Read more on 1851 > about How Disc Replay Was Built for the Bottom Line, Not Just the Top LineThe Resale Category Has Never Been Hotter
Resale is having a moment, and Disc Replay has spent 30 years building the model for it. What started as one card table of used CDs in a strip mall is now a proven, franchisee-first system for buying, selling, and trading the entertainment people never really stop loving: games, movies, music, and more. Today, it's run by the very franchisees who grew up inside these stores, and that's exactly why the whole system is built around one thing: franchisee success.
$1.4M AUV
on $230,500 - $460,000 investment
- Disc Replay Locations
- 36+
- Years In Business
- 30+
- States & Growing
- 8
Inquire to Own
Thanks for your interest in Disc Replay. A member of our franchise development team will be in touch shortly.
Built by Franchisees for Franchisees
In the Media
Our Story
Four Franchisees Got Together and Became the Franchisor
Collectively, the four franchisees own 25+ Disc Replays
In 1994, John Chesny opened the very first Disc Replay in Downers Grove, Illinois — armed with a card table, 2,700 used CDs, and a $99 cash register. He sold six CDs on day one and went home devastated. He kept showing up anyway. That refusal to quit, and his belief that every customer deserved to be treated right, became the foundation Disc Replay was built on. Three decades, one Super Mega Replay experiment, and dozens of stores later, John was ready to pass the torch. Instead of selling to an outside investor, he handed the brand to four people who already lived it: franchisees Nick Leja, Nathan Abner, Chad Capista, and Jesse Hayes, who together own more than 25 Disc Replay stores. Collectively, they've made hiring mistakes, survived the slow Tuesdays, and figured out the hard parts firsthand — which is exactly why they took the wheel: to build the kind of franchisor support only possible from those who have actually lived in the trenches.
Meet Our Franchisees
Investing in Disc Replay gave us a proven roadmap to build a thriving, sustainable retail business from day one. The system’s operational framework and point-of-sale tools remove the guesswork, empowering our teams to price, process trade-ins, and manage inventory with confidence. Just as powerful is the built-in community culture; our stores quickly become the go-to gathering place for gamers, collectors, and tech enthusiasts.
I've been a Disc Replay franchisee for nearly 17 years. At Disc Replay, franchisee success is the priority, and it was clear from day one that they had my best interests at heart. The systems have only gotten better, including a steady stream of new features in our point-of-sale system that make running the business easier. They're selective, because they're looking for a long-term partnership. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't hesitate.
Building a life and a thriving business around the media and games we grew up with has been a dream come true. As Disc Replay owners, we get to turn our passions into our everyday work and share that nostalgia with our community. Beyond that, the franchise team has been incredible; their quick responsiveness, support, and genuine passion for the brand make us feel supported every step of the way.
1851 Franchise News
Read more on 1851 > about How Disc Replay Was Built for the Bottom Line, Not Just the Top Line
Read more on 1851 > about Disc Replay Goes Beyond the Screen, Bringing Back the Ultimate In-Store Treasure Hunt
Read more on 1851 > about How a Multi-Brand Franchisee Is Bringing World-Class Support to the Disc Replay Franchise Model
Read more on 1851 > about Disc Replay Is Leaning Into the Physical Entertainment Market. Franchisees Are Profiting.
Read more on 1851 > about Entertainment Resale Has No National Leader. Disc Replay Is Defining the Category
Read more on 1851 > about Where Is Disc Replay Looking to Grow and Why?Frequently Asked Questions
Starting a Disc Replay franchise typically requires a total investment in the range of $230,500–$460,000, including a $30,000 initial franchise fee. Exact liquid capital and net worth requirements are outlined in your Franchise Disclosure Document.
Absolutely. We'll provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document at least 14 days before you sign any agreement or make any payment to us, giving you time to review the legal details, fees, obligations, and performance information with an advisor before committing.
Beyond your initial franchise fee, Disc Replay franchisees pay a 2.5% royalty on Gross Sales. You're also responsible for local advertising spend within your territory. All recurring fees are laid out clearly in your Franchise Disclosure Document, so there are no surprises.
Yes, and we encourage it. Franchisee validation is a required step in our process: talking directly with current owners is one of the best ways to understand day-to-day operations, support quality, and what to really expect financially.
Exit terms, including resale policies, are outlined in your Franchise Agreement. We support responsible transitions and can help connect you with qualified buyers when you're ready to sell.
Franchising gives you a proven business model, brand recognition, and a support system from day one: advantages you don't get starting completely from scratch. That said, your success still depends on choosing the right location, managing your team well, and showing up every day. We can't promise outcomes, but we can promise you won't be figuring it out alone.
Inquire to Own
Thanks for your interest in Disc Replay. A member of our franchise development team will be in touch shortly.