Best Restaurant Franchises: Top Full-Service Restaurants of 2024
With the full-service restaurant market booming, entrepreneurs have a wealth of franchise opportunities to explore and capitalize on in 2024.
The full-service restaurants market was estimated at a whopping $1.5 trillion in 2023 and is expected to reach an even more impressive $1.9 trillion by 2033. Luckily for entrepreneurs who want to get in on the action, there are plenty of franchise brands in the space.
Here are 50 of the top options.
Initial Investment: $809,325 - $1,290,850
Unit Count: 140+
Beef 'O' Brady's is a family-oriented sports bar franchise offering a casual dining experience with a focus on sports and community involvement.
Initial Investment: $791,967 - $1,327,475
Unit Count: 50+
Brass Tap is a craft beer taproom franchise known for offering a unique selection of local and international brews in a relaxed setting.
Initial Investment: $1,364,389 - $2,069,638
Unit Count: 90+
Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant franchise that provides a unique, interactive dining experience with a focus on shared meals and a variety of fondue styles.
Initial Investment: $456,000 - $1,500,000
Unit Count: 18
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar offers a coastal experience with fresh seafood, cold beer and craft cocktails in a fun, relaxed environment.
Initial Investment: $2,428,029 - $7,084,006
Unit Count: 1,500+
Applebee’s is a neighborhood grill-and-bar franchise offering casual dining with a wide range of American dishes.
Initial Investment: $1,804,195 - $6,503,695
Unit Count: 1,600+
Chili’s is a casual-dining restaurant franchise known for its American and Tex-Mex cuisine and its fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Initial Investment: $2,481,500 - $4,804,800
Unit Count: 1,200+
Buffalo Wild Wings is a sports bar franchise famous for its wings, beers and sports-centric dining experience.
Initial Investment: $2,721,000 - $4,326,000
Unit Count: 700+
TGI Fridays is a globally recognized casual-dining chain known for its American cuisine.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 700+
Red Lobster is a seafood restaurant franchise offering a variety of freshly prepared seafood dishes and a nautical-themed dining experience.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 900+
Olive Garden is a family-style restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine, famous for its pasta dishes and unlimited breadsticks.
Initial Investment: $1,600,000 - $3,000,000
Unit Count: 360+
Texas Roadhouse is a steakhouse franchise known for its hand-cut steaks, made-from-scratch sides and Western-themed atmosphere.
Initial Investment: $1,766,072 - $4,375,997
Unit Count: 1,800+
IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is a popular breakfast-focused restaurant chain offering a wide variety of pancakes and other breakfast, lunch and dinner items.
Initial Investment: $2,500,00 - $4,300,000
Unit Count: 130+
On the Border is a Tex-Mex restaurant chain known for its lively atmosphere, freshly prepared Mexican dishes and signature margaritas,
Initial Investment: Starting at $1,600,000
Unit Count: 800+
Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed steakhouse chain known for its bold flavors and hearty portions.
Initial Investment: $1,618,375 - $3,056,875
Unit Count: 1,600+
Denny’s is a classic American diner-style restaurant chain offering a wide range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options around the clock.
Initial Investment: $507,000 - $1,686,000
Unit Count: 266
Johnny Rockets is a 1950s-themed diner franchise serving classic American fare, including hamburgers, fries and milkshakes.
Initial Investment: $3,500,000 - $6,700,000
Unit Count: 180+
California Pizza Kitchen is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in California-style pizzas and a variety of pasta and salad dishes.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 170+
Bonefish Grill is a seafood restaurant franchise offering a variety of fresh fish and wood-grilled specialties in a casual setting.
Initial Investment: $1,316,250 - $2,920,750
Unit Count: 180+
Famous Dave’s* is a barbecue restaurant chain known for its smoked meats, beloved sauces and rustic décor.
Initial Investment: $1,860,000 - $2,565,000
Unit Count: 13
Cantina Laredo offers a menu inspired by the tastes of Mexico City, combining traditional and modern flairs with dishes like grilled fish, chicken and steaks.
Initial Investment: $1,215,444 - $2,606,540
Unit Count: 780+
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ is a Japanese barbecue franchise offering a unique, interactive dining experience where guests grill their own meats and vegetables at the table.
Initial Investment: Starting at $546,500
Unit Count: 130+
Uno Pizzeria & Grill is a franchised pizzeria restaurant chain famous for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Initial Investment: $1,332,060 - $2,354,384
Unit Count: 227
Smashburger is a burger chain known for its signature "smashed" burgers and diverse menu of sides and beverages.
Initial Investment: $509,000-$1,700,000
Unit Count: 36
Elevation Burger emphasizes high-quality ingredients such as 100% grass-fed organic beef patties and heart-healthy olive oil-cooked fries, offering a sustainable and delicious burger experience.
