How do you adapt your franchise to the Belgian market?

Belgium boasts over 9,400 franchised outlets and more than 360 networks. Find out how to open a store, thanks to our study of successful chains. How do you adapt your franchise to the Belgian market? L’Orange Bleue, Subway and fast-food chain Black and White are leading the way.


The L’Orange Bleue brand was launched in Rennes in 1996. Founded by Thierry Marquer, the brand expanded under license in 2006 and set out to conquer not only France, but also the rest of the world in 2017, with the opening of three clubs in Spain. The franchise network has 400 clubs and 1,200 employees in France. The company’s goal is to open 450 more clubs in Europe, including Belgium. In fact, a new formula was launched this year in partnership with the Yako brand. The idea is to offer exclusive group classes outside France.

The French leader in discount fitness is once again planning to make its mark on the Belgian market, having opened its first center in 2012 in Wavre. The club featured some forty weight and cardio machines, with the option of taking classes taught by qualified coaches. Thanks to preferential rates, multilingual staff and opening hours adapted to the Belgian lifestyle, L’Orange Bleue has won over sports enthusiasts. With sales of 130,000,000 euros and 100 gyms in the pipeline, the fitness chain is on a roll.

One of the franchise companies expanding in the Belgian market is Subway. The fast-food chain specializing in made-to-measure sandwiches has just opened a new outlet in the Brussels region, continuing its nationwide expansion. The aim is to significantly increase its presence over the next 10 years. This new location brings the total number of Subway restaurants to 3. By opting for a restaurant on Rue Neuve, in the heart of one of Belgium’s liveliest cities, the fast-food chain is trying to take advantage of consumers’ dynamic pace. With a home-delivery formula, an adapted menu and stand-alone order terminals, Subway is trying to win over Belgian customers. To join the franchise, you need a personal contribution of 80,000 euros and an entry fee of 10,000 euros.

Created in 2018, the Black and White restaurant franchise has over 30 outlets in France. The goal of the brand, founded by YouTubers Ibra TV and Djam, is to reach 100 units by 2025. With its gourmet burger concept, Black and White has expanded internationally, notably in Belgium through a master franchise. After opening 12 restaurants in Liège, Brussels, Charleroi, Mons and Namur, the chain is revolutionizing the market and the business by accepting cryptocurrency payments. This is a first for a Belgian restaurant chain. The new concepts don’t stop there!

Since June 13, customers have been able to taste the “Mystery Burger” in exchange for virtual currency. The recipe remains a secret and is likely to evolve or change every month. In addition, Black and White Burger is adapting to Belgian customers by offering new items for the summer menu. Consumers can enjoy the all-new “Crispy Avocado” with Cajun sauce and passion fruit drink, or opt for the strawberry milkshake. Thanks to these adapted recipes, the fast-food business keeps gourmet burger fans on their toes. The French brand has also just opened a second Flemish restaurant in Antwerp, with a product range that reflects its know-how.

Discover other successful networks and brands on the Belgian Franchise Federation website.

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