A hot, fresh cup of coffee sits next to me as I start typing. 

The franchise industry is booming, and you're smart to be looking at food franchises. 

With over 800,000 franchise businesses pumping roughly $850 billion into the U.S. economy, and quick-service restaurants making up a whopping $250B+ of that figure, food franchises offer a proven pathway for entrepreneurs like you.

I've spent years researching the franchise industry, and let me tell you - not all food franchises are created equal.

Some require millions in startup costs while others can get you going for under $100K. 

Some demand hands-on ownership while others let you be semi-absentee. Your perfect match depends on your budget, goals, and personal passion.

Let's dive into the best food franchises across every category - from burger giants to trendy dessert shops, coffee staples to healthy fast-casual concepts. 

Whether you've got deep pockets or a modest budget, I've got options that could transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Why Invest in a Food Franchise?

Before we look at specific brands, let's talk about why food franchises make such attractive investments in the first place.

Americans spend billions on restaurant food annually. 

When you buy a franchise, you're tapping into a built-in customer base that already knows and loves the brand. 

Take Chick-fil-A - their restaurants average over $6 million in sales per unit, outperforming every other chain in the fast-food industry.

The beauty of franchising lies in its turnkey systems. 

You get training, marketing playbooks, established supply chains, and operational support. 

For new business owners, this dramatically reduces risk compared to starting from scratch. 

Some franchises, like Chick-fil-A, even cover many startup costs for operators they approve.

When evaluating the "best" franchises, I look at several key factors: brand recognition, profitability/ROI, reasonable costs, growth potential, and franchisor support. 

McDonald's and Dairy Queen are frequently cited by experienced franchisees as major wealth creators due to their longevity and consistent returns.

The franchise path isn't without challenges. 

You'll pay ongoing fees, need to comply with corporate standards, and face competition in many markets. 

But for those willing to follow a proven system, the rewards can be substantial.

Best Quick-Service Franchises (Burgers & Sandwiches)

McDonald's – The Golden Standard

The golden arches represent the world's largest fast-food franchise with over 38,000 locations globally. 

That unmistakable "I'm Lovin' It" jingle has cemented McDonald's in our collective consciousness.

Investment & Returns: Expect to invest between $1.3–$2.3 million with a $45k franchise fee. 

McDonald's requires at least $500k in liquid assets, and their vetting process is rigorous. 

The payoff is an average annual sales hover around $2–3 million per restaurant, with franchisees often seeing solid six-figure incomes. 

Over decades, McDonald's has created countless millionaires among its franchise owners.

What sets McDonald's apart is their exceptional training program. 

New owners undergo a comprehensive 12–18 month training program, ensuring you're fully prepared to run a successful operation. 

They also lead the industry in diversity initiatives, with the highest number of women and minority franchisees.

Chick-fil-A – High ROI, Unconventional Model

Despite being closed every Sunday, Chick-fil-A achieves the highest average revenue per store in U.S. fast food. 

Their chicken sandwich and legendary customer service have created an almost cult-like following.

Investment & Structure: Here's what makes Chick-fil-A unique - the initial buy-in is remarkably low at just $10k, but there's a catch. 

Chick-fil-A retains ownership of all assets, and franchisees operate the location for approximately 15% of sales plus 50% of profits. 

This model offers low barriers to entry but no equity building. Selection is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate reportedly under 1%.

This opportunity is perfect for operators who want a turnkey, high-profit business and don't mind being hands-on. 

Their best-in-class training and corporate support make it particularly attractive for first-time franchise owners. 

The Sunday closure policy, while limiting weekly sales, can provide better work-life balance than other fast-food options.

Wendy's – Quality Burger Brand on the Rise

Known for fresh, never-frozen beef and those addictive Frosty desserts, Wendy's boasts around 7,000 U.S. locations. 

They've been steadily growing and modernizing with digital ordering systems and restaurant remodels.

Investment & Support: Initial investment ranges from $2–$3.5 million with a $40k franchise fee. 

Wendy's offers solid franchisor support and actively seeks multi-unit franchisees. 

Wendy's stands out for its commitment to quality and menu innovation. 

Their seasonal items and breakfast menu launch have driven strong customer loyalty. 

As an investor, you benefit from a brand with stable long-term sales and extensive franchisee resources.

Jersey Mike's Subs – Fast-Growing Sandwich Star

Jersey Mike's consistently ranks among top franchises, including in the 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500. 

