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Interest in franchising has <a href="https://1851franchise.com/covid-19-and-high-unemployment-set-up-2021-for-franchise-sales-feeding-frenzy-2714528">grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic</a>, and while the restaurant industry as a whole may be suffering, the fast food industry <a href="https://1851franchise.com/covid-19-vaccine-what-it-means-for-the-pizza-and-fast-food-boom-2714504">continues to thrive as takeout</a> and to-go ordering becomes the new standard.&nbsp;Known for fast-service and limited customer contact, fast food franchises have proven to be recession-resistant as the pandemic and high unemployment wear on. The perks of immediate brand recognition and quick startup timelines can make owning a fast food franchise an extremely lucrative venture.&nbsp;Here are 10 of our favorite fast food franchises for 2021:&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://www.atomicwings.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Atomic Wings</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $170,400–$377,355</li><li>Units: 10+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/atomicwings">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul><h4><a href="http://owncheckersfranchise.com/best-franchise-deal?gclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253WwkhPRQCfhWi3MxZkJ8Rm8lZt1X3Ns6bsrGqnuRPTYm1aRM9l2gfQhoC4HQQAvD_BwE&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Checkers &amp; Rally’s</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $254,000–$1.4 million&nbsp;</li><li>Units: 859</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/checkers">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/franchisee/en/submitasite.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunkin’ Donuts</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $200,000–$1.7 million</li><li>Units: 13,125&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.franchising.com/kfc/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KFC</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1.4–$2.8 million&nbsp;</li><li>Units: 24,394</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.popeyes.com/development?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $384,000–$2.6 million&nbsp;</li><li>Units: 3,377&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><a href="https://slimchickensfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Slim Chickens</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $842,000–$1.7 million</li><li>Units: 93&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><a href="https://sonicfranchises.com/featured/sonic-drive-continues-growing-franchise-development-team/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sonic</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1.2–$3.5 million</li><li>Units: 3,525&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/company/our-brands/franchising-and-real-estate?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taco Bell</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $571,000–$3 million&nbsp;</li><li>Units: 7,400</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.toppers.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Toppers Pizza</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $262,663–$490,649</li><li>Units: 70&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/topperspizza">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.wingzone.com/franchising/?SPPC=Google&amp%3BSPPCADID=150596354&amp%3BSPPCADEXID=&amp%3BSPPCKeywordID=807072292&amp%3Bkeyword=%2Bwing+%2Bzone+%2Bfranchise&amp%3Bmatchtype=b&amp%3Badposition=&amp%3Brandom=15259715500212046251&amp%3Btargetid=kwd-369449029652&amp%3Bnetwork=search&amp%3Bdevice=c&amp%3BdeviceModel=&amp%3BnetworkType=g&amp%3Bphysicalloc=9002004&amp%3Binterestloc=&amp%3Butm_source=Scorpion+Advertising&amp%3Butm_medium=cpc&amp%3Butm_term=%2Bwing+%2Bzone+%2Bfranchise&amp%3Butm_campaign=Google+PPC&amp%3Bgclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253W4t03gd3173xk9YwH6hwUDqeB08_UhTSy6MTJmFAnWpFJBzi4iU7AhoClPwQAvD_BwE&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715143" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wing Zone</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $314,985</li><li>Units: Nearly 100</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/wingzone">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>

The Best Fast Food Franchises to Buy in 2021

1851 Franchise

Drive-thru lanes ruled the pandemic as fast food sales boomed. Here are a few opportunities to get in on the recession-resistant segment. 

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The Brass Tap

Inside The Brass Tap's Recipe for Record-Breaking New Store Performance

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Fresh Coat

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How Kimberly Nelson Is Painting a Path for the Next Generation of Women in Home Services With Fresh Coat Painters

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Lyricos Learning

Photo of multiple students completing STEAM on Demand activity

How California’s Tulare County Office of Education Expanded Access to Hands-On Learning With STEAM on Demand

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Voodoo Brewing Co.

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Celebrate National Beer Day at Voodoo Brewing Co. With New Releases and Old Favorites

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New U Women's Clinic & Aesthetics

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Beyond a Med Spa, New U Is a Women’s Health Solution

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Prince St. Pizza Partners With Dave’s Hot Chicken Franchisee for National Growth

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KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal -  1851 Franchise

KKR to Acquire Nothing Bundt Cakes in $2 Billion Deal

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FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards - 1851 Franchise

FTC Settlement Puts New Focus on Franchise Disclosure Standards

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Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units - 1851 Franchise

Applebee’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy as Dine Brands Moves to Acquire 53 Units

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Why Skilled Trades Are Emerging as the Economy’s Most AI-Resilient Careers

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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A fast-casual restaurant brand serving made-from-scratch sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas rooted in Southern hospitality.


Newk’s Eatery Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

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Beef 'O' Brady's Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a family sports pub concept built around community, casual dining and lifelong local loyalty.

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BrightStar Care Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: BrightStar Care is a home health care franchise that provides both medical and non-medical services.

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Visiting Angels Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2026

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Visiting Angels is a senior home care franchise focused on in-home support for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

How Much Can Franchisees Make? A Guide for Prospective Franchise Owners

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Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

The Best Fast Food Franchises to Buy in 2021

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