HOODZ Franchise

HOODZ International, LLC was formed in Delaware in October 2008 and began offering franchises in January 2009. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it is owned by BELFOR Franchise Group, which is part of the BELFOR organization. The franchise was developed around commercial exhaust hood and kitchen equipment cleaning, maintenance and restoration.

HOODZ businesses serve independent and franchised restaurants, schools, institutions, manufacturing facilities and similar commercial customers. The approved service scope includes exhaust systems, conveyor ovens, cooking equipment, grease containment, filters and related services. Owners manage trained technicians, service scheduling, estimating and customer relationships. Fire suppression-system work requires separate express approval and qualifications; it is not part of the unrestricted service scope.

The March 30, 2026 FDD, amended September 11, 2026, estimates $200,538–$246,807 to open a Standard Territory franchise, including a $59,900 initial franchise fee and a $23,000 initial package. An Express Territory is estimated at $170,538–$216,807, including a $29,900 franchise fee and the same initial package. Standard base territories contain 1,600–2,000 retail food-service customer locations; Express base territories contain 750–1,000. Those counts define the territory and fee basis, rather than a promised customer list. Larger territories carry additional fees.

The startup schedules include the full estimated cost of an equipped vehicle, initial technician staffing and three months of additional funds. They exclude owner salary or draw and certain vehicle-related delivery, tax and licensing costs. The business can operate from an approved home office, with at least 300 square feet meeting storage requirements; rented commercial space is another option. Existing businesses may qualify for a separate conversion program with different fee and investment assumptions.

Training begins with Jumpstart, a self-guided preparation program supported by the training team. The managing owner and any designated manager complete it within two months of signing and before the next training phase. Work includes financial planning, a territory review, operating standards, initial advertising, insurance, premises arrangements, permits and approved vehicles.

Business Manager and Technical Operations Training follows at Ann Arbor headquarters or another designated location and lasts up to 12 days. The business curriculum lists 30.75 classroom hours and 2.75 field hours covering sales, marketing, operations and software. Technical instruction lists 47.5 classroom hours and nine field hours covering safety, equipment, chemicals, standards and service methods. The managing owner and any designated manager must complete the program satisfactorily before opening and within four months of signing.

Initial training for the required managing owner and designated manager has no additional tuition fee; travel and living costs remain the franchisee’s responsibility. Additional approved attendees can incur fees. The local business must employ at least one full-time service technician before opening, and the franchisee is responsible for training that employee. Where existing customer accounts are being transferred, a separate observation and transition period generally lasts about 90 days and can be extended for particular cleaning cycles.

Before launch, HOODZ designates the territory, approves the office, provides system standards and supplies the purchased initial package. That package includes branded materials, tools and equipment, safety resources, a bid-appointment allowance and a convention allowance. Owners secure premises, arrange insurance and licensing, hire staff and purchase the required assets. The typical opening estimate is 90–120 days.

Continuing resources include operating and marketing guidance, supplier information, updated standards, software support and periodic refresher training or conferences. Owners use the HOODZ software to maintain customer records, estimate work and manage the business, together with required QuickBooks Online accounting. Applicable technology, training, convention and travel costs are paid by the franchisee. The quality-assurance and verification procedures taught in training are used following each job.

HOODZ gives owners a defined commercial-service focus: helping food-service facilities maintain their exhaust systems and related equipment. A local operator works with business customers, leads technicians and coordinates specialized work at customer locations. For an owner who enjoys account development and field-service management, that creates a clear day-to-day operating role.

The franchise connects technical instruction with sales, marketing and business-management training. Approved equipment, service standards, estimating software and ongoing guidance provide a framework for organizing jobs and maintaining consistent procedures. The home-office option can support a field-based team without a customer-facing retail storefront.

A managing owner or approved designated manager must devote full-time best efforts to the business, supported by at least one service technician. That structure suits an engaged operator prepared to develop a team and manage commercial customer relationships. Standard and Express territories offer different starting sizes, while a separate conversion pathway serves qualifying existing businesses.

Read more in HOODZ Franchise: Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning, Training and Ownership.