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The Top 10 Emerging QSR Franchises Under 100 Units
As these 10 emerging QSR concepts begin to take off, franchisees have an opportunity to get into the business on the ground level.
Quick service restaurant (QSR) concepts are a favorite of many franchisees due to the relatively simple model they can present. In many cases, the food offerings are relatively specialized and streamlined in a way that makes operations much easier.
Here are the top 10 QSR concepts as ranked on Entrepreneur’s “2022 Top New & Emerging Franchises Ranking.” These determinations are made by sorting through the “2022 Franchise 500®” and isolating concepts that have begun franchising since 2017.
Epic Wings boasts “35+ years of perfecting wings under the Wings N’ Things brand,” leveraging never-frozen chicken, homemade sauces and hand-rolled breadsticks to provide a great, quick-service wing experience to its guests.
For a single-unit deal, the franchisor requires a minimum of $250,000 in cash or liquid assets and a minimum net worth of $500,000. For multi-unit deals, these numbers increase to $500,000 and $1,000,000, respectively.
This emerging concept in the frozen dessert space positions itself as small but mighty. Entrepreneur reports 85 open units, but the franchisor’s site notes “90+.” According to the brand’s 2022 FDD, the concept has an average unit volume of $671,201, which is impressive for an opportunity that advertises an initial investment as low as $108,800.
Randy’s Donuts, founded in 1952, is a California favorite thanks to its huge rooftop donut. The concept franchises both in the states and internationally, and has already established locations in the Philippines, South Korea, France and more.
According to the brand’s franchise development site, the initial investment ranges from $246,750–$1,080,500, depending on the build-out model—inline, drive-thru or non-baking kiosk. The brand also requires a net worth of $1 million and liquidity of $300,000.
Frios’ now-owner Cliff Kennedy discovered the brand after he pulled out of some extreme traffic to grab a frozen treat. Now, the concept has built up a network of “Happiness Hustlers” who drive their “Sweet Rides” around, providing uniquely flavored popsicles. The total initial investment ranges from $66,260–$172,770.
Grain & Berry is a Florida-based acai concept. According to its website, “American consumers are eating better, making better use of available nutrition information, and consuming fewer calories coming from fat and saturated fat. As such, the health food has taken off.
The brand’s franchise development site notes an average startup cost of $402,750, average unit sales of $1,293,696 and an average unit net profit of $134,185.
Crave Hot Dogs and BBQ, established in 2018, has built a business on the idea that “everybody loves hot dogs!” According to its franchise development site, Americans eat over 20 billion hot dogs annually, so Crave owners are well-positioned for success with persistent demand.
The franchise does not publish the total estimated initial investment, but it does list the franchise fee for brick-and-mortar locations and food trucks as $40,000 and $25,000, respectively. Entrepreneur notes an initial investment of $161,300–$792,500.
Mr. Fries Man does not publish investment-related information on its website, but it does share that the concept is an LA-based fries concept that was established by an urban chef, Craig Batiste, and his wife, Dorothy. When the concept chose to begin offering franchises in 2020, it signed deals for a total of 21 locations in the first seven months.
Entrepreneur notes that, as of 2021, there were nine established units. The initial investment to begin franchising ranges from $132,050 to $302,500.
Poke MahiPoke Mahi is one of many poke concepts bringing the traditional Hawaiian cuisine to the contiguous United States.
“We’re not the first poke restaurant in the industry, but we’re certainly the only one committed to honoring Hawaii’s seafood staple by perfecting each bowl we assemble,” the brand’s website says.
With a footprint as small as 1,000 square feet, the business presents a relatively affordable, efficient model. The brand notes an initial investment of $169,750–$326,500.
Island Fin Poke Co. combines standard poke offerings, including ahi tuna, spicy tuna, octopus and shrimp in a build-your-own-bowl model, as well as predetermined bowl orders. The restaurants also offer Dole Soft Serve.
The total initial investment is $194,950–$355,600, and the concept promotes an opportunity to break into a strong market at a low cost.
This fresh-food concept offers made-to-order juice, smoothies and other food items that cater to a health-conscious customer base.
The brand’s website notes a franchise fee of $31,000–$31,500 and a liquidity requirement of $150,000.
According to Entrepreneur’s most recent data, the total initial investment ranges from $469,302–$649,199, and there are 39 open locations.
