14 of the Best Food Franchise Opportunities in 2024

From iconic fast-food giants to innovative newcomers, the choices in the food franchise space are as vast as the appetites they cater to. To make your search a little easier, here’s a look into 14 of the best opportunities for 2024. 

Taco Bell

• Investment Range: $227,500–$3.3 million
• Unit Count: 7,200+

Taco Bell has ranked No. 1 overall on the prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list for the past four years in a row. The subsidiary of Yum! Brands has grown from a single food cart into one of the most recognizable brands in the world.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

• Investment Range: $384,000–$3.7 million
• Unit Count: 4,090+

Popeyes is one of America’s favorite fast-food chains, known for its Cajun-style fried chicken, biscuits and other dishes. The brand is committed to continued growth and is actively seeking eager Popeyes franchisees to expand around the world. 

Pollo Campero*

• Investment Range: $1.3 milion–$2.5 million
• Unit Count: 350+

Pollo Campero started in Guatemala in 1971. Fifty years later, its dedication to high quality and flavorful chicken recipes hasn’t changed. Two decades after successfully launching in the U.S. and building primarily corporate restaurants, Pollo Campero has proven its concept works and is growing through franchising.

Jersey Mike’s Subs

• Investment Range: $144,668–$786,233
• Unit Count: 2,550+

Jersey Mike’s Subs was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and has since grown to have thousands of locations across the U.S. The franchise is known for its fresh, made-to-order submarine sandwiches that are prepared with high-quality ingredients.

Melting Pot

• Investment Range: $1.4 million–$2.1 million
• Unit Count: 94

Founded in 1975, fondue franchise Melting Pot has been providing unforgettable experiences to guests for nearly 50 years. Known for its experiential dining model, Melting Pot offers cheese fondues and chocolate dessert fondues for an interactive experience, as well as salads, fine wines and spirits to enhance the meal.

Paris Baguette*

• Investment Range: $652,565–$1.8 million
• Unit Count: 4,000+

Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The global brand first franchised in the U.S. in 2015 and has since established over 150 locations across the country, making it one of the premier franchise opportunities in its category. Notably, the brand snagged the No. 61 spot on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list for 2024. 

Dunkin’

• Investment Range: $526,900–$1.8 million
• Unit Count: 13,370+

Northeastern classic Dunkin’ has developed thousands of locations around the world and continues to offer convenient, accessible, on-the-go beverages to its loyal customer base. Founded in 1950, the versatile franchise can now be found in airports, gas stations, strip malls and standalone buildings.

CHOP5

• Investment Range: $356,700–$873,700
• Unit Count: 3

CHOP5 Salad Kitchen is an Ohio-based franchise brand redefining the healthy eating experience with a delectable array of chopped salads, wraps, crave-a-bowls and other health-inspired menu items. With a vibrant and growing demand for nutritional dining options, the franchise stands out with its approach to fresh, flavorful and accessible meals, made on the spot. 

Culver’s

• Investment Range: $2.5 million–$7.2 million
• Unit Count: 918

Culver’s is an American-style fast food chain and one of the largest quick-service, drive-thru brands in the nation. This casual family-friendly eatery is a popular option for a quick-and-filling meal in many parts of the country. Locations see high profits from popular menu items such as butterburgers, cheese curds and custard shakes.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers*

• Investment Range: $737,000–$1.2 million
• Unit Count: 12

Founded in 1994 in College Station, Texas, Layne’s Chicken Fingers quickly became known for its friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. Now, the company is planning to bring Layne’s Soon to be Famous™ Chicken Fingers to the rest of the world through franchising. 

Arby’s

• Investment Range: $644,950–$2.5 million
• Unit Count: 3,500+

Arby’s stands out in the competitive fast-food franchise landscape with its focus on meaty sandwiches. The company has refined its processes and procedures over decades, making it a reliable choice for aspiring franchisees. 

Grégoire

• Investment Range: $240,794–$357,370
• Unit Count: 1

Grégoire combines the chef-driven quality of fine dining-style food with the convenience of a quick carryout experience. Located in Berkeley, California, the original location has become a beloved institution as the home of the famous potato puff. After over two decades of serving the local community, Grégoire has now launched a franchise opportunity. 

KFC

• Investment Range: $1.9 million–$3.8 million
• Unit Count: 28,470+

KFC is one of the most popular international fast-food restaurant franchises today that specializes in fried chicken. It was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930 and is known for its signature blend of 11 herbs and spices used to season the chicken.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes*

• Investment Range: $495,918–$1.2 million
• Unit Count: 90

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes is a fast-casual, better-burger concept committed to providing the best-tasting burger experience possible with mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, hand-cut French fries and dairy ice cream shakes. 

These 14 brands are some of the best on the market, but just a handful of all the mouth-watering food franchises the industry has to offer. 

If you're looking to get into the fast-casual restaurant industry through a franchise, we can help! Whether buying your first franchise or building your portfolio, 1851 Growth Club will guide you through the buying process with honesty and integrity. Reach out today to learn more.

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