The Top Fast-Food Franchises from Every Category

It’s hard to go anywhere today without driving past a fast-food restaurant — and there are more options than ever. 

However, these 10 brands stand out above the rest in their respective categories. 

Pizza: Domino's Pizza

• Investment Range: $119,950 to $461,700
• Unit Count: 19,880+

Renowned for its wide range of pizza toppings, speedy delivery and user-friendly ordering app, Domino's has successfully managed to build quite the customer base worldwide. Notably, more than 95% of Domino’s franchisees in the U.S. started off as part-time pizza makers or delivery drivers.

Burgers: McDonald's

• Investment Range: $1.4 million to $2.5 million
• Unit Count: 39,690+ 

With its consistent quality, affordability and those famous golden arches, McDonald's has become synonymous with the fast food burger experience. Innovative marketing campaigns, like celebrity partnerships and adult Happy Meals, have helped the franchise maintain its dominance for its well-known hamburgers, French fries and other tasty meal options. 

Chicken: Popeyes

• Investment Range: $1,057,235 – $1,871,525
• Unit Count: 3,700+

Over 50 years since its inception, Popeyes remains a key player in the fast food chicken space. Known for its New Orleans-style chicken, the brand continues to grow around the country. In fact, Popeyes grew to 3,705 stores globally in 2021 compared to 3,451 stores in 2020, marking a 7.4% growth rate in comparison to a roughly 4% growth rate in 2020.

Ice Cream: Dairy Queen*

• Investment Range: $1.4 million to $2.4 million
• Unit Count: 7,000+

Dairy Queen reigns supreme in ice cream. The franchise has grown from a small-town soft serve shop to over 7,000 locations. The concept offers both drive-thru and in-store fast food options, including  a blend of classic and creative ice cream products, burgers, fried chicken and its famous Blizzards. 

BBQ: Dickey's Barbecue Pit

• Investment Range: $30,000 to $50,000
• Unit Count: 500+

With its slow-smoked meats and a variety of mouthwatering sauces, Dickey's offers an authentic barbecue experience in a fast food setting. From pulled pork to beef brisket, their commitment to traditional cooking methods and flavorful profiles sets them apart in the competitive world of BBQ. 

Mexican-Inspired: Taco Bell

• Investment Range: $576,000 to $3.4 million
• Unit Count: 7,900+

Taco Bell has become a favorite for Mexican-inspired offerings. From tacos and burritos to creative, limited-time offerings like nacho fries, the franchise is a go-to choice for those looking for quick and easy Tex-Mex cuisine. Franchisees have the opportunity to choose from four business models, but each has a menu that is widely consistent throughout all operations. 

Juice: Jamba  

• Investment Range: $367,150 to $934,450
• Unit Count: 800+

Jamba, previously known as Jamba Juice, is one of the most recognizable smoothie brands in the country with over 800 locations in the U.S. and overseas. It is known for its made-to-order smoothies, juices and bowls. Franchise owners are invited to "Own the Whirl'd” and find their perfect franchise pairing, whether that's a traditional unit, a kiosk or drive-thru. 

Coffee: Dunkin’

• Investment Range: $121,400 to $1.8 million 
• Unit Count: 8,000+

Dunkin’ is one of the most recognizable coffee concepts. Previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts, the brand dropped the “Donuts” as part of a larger rebranding strategy to shift focus to its drink offerings. With customers flocking to over 8,000 stores for both hot and iced coffee, breakfast sandwiches, donuts and snacks, America truly “runs on Dunkin.” 

Sandwiches: Jersey Mike’s

• Investment Range: $144,668 to $786,233
• Unit Count: 2,300+

Jersey Mike's is known for its commitment to quality ingredients and fresh, made-to-order subs. Their menu offers a variety of cold and hot subs, featuring an assortment of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments that customers can watch be added to their sandwiches.  The franchise also emphasizes community involvement and philanthropy, and is known for participating in charitable initiatives and fundraising events.

Salad: Saladworks

• Investment Range: $234,000 to $653,000
• Unit Count: 90+

Saladworks is one of the country’s largest tossed salad franchises and has been open for around 30 years. The brand offers over 60 fresh vegetable options for its customizable salads, as well as soups, sandwiches and grain bowls. Franchises have the opportunity to open in various spaces with stores being designed to go anywhere from 250 to 2,300 square feet. 

In a world where there is no shortage of fast food options, these top franchises shine in their respective categories, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the classics to the innovative menu items, these restaurants have mastered the art of delivering quick, delicious and satisfying meals.