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What Are the Best Hot Dog Franchises?
Here are 10 of the top hot dog franchises offering a chance to profit off the American staple.
Americans love their hot dogs, and they are fairly inexpensive to serve in restaurants. This makes hot dog franchises a great opportunity for those looking to open a business.
The hot dog and sausage market was valued at $72.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a whopping $95.1 billion by 2027. Operators have continued to capitalize on the versatility of the United States classic. New and old concepts alike offer great franchising opportunities around the country.
Here are 10 of the best options in 2023.
Investment Range: $1,240,000–$3,530,000
Unit Count: 3,500+
With more than 65 years in the business, SONIC has established itself as a permanent fixture in American culture. In addition to its famous hot dogs, the brand offers new dishes on a regular basis, as well as other fast food staples.
Investment Range: $326,000–$1,200,000
Unit Count: 190+
Nathan's Famous was founded in 1916 when Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker began selling his wife Ida's hot dog recipe on Coney Island. In 1970, the company went public and began franchising in 1988.
Investment Range: $303,600–$1,443,000.
Unit Count: 320+
Wienerschnitzel was started in 1961 with a single location in Southern California and has grown to hundreds of locations across the United States. The brand is famous for its varieties of hot dogs, such as chili cheese dogs, Chicago dogs and corn dogs.
Investment Range: $306,000–$1,100,000
Unit Count: 50+
Dog Haus is a franchise well-known for its gourmet signature all-beef dogs and sandwiches made from antibiotic and hormone-free meat. Guests can also chase down their meals with an extensive list of craft beers on tap.
Investment Range: $118,000–$227,000
Unit Count: 6
Umai Savory Hot Dogs offers unique fusion-style gourmet hot dogs, sausages and sliders. With over 27 signature flavors, 11 types of meat, 20 types of sauces and eight types of fries, Umai has something for everyone.
Investment Range: $98,000–$518,000
Unit Count: 15
The Original Hot Dog Factory was founded in 2010 by Dennis McKinley and grew in popularity after its feature on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” It’s known for its full menu of hot dogs, wings, sandwiches and more.
Investment Range: $161,000–$793,000
Unit Count: 17
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ has been around since 2018, and offers franchises both a brick-and-mortar and food truck opportunity. In addition to its menu, the brand aims to create a fun, family-friendly environment with games, self-serve liquor and fire pit areas.
Investment Range: $349,200 to $582,000
Unit Count: 75+
Hot Dog on a Stick began as a small beachfront store in Santa Monica and has grown to over 75 locations in the United States, as well as locations in Korea. The brand is known for its hot dogs, quirky uniforms and fresh lemonade.
Investment Range: $25,000–$246,000
Unit Count: 5
Dave’s Doghouse says it uses “the best, hand-made, all beef hot dogs” and prepares a special dough for its buns. The franchise is following the lead of a man named Howard Johnson, who started a business on the beach serving hot dogs and 28 different flavors of ice cream more than 100 years ago.
