If you want to own a new franchise business for the first time, it might be a little difficult. The decision part is always difficult, especially when there are too many options for you to consider. Besides, if you are thinking of restaurant franchises, then there are too many options to consider.

You might have already done your research and know all the perks of owning a franchise business. With a franchisor’s standardized processes, guides, and roadmaps, success is as good as assured with a franchise business. Surely, you might have aligned your passion for food, and that is probably why you want to start a business in the food industry. But which franchisor to choose? What options are there?

Keep this list in mind to find the best restaurant franchise to own in your location. Keep reading for the best recommendations.

List of Top 20 Restaurant Franchises in 2024 

1. Chick-Fil-A

Initial Franchise Fees: $10,000,

Estimated Total Investment: $342,990 to $1,982,225.

One of the best restaurant franchises to own in the US currently is Chick-Fil-A. Most people in the US are quite aware of this famous fast-food chain. This chain was founded in Truett Cathy in Hapeville, GA. Currently, it is one of the most successful franchises in the US.

They have 2800 plus locations open across the USA. A high number of locations are open in Texas alone. Most importantly, if you are planning to open a franchise now, there is a good opportunity. Chick-fil-A is looking for candidates who will be willing to open new locations in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Canada.

2. McDonald’s

Initial Franchise Fees: $45,000

Estimated Total Investment: $1,366,000 to $2,450,000

It is impossible (almost) to find one individual in this entire world who has not heard about the “I’m Lovin’ it” campaign of McDonald’s. McDonald’s is one of the biggest franchises to own in any part of the world. Thanks to its branding, they have customers swarming around McDonald’s in all countries.

It is almost unimaginable that they have more than 38000 locations open across 100 countries around the world. These stores are owned and operated by individual local business owners. They provide franchisee training, which helps owners operate these stores in different locations with ease.

3. Taco Bell

Initial Franchise Fees: $25,000 and $45,000

Estimated Total Investment: $576K – $3.4M

Taco Bell started in Downey, California. If you are planning on opening a successful food franchise or restaurant franchise, then their good name will do you well. Taco Bell operates almost 7200 restaurants across the USA. What’s more, they serve more than 40 million people (about twice the population of New York) every week.

They are doing well even internationally, with more than 1000 locations in 30 countries around the world. 

4. Crumbl Cookies

Initial Franchise Fees: $50,000

Estimated Total Investment: $286,000 – $1,245,000

Not necessarily a restaurant franchise, but if you want to open a franchise that caters to dessert lovers, cake cravers, and people crushing over candies, then Crumbl Cookies is your option. In fact, your town could use a Crumbl Cookies location. 

Their menu features more than 200 menus that come with candies, cakes, pies, and whatnot. If you also have a sweet tooth, you might relate to opening a sweet store of Crumbl cookies. What’s more, they keep rotating the flavors they serve at the stores. So, the customers keep coming every week and try out new things. 

5. Culver’s

Initial Franchise Fees: $55,000

Estimated Total Investment: $2,043,000 to $4,652,000

Who doesn’t love burgers? Whether influenced by your own love for burgers or by other reasons, if you want to open a franchise selling burgers, you can think of Culver’s. They are popular among global customers for their butter burgers, frozen custards, and cheese curds.

Established back in 1984, Culver’s left their first mark on Sauk City. From there, they have opened 800+ locations across 25 states in the states. Culver’s is looking for candidates ready to open a storefront and run it with a team of people while prioritizing their high standards.

6. Dunkin

Initial Franchise Fees: $40,000 to $90,000

Estimated Total Investment: $526,900 to $1,787,700

When it comes to the fast success of any franchisor, Dunkin’ is one of the big names to refer to. Their first store was opened 70 years ago in Quincy, MA. Bill Rosenburg, the founder, started this franchise for coffee and baked goods lovers. They started to expand their locations only five years after the first storefront was opened for customers. Dunkin’ restaurants are in 11,000 locations worldwide, with 8,500 domestic locations.

