Best restaurant franchises in 2023
It’s a tough world out there for aspiring restaurateurs. If a global pandemic wasn’t enough, they now have to deal with record-high inflation rates and immobilizing supply chain shortages. Maybe that’s why the restaurant franchise industry has boomed throughout the early 2020s. Franchises are a smart, secure way of succeeding in the restaurant landscape, letting owners work with the marketplace’s top brands. By running a franchise, restaurateurs gain access to some of the world’s top restaurant marketing, resources, and profit.
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most enticing franchise opportunities for ambitious restaurant owners across the USA and beyond. Our brand overview evaluates startup costs, operational requirements, and potential yearly revenue to give you a complete understanding of why these franchises matter. Now, let’s find out which restaurant chains provide the best return-on-investment for franchisees!
Restaurant Franchise #1: Popeyes Louisiana Chicken
As one of the nation’s most successful quick-service restaurants, Popeyes is automatically a major player in any community it enters. The brand has consistently been recognized as the country’s most lucrative chicken chain, and as a powerful competitor in the food and beverage space. Prompted by massive demand for fried chicken sandwiches, this industry giant achieved record-high profit throughout 2022. Popeyes restaurants are also well-known for their ability to generate revenue quickly, making them a must for sales-hungry owners.
This fried chicken titan is no stranger to franchising, and boasts nearly 2,800 locations in the U.S. alone. Popeyes’ current expansion strategy involves rapid growth through new franchise locations, so it’s a great time to join the brand. When you do, expect some of the highest profit ratios in the take-out chicken world and the potential to own additional locations.
Restaurant Franchise #2: McDonalds
Tell us if you’ve heard this one before: McDonald’s is one of the world’s most recognizable and popular brands by far. Last year, the Golden Arches was the most profitable chain period, grossing $100 billion worldwide and across every industry. There’s no better way to justify a franchising agreement than that – especially when much of that profit came from external owners. Opening up a McDonald’s in your area is an easy ticket to reliable and sustainable revenue — especially during harsh inflation.
McDonald’s franchising is really a play for safety – despite somewhat high startup costs, franchisees gain access to some world-class perks. By partnering with McDonald’s, you’ll be capitalizing on one of the planet’s biggest brands, immediately building consumer trust and loyalty. The chain’s high standards also ensure your staff will be well-trained and well-compensated, heightening efficiency and reducing worker turnover. Opening a McDonald’s in your neighborhood could be the ticket to a consistently-successful franchise agreement.
Restaurant Franchise #3: Jack-in-the-Box
If you’ve been following the restaurant world, you might have heard that Jack-in-the-Box has been involved in some franchising drama. After appointing a new CEO, though, the chain now boasts some of the industry’s best franchise deals! This dedication to HQ-driven support and benefits for franchisees has helped the burger/taco chain increase revenue by almost 50%. Jack-in-the-Box is currently praised across the restaurant landscape as a franchising champion, and is poised to grow significantly in 2023.
The company’s new franchising strategy is geared towards maximizing profit and minimizing strain for owners and staff. Through Jack-in-the-Box’s redesigned store layout and upgraded equipment, franchisees can now eliminate the redundancies of quick-service and focus on customers. This has made J-I-T-B a nationwide favorite, and has encouraged industry experts to label the brand as an industry disruptor. When you join Jack-in-the-Box as a franchisee, you’ll know that you’re working with a progressive, enthusiastic enterprise.
Restaurant Franchise #4: Dunkin
“America runs on Dunkin’” isn’t just a snappy tagline – it’s a reality for over 13,000 of the chain’s locations. Dunkin’ is one of the world’s fastest-growing coffee brands, and a leading figure in the global restaurant marketplace.
In many ways, Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) strikes a strong balance between franchise security and franchisee value. The brand consistently ranks among Entrepreneur’s top 10 highest-earning franchises (topping the annual report in 2020), and reinvests its wealth wisely. In the coffee shop business, it boasts some very fair startup figures, with initial investments beginning at five figures. Dunkin’ franchisees also enjoy the company’s internal training program and some world-class leadership guidance, keeping them primed for success.
Over 2022, the chain earned over $10 billion in profit, beating every other coffee place and most franchises in general. The company’s leadership, understanding its market dominance, is dedicated to expansion, ensuring future revenue stays just as strong. If you want to join Dunkin’, there’s no better time than now!
Restaurant Franchise #5: Subway
Sandwiches are one of the world’s favorite foods, and Subway is one of the world’s most popular brands. We don’t just mean with customers, either – Subway’s franchise rights are famously a hit with restaurateurs eager for profit. Since the company’s inception, Subway has dedicated itself to providing an industry-leading franchise experience. Many of the company’s processes, like its iconic sandwich assembly line, were created to streamline the activities of franchisees’ staff. That’s a rarity in the restaurant world, and something to be valued!
In addition to the HQ’s enthusiasm about supporting franchise locations, Subway’s mouth-watering profit margins are extremely appealing. Among international restaurant brands, Subway franchisees have some of the highest annual return-on-investment: around $400,000 on average. Combine that with some low startup costs (think fresh ingredients, not high-tech cookware), and you’ve got a recipe for success! Subway franchising is an excellent idea for restaurateurs eager to partner with a brand that’s as motivated as they are.
Restaurant Franchise #6: Burger King
Speaking of restaurant chains that are dedicated to their franchisees, it’s getting even more difficult to beat the King. At the end of 2022, Burger King’s holding company completed a full corporate restructure that aimed to maximize franchise profit. As a result of this shake-up, the BK annual report closed out Q1 2023 with $1.5 billion in revenue. This means great things for the company’s franchising future, and smart restaurateurs will want to be on Burger King’s side. The chain has made it clear: pleasing franchisees is its new top priority.
To make partnering with Burger King a tastier proposition, consider this: the brand maintains one of the industry’s lowest franchising fees. That means getting a return on investment as soon as possible, which puts each King in a great position for long-term success. Burger King franchisees can also capitalize on the chain’s internationally-recognized marketing. (They’re one of the world’s biggest burger restaurants, after all!) The company even provides each store with resources for a profitable launch period, making their support for franchise locations clear.
Restaurant Franchise #7: Taco Bell
It’s the world’s largest Mexican chain for a reason – everyone loves Taco Bell. The brand is recognized as the crown jewel of restaurant conglomerate Yum! Brands, and currently leads Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Companies. Taco Bell isn’t just your run-of-the-mill taqueria – it’s a global icon of Mexican cuisine, and an excellent franchise deal. In 2023, the company has already begun making efforts to expand even further across the U.S. and beyond. If you’re looking to bring a Mexican menu to your community, Taco Bell is your best bet.
Despite relatively high startup costs (typically around the $500,000 mark), Taco Bell offers some serious profits to dedicated franchisees. Low turnover costs and high sales-to-profit ratios make Taco Bell one of the most potentially lucrative restaurant brands anywhere.
The chain’s headquarters provide significant assistance in helping franchisees achieve these profits, providing custom technology and detailed training sessions. Take advantage of the benefits a Taco Bell partnership has to offer, and enjoy one of the industry’s best franchise experiences.
Your dream restaurant franchise awaits!
A great franchise location is all about seizing a restaurant opportunity in a smart, secure way. To make the most of a franchise, you’ll need to choose the right partner and the right tech. Look to chains that have seen success with franchising for inspiration, then follow in their footsteps as a passionate entrepreneur. Make sure you have the right brand by your side, a restaurant POS system to effectively manage orders and menus, and a drive to serve customers. If you do, you might just end up franchising a restaurant of your own, someday.
