Franchising: Puebla forecasts new jobs as Querétaro expects growth

The franchise sectors in the Mexican states of Puebla and Querétaro expect to end 2026 with gains, although these are measured in different ways. In Puebla, the expansion of existing outlets and the arrival of new brands underpin a forecast of 1,500 jobs. In Querétaro, the Chamber of Commerce anticipates 10% growth in what it considers a favourable environment for franchise businesses.

Puebla links job creation to new brands and expansion

According to a report published by El Economista on 2 November 2026, franchises in Puebla expect to create 1,500 jobs during the year through two routes: expanding existing outlets and introducing new brands. The figure is an annual forecast, not a final tally of jobs already created.

Francisco Lobato Galindo highlighted the strength of Puebla’s franchise sector and identified growth opportunities in the metropolitan area. This geographical focus places the expansion prospects in the metropolitan area rather than making a broad statement about the state as a whole.

Food and drink franchises lead investment, according to the report. Their role links business openings and expansion to job creation and stronger local commercial activity.

The employment figure captures a different dimension of growth from outlet numbers. To assess its significance, it is important to distinguish between the forecast for the whole of 2026 and the results ultimately recorded at year-end.

Querétaro forecasts 10% growth

In Querétaro, the president of the Chamber of Commerce said the franchise sector expects to end 2026 with growth of 10%. The forecast rests on a favourable business environment and the state’s geographical location, factors highlighted in reporting by El Economista and picked up by Aplicación Popular.

The business representative described growth as sustained and presented Querétaro as a hub for franchise development. He also highlighted interest in taking these brands into the US market.

That international interest should be distinguished from expansion that has already taken place. An intention to explore another market does not, in itself, amount to confirmed openings or an operating network outside Mexico.

Likewise, the 10% figure is a year-end projection. For anyone assessing investment opportunities, the prudent approach is to treat it as a business forecast rather than a final result or a promise of performance for any brand operating in the state.

Two indicators that should not be confused

The reports from Puebla and Querétaro offer regional signs of expansion, but their figures are not directly comparable. Puebla expresses its forecast in jobs; Querétaro presents its outlook as a percentage growth rate. Adding them together or using them to judge which sector is growing faster would give a misleading picture.

Nor can they be used to establish a national growth rate. Their value lies in showing the expectations reported for two specific markets and the factors their representatives highlight: new brands and expansion in Puebla; business conditions, location and international interest in Querétaro.

For Mexico’s franchise sector, this distinction matters because growth can be viewed from several angles. An employment-based outlook indicates the expected contribution to job creation, while a percentage forecast requires an understanding of what is being measured before it can inform commercial decisions.

What to check before investing

These outlooks can serve as a starting point for exploring opportunities, not as a substitute for assessing an individual franchise. Anyone considering investing in Puebla should weigh the appeal of food and drink franchises against the conditions at the proposed location and the details of the planned operation. In Querétaro, prospective investors should ask for any growth expectations to be backed by specific information about the brand and its expansion plan.

Practical takeaway: separating forecasts from results and requesting business-specific data allows investors to make use of regional signals without mistaking them for guarantees of profitability.