The 15 Best Drive-Thru Restaurant Franchises of 2024

In an era where convenience reigns supreme, drive-thru restaurant franchises are more popular than ever. These establishments offer quick, efficient service, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of today’s consumers. The drive-thru concept has evolved significantly, integrating advanced technology and streamlined operations to enhance the customer experience and drive profitability.

Several drive-thru franchises currently stand out for their innovation, growth potential and commitment to quality. From iconic fast-food giants to emerging players, these brands offer unique selling points that cater to diverse consumer preferences and market demands. Here are the top 15 drive-thru restaurant franchises to consider for 2024. 

McDonald’s

• Initial Investment: $1,469,000 - $2,503,000
• Unit Count: 40,800+

Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, McDonald’s revolutionized fast food with its Speedee Service System. Famous for items like the Big Mac and Egg McMuffin, McDonald’s drive-thru service ensures quick, convenient meals worldwide. The franchise offers strong brand recognition, comprehensive training and robust support, making it highly profitable. 

Slim Chickens

• Initial Investment: $1,100,000 - $3,400,000
• Unit Count: 270+

Slim Chickens, known for its Southern-inspired chicken tenders and fresh-made dipping sauces, has seen rapid growth since its founding in 2003. With more than 270 locations and 1,200 units in development, the brand offers a robust franchise model featuring strong unit economics and a current sales growth of 35%. Its drive-thru service ensures fast, quality meals. Slim Chickens’ exceptional franchisee support, which includes training and marketing, makes it an attractive investment. 

Burger King

• Initial Investment: $1,815,600 - $4,520,900
• Unit Count: 19,700+

Burger King, founded in 1954, is famous for its flame-grilled Whopper and “Have It Your Way®” slogan. With over 19,000 locations in more than 100 countries, it’s a well-established brand. The drive-thru provides quick, customized service. Franchisees get strong support in training and marketing. Known for using quality ingredients and offering a diverse menu, Burger King is a solid choice for those looking to invest in a successful fast food franchise.

Pollo Campero*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $1,287,250 - $2,491,500
• Unit Count: 100 U.S. locations and another 350 worldwide

Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero is renowned for its flavorful, wholesome chicken and authentic Latin American recipes. With nearly 400 locations worldwide and over 100 in the U.S., it’s rapidly expanding to meet growing demand. Franchisees benefit from best-in-class training and a supportive leadership team. The brand’s focus on community and simple, profitable operations make it a standout choice in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) chicken segment.

Taco Bell

• Initial Investment: $575,600 - $3,370,100
• Unit Count: 8,300+

Taco Bell, founded in 1962, is a leader in the Mexican-inspired QSR segment with nearly 7,000 locations in the U.S. and over 250 internationally. Taco Bell, which is a part of the Yum! Brands umbrella, is known for its innovative menu, including the iconic Crunchwrap Supreme and Doritos Locos Tacos. Franchisees benefit from strong corporate support, award-winning marketing and a commitment to community through the Taco Bell Foundation. The brand's “Live Más” philosophy and successful drive-thru operations make it a top franchise choice.

Wings and Rings*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $1,482,700 - $1,999,700
• Unit Count: 85+

Founded in 1984, Wings and Rings offers a blend of sports bar and family dining with a focus on fresh, made-to-order chicken wings and premium burgers. Its contemporary restaurant design spans 4,500-5,000+ square feet, providing a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to strong corporate support and a growing fan base, franchisees with Rings and Rings benefit from a new development incentive program with no franchise fee and 0% royalty for the first six months. 

Layne’s Chicken Fingers*

Brand Development Page

• Initial Investment: $446,500 - $1,015,000
• Unit Count: 16

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, hatched in 1994, is known for its simple menu of delicious, hand-breaded chicken fingers and signature sauces. With its recent foray into franchising, Layne’s offers a unique opportunity to join a brand that’s ready to expand nationwide. Franchisees benefit from a supportive team and a streamlined, easy-to-operate concept. Layne’s focus on quality ingredients and exceptional customer service has created a loyal following, making it an exciting franchise opportunity.

