If you’ve dreamed of opening your own restaurant, the process of starting from scratch can be daunting. Conversely, starting with an existing restaurant franchise can make the process smoother, providing you with the equipment and other resources you need to gear your business for success.
Popular franchise restaurants continue to dominate the food industry, so getting through the door as an owner of one of these top franchises for sale can put you well ahead of competitors.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Current State of the Franchise Restaurant Industry in the USA
- Top Franchise Restaurant Opportunities in the USA
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Franchise Restaurant Opportunity
The Current State of the Franchise Restaurant Industry in the USA
Over the years, franchise restaurants have seen many changes as they’ve developed. For example, many locations now use streamlined NextGen designs for more efficiency, digital ordering platforms for mobile and in-store systems, and an increased focus on health and wellness in their menu options.
Restaurant franchises are also only going to continue growing, with the total revenue in the food service industry expected to reach $1 trillion in 2025, which largely includes fast food restaurants.
The top QSR franchises are also expected to become even more popular as delivery and digital ordering have seen a 300% faster growth compared to dine-in traffic since 2014. Additionally, QSRs plan to automate 51% of all tasks this year, which will contribute to ever-increasing efficiency.
New digital and automation technologies, optimized delivery, and a focus on sustainability, affordability, and health will continue to shape this industry, with plenty of opportunities on the horizon
Top Franchise Restaurant Opportunities in the USA
Looking for the top 10 food franchises in the USA? We’ve got you covered with this complete list of hot restaurant franchises that offer plenty of opportunities.
In addition to the top 10 most profitable fast-food franchises, we’ll explore a couple of the fastest-growing QSR franchises that are worth considering as they rise in popularity.
1. McDonald’s – The Largest Restaurant Franchise in the World
- Initial Investment: $1,366,000 to $2,450,000
- Franchise Fee: $45,000
- Royalty Fee: 5% of monthly gross sales
What fast food chain has the most franchises? With 13,622 locations in the U.S. alone, McDonald’s is by far the largest. If you want to get in with one of the top restaurant franchises, you’ll find plenty of opportunities with a Mcdonald’s franchise.
Annual sales at McDonald’s often approach $3 million every year, making this brand particularly profitable, and it has stable support and systems in place to make it a low-risk and stable investment opportunity.
It’s also easily one of the most popular franchise restaurants with an unmistakable logo and overall branding, with a loyal following across tens of thousands of locations across the globe. The market demand is also consistently high because of the brand’s consistency and efficiency, still providing affordable and quick meals.
When it comes to franchise structure, 93% of McDonald’s restaurants have independent franchisees as owners and operators. You get some real autonomy along with plenty of training and support, with help from everything from operations and marketing to human resources.
2. Subway – Popular QSR Franchise With Low Investment
- Initial Investment: $229,050 to $522,300
- Franchise Fee: $15,000
- Royalty Fee: 8% of gross sales
Subway is another of the top QSR franchises, with low investment requirements making it highly cost-effective for new franchisees. It also has over 36,000 locations all over the world, with plenty of demand backing it. That cost-effective investment combined with high earning potential also makes it one of the most profitable fast food franchises to own.
Part of what makes it one of the most popular restaurant franchises is its steady customer base, with a focus on fresh and highly customizable menu choices that are considerably healthier than other alternatives.
You also get sufficient training and support, with assistance with operations, supply chain management, and marketing.
Structurally, you can choose from various models, including standalone locations along with non-traditional installations like those at airports and gas stations.
3. Dunkin’ – A Leading Coffee and Bakery Franchise
- Initial Investment: $526,900 to $1,809,500
- Franchise Fee: $40,000 to $90,000 based on the location and market
- Royalty Fee: 5.9% of gross sales
Another affordable option that’s also among the top 10 most profitable fast-food franchises is Dunkin’. Average annual sales per location often go over $1 million, with more than 12,000 worldwide locations.
It’s particularly popular in the breakfast market, giving customers various baked goods with a reputation for its coffee and other breakfast menu items. As such, it’s got plenty of demand in this space.
Franchisees get plenty of training and support. You’ll get help with site selection, operations, and store design, along with marketing assistance. Franchisees also benefit from autonomy, enabling them to fully manage their locations with access to critical resources.
4. Taco Bell – A High-Revenue Fast Food Franchise
- Initial Investment: $575,600 to $3,370,100
- Franchise Fee: $25,000 to $45,000
- Royalty Fee: 5.5% of gross sales plus a 4.25% marketing fee
Yet another of the most profitable fast food franchises to own, Taco Bell comes with an often low investment with high returns, with an average annual revenue of $1.6 million per location.
