The 42 Best Franchises To Buy and Own in 2024

The world of franchising is not short of opportunities, with thousands of brands to choose from. Whether it's your first time in franchising or you are looking for a new brand to add to your portfolio, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide on the best business for you. To help navigate through the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 42 franchises who made Entrepreneurs highly sought after “Franchise 500” list this year. 

Choosing the right franchise involves careful consideration of various factors, and the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” is a valuable resource for anyone embarking on this journey. The rankings are based on a thorough evaluation of franchise opportunities, taking into account important aspects that can significantly impact a franchisee's success.

With 500 to choose from, we’ve narrowed our list down to 42. The franchises on rundown below cover a diverse range of industries: food and beverage, hospitality, education and beyond. Each brand on this list has also demonstrated excellence in terms of its business model, customer satisfaction and growth potential.

1. Taco Bell
2. Jersey Mike's Subs
3. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
4. The UPS Store
5. Ace Hardware
6. Dunkin'
7. Culver's
8. Hampton by Hilton
9. Arby's
10. Kumon
11. Servpro
12. KFC
13. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
14. Wingstop
15. Smoothie King
16. Budget Blinds
17. Wendy's
18. McDonald's
19. IHOP
20. Snap-on Tools
21. Pet Supplies Plus
22. DoubleTree by Hilton
23. Stratus Building Solutions
24. Papa Johns
25. 7-Eleven
26. Pizza Hut
27. Valvoline Instant Oil Change
28. Hilton Hotels and Resorts
29. Crunch
30. The Maids
31. Crumbl Cookies
32. The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education
33. Hilton Garden Inn
34. Home2 Suites by Hilton
35. Great Clips*
36. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting
37. Pearle Vision
38. Burger King
39. Kona Ice
40. Baskin-Robbins
41. Homewood Suites by Hilton
42. Dairy Queen*

Franchisees looking for stability and recognition may find well-established brands such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut appealing. On the other hand, those interested in emerging trends might explore options such as Crumbl Cookies or Kona Ice.

Everyone who is considering franchising as their next business move should conduct thorough research and due diligence before making a decision. Think about the initial investment, ongoing fees, training and support provided by the franchisor, and the overall fit with your entrepreneurial goals.

Overall, the world of franchising is ripe with opportunities in 2024. Whether you're drawn to the recognition of a well-known fast-food giant or the flexibility of a boutique service brand, there's something for everyone in this list. Take the time to explore these options, consult with industry experts and start your journey toward successful franchise ownership.