Why Franchisees are betting on Upstate New York

In Upstate New York, McDonald’s Franchisees are discovering a powerful mix of affordability, support, and growth potential. 

A strategic decision about growth

For new Franchisees, that decision often comes down to one calculation: The potential for growth.

“I knew that relocation was part of my strategy,” says Abdul-Hadi Mowla, who spent decades building his career in New York City before making the move. “If I wanted to find a restaurant I could turn around, build equity, and then have the opportunity to grow, I knew I would have to relocate.”

Rod Miller came to a similar conclusion from a different path. With a background in operations and engineering, he approached the decision with a data-driven mindset and compared markets, costs, and long-term upside. In more saturated regions, he saw higher barriers to entry and tighter margins. In Upstate New York, he saw room to grow and the ability to keep capital in reserve for the rainy days that would inevitably come.

“The affordability of the stores in this market allows you to have space,” he explains. Space to learn the business, to build a team, and to prepare for the unknowns that come with being a Franchisee.

That combination of lower upfront pressure and visible upside can fundamentally change the trajectory of a new Franchisee’s journey. Instead of waiting years for the right opportunity in a crowded market, Franchisees in Upstate New York are getting in the game sooner, building equity earlier, and positioning themselves for future growth.

That growth isn’t happening by accident. It’s supported by a regional ecosystem built to help businesses succeed.

“In our experience, what draws businesses and entrepreneurs to Rochester is really multiple elements,” says Matt Hurlbutt, who works closely with companies expanding into the area. “We have a history of innovation… and an ability to connect and welcome new businesses that’s unique.”

That connectivity is more than a talking point. Local government, business leaders, and institutions work closely together to support companies for the long haul. 

“Well beyond the ribbon cutting, we’re here to ensure business success,” Matt says.

For McDonald’s Franchisees on the ground, that translates into a business climate that feels both accessible and collaborative.

“Rochester is very business friendly,” says Don Jeffries, a longtime leader in the community. “Our elected officials understand how important business is… and there are resources here that business owners don’t get in other places.”

Cost also plays a major role. Compared to larger metro areas, Upstate New York offers significantly lower barriers to entry — from commercial real estate to overall cost of living — giving Franchisees more flexibility to invest in their businesses and plan for the long term.

Together, those factors create something that’s hard to find: a market with the infrastructure and talent of a major region, but the accessibility and support of a much smaller one.

For many Franchisees, the real test comes after the move, when the decision shifts from theory to day-to-day reality.

In Upstate New York, that reality has often exceeded expectations.

“I’ve been 100% accepted by the community,” Abdul says. “Customers are glad you’re here… and you start to see that reflected in the business.”

That sense of welcome extends beyond customers. Franchisees describe a tight-knit business environment where collaboration is the norm, not the exception.

“The community’s been great to us,” says Charlie Broughton, who relocated to Rome, NY from Boston. “Businesses help each other out… it’s a good place to do business.”

It also shows up in the workforce where untapped potential is abundant.

“There’s a lot of diamonds in the rough up here,” Abdul says. “People who, with the right development, can grow into leaders.”

And for many Franchisees, the early results speak for themselves: stronger teams, improving performance, and a possible path to expansion.

Behind these individual stories is a broader reality: Upstate New York offers a business environment designed for long-term success.

From lower operating costs to strong institutional support, the region gives Franchisees the ability to invest not just in opening a restaurant, but in building something sustainable.

It’s not just about getting into the system, it’s about getting into the right market, at the right time, with the right conditions to grow.

Upstate New York is a place where smart businesses grow.