Franchisees get access to one of the best support networks, as Taco Bell falls under the ownership of Yum! Brands, Inc., which also owns Pizza Hut and KFC. This ownership also means that you can choose from various models, whether you choose a standalone franchise or part of a KFC/Pizza Hut/Taco Bell combo establishment.
Customers love Taco Bell as one of the hot restaurant franchises due primarily to its affordability and consistency. It also offers many unique menu options that other franchises’ food options don’t have.
5. Burger King – A Competitive Fast Food Franchise
- Initial Investment: $323,100 to $3,076,600
- Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Royalty Fee: 4.5% of gross sales
If you’re looking for one of the most popular restaurant franchises that rivals McDonald’s, you’ll find one with Burger King. Like McDonald’s, people recognize this brand all over the world, and it often yields profits of over $1 million per location every year.
Its loyal customer base keeps the company in high demand, and it stands out from McDonald’s and other options with more plant-based menu options and other unique selections.
Get ample support from its corporate owner, Restaurant Brands International, and choose from various structures, including standalone restaurants, express units, and inline locations.
6. Domino’s – A Booming Pizza Franchise
- Initial Investment: $107,000 to $744,000
- Franchise Fee: $0 to $10,000
- Royalty Fee: 5.5% of weekly royalty sales
For another of the best franchises and American restaurants, consider owning a Domino’s franchise. With an annual revenue growth of 10%, Domino’s is potentially highly profitable with lower investment requirements than other pizza restaurants.
People enjoy Domino’s and keep it in high demand for its well-established and versatile menu, fast delivery, and consistent quality. It also innovates with an easy digital ordering system to make it easier than ever for customers to order their favorites.
The franchise provides lots of support in all areas for its QSR franchisees, and franchise owners can effectively manage their stores with ample resources backing them.
7. Panera Bread – A Health-Conscious Food Franchise
- Initial Investment: $633,000 to $4,906,000
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales plus a 2% marketing fee
Panera Bread has versatile investment opportunities, and it’s certainly one of the top 10 most profitable fast-food franchises with an average annual unit volume (AUV) of $2.8 million.
Known for its menu full of fresh ingredients and a welcoming environment, Panera Bread lends a touch of homemade quality to both its menu and locations. From artisan breads and salads to soups and sandwiches, health is a priority for this establishment that is seeing increasing demand.
What makes Panera particularly unique for QSR franchisees is its business model, as franchisees typically need to open around 15 franchise locations within a specific timeframe, so it’s best for entrepreneurs seeking multi-location development opportunities.
8. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
- Initial Investment: $1,539,160 to $4,818,991
- Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Royalty Fee: 6%
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is another of the more unique restaurant franchises. It’s also very profitable, with an AUV of over $3 million across its location.
Its differentiating factors include its original Hawaiian-based menu, a strong loyalty program of more than 125,000 members, and multi-unit structure, requiring franchisees to open five or more locations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Franchise Restaurant Opportunity
When choosing the best franchises and American restaurants to meet your needs, take the following factors into consideration:
- Brand Recognition & Reputation: The best restaurant franchises will have plenty of brand recognition and a good reputation that keep them in high demand among their customers.
- Initial Investment & Ongoing Costs: Popular restaurant franchises also come with a blend of low and high investment costs, depending on factors like location and market demand. Also, take into account ongoing expenses and how they can impact profits.
- Market Demand & Competition: The top restaurant franchises have high demand and a competitive edge, helping you stay above competing businesses in the area and making it a bit easier to market your brand and offerings.
- Franchise Support & Training: You should be able to get plenty of training and general support from your franchisor with any opportunity. Popular franchise restaurants tend to give franchisees all the support needed for long-term success, including help with franchise marketing strategies and supply chain management.
- Profitability & ROI: Top QSR franchises will offer a high ROI to their franchisees, making it worth the initial investment as they experience real growth.
Make Your Restaurant Franchise a Success With Ignite Visibility
Need help with franchise development? Ignite Visibility can give you the kind of support you need to get your business off the ground. We can assist you with everything from marketing to franchise lead generation, helping you achieve sustained growth.
With Ignite behind your franchise, you can:
- Determine the best approach to franchise marketing
- Develop a highly targeted paid media campaign
- Get the most from social media strategies for new locations
- Produce top-quality videos and other content to promote your business and offerings
- And more!
Like this idea? Waste no time in getting started, and reach out to us today.
