1851

In fast-food franchising, the investment range is just as wide as the types of cuisines offered. Some brands can cost upward of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/culvers/282264?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$7 million</a>, while others can be as low as $350,000.But with just a $10,000 franchise fee, one brand stands out as the cheapest fast food franchise: Chick-fil-A. Sounds too good to be true? The catch is that it's extremely difficult to pass the selection process —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcnc.com/article/money/business/its-easier-to-get-into-harvard-than-open-a-chick-fil-a/275-404da0be-9f8d-4dbf-820b-076f96f6d8a7?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20it's%20about%2030,acceptance%20race%20of%20about%204.5%25." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">harder than getting into Harvard</a> to be exact.&nbsp;Opening a Chick-fil-A franchise typically costs between $186,495 and $2.7 million. Instead of franchisees being responsible for those costs, Chick-fil-A covers all opening expenses, leaving franchisees with just a $10,000 fee. Unlike many other major fast food chains, Chick-fil-A also has no requirements for minimum net worth or liquid assets. In comparison, McDonald’s requires a $500,000 net worth.&nbsp;However, Chick-fil-A charges a 15% royalty and takes 50% of all profits for franchisees, which is a much steeper take than other quick-service brands. For example, Wendy’s charges franchisees a 4%-6% royalty, while McDonald’s charges 5%.&nbsp;Since Chick-fil-A is less attainable than most major fast food chains, here are a few examples of other brands that are on the cheaper side to operate.&nbsp;<h3><a href="https://www.wendys.com/franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wendy’s</a></h3>Wendy’s has a surprisingly low investment range for being such a major brand,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/wendys/299712?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">starting at $321,000</a>. However, investment fees can go up to $4.6 million on the high end, depending on a variety of factors. Franchises must also have a minimum net worth of at least $1 million and minimum liquid assets of at least $500,000. The standard franchise fee in the U.S. and Canada is $50,000, and royalty fees range from 4% to 6%.&nbsp;<h3><a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jersey Mike's Subs</a></h3>Jersey Mike’s is more of a quick-service restaurant than fast food, but it's hard not to mention it with opportunities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/franchise/investment?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">starting as low</a> as $144,668 and going up to $786,233. The brand has a net worth requirement of $300,000 and a cash requirement of $100,000. Its royalty and ad royalty fees are 6.5% and 5%, respectively. The initial investment may vary, depending on the condition of the premises, the amount of construction performed by the landlord, geographic areas and your capabilities.<h3><a href="https://franchising.popeyes.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Popeyes</a></h3>Popeyes franchisees can invest as little as $384,000 and as much as $3.7 million. Costs vary based on location, configuration, size of store, and the amount and terms of financing. The franchise fee is a standard $50,000, while the brand requires a $1 million net worth and $500,000 in cash.&nbsp;Although fast food is not one of the cheaper categories overall in franchising, it's clear that there are more affordable options within the industry. As aspiring franchisees explore their options, it's crucial to consider not only the initial investment but also the associated fees, net worth requirements, and potential profitability to make an informed decision tailored to their goals and resources.If you're interested in launching your own fast-food empire — or expanding the one you already have, 1851 can help! The 1851 Growth Club will guide you through the buying process with honesty and integrity. Rather than hiding fee structures, ours is wide open.<a href="https://1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open-2725045" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Reach out today to start building</a>! &nbsp;

These are the cheapest fast food restaurant franchises to open

The cheapest fast food restaurant franchises to open

1851 Franchise

Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in the fast-food industry can choose between a wide range of budgets, but there’s one major franchise that only costs $10,000.

What Is the Cheapest Famous Fast Food Franchise To Open?

the-cheapest-fast-food-restaurant-franchise-to-open

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Home Service Ally Celebrates Major Milestone With Opening of Its 100th Franchise Location

trublue-home-service-ally-celebrates-major-milestone-with-opening-of-its-100th-franchise-location

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Franchise 500® Ranking

Children’s Lighthouse Named Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® Ranking

childrens-lighthouse-named-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneur-magazines-franchise-500-ranking

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Four Layne's team members stand in front of a wall decorated with artwork from the community

The Easiest $10,000 Made in a Day: How Layne’s Built Operations for Volume

the-easiest-10000-made-in-a-day-how-laynes-built-operations-for-volume

Pet Wants

Why Pet Wants Is Perfect for First-Time Franchise Owners

why-pet-wants-is-perfect-for-first-time-franchise-owners

Griswold

7 Winter Safety Tips for Seniors: Staying Safe During National Winter Safety Month

7-winter-safety-tips-for-seniors-staying-safe-during-national-winter-safety-month

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 Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

Login

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Yum Brands - KFC - Pizza Hut - Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey - 1851 Franchise

Yum! Brands Terminates Franchise Agreements in Turkey Due to Non-Compliance

yum-brands-terminates-franchise-agreements-in-turkey-due-to-non-compliance

Recent Franchise News - Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers - 1851 Franchise

Forbes: Four Reasons Why Franchisors Churn Through Marketing Suppliers

forbes-four-reasons-why-franchisors-churn-through-marketing-suppliers

QSR Magazine: Big Chicken Targets Global Expansion

qsr-magazine-big-chicken-aims-for-global-growth

Starbucks Strike Brews Opportunity for the Next Coffee Franchisee

starbucks-strike-brews-opportunity-for-coffee-franchise-hopefuls

I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Business Online: Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese

restaurant-business-online-franchisees-sue-i-heart-mac-and-cheese

Two Attorneys, Restaurant Professionals To Serve Germantown Community With New Paris Baguette Café

two-attorneys-restaurant-professionals-to-serve-germantown-community-with-new-paris-baguette-cafe

Top 10 Franchises for New Year’s Resolutions

Top 10 Franchise Opportunities for New Year’s Resolutions

top-10-franchises-for-new-years-resolutions

Michigan BIGGBY® COFFEE Owners Win Store of the Year by Focusing on Community and Connection

michigan-biggby-coffee-owners-win-store-of-the-year-by-focusing-on-community-and-connection

What Is the Cheapest Famous Fast Food Franchise To Open?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS