5 Snack Franchises We Love

Here at 1851 Franchise, we love snacks and their uncomplicated comforts that keep us full in between meals. While the food and restaurant industry at large is facing unprecedented labor shortages, having a simple business model (like the ones snack franchises offer) that doesn’t rely on a wait staff is a sound investment during these turbulent times.

So, are you ready for a snack attack? Because 1851 Franchise has rounded up our top five snack franchises guaranteed to keep your tummy — and wallet — full!

Wetzel’s Pretzel’s

• Startup costs: $153,100-$471,350
• Units: 309

Oh, salty, buttery goodness! You’ve probably seen a Wetzel’s Pretzel’s at popular tourist spots like Disney Parks, Dodger Stadium and the Staples Center because warm pretzels go hand in hand with fun. Wetzel’s Pretzel’s, a pretzel franchise with more than 300 locations in the U.S. and Canada, has a profitable yet straightforward business model that provides customers with a primary menu filled with fresh offerings in a relatively short operation, not to mention — all the pretzels and lemonade your heart desires!

Kona Ice

• Startup costs: $127,750-$151,550
• Units: 1,310

Ice, ice, baby! Kona Ice, a gourmet, shaved ice brand founded in Northern Kentucky, is one of the world’s largest food truck businesses serving sweet and delicious icy treats. However, it’s not just customers who are gaga over the shaved ice experience — Kona Ice has also found success with its franchisees. It has consistently been ranked #1 in Franchisee Satisfaction by Franchise Business Review for eight years. Another reason we love the brand is its guarantee that it will have franchisees up and running in 30-60 days, plus fixed royalties so that there are no penalties for succeeding. Now that’s a sweet deal!

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

• Startup costs: $198,500-$543,500
• Units: 850

What’s not to love about smoothies? They can be a quick, delicious and refreshing way to get nutrients from various plants and vegetables. This healthy fast-casual concept serves smoothies, sandwiches, flatbreads and wraps across the country. This fresh concept seems to work for the brand, as Tropical Smoothies says that 60% of the restaurant’s sales are from smoothies and the other 40% is from its other food offerings. Because of the two, Tropical Smoothie says that they can maintain sales across multiple meal times— breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack times.

Healthy YOU Vending

• Startup costs: $50,000

You might want to turn to vending machines if you’re looking for another healthy snack franchise. Healthy YOU Vending sells healthy vending machines in the U.S. and currently leads the industry with its wide selection of snacks and drinks, like Izze and Pirate’s Booty, to meals and mini-meals like Miso Ramen. Healthy YOU provides potential entrepreneurs with a simple concept that allows those with a passion for wellness to join in on the trending space.

Great American Cookies*® 

• Startup costs: $277,400-$403,150 
• Units: 290

You’ve seen them everywhere in the Southeast (and maybe even Guam), but did you know that the Great American Cookies franchise opportunity offers franchisees a sweet deal with a dessert concept? More than just a delectable cookie business, Great American Cookies offers co-branding opportunities with the brand’s parent company, FAT Brands, which also holds Marble Slab Creamery*®, Pretzel Maker®, Hot Dog on a Stick® and  Round Table Pizza®.