Their recent $8 billion acquisition by private equity underscores their success. 

Jersey Mike's offers a simpler operation model with cold and hot subs, plus a strong community-focused culture.

Investment & Returns: The initial investment typically ranges from $200k–$600k with an $18.5k franchise fee. 

Jersey Mike's is expanding aggressively nationwide, riding the wave of popularity for fresher, made-to-order sandwiches.

What makes Jersey Mike's special is their commitment to local marketing, including their annual "Day of Giving" charity events that build positive brand image. 

For first-time owners, a sandwich shop can mean lower food costs and simpler prep compared to burger joints - no fryers or grills to manage.

Other notable QSR franchises include Taco Bell (ranked #1 QSR franchise in 2025), Burger King (7,000+ global units with strong franchisor support), and Arby's (leading sandwich chain that made the top 10 franchise list in 2025).

Best Pizza Franchises

Domino's – King of Delivery

With over 19,000 stores globally, Domino's reigns as the world's largest pizza delivery franchise. 

They're known for tech innovation like online ordering and delivery tracking systems. 

Franchisees benefit from Domino's efficient operations and massive volume of repeat orders.

Investment & Requirements: Starting costs range from $120k–$460k, making it one of the more affordable major brands, with franchise fees between $10k–$25k. 

Domino's has a unique approach to franchising - over 90% of U.S. franchise owners started as delivery drivers or managers within the system. 

This speaks volumes about their culture of internal growth and support.

What makes Domino's attractive is their robust delivery infrastructure and supply chain support. 

Combined with pizza's inherently high profit margins (ingredients are relatively cheap), a Domino's franchise can become very lucrative once you build sales volume. 

Their emphasis on technology reduces labor needs and appeals to modern consumers.

Pizza Hut – Iconic Family Pizza Chain

With over 60 years in business and 6,500 U.S. locations, Pizza Hut combines dine-in, carryout, and delivery models. 

Backed by Yum! Brands, they're recognized for their expansive menu spanning pizzas, pastas, and wings, plus strong brand nostalgia.

Investment & Scale: Expect to invest roughly $350k–$2M with a $25k franchise fee. 

As a franchisee, you leverage Pizza Hut's national advertising and longstanding relationships (like their school Book-It! program) that keep the brand a household name.

Pizza Hut has been adapting to market changes - many new units feature smaller delivery/carryout-focused footprints, which can mean lower real estate costs. 

They're also on the SBA Franchise Directory, potentially streamlining loans for new owners.

Papa John's – Incentive-Filled Opportunity

Papa John's is a top pizza delivery franchise with roughly 5,500+ locations worldwide. 

Their "Better Ingredients, Better Pizza" slogan emphasizes quality, and they've built strong digital sales channels. 

Papa John's is actively expanding and often offers attractive incentives to new franchisees.

Investment & Incentives: Total startup costs run around $300k (one of the lowest among major pizza chains) with a $5k franchise fee that's often waived for new stores under certain programs. 

They've offered reduced royalties for early years, free equipment, and marketing support for new franchisees – making it a budget-friendly entry into the pizza business.

The lower financial barriers and generous franchisor support make Papa John's compelling for first-time owners. 

While requirements still exist (~$75k liquid, $250k net worth), they're more attainable than many other food franchises.

Other rising pizza opportunities include Little Caesars (one of the cheapest big-name pizza franchises to start) and fast-casual concepts like MOD Pizza and Blaze Pizza that offer custom personal pizzas in minutes, particularly popular with Millennials.

Best Coffee & Beverage Franchises

Dunkin' – America's Coffee & Donut Staple

"America runs on Dunkin'" isn't just a slogan - with around 9,000 U.S. locations, Dunkin' has become a morning ritual for millions. 

Their menu of coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches drives traffic throughout the day, making them a morning rush superstar.

Investment: Total investment ranges from $440k–$1.8M with franchise fees between $40k–$90k depending on store type. 

Dunkin's financial requirements are relatively relaxed compared to burger chains – minimum $250k liquid capital and $500k net worth in many markets. 

This makes the brand more accessible to first-time owners.

What drives profits at Dunkin' is the high volume of repeat business (that daily coffee habit) combined with simpler operations (no full kitchen). 

Dunkin' also allows multi-unit development, which many franchisees use to scale up quickly.

