Top 10 Food Franchises to Watch in 2020

America may be the land of burgers, pizza and chicken, but with an increasingly diverse culinary landscape, there are plenty of opportunities to bring all kinds of flavors to the masses. From Latin American-influenced offerings to Indian and Mediterranean concepts, food franchising in 2019 is filled with all kinds of flavorful opportunities. 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, a taco brand that offers Baja-inspired food in a laid-back atmosphere, serves as a prime example of the success that can be had by those emerging brands that are characterized by bold flavors. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchisee Ian Lieberman owns three locations with the fast casual brand in the Greater Tampa Bay area, with one more location on the way. 

“I think it’s relevant to mention that, historically, Mexican food, at least American-style Mexican food, has been under-seasoned and not quite as boldly flavored as more traditional Mexican food,” Lieberman said. “Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a unique twist on Mexican craveable items. I really think that our use of bold flavors and seasonings is more appropriate today than it ever has been. Customers are expecting a more elevated flavor profile. They’re not quite as averse to spice.” 

Lieberman lauded Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for providing “quite a deep flavor profile” for its customers, no matter the number of chili peppers in the mix.

“In terms of 2020 and beyond, I think that customers are going to continue to get smarter and I think that customer’s palates are more elevated than they ever have been,” Lieberman said.

Here are 10 food franchise concepts to watch in 2020. 

California Tortilla*

Locations: 35-plus

Investment range: $402,400 to $697,000

Franchise opportunity website: https://franchise.californiatortilla.com/

This Mexican grill franchise is committed to sustainability, with products that are 100% compostable and produced to minimize environmental impact. Enthusiasts can take advantage of the brand’s Burrito Elito rewards program. Franchisee training is conducted at Maryland headquarters and franchisee support includes onsite visits, regular operations manual updates and ongoing training.  

What you can learn from this brand: California Tortilla recently announced it would switch to an assembly-line model, Restaurant Business reported. Instead of paying the cashier and then waiting for food to be prepared, customers will pay after their meal has been assembled, allowing for more customization. According to a write-up of marketing and consumer data consultancy Mintel’s 2019 consumer trends report, “Foodservice customers want higher-quality items faster and customized on their terms.” Given this, it’s no wonder that, while California Tortilla is still in the process of rolling out the concept, sales have already increased by 20% at one refreshed store. 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Locations: Nearly 150

Investment range: $858,500 to $1,329,000

Franchise opportunity website: https://myfuzzys.com/

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop was founded with the intention of providing Baja-inspired eats and frosty drinks in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. From breakfast to dinner to post-work margaritas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has customers covered. Catering options provide franchisees with another revenue stream. Franchisees are not required to have restaurant experience, but the brand does strongly suggest they partner with an experienced restaurant operations manager. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop stands out in the fast casual sector in part due to its commitment to provide excellent customer service, Lieberman said. 

“Customers have a minimal service expectation in a fast casual setting,” explained Lieberman. He added that whether a customer interacts with a bartender or a cashier at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, they can expect a quality experience. “The level of product knowledge that our staff are required to have is very high.” 

What you can learn from this brand: While Fuzzy’s Taco Shop franchisees are required to follow certain decoration guidelines, the brand also allows for some flexibility. A QSR magazine report noted the benefits in giving franchisees the freedom to personalize their restaurants, and pointed to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop as a brand that allows its franchisees to make decor-related tweaks to their stores that reflect their communities and regions. 

Jimboy’s Tacos

Locations: 40-plus

Investment range: $375,000 to $1,379,000

Franchise opportunity website: https://jimboystacos.com/franchising/

This family-owned business was founded in 1954 and started out in a trailer by California’s Lake Tahoe. Jimboy’s Tacos has two separate menus: the Norcal/Nevada menu and the Socal menu. In terms of available markets for franchising, the brand is seeking developers for the lower half of the United States and accepting applications for future development for the upper half of the U.S. 

What you can learn from this brand: Jimboy’s Tacos is no stranger to adapting to modern consumer demands for amenities such as online ordering. That said, Jimboy’s Tacos celebrated its 65th anniversary earlier this year by rebranding the restaurants to reflect the brand’s history. The rebrand included putting a photo of the first Jimboy’s Tacos food trailer by every counter and hanging a black and white photo of the founder on a wall that also featured the brand’s history. 

Taboonette

Locations: 2

Investment range: $350,500 to $637,400

Franchise opportunity website: https://taboonettefranchise.com/

Taboonette takes the falafel shop concept to the next level with its fresh and wholesome menu items. This brand believes in creating a positive culture that resonates among employees and the community and wants its team members to experience personal growth. Taboonette is especially interested in expanding along the East Coast, Texas and Ohio. 

What you can learn from this brand: Who says a fast casual restaurant can’t feel high-end? Taboonette prides itself on offering an elevated experience—one that is especially aimed at millennials—thanks to a welcoming and “Instagramable” atmosphere complete with an open kitchen concept, fresh ingredients and incorporating technology into the cooking process to help ensure quality. 

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe 

Locations: 90-plus

Investment range: Available in FDD

Franchise opportunity website: https://www.growwithtazikis.com/

Taziki’s came to be after the founders, a husband-and-wife team, took a vacation to Greece and came back inspired by the way communities gathered. The brand has since become “a family of big-hearted foodies committed to making an impact in their communities.” Taziki’s is primarily open throughout the southeastern United States and has franchise availability in all 50 states. Franchisees are required to have previous restaurant operator experience, preferably with multiple units. 

What you can learn from this brand: A Fast Company report earlier this year noted that, across the U.S. workforce, people with disabilities are hired at less than half the rate of those who do not have disabilities and are also paid less. Taziki’s is actively working to close the disability employment gap through its work with The HOPE Project. The HOPE Project’s initiatives include encouraging businesses to hire employees with special needs or at-risk people in their stores. 

Teriyaki Madness

Locations: 97

Investment range: $313,500 to $653,860

Franchise opportunity website: https://franchise.teriyakimadness.com/

This fast-casual, Seattle-style teriyaki franchise has ambitious growth plans and is expected to hit 500 units by 2026. The brand is particular when it comes to real estate and tends to do best in strip malls, particularly strip malls that hold health clubs, which are more likely to have clientele seeking healthy eating options. Teriyaki Madness has profitability up to 21% and a lower-than-average initial investment range compared to other fast casual concepts. 

What you can learn from this brand: Customers are increasingly demanding takeout and delivery options, and Teriyaki Madness hears them loud and clear. The brand opened a corporate shop close to its Denver headquarters in October in an effort to refine its delivery strategy, Fast Casual reported. According to the article, that delivery accounts for 65 to 80% of the brand’s traffic. The new corporate store will also serve as a training site for new franchisees. 

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill 

Locations: 10

Investment range: $300,000 to $400,000

Franchise opportunity website: https://thegreatgreekgrillfranchise.com/

This brand was founded by third-generation restaurateurs and provides an expansive menu for all ages. There’s even a handy glossary for Greek food newbies. The brand will attract major recognition soon, as a location will open in Las Vegas at a new mixed-use space called The Herbert. Franchise opportunities are available nationwide, and its franchise model prioritizes a smooth onboarding process. 

What you can learn from this brand: The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, almost two years into its partnership with the United Franchise Group, recently reached a major milestone upon rolling out catering services in October 2019. The introduction of catering will provide franchisees with an additional revenue stream and allow them to expand their reach in the communities they serve. By increasing its reach without solely focusing on efforts to promote foot traffic, the brand is positioning itself for further growth. 

The Hummus & Pita Co.

Locations: 7

Investment range: Available in FDD

Franchise opportunity website: http://go.fransmart.com/hummusandpita/franchise

Mediterranean food enthusiasts have a variety of options when it comes to how they’d like to consume their meal. They can either “Make It Pita,” “Make It Laffa,” “Make It Bowl,” “Make It Mini Bowl” or “Make It Greens.” The most arguably unique item on this brand’s menu is the Hummus Shake, which, in addition to the original flavor, also comes in pistachio, chocolate, butter pecan and strawberry. In terms of its franchise opportunity, the brand is interested in multi-unit foodservice operators or well-capitalized investors, all of whom should have a passion for authentic Mediterranean food. 

What you can learn from this brand: Brands are increasingly looking to accommodate a variety of eaters, incorporating everything from vegan options to plant-based items into their menus. The Hummus & Pita Co. is also getting in on this trend and recently announced its offering of vegan shawarma, a dish that traditionally contains meat. A FOX Business report noted that the vegan food market is estimated to reach $24.3 billion by 2026, so this just might be a move in the right direction.

Twisted Indian Wraps

Locations: 3

Investment range: Available in FDD

Franchise opportunity website: http://www.twistedindianwraps.com/franchising.html

This Canadian franchise prides itself on allowing customers to customize their meals and has a mission to “delivery unexpected and exceptional flavors with high levels of speed and service.” All meats are marinated overnight with the brand’s proprietary spice blends to be served the following day. Franchisees will receive real estate and vendor support, among other things. 

What you can learn from this brand: Restaurant brands can incorporate all of the technology they want, but research shows that human interaction will never go out of style. Twisted Indian Wraps is proud to say that its staff members are trained to educate customers and help them order something they’ll enjoy. New customers who have never tried the brand’s food before—and who might get a little antsy at the thought of trying spicy things—need not be afraid. This helps ensure customers enjoy a positive experience and that the brand can stick to what makes it different. 

Wow Bao 

Locations: 11

Investment range: Available in FDD

Franchise opportunity website: http://www.wowbao.com/franchising/

This Chicago-based brand stands out in the Asian fast casual space for its focus on selling steamed buns that come in a range of flavors, from sweet to spicy. There’s even a Pumpkin Bao for fall. Wow Bao also sells potstickers and rice and noodle bowls. The brand sets a high standard for customer service, as it prides itself on having a fun and upbeat culture where customers are served “at the speed of life.” Wow Bao has enjoyed 13 years of steady growth and is ready to scale the concept nationally. Wow Bao’s community efforts include giving complimentary meals to first responders. 

What you can learn from this brand: Creative marketing campaigns and promotions are not limited to big-name brands. Wow Bao recently hosted the final round of the National Bao Eating Championship in its home city, according to an ABC News report. Now THAT’S working with what you’ve got!