1851

<p>The restaurant industry had a rough year in 2020, but franchise brands outperformed their indie counterparts, and everyone still needs to eat. The pandemic forced restaurants to innovate away from traditional dine-in settings and come up with offerings that translate well off-premise.&nbsp;</p><p>Now is an especially interesting time to invest in restaurants, as the big brands of tomorrow are probably just getting going today. Below, 1851 Franchise has compiled a list of some of the best restaurants to invest in right now.&nbsp;</p><h4><a href="https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $252,700-$776,750</li><li>Units: 16</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/shuckinshack/executive.html"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://checkersfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Checkers &amp; Rally’s</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $254,000-$1,431,000</li><li>Units: 820+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/checkers"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://slimchickensfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Slim Chickens</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $915,900-$1,714,000</li><li>Units: 121+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Teriyaki Madness</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $322,000-$862,000</li><li>Units: 200+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://beefobradysfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $806,825-$1,288,350</li><li>Units: 150</li></ul><h4><a href="https://famoustoastery.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Famous Toastery</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $601,500-$1,029,500</li><li>Units: 25+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/famoustoastery/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.toppers.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Toppers Pizza</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $315,550-$528,500</li><li>Units: 83</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.famousdaves.com/FranchiseOpportunities?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u><span class="brand-highlight">Famous Dave&#x2019;s*</span></u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $482,000-$4,200,000</li><li>Units: 120+&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://www.famousdaves.com/FranchiseOpportunities?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.mightyquinnsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Mighty Quinn’s BBQ</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $738,488-$896,334</li><li>Units: 7</li></ul><h4><a href="https://thegreeneturtle.com/about/franchise-information/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>The Greene Turtle Bar &amp; Grille</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1,455,000-$1,757,500</li><li>Units: 37</li></ul><h4><a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $403,750-$639,100</li><li>Units: 83</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/mooyah/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://franchise.chebahut.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Cheba Hut</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $463,500-$746,500</li><li>Units: 42</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chebahut/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.atomicwings.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u><span class="brand-highlight">Atomic Wings*</span></u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $170,400-$377,355</li><li>Units: 21&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/atomicwings/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://franchise.littlecaesars.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Little Caesars Pizza</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $221,000-$654,000</li><li>Units: 5,463&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/littlecaesarsinternational/latest_stories"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://wingzonefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Wing Zone</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $250,000</li><li>Units: 90+&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/wingzone/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1,280,000-$2,412,000</li><li>Units: 80+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/buffalowingsandrings/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://fostersfreeze.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Foster’s Freeze</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $611,500-$1,009,000</li><li>Units: 65+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/fostersfreeze/info"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></a></li></ul><h4><a href="http://www.tacobellfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Taco Bell</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $570,600-$3,049,100</li><li>Units: 7,100+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Dunkin’</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $97,500-$1,717,103</li><li>Units: 12,960</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.popeyes.com/development?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $383,500-$2,620,800</li><li>Units: 3,315</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.culvers.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Culver’s</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $2,349,000-$5,356,000</li><li>Units: 735&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Jersey Mike’s Subs</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $169,001-$804,045</li><li>Units: 1,870+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/franchising/acquiring-franchising.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>McDonald’s</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1,008,000-$2,214,080</li><li>Units: 38,695</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Tropical Smoothie Cafe</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $198,500-$543,500</li><li>Units: 830+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.wingstop.com/own-a-wingstop?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Wingstop Restaurants, Inc.</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $374,089-$782,442</li><li>Units: 30</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.kfc.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>KFC US LLC</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1,300,000-$2,500,000</li><li>Units: 22,621</li></ul><h4><a href="https://sonicfranchises.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Sonic Drive-In</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $361,900-$978,700</li><li>Units: 3,496</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.freddysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><u>Freddy’s Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $640,552-$1,131,726</li><li>Units: 380</li></ul>

Best Restaurant Franchises of 2021

1851 Franchise

Looking for a top-notch restaurant franchise to invest in? See below for our top picks.

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Seniors Helping Seniors®

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Seniors Helping Seniors® In-Home Care Services Expands to St. George, UT

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Mosquito Hunters

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Scaling the Rockies: Brad Goins’ Remote Success With Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Humbug Holiday Lighting in Colorado

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® and TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK® Celebrate Franchise Success at Annual Conference

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USA Ninja Challenge

How Dale Grant Used Three Decades of Gymnastics Expertise to Build USA Ninja Challenge

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Preservan

Preservan Celebrates First-Ever BrightPath Gathering: Lighting the Way for Community and Sustainability

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Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

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Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

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Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

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&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

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CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

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Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

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Franchise Deep Dive: The UPS Store Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit, and Data

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

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SoBol’s President and COO Shares Growth Journey and Franchise Vision

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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

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Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

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The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

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Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

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

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Best Restaurant Franchises of 2021

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