1851

The best food franchises to join in 2021 are those with strong profitability, streamlined operations and established brand names.&nbsp;The food service industry — specifically the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/qsr-magazine-ranks-the-top-50-limited-service-restaurant-brands-in-the-us-5404">QSR</a> and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/emerging-fast-casual-franchises-coming-in-hot-in-2021-2715511">fast-casual</a> segments — is synonymous with franchising, and there are hundreds of food franchise opportunities. Still, whether it be full-service <a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-burger-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715283">burger</a> restaurants, grab-and-go <a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-breakfast-franchises-of-2021-2715213">breakfast</a> establishments or self-serve <a href="https://1851franchise.com/four-health-food-franchises-ripe-for-expansion-2715601">salad</a> concepts, not all franchises are created equal. The best food franchise opportunities have robust (<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-chick-fil-a-dominates-brand-intimacy---and-what-brands-can-learn-from-it-2714747">oftentimes legendary</a>) brand strength and consumer loyalty, a proven support system for their franchisees and impressive unit-level economics.&nbsp;Here are some of the food franchises that consistently rank highest in all of those categories:<h4><a href="https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/franchising/franchising-faq.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join-2715678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $1,300,000–$2,300,000</li><li>Units: 39,000+</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.franchisedirect.com/information/how-much-does-it-cost-to-open-a-popeyes?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join-2715678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $384,000–$2,600,000</li><li>Units: 3,377</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.dunkinfranchising.com/franchisee/en.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join-2715678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dunkin’</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $200,000–$1,700,000</li><li>Units: 13,125</li></ul><h4><a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join-2715678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Chick-fil-A&nbsp;</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $342,990-$1,982,225</li><li>Units: 2,605</li></ul><h4><a href="http://www.tacobellfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join-2715678" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taco Bell</a></h4><ul><li>Startup costs: $525,525 to $2,800,000</li><li>Units: 7,072</li></ul>These food franchises have a scalable business model and thousands of profitable stores in operation. Still, the best franchise for any individual franchisee will <a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-steps-to-take-to-find-the-perfect-franchise-for-you-2705164">match their skills and interests</a>, and it’s important to understand how to evaluate which concept is the right fit for you.&nbsp;Look closely at each franchise’s financial requirements, evaluate whether they match your <a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-low-cost-franchises-under-100k-to-buy-in-2021-2715126">investment range</a>, and, if not, look for <a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-to-finance-your-new-franchise-2432">financing</a> options. Also, make sure to read the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-is-an-fdd-2705192">FDD</a> carefully and learn all you can about the franchisor, the brand culture and support infrastructure. Last, but certainly not least, remember the franchise also has to have available territories near you — many of these legacy fast food brands are likely sold out in most markets.The number of franchise opportunities out there can be overwhelming, but if you do your <a href="https://1851franchise.com/10-tips-for-performing-franchise-due-diligence-2714194#most-recent">due diligence</a> and weigh the pros and cons, you can find the perfect food franchise opportunity for you.To help you on your search, here are some of our other favorite food franchise brands to invest in this year:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-bbq-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715367#people">Best BBQ Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-breakfast-franchises-of-2021-2715213">Best Breakfast Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-mexican-restaurant-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715293#people">Best Mexican Restaurant Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-chicken-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715275">Best Chicken Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-restaurant-franchises-of-2021-2715223#people">Best Restaurant Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-sandwich-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715224#people">Best Sandwich Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-seafood-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715205#people">Best Seafood Franchises To Buy in 2021</a><a href="https://1851franchise.com/best-burger-franchises-to-buy-in-2021-2715283">Best Burger Franchises To Buy in 2021</a>

What's the Best Food Franchise to Join?

1851 Franchise

The best food franchise concepts combine beloved consumer offerings with a proven business model.

whats-the-best-food-franchise-to-join

Pet Wants

Why Fresh, Healthy Food Matters for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Targets Fresno, California, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-fresno-california-for-franchise-growth

Strategic Franchising

Work-Life Balance as a Franchise Owner: Is It Possible?

work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible

The Top 10 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Franchise

top-10-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-franchise

Caring Transitions Targets Memphis, Tennessee, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-memphis-tennessee-for-franchise-growth

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

DOJ FTC Antitrust Guidelines - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

DOJ and FTC Issue New Antitrust Guidelines with Implications for Franchising

doj-and-ftc-issue-new-antitrust-guidelines-with-implications-for-franchising

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

What's the Best Food Franchise to Join?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS