Top International Food Franchise Opportunities of 2022

When it comes to dining out or ordering in, America’s consumers love options. As a result, international cuisine is picking up momentum, and quickly. The ethnic food market is projected to grow from $49 billion in 2021 to $98 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 10.33% during that period, according to a Fortune Business Insights report. 

Now, as the country expands its collective palate and cultural makeup, and as the trend of eating and experimenting with new and exotic food cuisines picks up steam, there are a plethora of exciting international food franchises that entrepreneurs can invest in.

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen

• Units: 10
• Start-up costs: $400,800 – $617,250

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen is an authentic pan-Asian restaurant concept offering upscale food at the price point of a fast-casual eatery. Tin Drum brings Asian street cuisine to the U.S., thanks to its founder Steven Chan. Chan grew up in Hong Kong and opened the first Tin Drum establishment on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology. There are currently 10 locations in and around Atlanta, making it one of the most popular chains in the state of Georgia. After five years of winning Best of Atlanta, Tin Drum is aiming to open 100 units in markets across the country in the next five years.  

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

• Units: 800+
• Start-up costs: $781,793 – $2,110,500

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ was founded off of one philosophy – “Kando Sozo.” This means to “exceed expectations and create memorable experiences.” Gyu-Kaku offers customers the opportunity to cook various cuts of beef, pork, poultry, seafood, vegetables and desserts on the specially designed in-table roasters that are designed to vent smoke through forced air openings built into the roaster. Over the years, the Japan-based brand has expanded to major markets including Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea and the U.S., with locations in New York, Chicago and Boston.

Teriyaki Madness

• Units: 150 signed and in development
• Start-up costs: $327,200 – $678,260

Fast-casual teriyaki shop franchise Teriyaki Madness is committed to unconditionally satisfying guests by offering delicious, made-to-order, healthy (or not) bowls, apps and sides, all prepared with fresh, all-natural ingredients served quickly and at a reasonable price. Founded in 2003, the brand currently has more than 100 shops open, with franchising opportunities nationwide for qualified single and multi-unit candidates. Teriyaki Madness has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Top Food Franchises, FastCasual’s Movers and Shakers and was named the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the United States by Restaurant Business in 2021. 

Genghis Grill

• Units: 50+
• Start-up costs: $346,600 - $973,500

As today's consumers look for more authentic and interactive brand experiences, Genghis Grill is uniquely positioned to meet this need with a fresh, healthy, Asian-inspired concept that is a perfect match for successful multi-unit restaurant operators looking to diversify and broaden their portfolio of brands. Genghis Grill offers franchisees a wide array of restaurant formats and sizes to invest in, which is part of the reason why the brand has found success from coast to coast and as far away as Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Pho Hoa

• Units: 75
• Start-up costs: $267,600 – $523,380

Pho Hoa is in a market that is extremely hot right now: Vietnamese food. As the only Vietnamese cuisine franchise outside of Asia, Pho Hoa offers franchisees the opportunity to balance a rich culinary tradition with what is becoming mainstream cuisine. In addition to three decades of experience and international brand recognition, Pho Hoa serves superior quality, consistent, healthy products that are in tune with the times. With more people realizing the importance of living a healthier lifestyle, the brand has modernized how it prepares its soups while sticking to important traditional Vietnamese flavors. Innovation and adaptability have resulted in Pho Hoa being ranked among the top 400 largest American restaurant chains. 

Paris Baguette*

• Units: 4,000+
• Start-up costs: $528,270 – $1,638,554
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The brand first arrived in the U.S. in 2005 and has since established nearly 90 locations in markets across the country, making it one of the premier franchise opportunities in its category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by its expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to share moments of joy with customers and help customers share moments of joy with their friends and family by providing world-class cakes, pastries, coffees, breads and other French-inspired bakery café fare.

Pollo Campero*

• Units: 350
• Start-up costs: $887,250 – $2,126,500
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Pollo Campero started in Guatemala in 1971, and now 50 years later, its dedication to high quality and flavorful chicken recipes hasn’t changed. Now, 18 years after successfully launching in the U.S. and building primarily corporate restaurants, Pollo Campero has proven its concept works, and demand for its food is larger than ever. 

“The growth potential of Pollo Campero is really exciting,” said Blas Escarcega, director of finance and administration with Pollo Campero. “We’re in a great position right now. The brand  has been experiencing same-store sales growth the last four years, which is really due to our focus on service, our new business model — which has been extremely profitable for all of us — and the fact that when a customer puts our food in their mouth, they love it. There’s a passion behind this brand. The restaurants that are in the United States are performing very well, and we’ve taken great care to build a team capable of supporting the level of franchise investment that’s necessary to grow the brand. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of Pollo Campero.” 

As a result of Pollo Campero’s simplified business model and innovative menu, the fast-service restaurant has gained a huge crossover audience. After four years of same-store sales increases, entrepreneurs are rushing to join a brand that’s delivering something different.

Mici Italian

• Units: 7
• Start-up costs: $233,405 – $597,605
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Mici Italian has revolutionized the traditional Italian restaurant space by implementing a streamlined, simplified cooking process that fits the timing and demands of hard-working families. Mici is a family-owned and operated business, and the brand’s focus on family has shaped its strategy in delivering to a wide range of customers — and an even wider range of customer needs. The brand offers thoughtfully-made that can be delivered quickly and efficiently, whether it be at an in-house restaurant table or through delivery. Mici offers authentic Italian food based on family recipes from Italy using natural, well-sourced ingredients and dishes that are made without preservatives or unnecessary ingredients. 

The brand offers far more than pizza, too; a series of easy-to-execute pastas, salads, sauces and gelatos have earned the brand multiple awards in its Denver flagship market. Mici has claimed the title of Denver’s Best Pizza and Denver’s Best Italian award for 10 years running, further showcasing how the quick-serve model is capable of a high standard of quality.