1851

While the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the restaurant industry over the past two years, the QSR segment emerged as a rare winner as customers increasingly sought fast, convenient and off-premise-focused options. The global fast food and quick service restaurant market reached a value of $232 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach a whopping $308 billion by 2027, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/02/25/2392243/28124/en/Global-308B-Fast-Food-and-QSRs-Industry-2022-2027-Analytics-by-Company-Business-Model-Cuisine-Product-Service-and-Region.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ResearchAndMarkets.com</a>. As a result, many of the big QSR brands of tomorrow are likely just getting going today.&nbsp;1851 Franchise has compiled a list of some of the best-emerging QSRs to invest in right now.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://www.oathpizza.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Oath Pizza</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $350,000–$505,200</li><li>Unit Count: 29<img class="image_resized image-style-align-right" style="width:359px;" src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1657213133_Oath_Pizza_Boxes_041.jpg"></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. The brand and business have been built to scale with a unique product, effective positioning and efficient business model. Oath Pizza operates with a&nbsp;<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 its competitors, requiring fewer employees, a benefit throughout the&nbsp;<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&nbsp;<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://risebiscuitschicken.com/franchise./?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rise Southern Biscuits &amp; Righteous Chicken</a></h4><ul><li>Startup Costs: $420,500–$598,500</li><li>Unit Count: 13</li></ul>This fast-casual chicken and biscuits concept started with a specific focus on fresh-baked donuts, but the first attempt at franchising revealed that this model was too complicated to replicate at scale. So, the team worked to streamline the business model and has since seen strong results, with AUVs for franchised restaurants coming in at&nbsp;<a href="https://fransmart.com/rise-biscuits-chicken/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">just over $750,000 between June 2020 and June 2021</a>. With a hefty percentage of the brand’s sales coming from off-premise channels, the Rise Southern Biscuits &amp; Righteous Chicken concept is primed for growth across the country.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://franchisefajitapetes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fajita Pete’s</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $202,500–$460,200</li><li>Units: 25</li></ul>This Tex-Mex quick-service dining experience started in 2002 when founder Pete Mora achieved his dream of opening his own restaurant. After a few years of operating, Mora noticed that most of his sales came from to-go orders. So, Mora closed the dine-in restaurant in 2008, and Fajita Pete’s was born. The brand started franchising in 2015 after being purchased by Four Guys Franchising LLC in Colorado. Last year, the brand saw an impressive&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fast-growing-fajita-petes-opens-25th-location-301450502.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">13% increase in units</a> and aims to hit 100 locations in the next few years.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://www.smallssliders.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Smalls Sliders</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $811,834–$1,120,221<img class="image_resized image-style-align-right" style="width:354px;" src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1657213517_GG4JU4LTORDSPJMPSNGUGVGSGE.jpg"></li><li>Units: 4</li></ul>For this up-and-coming QSR concept, backed by former NFL star&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-celebrities-who-own-franchises-2716349">Drew Brees</a>, sliders are the main course. The burger chain serves up nothing but sliders, waffle fries and shakes from a pair of restaurants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After launching its franchise opportunity last year, the brand is set to open four franchise locations in 2022 and is well-positioned to emerge as a new favorite in the segment.<h4><a href="https://caobakerycafe.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CAO Bakery &amp; Cafe</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $350,000</li><li>Units: 12</li></ul>Based in Miami, this bakery and cafe brand was founded by Tony Cao, whose grandfather famously founded the&nbsp;<a href="https://vickybakery.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022-2719074" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vicky Bakery franchise</a>. After a few years of owning and operating his own locations of Vicky’s, Cao set off on his own to begin his own franchise business, CAO Bakery &amp; Cafe. Currently, the concept has 12 locations across the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, but with average unit sales of $1,271,139 for 2019, the emerging brand is sure to catch the attention of more business-savvy entrepreneurs looking ahead.

5 Emerging QSR Franchises Poised for Growth in 2022

1851 Franchise

With the fast-food industry positioned for major growth over the next few years, these small but mighty quick-service restaurant brands are aiming toward national expansion and takeover. 

5-emerging-qsr-franchises-poised-for-growth-in-2022

United Water Restoration Group

The Importance of Quick Response in the Water Restoration Business: How United Water Restoration Group Leads the Way

the-importance-of-quick-response-in-the-water-restoration-business-how-united-water-restoration-group-leads-the-way

Senior Care Authority

Senior Care Authority Celebrates Major Wins and Welcomes Four New Franchisees in Q1 2025

senior-care-authority-celebrates-major-wins-and-welcomes-four-new-franchisees-in-q1-2025

Children's Lighthouse

Why This Hotel Franchise Owners is Investing in Children’s Lighthouse 

why-this-hotel-franchise-owners-is-investing-in-childrens-lighthouse

Integrity Franchise Group

Which Franchise Ownership Model Is Right for You? Semi-absentee Ownership?

which-franchise-ownership-model-is-right-for-you

Melting Pot

Photo of 50th Anniversary Melting Pot fondue with golden chives

50 Years of Fondue and Family: Melting Pot Celebrates Its Legacy and Looks to the Future

melting-pot-franchise-50th-anniversary

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 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

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

From Pizza Delivery to Fast-Casual Innovator: How Dave Wood Built Mahana Fresh

mahana-fresh-franchisor-dave-wood

Happy Joe's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-happy-joes-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

5 Emerging QSR Franchises Poised for Growth in 2022

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS