The in-home care franchise signed more than 20 franchise agreements, opened 19 new locations, and expanded its technology initiatives during the first half of 2026.
- BrightStar Care signs over 20 franchise agreements and opens 19 locations in 2026.
- Demand for in-home care drives franchise growth and diversification of services.
- National recognition includes top ranks in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Joint Commission awards.
BrightStar Care entered the second half of 2026 with more than 20 signed franchise agreements and 19 newly opened locations, extending the company’s growth momentum in the in-home healthcare sector. The expansion comes as demand for home-based care services continues to rise across the United States, driven by an aging population and increasing consumer preference for receiving care at home.
Chief Development Officer Pete First said prospective franchise owners continue to be attracted to BrightStar Care’s diversified service model, which includes both skilled nursing and non-medical support. He said many operators are seeking businesses that offer multiple revenue opportunities while allowing them to have a direct impact on their communities.
The company also reported a series of national recognitions during the first half of the year, including rankings in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and continued accreditation recognition from The Joint Commission. BrightStar Care said the awards reflect both operational standards and brand strength within the healthcare franchising sector.
BrightStar Care announced a leadership transition as well, with Josh Wall becoming chief executive officer after serving in a senior leadership role at Unleashed Brands. Former CEO Andy Ray will remain involved with the organization in a strategic capacity as the company continues its expansion efforts.
Technology remains a central part of BrightStar Care’s growth strategy. The company said it is expanding the use of AI-powered tools across scheduling, marketing, and administrative workflows in an effort to reduce paperwork and increase time available for patient care. Executives said the goal is to improve efficiency for both franchise owners and caregivers while maintaining service quality.
As healthcare franchise networks expand, connecting operational systems becomes increasingly important. Platforms such as Gorilla Dash can help franchise operators support Integrations across scheduling, customer management, communication, and reporting workflows, improving operational efficiency and reducing administrative friction across multiple locations.
BrightStar Care’s first-half performance underscores the continued strength of the in-home care market and the increasing role of technology in healthcare franchising. By combining franchise expansion, leadership investment, and AI-enabled operations, the company is positioning itself for continued growth in one of the fastest-growing segments of the healthcare industry.
Key Facts:
| New Franchise Agreements | BrightStar Care signed over 20 new franchise agreements in the first half of 2026, significantly expanding its reach. |
|---|---|
| New Locations | The company opened 19 new locations, driven by rising demand for in-home care services. |
| Recognition for Quality | Named an Enterprise Champion for Quality by The Joint Commission for 14 consecutive years. |
| Entrepreneur Rankings | Ranked top in Senior Care and Franchise 500 lists by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2026. |
| Leadership Changes | Josh Wall appointed as CEO, succeeding Andy Ray, who moved to an advisory role. |
| Technology Advancements | Implemented AI-powered tools for scheduling, marketing, and operations to enhance franchise efficiency. |
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