10 Profitable Restaurant Franchise Brands Worth Checking Out in 2023

The restaurant industry is one of the biggest franchise segments to date. As of 2022, it comprises more than $276 billion of the industry’s total economic output. Because of the potentially lucrative nature of the industry, there should be no question as to why so many entrepreneurs continue to invest in restaurant franchise concepts.

If you’re actively looking for a restaurant franchise with proven success and impressive profit margins in 2023, we’ve curated a list just for you.

Toastique

Startup Costs: $367,570 to $695,975
Units: 112 units in development

Toastique is a gourmet toast-and-juice breakfast franchise that first opened in 2018 by founder Brianna Keefe. In five short years, Toastique made a name for itself. As of October 2023, it has a total of 112 units in development across the country. The brand boasts that the average Toastique location can earn gross sales of $849,767 and an average net profit of $182,775.

Dunkin’

Startup Costs: $121,400 to $1,809,500
Units: 13,372

Dunkin’ is a franchise industry giant known for its espresso and coffee offerings, its frozen drinks, donuts and breakfast sandwiches. The brand has two separate business models for entrepreneurs to choose from, including its traditional opportunities that range from $526,900 to $1,809,500 to its non-traditional opportunities, which range from $121,400 to $1,310,500. Although Dunkin’ does not have a publicly available Item 19, third-party sources reveal that franchisees often experience robust sales figures and healthy profit margins.

Melting Pot

Startup Costs: $1.3 million to $2 million
Units: 95+

The Melting Pot is a premier fondue restaurant franchise that exists in the experiential dining category. The brand was founded in 1975 and has grown into a network of more than 95 restaurants across 31 U.S. states and Canada. The Melting Pot is a rewarding opportunity for franchisees and, according to the 2023 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the average total sales of the lowest 33% and the highest 33% volume franchised restaurants was between $1,594,286 to $3,720,152.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Startup Costs: $483,600 to $699,700
Units: 500+

Nothing Bundt Cakes, which specializes in delectable bundt cakes, has carved a niche for itself in the dessert market and has been delighting customers with its offerings since its founding in 1997. The brand has become a highly successful bakery franchise concept with over 500 bakeries across the U.S. and Canada, and is now the country’s largest specialty cake company. Nothing Bundt Cakes does not have a publicly available Item 19. However, according to the brand’s 2021 FDD, the net revenue for its franchised bakeries was $1,458,251.

Teriyaki Madness

Startup Costs: $312,500 to $731,260
Units: 125+

Teriyaki Madness is a Japanese-style, fast-casual restaurant franchise that serves a variety of teriyaki dishes and specialty food items such as chicken katsu and spicy tofu. The brand has exploded in growth since its inception in 2003 and has developed a cult-like following among its customers. Teriyaki Madness has also been named the No. 1 “Fastest-Growing Big Restaurant Chain in the U.S.” by Restaurant Business, and the restaurant boasts an outstanding average unit volume (AUV) of $1,105,186.

Wingstop

Startup Costs: $315,310 to $948,080
Units: 2,000+

Wingstop started as a small buffalo-style chicken wing restaurant in Texas and has grown into a nationally recognized fan-favorite chicken wing franchise with more than 2,000 units worldwide. As part of its growth, Wingstop claims it has seen 18 consecutive years of positive domestic same-store sales growth. As reported in its 2022 FDD, Wingstop saw an AUV of $1.59 million, with some of the highest sales per square foot in the industry.

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Startup Costs: $105,000 to $267,000
Units: 33

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream is a quick-service dessert concept that provides customers with customized, freshly made ice cream that is flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen. The brand, which has been around since 2005, offers a low cost of entry for entrepreneurs looking for a potentially lucrative opportunity. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream does not have a publicly available Item 19. However, the brand was recently named as one of IFPG’s “Top Food and Restaurant Franchises.”  

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes*

Startup Costs: $495,918 to $1,168,251
Units: 90+

Founded in 2007, MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has managed to stand apart from its competitors and become the “better burger” franchise it is today as a result of its commitment to providing the best-tasting burger experience possible. MOOYAH is seeing rapid expansion in 2023. For its top quartile of restaurants, the brand saw average unit sales of $1,428,826.

Epic Wings

Startup Costs: $454,000 to $1,300,000
Units: 25+

Epic Wings claims to be the first brand to bring buffalo wings to the West Coast when it was first founded in San Diego, California in 1982 under the name Wings N’ Things. The brand, which now has over 25 locations, has recently signed an agreement to expand throughout the country, with new locations in development in places like Los Angeles, California; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. According to its website, Epic Wings has seen 20 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. In 2021, it boasted an industry-leading AUV of $1,887,133.

District Taco

Startup Costs: $733,750 to $1,457,750
Units: 15+

District Taco is an emerging fast-casual Mexican restaurant that serves fresh dishes like tacos, burritos and quesadillas. Founded in 2009, the brand has grown to a network of more than 15 open locations but has over 70 units in development, and is aiming to open 10 to 15 new locations every year. Despite having a relatively higher initial investment, District Taco has an AUV of $2,535,665, making it a profitable venture for the opportunistic entrepreneur.

Fruitful Opportunities

From gourmet toast and juice to beloved buffalo wings, these franchises all represent profitable opportunities within the restaurant industry. Not only do they provide delicious and diverse culinary experiences, but they also serve as lucrative ventures for aspiring entrepreneurs with a dream of building a successful business.