Best Restaurant Franchises: High Item 19 Restaurants for 2024

If you’re considering investing in a restaurant franchise, one of the most critical pieces of information you need to evaluate is the Item 19 from the franchise disclosure document (FDD). Item 19 provides financial performance representations, often detailing the sales and profitability of franchise and/or company-owned units. This data can help you, as a potential franchisee, understand the potential financial performance of the brands you’re considering.

Comparing the Item 19 for different franchises comes with its own set of complications. In the first place, not every brand provides this information in the FDD; some franchisors prefer to wait until they’re further along in the interview process before disclosing their financial performance data. Secondly, not every franchise reports this information the same way or uses the same key metrics; some may report on gross sales while others focus on net sales, or some may divide the data into quartiles to provide info on the highest and lowest performing units. Finally, it usually takes a few years for a brand’s FDD to become available to the public, so unless you get your info straight from the franchisor, you’ll probably be looking at sales figures from 2020, 2021 or 2022. Given the impact that COVID had on the restaurant industry, comparing one brand’s numbers from 2020 to another brand’s numbers from 2022 can be like comparing apples to oranges.

That said, we’re going to try and wrangle that performance data to provide a list of restaurant franchises in the U.S. with high Item 19 disclosures. We’ll be using average unit volume (AUV) as our key metric. Here are our top 15 high Item 19 restaurant picks for 2024.

Popeyes

• AUV: $1,821,041 (2022)
• Initial Investment: $235,000 - $3,000,000
• Unit Count: 3,138

Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Al Copeland, Popeyes is celebrated for its spicy, Louisiana-style fried chicken and seafood. Its flavorful offerings and innovative menu items have garnered a loyal following. With strong AUVs and a significant presence in the fast-food industry, Popeyes offers franchisees the chance to invest in a well-established brand with a robust support system and strong earning potential, particularly in the chicken segment.

McDonald’s

• AUV: $1,814,000 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $464,500 - $2,306,500
• Unit Count: 41,800+

McDonald's was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California. As the world's largest fast-food chain, McDonald's serves a diverse menu, including its iconic Big Mac, fries and breakfast items. Known for its global brand recognition and extensive marketing, McDonald's franchises boast some of the highest average revenues in the industry. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive training and unparalleled brand support, making it a top choice for investors.

Wendy’s

• AUV: $1,750,838 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $330,000 - $4,600,000
• Unit Count: 7,166

Founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy's is known for its diverse menu that includes fresh, never-frozen beef burgers and Frosty desserts. With a focus on quality and innovation, Wendy's has built a strong brand reputation and loyal customer base. The franchise offers solid earning potential, supported by effective marketing and a strong operational system. Franchisees can expect robust support and training, making Wendy's a compelling investment in the competitive fast-food market.

Zaxby’s

• AUV: $2,544,354 (2021)
• Initial Investment: $1,391,700 - $3,266,200
• Unit Count: 900+

Zaxby's was founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, by childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley. This fast-casual chain offers a Southern-inspired menu featuring chicken fingers, wings, salads and sandwiches. Zaxby's has carved a niche in the competitive chicken segment with its unique flavors and community-centric approach. With strong average unit volumes and a loyal customer base, Zaxby's presents a lucrative investment opportunity for franchisees looking to enter the growing fast-casual market.

Melting Pot

Brand Development Page

• AUV: $2,509,405 (2022)
• Initial Investment: $1,364,389 - $2,069,638
• Unit Count: 92

The Melting Pot, established in 1975 in Maitland, Florida, is renowned for its fondue dining experience. This unique concept offers a variety of fondue styles — including cheese, chocolate and broth-based cooking — providing an interactive and memorable dining experience. With strong average revenues and a loyal customer base seeking unique dining experiences, Melting Pot franchises offer a compelling opportunity. Franchisees benefit from a proven business model, comprehensive support, and a distinctive niche in the upscale dining market.

Chick-fil-A

• AUV: $2,082,935 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $10,000 franchise fee
• Unit Count: 3,059

Chick-fil-A was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy in Hapeville, Georgia. Known for its delicious chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, as well as its exceptional customer service, Chick-fil-A has become a leader in the fast-food industry. Its unique operating hours — closed on Sundays — and strong brand values contribute to its distinct identity. With industry-leading sales per unit and a reputation for high-quality food and service, Chick-fil-A presents an attractive investment opportunity for franchisees seeking a high-earning potential and a supportive franchise system.

Pollo Campero*

Brand Development Page

• AUV: $1,959,152 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $1,287,250 - $2,491,500
• Unit Count: 370+

Pollo Campero originated in 1971 in Guatemala, founded by the Gutierrez family. This fast-casual restaurant specializes in Latin-inspired dishes, including its famous fried and grilled chicken. Pollo Campero's unique flavors and focus on fresh, quality ingredients set it apart in the crowded chicken segment. The franchise offers solid earning potential and a growing presence in the U.S. market, making it an appealing choice for franchisees looking to tap into the expanding Hispanic and Latin American food market.