7. Wendy’s 

Initial Franchise Fees: $50,000

Estimated Total Investment: $1,893,850 – $3,689,350

The USA has multiple stories of food and restaurant chains becoming famous over a few years. Wendy’s, a Columbus, Ohio-based restaurant chain, is one of those stories. They became famous for the square beef patties and the frosty desserts. The first store started with Dave Thomas back in 1969. Currently, there are more than 7000 restaurants.

8. DEL TACO

Initial Franchise Fees: $35,000

Estimated Total Investment: $812,700 – $2,467,500 

Del Taco was bought by Jack in the Box in 2022. Now, they have more than 590 locations in more than 15 states in the US. This success came all thanks to the incredible fan base Bell Taco has. This is by far one of the best franchisors you can work with.

They are famous for their varied menu that includes beef burgers, crinkle-cut fries, tacos, burritos, and nachos. Del Taco is the second largest restaurant franchise in the Mexican QSR Industry, which is a pretty good reason to start working with them as a franchise. The application process is easy, too.

9. Freddy’s

Initial Franchise Fees: $30,000,

Estimated Total Investment: $794,254-$2,439,105

Let’s talk about the fast-casual restaurant that brings back memories. Some of their best offerings include cooked-to-order steakburgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries, and frozen custard.

Their slogan is unforgettable — “The taste that brings you back.” Their cleanliness, hygiene, and hospitality make them unique in the competitive landscape. 

Currently, they have 400 locations operating in different locations in the world. They are offering franchising opportunities worldwide as well.

10. ZAXBY’S

Initial Franchise Fees: $35,000

Estimated Total Investment: $1,391,700 and $3,266,200

If you are looking for a new restaurant franchise to own, then Zaxby’s brings good opportunity with its success roadmap. They have been successfully serving chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, and chicken salads.

Zaxby’s has been operating in the Southeastern USA for a while now, and they have managed to open up 900 locations in 18 states in the US. Now, they are trying to charter new territories. You can be one of their new franchisees if you want to. Let Zaxby’s open a new store in your locality and be the one to own a new restaurant franchise business.

11. ARBY’S

Initial Franchise Fees: $37,500

Estimated Total Investment: $336,500 to $927,900

Some people just want to open a restaurant franchise. But some business owners might want to be the top seller of a specific food item – like burgers or sandwiches. Wait, are you thinking of opening a sandwich restaurant under a franchise? If yes, say no more. Arby’s boasts the reputation of being the second largest sandwich restaurant in the world, with more than 3400 locations in eight different countries. 

They provide high-quality food at affordable prices, which is why customers keep coming back to Arby’s doorsteps. If you match their culture of serving high-quality fast with your customers’ convenience in mind, then try being a part of it. In fact, Arby’s is looking for new franchise owners. 

12. WHATABURGER

Initial Franchise Fees: $40,000

Estimated Total Investment: $1.2 million

They started their journey and their story almost 70 years ago in Corpus Christi, Texas. The first location they opened was open 24 hours a day for people who wanted to eat burgers. 

The idea for this restaurant franchise was to make big-sized burgers that require two hands for somebody to hold. When a customer eats it, the taste of the burger should make them exclaim, “What a burger!” Now, their story has expanded, with Whataburger expanding itself to have 890 locations throughout the USA. 

13. JIMMY JOHN’S

Initial Franchise Fees: $35,000

Estimated Total Investment: $515,000

Here is a sandwich franchise that sells the idea of their fresh food. Be it the hand-sliced cheese or freshly baked bread, Jimmy John’s has been serving returning customers for the last 40 years. It has the fastest-growing chain in the world. If you are considering opening a sandwich franchise business, then you can try owning one of the franchise locations of Jimmy John’s in the USA. They have opened more than 2600 locations in 43 states. 

14. MOE’S

Initial Franchise Fees: $30,500

Estimated Total Investment: $474,900 – $1,109,840

If you are thinking of opening a fast-casual Mexican restaurant in the USA, then Moe’s offers a great restaurant franchise option. The brand came into existence back in 2000 and has been thriving ever since. Most people who are into fast-casual Mexican food will find lots of options at Moe’s. Bowls, burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and salads – just name your options. Well, we are not here to order those. But if you are up for opening a restaurant franchise, then you can consider Moe’s.

