A Franchise Owner's Guide to Hiring a Fractional COO

‍

Why Franchise Owners Should Hire a Fractional COO?

Franchises often start with a strong brand and product-market fit, but operational execution is where many falter. Common pain points include:

• Scaling challenges: Expanding locations while maintaining consistency is tough.
• People management: Hiring, training, and retaining quality managers and staff across locations is complex.
• Operational inefficiency: Processes vary too much from store to store.
• Founder bottlenecking: The franchise owner becomes the de facto COO, even if that's not their strength.

These issues can stall growth, strain margins, and lead to burnout.

What Is a Fractional COO?

A fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a part-time or contract executive who brings high-level operational leadership to a business without the commitment or cost of a full-time hire. Unlike consultants who typically advise from the outside, fractional COOs integrate into your business—often attending leadership meetings, aligning with KPIs, and leading strategic initiatives.

For franchise owners juggling multiple locations, employees, vendors, and performance metrics, this can be a game-changer.

What Does a Fractional COO Do for a Franchise?

A fractional COO can bring clarity and cohesion to chaotic franchise operations. Here's what they typically handle:

• Standardizing SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures): Ensuring every unit runs with the same playbook.
• Scaling operations: Developing systems for sustainable growth across locations.
• Leadership coaching: Upleveling GMs and mid-level managers.
• Metrics management: Establishing KPIs and leading performance reviews.
• Cross-functional alignment: Acting as the connective tissue between marketing, HR, finance, and ops.

When Should a Franchise Owner Consider Hiring a Fractional COO?

Timing is everything. Here are signs it might be time to bring in a fractional COO:

• You're managing more than 2 locations and feeling overwhelmed.
• Growth has plateaued due to operational chaos.
• You're working IN the business, not ON it.
• Your managers are reactive instead of proactive.
• There's no clear accountability for execution.

Think of a fractional COO as a strategic move when you're ready to transition from hustling to scaling.

How Much Does a Fractional COO Cost?

Costs vary, but most fractional COOs charge:

• Monthly retainer: Typically $5,000–$15,000/month depending on involvement.
• Hourly rate: $200–$500/hour if contracted that way.
• Project-based pricing: For defined scopes like opening a new region or restructuring operations.

While not cheap, this is significantly more affordable than a full-time COO, who can command $200K–$300K+ in salary plus equity and benefits.

How Does a Fractional COO Integrate into an Existing Franchise System?

Unlike a traditional consultant, a fractional COO embeds into your business rhythm. They may:

• Join weekly leadership meetings.
• Visit franchise locations regularly.
• Set up systems like EOS or OKRs.
• Interface directly with franchisees and support staff.

They function as part of your team, not just a vendor.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Fractional COO?

The benefits go beyond just task delegation. Key advantages include:

• Increased operational discipline: Things run smoother and more predictably.
• Stronger unit economics: Better efficiency and margins.
• Leadership development: Managers learn to lead, not just execute.
• Growth readiness: You're operationally ready to scale.
• Owner freedom: You finally get to be the CEO, not the firefighter.

What Kind of Franchise Owners Should Prioritize This?

Hiring a fractional COO makes the most sense for franchisees who:

• Are operating 2–10 units and planning to grow.
• Feel stuck in the weeds of day-to-day operations.
• Want to build a more sellable or investable business.
• Have revenue but lack consistency in execution.
• Aspire to become multi-unit, multi-brand operators.

What Should You Look for in a Fractional COO?

Not all fractional COOs are created equal. Look for:

• Franchise experience: Preferably in your industry (food, fitness, service, etc.)
• Strong references: Ask to speak to past or current clients.
• Systems-oriented mindset: They should bring frameworks, not just opinions.
• Cultural alignment: They need to mesh with your leadership style and brand values.
• Ability to scale: Experience growing from a few units to many.

How Do You Measure ROI on a Fractional COO?

It’s important to define success up front. Metrics to track may include:

• Improved unit-level profitability.
• Reduced owner involvement in ops.
• Staff turnover rate decline.
• Better customer satisfaction scores.
• Faster onboarding for new locations.

A great fractional COO should be able to tie their work directly to business outcomes.

Are There Risks to Hiring a Fractional COO for Your Franchise?

As with any executive hire, there are risks:

• Misalignment: If goals aren’t clear, efforts can drift.
• Cost justification: Without clear KPIs, it’s hard to prove value.
• Team friction: Internal leaders might feel threatened.

Mitigate these risks by setting expectations early, communicating often, and tracking results.

How Do You Find a Good Fractional COO?

Your network is a good starting point, but also consider:

• Executive talent platforms like Digital Reference, Toptal, or GoFractional.
• Fractional leadership agencies specializing in ops.
• Referrals from other franchise owners.

Vet carefully. Have them do a paid diagnostic project before committing to a longer-term engagement.

Final Thoughts: Should You Hire a Fractional COO for Your Franchise?

If you're a franchise owner who’s feeling the strain of growth, the answer is likely yes. A fractional COO isn’t a magic bullet, but they are a powerful lever to help you:

• Systematize your operations
• Develop your team
• Free up your time
• Accelerate growth

It's an investment in your infrastructure—one that pays dividends in both performance and peace of mind.

Meet Our Featured Expert: 

Guy “The COO Guy” Barretta

Guy, Tell Us About Your Background and What Makes You A Great Fractional COO for Franchisees

Picture this: It is a great day. After several months of researching different franchises, speaking with franchise executive teams, reviewing Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs), and talking to existing franchisees, you’re finally at the signing table. You’re ready to launch your franchise ownership journey.

Fast forward 6–12 months, and the excitement fades. Things are good—but not great. The promises made by the franchise development team don’t quite match the day-to-day reality. The burden of success rests entirely on your shoulders. The realities of franchise ownership sets in

As a first-time entrepreneur, you’re:

• Learning the brand on the fly
• Handling operations solo
• Managing fires daily (no-shows, inventory issues, customer complaints)
• Getting surface-level support from a young Business Consultant

Sure, you have the tools and the brand—but not the operational support you truly need.

That’s where I come in.

I started Barretta Consulting because I saw a gap. Franchisees needed affordable, hands-on operational support—a right-hand leader who could:

• Create and improve SOPs
• Audit financials and identify margin opportunities
• Implement training and development
• Eliminate fire drills with strategic problem-solving

As a Fractional COO, I embed in your business. I help build the internal infrastructure you assumed came with the brand. I don’t sugarcoat problems—I uncover them, and we fix them together.

I launched my firm to support more franchisees and small business owners. My franchising background helps me align quickly with your brand’s standards while tailoring solutions to your specific needs.

I specialize in:

• Building strategic roadmaps
• Operational turnarounds
• Multi-unit growth planning

If you’re stuck in the mud, I’m here to help pull you out and lay down traction for your next phase of growth.