Dunkin' offers flexible formats including drive-thru only, walk-up kiosks, and gas station installations that can fit different locations. 

It's considered one of the cheaper franchises to open in its category, with lower labor and food cost burdens since there's no complicated cooking involved.

Starbucks (Licensing Model) & Alternatives

Let me save you some time and potential disappointment - Starbucks does not franchise traditional stores in the U.S. 

Their standard locations are corporate-owned or licensed in limited venues like airports or hotels. 

This surprises many entrepreneurs who expect to see Starbucks on "best franchises" lists.

Since you can't buy a standard Starbucks franchise, consider these thriving coffee alternatives:

Dutch Bros Coffee has been rapidly expanding with its drive-thru model, cult following, and high-energy service. 

They've been growing across the West and South for years. Initial investment falls around $150k–$500k. 

Their fun, youthful brand and fiercely loyal customers make them an excellent option if you're seeking a coffee franchise.

Scooter's Coffee (drive-thru model rapidly growing in Midwest/South) and Tim Hortons (Canada's favorite coffee shop now franchising in some U.S. states) illustrate that the coffee/breakfast segment is booming, even without Starbucks.

Smoothie & Juice Franchises

Smoothie King leads the smoothie franchise space with over 1,300 locations, pioneering the "healthy fast food" trend. 

They focus on nutrition-packed smoothies that cater to the wellness movement. 

As a franchisee, you tap into customers' growing desire for healthier on-the-go options.

Investment runs approximately $270k–$550k total with a $30k franchise fee. 

The economics look good in this space – smoothies have strong profit margins since they're mostly fruit/vegetable blends.

Smoothie King's same-store sales have been impressive in recent years, and they're aggressively expanding. 

The brand positions itself as "purpose-driven" with its health and fitness focus, creating an appealing marketing angle.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is another rapidly growing franchise with 1,100+ units. 

They offer smoothies plus light eats like wraps and bowls, giving them multiple dayparts to generate revenue.

The beverage segment (coffee, smoothies, juice) often boasts higher profit margins and loyal repeat clientele, making it great for first-time owners. 

Other emerging franchises include Jamba (established juice/smoothie brand) and newer concepts like Clean Juice and Pressed Juicery.

Best Dessert & Treat Franchises

Dairy Queen – The All-in-One Treat Leader

With 80+ years of history and 7,000+ locations worldwide, Dairy Queen combines dessert focus with a fast-food menu in their Grill & Chill concept.

This gives franchisees multiple revenue streams beyond just ice cream.

Investment: A full Grill & Chill store requires roughly $1M–$1.8M with a $45k franchise fee. However, DQ also offers smaller treat-only models (like in malls) at lower costs. 

Requirements include approximately $400k liquid and $750k net worth.

Dairy Queen's brand strength comes from generational loyalty and versatility. 

You can operate a year-round food location that thrives in summer (ice cream) while still drawing customers for burgers and fries. 

It's a best-of-both-worlds franchise, ideal for those wanting a recognizable brand outside the burger giants.

Baskin-Robbins – Ice Cream Shop Classic

As the world's largest ice cream franchise (since 1945, famous for their "31 flavors"), Baskin-Robbins operates roughly 2,500 U.S. shops. 

They're known for small-format stores and product innovation including rotating flavors and specialty ice cream cakes.

Investment: Total costs range from $94k–$402k, making it one of the lower-cost food franchises available. 

The franchise fee is $25k, and requirements include approximately $100k liquid and $200k net worth – attainable figures for many first-time investors.

The simple menu (primarily ice cream) means simpler operations, while the strong brand is built on fun and local community presence. 

Many franchisees engage in local store marketing with schools and sports teams. 

For someone passionate about desserts with a smaller budget, Baskin-Robbins makes an ideal entry franchise.

Crumbl Cookies – Viral Dessert Sensation

Crumbl exploded onto the scene with gourmet cookies and a tech-driven approach. 

They're known for weekly rotating menus featuring inventive flavors (200+ recipes in rotation) and have built a huge social media following. 

Their lines out the door and high sales per square foot have made Crumbl one of the fastest-growing newer franchises.

Investment: Opening costs range from $227k–$567k (including bakery build-out and technology) with a franchise fee around $50k. 

Though not the cheapest option, the business model yields high volumes – customers typically buy big boxes of premium-priced cookies.

What sets Crumbl apart is their digital marketing savvy – their app and social media presence drive exceptional engagement, creating a new playbook for franchises. 

For investors, this shows how innovation translates to profit. 

Owning a Crumbl means being part of a modern, buzzworthy brand while having the backing of franchisor systems for operations.

Crumbl and similar treat franchises prove how niche concepts (just cookies) can dominate through clever branding. 

First-time owners shouldn't ignore these newer players if they want potentially big payoffs in a short time.

Cinnabon & Auntie Anne's – Mall Franchises

Beloved snack franchises like Cinnabon (cinnamon rolls) and Auntie Anne's (pretzels) offer well-established, relatively low-investment options often found in malls, airports, and other high-foot-traffic locations. 

For example, Auntie Anne's shows average net sales around $538k per store with moderate costs.

These franchises thrive on location-driven traffic and offer smaller footprint options that still carry strong brand appeal. 

They feature simple operations (few menu items) and can be run with smaller teams – ideal for first businesses. 

Many also allow semi-absentee ownership once established, attracting investors who want to keep their day jobs initially.

Emerging & Niche Food Franchises (Healthy & Ethnic Options)

Healthy Fast-Casual Concepts

The rise of health-conscious dining has created franchise opportunities beyond traditional fast food. 

Concepts like Saladworks (create-your-own salads), Sweetgreen (corporate-owned but inspiring many franchise copycats), and Freshii (healthy bowls and salads) target Millennials and Gen Z who want quick yet nutritious meals.

Owning a health-focused franchise might mean slightly lower volume than McDonald's, but potentially higher margins (customers pay premium prices for healthy options) and a differentiated market position. 

This creates opportunities for franchisees passionate about nutrition to ride a growing wave.

Juice bar examples franchising with all-organic angles include Clean Juice and Pressed Juicery – showing that even niches like organic, vegan, and gluten-free now have franchise models.

Ethnic Cuisine Franchises

Beyond traditional taco and pizza chains, booming franchises now specialize in global flavors:

Asian Cuisine: Teriyaki Madness operates as a fast-casual Japanese teriyaki bowl franchise with 100+ units. 

They're growing quickly by offering something different from standard fast food – fresh grilled teriyaki dishes. Bonchon brings Korean fried chicken nationwide, capitalizing on Americans' love of wings with an international twist. 

These chains demonstrate rising demand for diverse flavors.

Mediterranean/Middle Eastern: The Halal Guys started as a famous NYC food cart and now franchises halal gyros and platters nationwide. 

Shawarma Press blends fast-casual convenience with Mediterranean flavors, appealing to health-conscious consumers. 

These concepts effectively combine health trends with ethnic cuisine.

Other World Cuisines: Mexican fast-casual options beyond Taco Bell include Qdoba and Moe's Southwest Grill – popular burrito franchises competing with Chipotle's model. 

Both actively seek franchisees. Indian fast-casual (like Curry Up Now) and Caribbean (like Pollo Tropical in Florida) concepts show that almost every cuisine now has franchise opportunities.

Innovative Formats

Non-traditional franchise formats offer interesting alternatives for new owners:

Ghost Kitchens & Virtual Brands: Some franchises now explore ghost kitchen models – delivery-only operations with no dine-in space, which can significantly lower real estate costs. 

Brands like Chick-fil-A and Wendy's have tested ghost kitchen locations to expand delivery capacity. 

Companies like CloudKitchens offer turnkey kitchen spaces for franchisees to run multiple virtual restaurant brands.

This represents an overlooked opportunity for cost-conscious investors to operate food franchises with less overhead.

Food Trucks & Kiosk Franchises: Franchises aren't limited to brick-and-mortar locations. 

Many dessert and snack brands (like Kona Ice, a shaved ice truck franchise, or pretzel kiosks) offer mobile or kiosk models requiring lower investment. 

These can be moved to where demand exists, such as festivals and events. 

This alternative path might appeal to first-timers with lower capital looking to enter food franchising.

Looking beyond the "usual suspects" can uncover profitable opportunities. 

Lesser-known franchises in emerging niches might have less market saturation and lower buy-in costs, with high upside potential if they align with consumer trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most profitable food franchise to own?

Profitability varies by location and management, but historically McDonald's is regarded as one of the most consistently profitable franchises due to high average sales and efficient operations. 

Chick-fil-A generates very high profit per unit (leading in per-store sales) but its unique model means owners don't retain equity.

Other notably profitable franchises include Taco Bell (huge sales volume) and Dunkin' (lower costs, steady daily traffic). 

Remember, "most profitable" for you will depend on local market conditions – a top brand in a poor location can underperform. 

Consider both brand strength and your specific market.

What is the cheapest food franchise to start?

Some of the lowest-cost food franchises are small concepts or mobile units. 

Coffee/newsstand kiosks or vending franchises can start well under $50k. 

Among recognizable restaurant brands, Baskin-Robbins and Auntie Anne's have relatively low minimum investments (under $150k at the low end).

Subway is often cited for its low startup costs (some locations start around $150k total). 

However, "cheap" doesn't always mean best – ensure the unit economics make sense, as a low-cost franchise that earns very little won't pay off in the long run.

Do I need restaurant experience to own a food franchise?

Not necessarily. 

Many food franchisors do not require prior restaurant experience, though it certainly helps. 

Franchisors provide comprehensive training in operations, so newcomers can succeed if they're willing to learn and work hard.

While Domino's prefers to promote internally, plenty of McDonald's and Dunkin' owners came from completely different careers and learned through franchise training programs. 

Franchisors typically require certain net worth and liquid capital, plus management skills. 

Strong people skills, business acumen, and the ability to follow systems often matter more than specific restaurant experience.

Be prepared for a steep learning curve if you're new – and consider hiring an experienced manager initially to help fill knowledge gaps.

Which food franchises have the best support for new franchisees?

Among the best are Chick-fil-A (renowned for intensive training and ongoing support), McDonald's (decades of refined franchisee training, Hamburger University), and 7-Eleven (though a convenience store, it provides a very turnkey operation).

Culver's – a Midwestern burger chain – receives frequent praise from franchisees for its hands-on franchisor team and mentoring culture. 

Wingstop and Jersey Mike's have scored high in franchisee satisfaction surveys, indicating strong support systems.

When evaluating support, examine initial training length, site selection assistance, marketing launch support, and whether there are experienced franchise business consultants assigned to you. A strong franchisor will have a vested interest in new franchisee success because it grows the brand.

How much do food franchise owners make?

Earnings vary widely. 

Some franchise owners might net only around $50,000 annually from a single small fast-food unit, while others owning multiple locations or higher-volume stores can earn hundreds of thousands per year.

For perspective, an average McDonald's might net an owner roughly $150k annually (after all fees and costs), according to industry estimates. 

Chick-fil-A operators might earn similar amounts or more, though without building equity. 

At the higher end, owners with 5-10 franchise locations often reach seven-figure annual incomes through scale.

Income depends on factors like location sales, costs (rent, labor), number of units owned, and operational efficiency. Prospective franchisees should review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Item 19, which often shows earnings ranges for franchised units.

What are the ongoing fees I have to pay as a franchise owner?

Almost all franchises charge royalty fees – typically around 4% to 8% of gross sales – paid weekly or monthly for continued use of the brand and systems. 

Additionally, there is usually an advertising/marketing fee (often 2-5% of sales) that funds national or regional advertising.

For example, Taco Bell charges roughly 5.5% royalty plus 4.25% for their ad fund. Other ongoing costs include rent or mortgage for your location, inventory supplies (from approved vendors), staff wages, utilities, insurance, and local marketing.

Some franchises use different models, like Chick-fil-A's profit share instead of standard royalty. 

Always thoroughly review the franchise agreement to understand the exact fee structure and project your break-even point accurately.

Making Your Franchise Decision

Owning a food franchise can be incredibly rewarding if you choose the right fit. 

Whether you're drawn to established brands with steady returns or niche concepts with growth potential, there's a franchise aligned with your goals.

The franchise industry continues growing faster than the overall economy – a positive indicator for new investors. 

Trends like technology integration, global cuisines, and health consciousness are shaping new opportunities, making this an exciting time to enter the market.

If you're serious about franchising, you need a methodical approach to evaluating your options. 

Start by determining your budget, preferred involvement level, and passion areas. Then narrow your choices based on the criteria we've discussed here.

For those specifically interested in frozen treats, our Ice Cream Franchise Guide provides in-depth comparisons of the top dessert brands.

Remember, successful franchising combines the right brand with your dedication and business acumen. 

Take your time researching options, speak with current franchisees, and choose a concept you can envision yourself running successfully for years to come.