15. WINGSTOP

Initial Franchise Fees: $20,000

Estimated Total Investment: $346,775 to $733,249

Wingstop has been capitalizing on people’s love for chicken wings. On top of that, they have 11 different flavored sauces, which their customers love. Lemon pepper, hickory smoked BBQ, mango habanero, original hot, and atomic are some of the most uttered names at Wingstop locations. 

Customers can order chicken wings, boneless wings, tenders and dip them into their favorite kind of sauce. Wingstop already has restaurants in 1600 locations. Texas, California, and Florida have the most locations open.

16. KFC

Initial Franchise Fees: $45,000

Estimated Total Investment: $1.2 to $2.5 million

KFC does not need any introduction. They have locations open all over the world. Formerly, they were known as Kentucky Fried Chicken. In 1930, Harlan Colonel Sanders founded KFC. It took some time for KFC to become a franchise business. But after 1952, there was no looking back. 

Currently, there are 25000 locations spread across the world. They have been growing, and most of their locations are outside the USA. Most importantly, 99% of KFC’s restaurants are franchised and have been bringing in $4.6 billion in sales every year. 

17. BURGER KING

Initial Franchise Fees: $50,000,

Estimated Total Investment: $316,100 and $2,660,600

Burger King is another famous name not only in the USA but also across the world. What’s unique about Burger King? Well, on top of the high-quality food they serve, Burger King is also a provider of excellent dining experiences for families and friends hanging out together.

They have opened over 7000 locations in the USA and internationally. Burger King is known for its recipes, and that’s why 11 million guests keep their locations every day. Yes, you read it right, 11 MILLION! Many people associate it with memories, and some just love how great it is to own and operate a Burger King franchise. So, if your idea is opening restaurant franchises, then Burger King is worth it. 

18. SUBWAY

Initial Franchise Fees: $10,000 – $15,000

Estimated Total Investment: $229,050 – $522,300

Again, if you are too fond of restaurant franchises that specialize in sandwiches, then Subway is another good name that comes on top of the search results. SUBWAY boasts 20000 locations in the USA, and its name is famous across the globe.

But Sandwiches are not the end of the hunger solution SUBWAY has for people. They also sell salads, wraps, paninis, and baked goodies like cookies, doughnuts, and muffins. With the number of food offerings and popularity in the world, SUBWAY franchises are the best ones to own. If you are a franchisee capable of operating in different locations simultaneously, then you might have incredible opportunities lined up for you. 

19. CHECKERS & RALLY’S

Initial Franchise Fees: $30,000

Estimated Total Investment: $751,117 – $2,125,751

Here is another restaurant franchise that was a completely different thing a few years ago. Both Checkers and Rally’s used to be two different burger franchises. But, back in 1999, Checker’s acquired Rally’s and formed a new drive-thru restaurant franchise people love to buy from.

This food shop franchise is headquartered in Tampa, FL. They have 878 locations open across the United States. So, if you are planning to open the next one, there are opportunities.

20. PIZZA HUT

Initial Franchise Fees: $25000 

Estimated Total Investment: $367,000 – $2,063,500 

The story of Pizza Hut started 60 years ago inside a small pizza restaurant based in Kansas. Now, they have expanded, and this pizza restaurant is popular in different parts of the world, with 6500+ restaurants in the USA alone. So, if you are ready to embrace such a culture and want to start a franchise restaurant business, then this can be an option worth looking into. 

Bottom Line

Starting from Chick-fil-A to KFC and Burger King, there are too many options lined up if you want to own restaurant franchises. However, before you consider any option, check the net worth required and the initial investment, including the franchising fees. It is of utmost importance to understand if your location has the demand for the food your restaurant has to offer. 

Hopefully, this article was helpful. Please let us know if you have any feedback to share about the same. 

Continue Reading:

• Local Businesses And Shopping In Midland
• Innovative Funding: Changing The Face Of Startup Investments
• Make Sure You Stay in Touch With These Companies as a Small Business