KFC

• Initial Investment: $1,900,000 - $3,800,000
• Unit Count: 28,475

Founded by Colonel Sanders in 1940, Kentucky Fried Chicken (which rebranded to KFC in 1991) is globally renowned for its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices. With over 24,000 locations worldwide, KFC is the most popular chicken franchise. Backed by Yum! Brands, franchisees benefit from extensive resources and robust support. KFC’s commitment to diversity and community, along with its award-winning advertising, makes it a standout choice. Its drive-thru service ensures quick, delicious meals, cementing KFC’s leadership in the QSR chicken segment.

BIGGBY® COFFEE

• Initial Investment: $328,000 - $591,000
• Unit Count: 300+

Since it was founded in 1995, BIGGBY® COFFEE has grown to over 400 locations across 13 states, offering a community-focused franchise opportunity. Known for its extensive menu with over 400 flavor combinations, BIGGBY® COFFEE emphasizes quality and exceptional customer service. Franchisees benefit from low startup costs, strong support, growing brand awareness and a progressive work culture. Every location is franchisee-owned, ensuring local connections and community involvement. Biggby Coffee is an affordable entry-level business perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact.

Sonic

• Initial Investment: $1,714,200 - $3,370,900
• Unit Count: 3,500+

Sonic Drive-In, a staple of American culture for over 65 years, is renowned for its unique drive-in and drive-thru service, allowing customers to enjoy their meals without leaving their cars. This concept, combined with a diverse menu of burgers, hot dogs and signature drinks, sets Sonic apart in the QSR industry. The brand prioritizes franchisee success through robust training and innovative marketing, ensuring continued popularity and growth. Sonic’s drive-thru concept delivers convenience and nostalgia, making it a beloved choice for customers.

Chick-fil-A

• Initial Investment: $10,000 franchise fee
• Unit Count: 3,000+

Chick-fil-A is probably as renowned for its commitment to quality and customer service as it is for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. Franchisees are expected to be hands-on, dedicating their time to building both their business and community. With a modest $10,000 initial franchise fee, Chick-fil-A offers robust support, ensuring franchisees can uphold the brand’s legacy of excellence. The efficient and friendly drive-thru service plays a crucial role in delivering the brand’s famous menu offerings to millions of loyal customers, making it a standout in the QSR industry.

Arby’s

• Initial Investment: $644,950 - $2,451,000
• Unit Count: 3,600+

Established in 1964, Arby’s stands out in the QSR industry with a menu that includes its famous roast beef sandwiches, curly fries and a variety of other meaty offerings. With over 3,400 locations in 8 countries, Arby's offers franchisees a legacy brand with proven operations and strong support from Inspire Brands. Its focus on quality ingredients, innovative marketing and efficient service ensures a high customer satisfaction rate. Arby's combines fast-casual quality with quick-service convenience, making it a top choice for franchisees looking for a profitable investment.

Hardees

• Initial Investment: $1,303,000 - $3,436,000
• Unit Count: 2,000+

Hardee's is known for its big, bold flavors and extensive menu, including signature charbroiled burgers and hand-breaded chicken. Franchisees benefit from strong support and development incentives. Hardee's commitment to quality and community engagement makes it an attractive investment for those seeking a reliable and profitable franchise opportunity in the QSR sector.

Jack in the Box

• Initial Investment: $1,810,600 - $4,207,500
• Unit Count: 2,100+

Jack in the Box, an iconic burger franchise established in 1951, offers a diverse 24/7 menu available any time of day. Known for its drive-thru convenience, Jack in the Box serves over 500 million guests annually, with roughly 90% opting for drive-thru or take-out. The franchise supports multi-unit ownership, with the average franchisee owning more than 15 locations.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

• Initial Investment: $383,500 - $3,695,800
• Unit Count: 4,000+

Popeyes, founded in 1972, is renowned for its unique Cajun- and Creole-inspired menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders and fried shrimp. With over 2,700 locations across North America, Popeyes combines rich culinary heritage with a growing brand presence. The franchise offers robust support, helping owners succeed from development to operations. Popeyes’ strong sales growth and flavorful food make it an attractive investment for savvy entrepreneurs seeking to join a globally recognized, beloved chicken QSR brand with deep Louisiana roots.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or a new entrepreneur, these 15 franchises provide the foundation for a successful venture in the QSR industry. As consumer demand for fast, high-quality meals continues to grow, now is the perfect time to explore these top drive-thru franchise opportunities.

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