1851

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the restaurant industry, forcing franchisors to innovate in order to stay open. Now, emerging franchisors are continuing to adapt their business models and stay nimble in the face of ongoing challenges, such as supply chain issues, labor shortages and more. With <a href="https://1851franchise.com/restaurants-brace-for-post-pandemic-pent-up-demand-2715220">pent-up consumer demand</a> for on-site dining, group gatherings and parties growing by the minute, the big brands of tomorrow are just getting going today.&nbsp;1851 Franchise has compiled a list of some of the best emerging restaurants to invest in right now.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://famoustoastery.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Famous Toastery</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $601,500 to $1,044,000</li><li>Unit Count: 30+</li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery">Famous Toastery</a> gives franchisees an opportunity to “Be Famous” in their communities by leveraging a business with a track record for growth in a high-demand market segment and a lifestyle proposition that allows for flexibility and family time. Famous Toastery is making a name for itself thanks to quality ingredients and a commitment to excelling in the better-breakfast segment. Amid COVID-19, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/famous-toastery-forges-a-path-for-franchisees-to-recover-in-covid-era-2714018">Famous Toastery didn’t slow down</a> like other restaurant brands did; it actually revamped its franchising efforts and implemented a brand-new POS system for owners.<h4><a href="https://walkonsfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $1,184,000 to $4,430,700</li><li>Unit Count: 61</li></ul>Walk-On’s Bistreaux &amp; Bar is a leading full-service family sports bar that provides gourmet takes on game-day favorites. Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-landry-b58793132/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brandon Landry</a>, a former walk-on basketball player at Louisiana State University. Leaning on the true spirit of a walk-on and building a winning culture, the brand is rapidly expanding across the United States with a Louisiana-inspired menu featuring food and drinks made from scratch daily. Walk On’s was ranked the No. 1 brand in Entrepreneur magazine's <a href="https://www.businessreport.com/newsletters/walk-ons-named-no-1-new-franchise-by-entrepreneur?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2020 Top New Franchises</a> and also named Entrepreneur's "<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/walk-ons-sports-bistreaux-ranked-no-1-in-entrepreneurs-2020-top-new-franchises-ranking-301051401.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">#1 Best Sports Bar Franchise</a>" for two consecutive years.<h4><a href="https://www.oathpizza.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Oath Pizza</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $350,000 to $505,200</li><li>Unit Count: 29</li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/oathpizza/oath-pizza-looks-to-grow-its-feel-good-brand-by-awarding-more-than-a-dozen-new-franchises-by-end-of-2022-2716542">Oath Pizza</a> is a fast-growing craft pizza brand that has reimagined the pizza experience. Founded in a small seaside shop on Nantucket Island in 2015, Oath Pizza now has 29 locations, and the brand and business have been built to scale with a unique product, effective positioning and efficient business model. Oath Pizza operates with a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/oathpizza/forbes-a-smaller-footprint-and-franchise-model-is-helping-oath-pizza-grow-2717936">smaller footprint</a> than most of their competitors, which requires fewer employees, a benefit throughout the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-long-term-effects-of-the-restaurant-industrys-labor-shortage-we-arent-thinking-about-2716084">recent labor shortages</a>. The small footprint also allows for a streamlined kitchen, which has helped with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/supply-chain-crisis-should-franchise-brands-turn-to-hoarding-2717359">supply chain issues</a> throughout the past year.<h4><a href="https://aroogasfranchising.net/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Arooga's Grille House &amp; Sports Bar</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $1,313,400 to $3,996,900&nbsp;</li><li>Unit Count: 20</li></ul>This small East Coast chain with a casual bar and American-style menu was founded in 2008 in Pennsylvania and currently has 20 locations, but it’s rapidly expanding, with more than 100 deals in the works across the Northeast region of the country. Arooga’s started franchising in 2014 and is best known for winning the "<a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160517005235/en/%E2%80%9CAmerica%E2%80%99s-Next-Top-Restaurant-Franchise%E2%80%9D-Winner-Arooga%E2%80%99s-Grille-House-Sports-Bar-Employs-NCR-Technology-to-Grow-Simplify-Operations?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">America's Next Top Restaurant Franchise</a>" competition in 2010. More recently, the brand was recognized among Entrepreneur’s <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/500/2020?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Top 500 Franchises of 2020</a> and <a href="https://www.franchise500.com/article/354180?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Top 200 Food Franchises 2020</a>.<h4><a href="https://www.shuckinshackfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shuckin’ Shack</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $252,700 to $776,750</li><li>Unit Count: 16</li></ul><a href="https://1851franchise.com/shuckinshack/">Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar</a> grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages – a place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals and creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Shuckin’ Shack has proven to be <a href="https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/how-did-our-seafood-restaurant-franchise-weather-the-covid-storm/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">uniquely well positioned</a>, with a small square-footage requirement, low inventory and minimum waste, smaller staff sizes and maximum return on investment. The team has also continued to adapt in order to <a href="https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/seafood-restaurant-franchise-ceo-shares-labor-shortage-strategy/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing-2718296" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">overcome staffing shortages</a> and ensure franchisees are able to grow.

5 Emerging Food Franchises That May Be the Next Big Thing

1851 Franchise

As restaurant franchisors adapt to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, several brands are emerging as uniquely well positioned for the future.

5-emerging-food-franchises-that-may-be-the-next-big-thing

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

From Franchisee to Franchisor: How Howard Picker Is Using His Experience to Drive Sustainable Growth at Floyd’s 99

howard-picker-floyds-99-barbershop-franchise-franchisor-hot-seat

Jollibee -Launch-Story-Brand-Page-Deep-Dive-2025

Jollibee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

jollibee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

5 Emerging Food Franchises That May Be the Next Big Thing

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS