1851

Prospective franchisees look at a number of different factors when evaluating a franchise concept. Does the corporate team provide a reliable support system? Does the culture fit? Is there room for growth? Is the brand strong? But there is one factor in particular&mdash;one number on one line of the franchise disclosure document&mdash;that every prospect is likely to check before anything else: Average Unit Volume.

Of course, the AUV doesn&rsquo;t tell the whole story. Sophisticated investors know that the significance of the AUV depends on a number of contextual factors, including year-over-year growth, franchise fees, and overhead. But to get a baseline idea of how profitable a franchise may be, the AUV is the first place to look.

1851 has gathered 15 our favorite foodservice brands with towering AUVs. The restaurants represented on this list include QSR brands and full-service restaurants, with unit-counts ranging from single to triple digits. Here are our 15 favorite food franchises with $1 million+ AUVs.

<hr />
<a href="https://www.bojangles.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bojangles</a>&#39;

Selling biscuits in the south is like selling sand in a desert. The competition is steep, including not only other restaurants but just about every family&rsquo;s generations-held recipe. And yet, Bojangles&rsquo; has managed to stand out in that market. Their buttermilk biscuits have become a regional staple, and the brand now operates over 700 locations primarily throughout the Southeast. Now, Bojangles&rsquo; is eager to extend their brand throughout the rest of the country.

AUV: $1,229,478

Startup costs: $357,733 to $636,580

<hr />
<a href="http://ownabuffalo.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings</a>

Buffalo Wings &amp; Rings didn&rsquo;t invent the wings-and-sports-bar concept, but they may have perfected it. The Cincinnati-based franchise has seen consistent growth year over year, opening dozens of new units in new markets across the globe each year and bringing in millions of dollars in system-wide sales.

AUV: $2,000,000

Startup costs: $1,292,500 to $2,407,000

<hr />
<a href="http://thebrasstapfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Brass Tap</a>

The Brass Tap&rsquo;s simple but genius franchising innovation was to create a scalable bar &amp; grill model that tailors each location&rsquo;s extensive beer menu to local preferences, making every Brass Tap location feel like the neighborhood bar. The concept allows The Brass Tap to roll with any changes to consumer preferences on the fly without eschewing the franchise model.

AUV: $1,205,000

Startup costs: $664,050 to $1,223,000

<hr />
<a href="https://www.culvers.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Culver&rsquo;s</a>

Culver&rsquo;s has always been a strong partner to the Midwest. Not only did the burger concept originate and grow in the region, it has designed its menu to patronize that essential industry of the Midwest: farming. Now that organic and environmentally-conscious eating has become a priority for consumers, Culver&rsquo;s dedication to farm-fresh ingredients has become an even greater value proposition.

AUV: $2,183,800

Startup costs: $1,845,000 to $4,155,000

<hr />
<a href="https://www.dairyqueen.com/us-en/?localechange=1&amp%3B=&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dairy Queen</a>

With well over 6,000 locations throughout the U.S., Dairy Queen is one of the largest brands on our list. The classic American-fare concept is also one of the most iconic, its Blizzards and Dilly Bars virtually inventing new genres of dessert. And the brand is still innovating. Recently, Dairy Queen introduced their Grill &amp; Chill model, a slimmer restaurant concept that dramatically reduces overhead and infrastructural investment requirements.

AUV: $3,621,069

Startup costs: $361,450 to $1,835,825

<hr />
<a href="http://www.deltacofranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Del Taco</a>

Del Taco has a number of competitors, including one particular taco-focused chain often ranked among those behemoth brands we mentioned up top. But you wouldn&rsquo;t know it in California, where Del Taco was founded in 1964 and has since become a state-wide institution, its fans ardent in their conviction that Del Taco is the best taco brand around.

AUV: $1,400,000

Startup costs: $859,700 to $2,016,500

<hr />
<a href="http://ownatoastery.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Famous Toastery</a>

Since 2005, when Famous Toastery opened their first location in Huntersville, North Carolina, the breakfast restaurant has been adamant about serving only high-quality, fresh-made breakfasts in a casual, family-oriented atmosphere. That combo struck a chord with customers, and Famous Toastery quickly expanded to three restaurants, eventually turning to franchising in 2013. Now Famous Toastery has 13 locations throughout the East Coast, and they are still expanding.

AUV: $1,490,000

Startup costs: $601,500 to $1,044,000

<hr />
<a href="http://www.fiveguys.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Five Guys</a>

In the fifteen years that Five Guys has been a franchise, the brand has rocketed from a handful of locations in Virginia and Maryland to nearly 1,500 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, with another 1,500 in development. In 2018, Five Guys is looking to extend their brand even further, with plans to open restaurants in new international markets, including Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

AUV: $1,319,491

Startup costs: $152,600 to $360,300

<hr />
<a href="http://frenchfryheavenfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">French Fry Heaven</a>

From fast-food to fine-dining, French fries have been a staple of American food for decades, but French Fry Heaven is one of the few concepts to put fries front and center. Not only has French Fry Heaven refined their recipe to provide a perfect fry, they&rsquo;ve built a menu of creative and enticing fry-based entrees, including poutine, pizza fries, country-fried chicken fries, and pulled-pork fries.

AUV: $1,072,429

Startup costs: $214, 500 to $490,500

<hr />
<a href="http://www.goldencorralfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Golden Corral</a>

Golden Corral has long been one of the most reliable full-service brands in franchising. The country&rsquo;s largest buffet chain, Golden Corral regularly brings in well over a billion in system-wide sales for the year. And the chain is still growing, taking advantage of the collapse of other buffet brands to open new units in existing buildings, expanding their system with reduced development costs.

AUV: $4,916,939

Startup costs: $1,961,000 to $5,539,000

<hr />
<a href="https://www.johnnyrockets.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Johnny Rockets</a>

Last year, Johnny Rockets began rolling out an aesthetic redesign that recast the brand&rsquo;s nostalgic 1950s American iconography into a sleek, modern design. The new design is a savvy pivot aimed at capturing a new demographic while retaining customers who feel a personal connection to the decades-old restaurant chain. Of course, the new design will take some time to reach all of Johnny Rockets restaurants, of which there are more than 200 spread across 32 countries.

AUV: $1,100,000

Startup costs: $553,500 to $1,069,000

<hr />
<a href="http://mooyahfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a>

In MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes&rsquo; 10 years of franchising, the brand has earned an enviable collection of industry accolades and acknowledgements, including a spot on Fast Casual Magazine&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.fastcasual.com/whitepapers/2016-fast-casual-top-100/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Top 100 Movers &amp; Shakers</a> list several years in a row and a number of high rankings from <a href="http://franchiserankings.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">franchiserankings.com</a> in categories including Best Fast Casual Restaurant Franchises, Best Restaurant Franchises, and Best Overall Franchises.

AUV: $1,000,000

Startup costs: $334,950 to $529,700

<hr />
<a href="https://www.rubytuesday.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ruby Tuesday</a>

Ruby Tuesday is a titan not only in the full-service segment but in the entire franchise industry. For decades, the family-friendly American food concept has been carefully extending its reach throughout the world, opening over 700 locations in more than 13 countries. Ruby Tuesday&rsquo;s growth strategy for the next decade is designed to continue attracting partners in international markets, further strengthening its brand across the globe.

AUV: $1,116,700

Startup costs: $1,559,650 to $3,877,400

<hr />
<a href="https://slimchickensfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Slim Chickens</a>

Since the first Slim Chickens opened in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, the fried-chicken brand has distinguished itself through a focus on home-style dining in a fast-casual setting. Fresh chicken tenders and wings are cooked to order and served with made-from-scratch dipping sauces. And with more than 40 locations open today and a fanatical following in 10 states, the brand is emerging as a leader in the &ldquo;better chicken&rdquo; segment.

AUV: $1,350,000

Startup costs: $400,000 to $927,000

<hr />
<a href="https://www.zaxbysfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv-2704897" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Zaxby&rsquo;s</a>

Zaxby&rsquo;s has been on a bit of a development tear recently. In 2016, the comfort-food concept opened 74 new units, and they are on pace to beat that number this year. Still, Zaxby&rsquo;s restaurants are located almost exclusively throughout the southeastern U.S., so the brand has an enormous opportunity for further growth.

AUV: $2,174,300

Startup costs: $284,000 to $664,300

Food Franchise Brands with Over $1 Million AUV

Food Franchise Brands with over $1 Million AUV

1851 Franchise

15 foodservice franchises that rake in more than a million dollars per unit on average

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

food-franchise-brands-with-over-1-million-auv

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of home inspectors speaking with another person outside of HomeTeam Inspection Service vehicle

From Inquiry to Ownership: How HomeTeam Inspection Service Paves a Clear Path to Franchising

hometeam-franchise-path-to-ownership

Mellow Mushroom

Art and Economics: How Mellow Mushroom’s Local Commitment Helped Secure Franchise Times Top 400 Spot

mellow-mushroom-franchise-times-400-rank-growth

Sola Salons

Photo of interior of Sola Salons location

How Much Can I Make as a Sola Salons Franchise Owner?

franchise-earnings

SweatHouz

Memberships That Matter: SweatHouz’s Recurring Revenue Model Explained

sweathouz-recurring-revenue-model

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts National Convention Spotlights a Business That Builds More Than Just Revenue

Why Franchisees Are All In: Pigtails & Crewcuts National Convention Spotlights a Business That Builds More Than Just Revenue

pigtails-and-crewcuts-national-convention-2025

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 Development Website Builder

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

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum

Authority Brands Enters Q4 with Record Momentum, Surpassing 200 New Franchise Owners in the First 10 Months of 2025

authority-brands-enters-q4-with-record-momentum-surpassing-200-new-franchise-owners-in-the-first-10-months-of-2025

Franchises, work-life balance, millennials in franchising, millennials work-life balance

The Best Franchises for Millennials Wanting Work-Life Balance

best-franchises-millennials-work-life-balance

Photo of Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza franchisee Lily Wilford

Entrepreneur: This 18-Year-Old Saves Babysitting Money for College — Then Decided to Buy a Business Instead

18-year-old-franchise-owner-lily-wilford

Amazon outage, AWS outage, Amazon AWS logo

The Day the Cloud Stalled: How Amazon's Outage Impacted Franchise Economy

amazon-aws-outage-franchise-impact-travel-dining-failure

Thursday 1851 Franchise Agg - NASAA’s Noncompete Push

NASAA’s Noncompete Push Puts Franchise Growth on Uncertain Ground

franchise-noncompete-nasaa-advisory-reasonableness-standard

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

image of michael panos and michel panos, owners of mellow mushroom in Atlanta

The Panos Family’s Role in Preserving Mellow Mushroom’s Character — and Expanding in Atlanta

mellow-mushroom-franchise-panos-restaurant-group-metro-atlanta

image of franchise deep dive from 1851 franchise on doody calls franchise authority brands

DoodyCalls Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

doodycalls-franchise-deep-dive

Graphic with arm, holding graduation cap, coming out of stack of books

Food Franchise Brands with over $1 Million AUV

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS