ROCHESTER, NY — Entrepreneur magazine has officially named Project LeanNation (PLN) as one of the top franchise opportunities in the country, ranking the brand #69 on its prestigious Top New & Emerging Franchises of 2026 list.
This ranking highlights the fastest-growing and most innovative brands that have begun franchising within the last five years. Project LeanNation’s inclusion at #69 underscores its disruptive impact on the health and wellness industry and its rapid expansion across the United States.
Founded by Tim Dougherty in 2012 and franchising since 2021, Project LeanNation has moved beyond the traditional meal-prep model. By combining chef-crafted, nutrition-focused prepared meals with personalized health coaching and cutting-edge tracking technology, PLN provides a holistic lifestyle solution that resonates with the modern consumer.
"Being recognized as a top emerging franchise by Entrepreneur is a testament to the dedication of our franchise partners and the life-changing results our members see every day," said Tim Dougherty, Founder and CEO of Project LeanNation. "Ranking at #69 validates that our model, which balances healthy prepared meals with high-touch, tech-enabled human coaching, is exactly what today’s entrepreneurs and consumers are looking for."
The Entrepreneur Top New & Emerging list is based on a rigorous evaluation of data, including system size, growth rate, financial strength and stability, and brand power. Project LeanNation stood out due to its impressive 275% growth rate and its streamlined operational model, which offers a lower barrier to entry compared to traditional full-service food franchises.
With an initial investment ranging from $237,500 to $354,000* (See updated FDD Item 19 for current figures), Project LeanNation offers a unique opportunity for "impact-driven" entrepreneurs. Unlike typical food concepts, PLN locations operate with minimal staff and no heavy cooking equipment on-site, allowing franchisees to focus entirely on community building and client success.
"The health and wellness sector is evolving rapidly," added Dougherty. "People don't just want food; they want a roadmap to a better life. This ranking proves that Project LeanNation is leading that charge into 2026 and beyond."
For more information about Project LeanNation and its franchise opportunities, visit ProjectLeanNation.com/Franchising.
About Project LeanNation
Project LeanNation is a retail-based nutrition and lifestyle brand dedicated to helping people become the best versions of themselves. Through a combination of healthy prepared meals, one-on-one coaching, and body composition tracking, PLN provides a comprehensive approach to wellness. With dozens of locations nationwide, PLN is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the health and wellness space.
