Here Comes the Fun

What's next in franchising? These seven newer brands (who didn't make our ranking this year) are introducing bold, fresh ideas to the world.

- MADELINE GARFINKLE

1. An interactive, immersive museum!

In 2015, as the travel industry in Croatia began to expand, Roko Živković and Tomislav Pamuković wanted to create a tourism experience that was unique and unconventional. So they opened what they called Museum of Illusions where visitors can experience art, rather than just witness it, with everything from 3D holograms to "brain puzzling" exhibits. Thousands of visitors flooded the grand opening, and franchising interest soon followed. "The unforgettable memories and experiences [we] offer fuels continued growth and innovation," the founders say. Now, they have 38 locations across 25 countries, and are opening their largest museum yet (15,274 square feet!) in Las Vegas in 2023.

2. An insanely massive inflatable funhouse!

What happens when a big-thinking dad wants to create something totally unique for kids? Antonio Nieves and a cofounder came up with FunBox, a bounce park that's multiples larger and more inventive than anything kids (or adults!) have seen before. "When we say, 'We created the world's biggest bounce park, no one gets it right away," Nieves says. "They immediately think of bouncy houses and castles that you see at birthday parties. No one gets it until they see the drone video flying over the 25,000-square-foot rainbow wonderland." The franchise has locations in California and Arizona, with several more opening in early 2023.