Bright Star Healthcare/Brights

Bright Star Healthcarebrights, operating through BrightStar Care, serves the growing need for in home healthcare and medical staffing as more older adults seek care at home. Shelly and JD Sun founded the company as BrightStar Healthcare in 2002. Initial operations were based in Gurnee, Illinois, followed by a corporate address in Bannockburn, IL. Franchising began in 2005. Some database records list 50 total units, including 47 franchised units, but a review of BrightStar Care shows more than 420 franchised locations nationwide as of January 20, 2026. The network has grown from approximately 300 locations in 2016 and operates across 38 U.S. states. Shelly Sun is now Executive Chairwoman of BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc., the parent company. Andrew Ray is Chief Executive Officer, Zack Woods is Chief Operating Officer, Dean Ulizio is Chief Strategy Officer, and Cheryl Stanton is Chief Legal and Government Affairs Officer. PeerSense presents independent franchise research for buyers evaluating this opportunity.

Bright Star Healthcarebrights operates in the home healthcare and medical staffing industry, supported by an aging Baby Boomer population and a preference for receiving care at home. Demand also reflects more chronic conditions, increased post operative and post hospital care needs, and broader interest in preventative and personalized services outside traditional clinical settings. The sector is expected to maintain double digit growth. Essential care services can produce demand through changing economic conditions, while the historically fragmented market is seeing consolidation among national brands with established operating systems. Rising healthcare costs, a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, and changing regulations create a need for franchise systems that can recruit qualified staff and coordinate complex care. These conditions support continued demand across the 38 states where the brand operates.

The initial franchise fee is $50,000, with a military discount of $5,000 for eligible veterans. Franchise Disclosure Document data from 2025/2026 places the total initial investment at $132,499 to $235,038. Other reported ranges are $111,095 to $195,875 from a December 2023 report and $112,459 to $231,538. Some database records show an initial investment high of $498,500, potentially reflecting larger territories or more extensive build outs. Required liquid assets are generally reported at $150,000, although some sources cite $100,000. Buyers are also advised to keep at least one year of living expenses in reserve or maintain another income source. Listed cost items include the $50,000 franchise fee, office space from $3,600 to $9,600, furnishings from $2,000 to $4,000, computer and hardware costs from $4,000 to $9,500, and signage from $400 to $1. BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc. was acquired by Peak Rock on March 3, 2025.

A franchisee coordinates home healthcare and medical staffing from an administrative office. The staff may include Certified Nursing Assistants, Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, administrative employees, and care coordinators. The business requires ongoing recruiting, training, and retention while meeting healthcare requirements. There are no stated format options such as drive thrus or kiosks. Care is arranged for clients in their homes or at medical facilities. BrightStar Care provides franchise support, though the available information does not specify the length or location of initial training. Support is described as including technology for client management, scheduling, and billing, marketing programs, and likely field consultant guidance. Franchisees generally receive defined exclusive territories. Existing owners entered 21 additional markets during 2025, indicating an opportunity for multi unit development. The model calls for substantial owner involvement and can be operated by an owner operator using corporate systems and support.

Unit growth provides another measure of system activity. The network grew from approximately 300 locations in 2016 to 329 in 2018, passed 340 U.S. locations by May 2020, and reached more than 365 franchised and corporate owned locations by April 2023. It reported more than 360 locations in December 2023. During the first half of 2024, BrightStar Care added 15 franchisees, signed 24 franchise agreements, and opened 16 locations, taking the committed franchise count above 400. The brand reported 400 open locations by September 2024. In 2025, it opened more than 30 locations, welcomed 20 franchise owners, and saw existing owners enter 21 additional markets. The system totaled 412 units by January 2025 and more than 420 franchised locations nationwide by January 20, 2026. The acquisition by Peak Rock occurred on March 3, 2025. Independent franchise research gives the brand a Loan Activity Score of 42, rated Fair.

Through BrightStar Care, the network grew from approximately 300 locations in 2016 to more than 420 franchised locations nationwide by January 20, 2026, an average annual increase of roughly 12 units over that decade. The first half of 2024 produced 16 openings, 24 new franchise agreements, and 15 new franchisees. In 2025, more than 30 locations opened, 20 new franchise owners joined, and existing owners expanded into 21 additional markets. BrightStar Care was acquired by Peak Rock on March 3, 2025. Shelly Sun became Executive Chairwoman of BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc., while Andrew Ray became Chief Executive Officer. The service offering includes skilled nursing, therapy, personal care, and medical staffing. The brand dates to 2002, began franchising in 2005, and has a presence across 38 states. During 2024, it expanded across 14 states: Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, California, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, New Mexico, Georgia, New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

A suitable franchisee is an entrepreneur with management experience and a commitment to healthcare service, rather than someone who must have prior healthcare industry experience. The financial expectation is generally at least $150,000 in liquid assets, though some sources cite $100,000. The model favors an owner operator who will manage daily operations and growth with support from the corporate system. Expansion by existing owners into 21 additional markets during 2025 points to multi unit development potential. Territories span 38 states, with further expansion planned for 2026 after growth across 14 states in 2024. The model may fit urban, suburban, and exurban markets where in home care demand is present. The available information does not specify the time from signing an agreement to opening a location. It also does not state the franchise agreement term. Standard industry practice is described as initial terms of 5 to 10 years with renewal options, but Bright Star Healthcarebrights specific terms should be confirmed in the franchise documents.

Bright Star Healthcarebrights operates in a home healthcare and medical staffing sector shaped by an aging population and demand for in home care. Its network grew to more than 420 franchised locations nationwide by January 20, 2026, and BrightStar Care was acquired by Peak Rock on March 3, 2025. Prospective buyers should complete their own due diligence. PeerSense offers independent franchise research that includes SBA lending history, the Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, FDD financial data, and side by side comparison tools.