Initial Investment: $212,285 - $1,350,487
Unit Count: 500+
A&W is a classic American fast-food chain known for its root beer, floats and all-American fare such as burgers and hot dogs.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 200+
Carrabba’s is an Italian-American restaurant chain offering a wide variety of pasta, seafood and grilled dishes.
Initial Investment: $197,400 - $355,900
Unit Count: 4
Blue Margaritas specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine inspired by regional flavors across Mexico, offering menu items like steak fajitas, taco salads and signature Blue Margaritas
Initial Investment: $629,900 - $1,011,750
Unit Count: 169
BurgerFi is a burger chain focusing on all-natural, hormone-free ingredients and environmentally sustainable practices.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 85+
Bucca di Beppo is an Italian restaurant chain known for its family-style servings and festive, eclectic décor.
Initial Investment: $810,000 - $1,239,500
Unit Count: 60+
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza specializes in coal-fired pizza and wings cooked at 900 degrees, offering a unique dining experience with high-quality ingredients and strong brand loyalty.
Initial Investment: $495,000 - $1,565,000
Unit Count: 135
Fuddruckers is a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in build-your-own burgers and fresh-baked buns.
Initial Investment: Starting at $987,000
Unit Count: 29
Bareburger is a gourmet burger chain focusing on organic, all-natural ingredients and environmentally friendly practices.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 80
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned business known for its authentic and traditional Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, enchiladas and sizzling fajitas.
Initial Investment: Starting at $360,500
Unit Count: 3
Chino-Mex combines flavors from California, Michoacán and El Salvador to create a diverse menu.
Initial Investment: $2,748,300 - $4,100,000
Unit Count: 400+
Hooters is a sports bar and restaurant chain known for its casual dining atmosphere, sports bar vive and distinctively garbed waitstaff.
Initial Investment: Starting at $1,009,000
Unit Count: 115+
Village Inn offers a modern twist on comfort food with a focus on breakfast, including made-from-scratch pancakes and pies, along with boozy brunch options.
Initial Investment: $1,000,000 - $2,600,000
Unit Count: 100+
Friendly’s is a family-friendly restaurant franchise famous for its ice cream and classic American diner fare.
Initial Investment: $606,128 - $856,201
Unit Count: 175+
Papa Gino’s is a New England-based pizza chain known for its traditional Italian-style pizzas and family-oriented dining experience.
Initial Investment: $1,661,000 - $4,616,000
Unit Count: 170+
Mellow Mushroom is a pizzeria franchise offering a variety of stone-baked pizzas, calzones and craft beers in a quirky, art-filled environment.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 31
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is an Italian restaurant chain featuring a wide range of pasta dishes, Italian specialties and an open-kitchen concept.
Initial Investment: $2,500,000 - $4,500,000
Unit Count: 130+
Bar Louie is a casual bar-and-restaurant chain offering handcrafted cocktails, local beers and a diverse menu in a trendy, urban setting.
Initial Investment: $3,311,800 - $3,608,400
Unit Count: 100+
Twin Peaks is a sports-lodge-themed restaurant chain known for its hearty American food and large-screen TVs.
Initial Investment: $2,700,000 - $7,000,000
Unit Count: 390+
Golden Corral is a buffet restaurant chain offering an extensive variety of American cuisine.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 78+
Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom offers a unique franchise opportunity focused on craft beer and award-winning pizza.
Initial Investment: $1,300,000 - $3,200,000
Unit Count: 130+
Logan’s Roadhouse is a steakhouse chain known for its mesquite-grilled steaks, roadhouse atmosphere and complimentary peanuts.
Initial Investment: $450,000- $1,400,000
Unit Count: Nearly 300
Krystal is a fast-food chain famous for its small, square hamburgers, similar to those of White Castle.
Initial Investment: $568,000 - $2,800,000
Unit Count: 80+
Shoney’s is a family-style restaurant franchise offering a variety of American comfort food and a popular breakfast buffet.
Initial Investment: $899,800 - $1,522,000
Unit Count: 470+
First Watch is a daytime café chain specializing in breakfast, brunch and lunch with a focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Initial Investment: $1,504,505 - $2,059,010
Unit Count: 140+
Black Bear Diner focuses on hearty, home-style meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Initial Investment: Contact franchisor
Unit Count: 80+
Yard House is a sports bar chain known for its extensive menu of American cuisine and a wide selection of draft beers.
Investing in a full-service restaurant franchise not only offers the potential for profitable returns, but also provides entrepreneurs with the chance to be part of a brand that resonates with customers and brings people together over great food and memorable dining experiences.
Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.