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Today’s market is filled with franchise business; almost every other business we pass is a franchise. In fact, research firm <a href="https://franchiseeconomy.com/assets/26604.pdfhere-most-franchisors-break/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278#:~:text=FRANdata%20reported%20at%20the%20start,new%20franchisees%20enter%20the%20market." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FRANdata reported</a> in 2019 that there were approximately 773,603 franchise establishments in the U.S. Additionally, in any given year, 250-350 new brands elect to franchise.&nbsp;But with all the growth of new brands, there are some once-famous yet still consistent brands that have remained beacons of the franchising world, though they might have temporarily slipped your mind: A&amp;W Restaurants, Kona Ice, Carvel, Sonic and Dairy Queen.&nbsp;<h4>A&amp;W Restaurants</h4>As the oldest restaurant franchise in the U.S., started in 1919 by founder Roy W. Allen (and then joined by partner Frank Wright in 1922), <a href="https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W Restaurants</a> has stamina. As of 2019, the brand had more than 625 restaurants in the continental U.S. and Alaska, and 340 units internationally.&nbsp;<h4>Kona Ice</h4><a href="https://www.ownakona.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kona Ice</a>, one of the newer franchises on this list, started in 2007 – but the momentum continues with the brand’s low overhead and ability for franchise partners to move the shaved-ice truck around. Currently, there are more than 1,000 trucks in 48 states, and the brand continues to grow.&nbsp;<h4>Carvel&nbsp;</h4><a href="https://carvelfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Carvel</a> was founded in 1934 by Tom Carvel and has remained an American ice cream staple, best known for its soft-serve ice cream and ice-cream cakes. With 323 locations scattered among 19 states, it may be tricky finding a location to try Carvel’s tasty treats, but the good news is that this iconic brand is still franchising.&nbsp;<h4>Sonic</h4><a href="https://sonicfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonic</a> began in the late 1950s as a drive-in classic, and the trend hasn’t faded, with diners still flocking to the brand’s more than 3,500 locations in 45 states for their favorite bites, sodas and milkshakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h4>Dairy Queen&nbsp;</h4><a href="https://www.dairyqueenfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-once-famous-food-franchises-you-didnt-know-are-still-operating-2718278" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dairy Queen</a> began franchising the same year as its founding (1940), and now the brand has 4,360 locations in 49 states. Although it’s not a top-of-mind brand for many consumers in a world where we are overloaded with options, Dairy Queen has consistently been among the most persistent entries on the Franchise 500 list, appearing in more than 95% of those lists since 1979.

5 Once-Famous Food Franchises You Didn't Know Are Still Operating

1851 Franchise

These thriving franchise brands – Kona Ice, Carvel, Sonic, Dairy Queen and A&W Restaurants – have stood the test of time, garnering loyal customers and franchise partners decade after decade. 

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Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

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

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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

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Layne's Chicken Fingers

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

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CapitalSpring

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

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Children's Lighthouse

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

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5 Once-Famous Food Franchises You Didn't Know Are Still Operating

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