The 10 best food franchises to own in US

Popular franchises are well-known brands with a strong market presence and a loyal customer base. They offer security due to their successful track record and provide a platform for sustainable growth. Want to learn about the best food franchises to invest in the US? Read and discover the most profitable options in the market!

Owning a food franchise can be a profitable business opportunity, but selecting the right brand is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore the top food franchises in the US, providing insights into franchise investment, costs, and business potential.

What Is a Restaurant Franchise?

Restaurant franchises are a business model where an entrepreneur pays for the right to use an established company’s brand, recipes, business model, and operational systems.

In return, the brand usually requires minimum quality standards to be met, and they also provide guidance and direction on how to run the business. These measures are taken to prevent poor management by individual franchisees from harming the brand as a whole.

For franchisees, dealing with an already established brand, with proven and well-known recipes, along with other support offered by the franchisors, helps solidify the venture. This reduces risks, even with the need to pay a franchise fee.

How to Choose the Best Restaurant Franchise to Invest In?

When choosing a food franchise, there are several important factors to consider:

1. Brand Recognition: Popular brands often have established customer bases, reducing the need for extensive marketing.
2. Franchise Costs: Initial investment and ongoing fees can vary significantly. Be sure to understand all associated costs.
3. Franchise Support: Look for brands that offer strong support in terms of training, marketing, and operations.
4. Profit Potential: Analyze the franchise’s profitability by considering average revenue, expenses, and market demand.

Selecting the best food franchise comes down to understanding your personal goals and thoroughly evaluating these criteria. Consider factors like brand recognition, market demand, profitability, and franchise support to make an informed decision.

The right franchise should offer a balance of low investment risk and high potential for success. Now, let’s see the 9 top food franchises for you to consider!

Top 10 Food Franchises to Invest In

1. McDonald’s

Absolutely everyone knows McDonald’s. It’s the most recognized quick-service restaurant in the world and one of the most recognizable brands overall, with over 40,000 locations spread across the globe.

• Initial Investment: $1.3 million – $2.3 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
• Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
• Why Consider: McDonald’s is a global leader in fast food with strong brand recognition, a proven business model, and high average sales per unit. Despite the higher initial investment, it offers one of the best returns on investment in the food franchise industry.
• Popular for: Its wide range of affordable menu items and efficient service.

2. Wendy’s

Another major QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) in the burger world, Wendy’s stands out by focusing on fresh, never-frozen beef. This commitment differentiates the brand from other fast-food chains that prioritize speed with pre-made meals.

With strong digital engagement, Wendy’s boasts over 7,000 locations worldwide.

• Initial Investment: $2 million – $3.5 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
• Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Wendy’s focuses on high-quality ingredients and has strong customer loyalty. With its diverse menu, the brand continues to experience steady growth, making it a solid choice for investors looking for long-term stability.
  Popular for: Signature burgers and Frosty desserts.

3. Taco Bell

With over 8,000 locations worldwide, Taco Bell stands as a leader in the global fast-food industry. It’s known for its unique take on Mexican-inspired cuisine and an innovative menu that keeps customers coming back.

• Initial Investment: $575,600 – $3.4 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $45,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.5% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Taco Bell is well-known for its innovative menu and strong marketing campaigns. It has a wide customer base and offers both dine-in and delivery options, which can help boost profitability.
  Popular for: Mexican-inspired fast food, particularly tacos and burritos.

4. Subway

As one of the largest restaurant brands globally, known for offering customers the ability to build their own sandwiches, Subway has ambitious plans for the coming years, aiming to double its total number of locations worldwide.

• Initial Investment: $150,000 – $328,700
• Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000
• Royalty Fee: 8% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Subway is one of the more affordable franchise options with relatively low overhead costs. It has a flexible business model, offering opportunities for owners to open in a variety of locations, from stand-alone restaurants to non-traditional settings like airports and college campuses.
  Popular for: Fresh sandwiches made to order.

5. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is an American restaurant franchise especially known for its chicken sandwiches. The company stands out due to its unique culture of not opening on Sundays, a decision rooted in its founder’s beliefs. It also boasts a reasonably low franchise fee compared to other industry giants.

• Initial Investment: $342,990 – $1 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000
• Royalty Fee: 15% of gross sales + 50% of pre-tax profits
• Why Consider: Chick-fil-A has one of the highest per-unit sales in the industry, making it a highly profitable investment despite its unique financial structure. It is known for its selective franchising process and high operational standards, resulting in excellent customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Popular for: Its iconic chicken sandwiches and exceptional service.

6. KFC

KFC is likely the first fast-food restaurant that comes to mind when we think of fried chicken. With over 25,000 restaurants worldwide, the brand stands out for its history of innovation and strong international presence.

• Initial Investment: $1.4 million – $3.2 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
• Royalty Fee: 4% – 5% of gross sales
• Why Consider: KFC is a globally recognized brand, known for its fried chicken. It offers a solid investment opportunity with high brand recognition, supported by a well-established global network. Its varied menu and drive-thru options make it a flexible business model.
• Popular for: Fried chicken, family meals, and comfort food.

7. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is a highly recognized quick-service franchise, famous for its coffee and donuts and a massive presence, especially in the U.S. Now simply “Dunkin’,” it emphasizes its broader beverage and breakfast offerings, known for convenience, consistent quality, and strong customer loyalty.

This makes it a solid opportunity for franchisees seeking a well-known brand.

• Initial Investment: $438,900 – $1.8 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000 – $90,000 (depending on the location and store type)
• Royalty Fee: 5.9% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Dunkin’ is a leader in the coffee and quick-service food space. With a high frequency of customer visits and strong brand loyalty, it offers strong revenue potential. The ability to offer both beverages and food items adds diversity to its earnings.
• Popular for: Coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches.

8. Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is a beloved international quick-service chain, famous for its soft-serve ice cream, Blizzard treats, and classic fast-food menu. With thousands of locations worldwide and strong brand recognition, DQ offers a consistent experience that blends sweet treats with savory meals.

• Initial Investment: $1.2 million – $1.8 million
• Initial Franchise Fee: $35,000
• Royalty Fee: 4% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Dairy Queen has a loyal following and offers a mix of ice cream and fast food, making it a versatile investment. Its reputation as a family-friendly brand makes it a strong choice for communities and suburban areas.
  Popular for: Ice cream treats like Blizzards, as well as burgers and hot dogs.

9. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is a globally beloved ice cream brand, known for its unique flavors and strong commitment to social and environmental justice.

Beyond delicious, super-premium ice cream, the company actively promotes fair trade and sustainable practices, resonating with consumers who value ethical sourcing and corporate responsibility.

• Initial Investment: $200,300 – $504,300
• Initial Franchise Fee: $37,000
• Royalty Fee: 3.5% of gross sales
• Why Consider: Ben & Jerry’s is renowned for its unique flavors and socially responsible business practices. It’s an excellent option for franchisees looking to invest in a premium, socially conscious brand with a loyal customer base.
  Popular for: Premium ice cream with creative, social-conscious branding.

10. Firehouse Subs

With over 1,200 locations across the U.S., Firehouse Subs is a popular fast-casual sandwich franchise, particularly recognized for its strong community involvement.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, a non-profit created by the brand, is dedicated to supporting public safety. It does this by purchasing equipment and funding training for firefighters and first responders. The company directs a portion of its sales revenue to this non-profit, which then acquires and donates the equipment.

• Initial Investment: $431,550 – $907,500;
• Initial Franchise Fee: $20,000;
• Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales;
• Why Consider: The average Firehouse Subs franchise generates close to $900,000 annually, with top-performing locations exceeding $1.1 million. This means if you make a higher-end initial investment and perform at the average franchise level, you could potentially recoup your investment within about a year of starting operations;
• Popular For: Its deep community involvement and noble charitable mission attract a segment of the public and generate immediate goodwill. Additionally, its unique menu featuring excellent, customizable sandwich options is a significant draw for many customers.

Considerations Before Investing on a food franchise

Before diving into a food franchise, take time to thoroughly research the brand, including its market position, franchise support, and financial health. Additionally, ensure you meet all the requirements and are prepared for the commitment of running a franchise.

Owning one of the best food franchises in the US can be a lucrative opportunity, provided you choose wisely the best franchise and understand the investment required. From global icons like McDonald’s to specialized brands like Ben & Jerry’s, there’s a wealth of opportunity in the food franchise industry.

Maximize Your Franchise’s Success with CloudKitchens

Investing in a top food franchise is just the first step. To truly optimize your profits and streamline operations, consider utilizing a ghost kitchen. At CloudKitchens, we help franchise owners reduce overhead costs, expand delivery capabilities, and increase revenue with our state-of-the-art ghost kitchen solutions.

Take your food franchise to the next level by focusing on what matters most, delivering great food while we handle the logistics.

Ready to scale your franchise business? Check our solutions today to learn more!

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

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