Wings and Rings*

Brand Development Page

• AUV: $2,743,112 (2021)
• Initial Investment: $1,482,700 - $1,999,700
• Unit Count: 57

Founded in 1984 in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wings and Rings is a casual dining restaurant specializing in buffalo-style chicken wings and other American fare. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and sports bar vibe, it attracts a diverse clientele. The franchise boasts strong earning potential with average revenues of over $2.7 million per unit, driven by its popular menu and strong customer loyalty. 

Del Taco

• AUV: $1,618,863 (2022)
• Initial Investment: $1,312,200 - $3,085,000
• Unit Count: 594

Del Taco was founded in 1964 in Yermo, California, by Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson. This fast-food chain blends Mexican and American cuisines, offering a wide range of tacos, burritos, burgers and fries. Known for its value and variety, Del Taco attracts a broad customer base. With strong AUVs and a growing presence in the market, Del Taco franchises provide an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to enter a versatile and high-demand segment of the fast-food industry.

Paris Baguette*

Brand Development Page

• AUV: $1,528,459 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $718,065 - $1,801,600
• Unit Count: 170

Paris Baguette was established in 1988 in South Korea by the SPC Group. This bakery-café chain offers a range of French-inspired pastries, breads, sandwiches and cakes. Known for their high-quality ingredients and elegant presentation, Paris Baguette has gained a loyal following. With solid earnings potential and a unique niche in the bakery-café market, Paris Baguette franchises offer a promising investment. Franchisees benefit from a strong brand identity, comprehensive support, and growing global presence.

Cheba Hut

• AUV: $1,460,460 (2020)
• Initial Investment: $315,500 - $639,500
• Unit Count: 40+

Cheba Hut was founded in 1998 in Tempe, Arizona, by Scott Jennings. This unique sandwich shop offers a variety of toasted subs, salads and munchies, with a playful cannabis-themed branding. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and creative menu, Cheba Hut attracts a loyal and diverse customer base. The franchise offers strong earning potential and a distinctive niche in the fast-casual market. Franchisees can expect robust support and a fun, engaging brand that stands out in the competitive sandwich segment.

Qdoba Mexican Eats

• AUV: $1,303,054 (2021)
• Initial Investment: $489,200 - $1,300,000
• Unit Count: 779

Qdoba was established in 1995 in Denver, Colorado, by Tony Miller and Bob Hauser. This fast-casual chain specializes in Mexican cuisine, including burritos, tacos and bowls, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and customizable options. Known for its vibrant flavors and casual dining experience, Qdoba attracts a wide customer base. With strong average unit volumes and a growing market presence, Qdoba franchises offer a lucrative investment opportunity for those looking to enter the popular Mexican food segment.

Jersey Mike’s

• AUV: $1,220,974 (2022)
• Initial Investment: $194,035 - $954,611
• Unit Count: 2,800+

Jersey Mike's was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, by Peter Cancro. This sub sandwich chain is known for its high-quality ingredients and freshly sliced meats. With a focus on community involvement and customer service, Jersey Mike's has built a loyal following. The franchise boasts strong earning potential, supported by effective marketing and a robust operational system. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training and support, making it an attractive investment in the sandwich segment.

Checkers* & Rally’s

Brand Development Page

• AUV: $1,194,079 (2021)
• Initial Investment: $165,796 - $1,306,345
• Unit Count: 878 (Checkers: 569, Rally’s: 309)

Checkers was founded in Mobile, Alabama, and Rally’s was founded in Louisville, Kentucky — both in 1986. Checkers bought Rally’s in 1999 and the two brands merged to form Checkers & Rally’s. Known for its double drive-thru lanes, seasoned fries, and classic American fare, the chain has gained a strong following. The franchise's efficient service model and popular menu items contribute to its solid financial performance. With a well-established brand and strong earning potential, Checkers & Rally's offers franchisees a compelling investment opportunity in the fast-food market.

Teriyaki Madness

• AUV: $1,095,618 (2023)
• Initial Investment: $350,000 - $976,000
• Unit Count: 39

Teriyaki Madness was established in 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada. This fast-casual chain offers a variety of Japanese-inspired dishes, including teriyaki bowls and stir-fries. Known for its bold flavors and healthy options, Teriyaki Madness attracts a health-conscious and diverse customer base. The franchise presents strong earning potential, driven by the growing demand for healthier fast-casual dining options. Franchisees benefit from a supportive franchise system and a unique niche in the market.

These 15 restaurant franchises demonstrate strong financial performance through the Item 19 disclosures in their FDDs. For investors seeking profitable franchise opportunities, these brands represent some of the best options in the market.

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