1851

<p>Interest in franchising has <a href="https://1851franchise.com/covid-19-and-high-unemployment-set-up-2021-for-franchise-sales-feeding-frenzy-2714528"><u>grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic</u></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"><u>continues to thrive as takeout</u></a> and to-go ordering becomes the new standard.&nbsp;</p><p>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;</p><p>Here are 10 of our favorite fast food franchises for 2021:&nbsp;</p><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"><u><span class="brand-highlight">Atomic Wings*</span></u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $170,400–$377,355</li><li>Units: 10+</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/atomicwings"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></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"><u>Checkers &amp; Rally’s</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $254,000–$1.4 million&nbsp;</li><li>Units: 859</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/checkers"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></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"><u>Dunkin’ Donuts</u></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"><u>KFC</u></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"><u>Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen</u></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"><u>Slim Chickens</u></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"><u>Sonic</u></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"><u>Taco Bell</u></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"><u>Toppers Pizza</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $262,663–$490,649</li><li>Units: 70&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/topperspizza"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></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"><u>Wing Zone</u></a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $314,985</li><li>Units: Nearly 100</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/wingzone"><u>1851 Brand Newsroom</u></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. 

the-best-fast-food-franchises-to-buy-in-2021

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

melting-pot-return-to-lexington

Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

john-kimberly-ehrhard-kekes-franchise

Comfort Keepers

More Than a Caregiver: Loretta Smith's Support Extends to Fellow Caregivers, Clients and the Community

more-than-a-caregiver-loretta-smiths-support-extends-to-fellow-caregivers-clients-and-the-community

Photo of Melting Pot CEO John "JC" Crawford

Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions

melting-pot-franchise-mid-year-2025

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Texas Layne’s Franchisee Secures Real Estate in Austin, Set To Open Early Next Year

texas-laynes-franchisee-secures-real-estate-in-austin-set-to-open-early-next-year

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

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Photo of Happinest Brands vans and teams standing together

Happinest Brands Closes Strong Q1 With Strategic Growth, System-Wide Enhancements

happinest-brands-q1-2025-growth

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

The Best Fast Food Franchises to Buy in 2021

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS