally required to maintain clean and safe kitchen exhaust systems. This ensures a consistent demand for services, making HOODZ a reliable investment opportunity.
7. Other Key Details:
Franchise Units: ~137 in North America
Ownership: BELFOR Franchise Group
Headquarters: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Target Customers: Restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and other commercial kitchens
Core Strengths: Compliance-focused services, recurring revenue contracts, strong brand reputation, franchisee training and support
HOODZ prides itself on offering industry-leading support and training to ensure that franchisees launch successfully and operate profitably. The support system is structured across multiple phases: pre-launch, initial training, operational guidance, marketing, and ongoing assistance.
Before your franchise officially opens, HOODZ provides hands-on guidance to set you up for success:
Site Selection Assistance – HOODZ helps franchisees identify the most strategic locations within their assigned territory to maximize client acquisition.
Lease Negotiation Guidance – Support in negotiating favorable lease terms for office, warehouse, or operational space.
Business Setup Assistance – Guidance on incorporating your business, registering for local permits, and setting up tax and accounting systems.
Equipment and Vehicle Planning – Recommendations and procurement support for the cleaning equipment, tools, and vehicles required to deliver services efficiently.
HOODZ provides a comprehensive two-week training program, designed to give franchisees all the skills needed to operate their business successfully:
Technical Training – Week 1 focuses on the technical side of kitchen exhaust cleaning, including:
Proper cleaning techniques
Inspection and maintenance protocols
Fire code compliance standards
Use of HOODZ-approved equipment and safety practices
Business & Operations Training – Week 2 emphasizes operational and administrative skills:
Financial management and bookkeeping
Customer acquisition and retention strategies
Sales and marketing fundamentals
Scheduling, route planning, and territory management
Staff hiring, training, and management
HOODZ equips franchisees with marketing tools to grow their customer base efficiently:
Launch Marketing Campaigns – Pre-opening marketing support to attract initial clients.
Ongoing Marketing Resources – Templates, strategies, and materials for social media, email, local advertising, and community outreach.
Branding Guidelines – Access to a professionally designed brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging across all locations.
HOODZ ensures franchisees have continual guidance to run the business efficiently:
Territory Management – Assistance in planning service routes and optimizing operational efficiency.
Client Retention Programs – Guidance on recurring service contracts, upselling, and customer satisfaction strategies.
Technical Assistance – Ongoing access to experts for troubleshooting cleaning techniques, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
HOODZ’s commitment extends beyond launch, providing continuous support to ensure long-term growth:
Regular Check-ins – Frequent communication with franchise consultants to monitor business performance.
Workshops and Webinars – Educational sessions on industry trends, business optimization, and marketing innovations.
Networking Opportunities – Franchisees can collaborate with other HOODZ owners, sharing insights and strategies.
Software & Technology – Access to proprietary software for scheduling, client management, reporting, and invoicing.
Compliance Guidance – Ensure all commercial kitchens meet fire safety and health regulations.
Expansion Assistance – Help identifying opportunities for additional territories or service lines.
Academic Resources – Manuals, online courses, and reference materials for continuous learning.
💡 Summary: HOODZ provides a full spectrum of support, from the very first steps of business setup to ongoing operations, marketing, and technical guidance. This ensures franchisees, even with limited prior industry experience, can successfully manage a profitable and compliant commercial kitchen cleaning business.
The ideal HOODZ franchisee should possess the following qualities:
Business Acumen: Experience in managing or owning a business, with a strong understanding of operations and financial management.
Leadership Skills: Ability to lead and motivate a team, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
Passion for Service Excellence: Commitment to delivering top-quality services and building lasting client relationships.
Investment Capability: Financially prepared to meet the investment requirements, with a minimum net worth of $200,000 and at least $50,000 in liquid capital
Location Preference: Willingness to operate in a protected territory, with the potential to expand into additional areas as the business grows.
| Financial Item | Details / Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $203,880 – $257,465 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $50,000 (liquid capital) |
| Franchise Fee | $59,900 |
| Infrastructure / Equipment Cost | Approx. $60,000 – $80,000 (includes cleaning equipment, tools, vehicle, initial inventory) |
| Marketing Budget (Initial + Ongoing) | $10,000 – $15,000 (initial launch + local marketing campaigns) |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $25,000 (to cover operational expenses until business generates steady cash flow) |
| Royalty Fees | 10% of gross sales for annual revenue up to $999,999.99 (reduces as revenue increases) |
| Expected Annual Revenue | $400,000 – $550,000 (varies by territory and client base) |
| Expected ROI / Operating Profit | ~15% operating profit margin (~$83,000 annually on $550,000 revenue) |
| Break-Even Time | 12 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | - Recurring kitchen exhaust cleaning contracts - Maintenance services - Air filter replacement - Grease containment systems - Equipment upgrades |
