BrightStar Care Signs 20 Franchise Deals in H1

BrightStar Care signed more than 20 franchise agreements and opened 19 new locations in the first half of 2026, extending a run that has produced 60 signed agreements over the past 18 months. The Chicago-based home healthcare franchisor now operates more than 420 locations nationwide, with roughly half its territories still open for development. The pace reflects a broader shift in home care: multi-unit operators are increasingly buying into a category once dominated by small independent agencies.

Demand Outpaces Supply

Rising demand for in-home care is pulling in operators from outside the healthcare industry, not just clinicians. Chief Development Officer Pete First said the model's multiple revenue streams, spanning companion care, skilled nursing, and corporate medical staffing, give owners more ways to build recurring revenue than a single-service competitor.

New Leadership, New Tools

The brand named Josh Wall CEO in the first half of the year, succeeding Andy Ray, who moved into an advisory role. Wall previously served as COO of Unleashed Brands and brings two decades of franchise operating experience. Alongside the leadership change, BrightStar Care rolled out AI-powered scheduling and marketing tools designed to cut administrative work for owners.

What It Means for Franchisees

For prospective owners, the numbers signal a system still expanding rather than consolidating: open territory, fresh capital in technology, and national recognition, including a 14th consecutive Joint Commission quality award, that helps close sales conversations. For existing owners, the leadership transition and clinical investment suggest corporate is betting on scale without diluting the nurse-led model that differentiates the brand from staffing-only competitors.