5 Emerging Food Franchises That May Be the Next Big Thing

Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the restaurant industry, forcing franchisors to innovate in order to stay open. Now, emerging franchisors are continuing to adapt their business models and stay nimble in the face of ongoing challenges, such as supply chain issues, labor shortages and more. With pent-up consumer demand for on-site dining, group gatherings and parties growing by the minute, the big brands of tomorrow are just getting going today. 

1851 Franchise has compiled a list of some of the best emerging restaurants to invest in right now. 

Famous Toastery

• Startup Costs: $601,500 to $1,044,000
• Unit Count: 30+

Famous Toastery gives franchisees an opportunity to “Be Famous” in their communities by leveraging a business with a track record for growth in a high-demand market segment and a lifestyle proposition that allows for flexibility and family time. Famous Toastery is making a name for itself thanks to quality ingredients and a commitment to excelling in the better-breakfast segment. Amid COVID-19, Famous Toastery didn’t slow down like other restaurant brands did; it actually revamped its franchising efforts and implemented a brand-new POS system for owners.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux

• Startup Costs: $1,184,000 to $4,430,700
• Unit Count: 61

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar is a leading full-service family sports bar that provides gourmet takes on game-day favorites. Walk-On’s was founded in 2003 by Brandon Landry, a former walk-on basketball player at Louisiana State University. Leaning on the true spirit of a walk-on and building a winning culture, the brand is rapidly expanding across the United States with a Louisiana-inspired menu featuring food and drinks made from scratch daily. Walk On’s was ranked the No. 1 brand in Entrepreneur magazine's 2020 Top New Franchises and also named Entrepreneur's "#1 Best Sports Bar Franchise" for two consecutive years.

Oath Pizza

• Startup Costs: $350,000 to $505,200
• Unit Count: 29

Oath Pizza is a fast-growing craft pizza brand that has reimagined the pizza experience. Founded in a small seaside shop on Nantucket Island in 2015, Oath Pizza now has 29 locations, and the brand and business have been built to scale with a unique product, effective positioning and efficient business model. Oath Pizza operates with a smaller footprint than most of their competitors, which requires fewer employees, a benefit throughout the recent labor shortages. The small footprint also allows for a streamlined kitchen, which has helped with supply chain issues throughout the past year.

Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar

• Startup Costs: $1,313,400 to $3,996,900 
• Unit Count: 20

This small East Coast chain with a casual bar and American-style menu was founded in 2008 in Pennsylvania and currently has 20 locations, but it’s rapidly expanding, with more than 100 deals in the works across the Northeast region of the country. Arooga’s started franchising in 2014 and is best known for winning the "America's Next Top Restaurant Franchise" competition in 2010. More recently, the brand was recognized among Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchises of 2020 and Top 200 Food Franchises 2020.

Shuckin’ Shack

• Startup Costs: $252,700 to $776,750
• Unit Count: 16

Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar grew out of a vision for a local establishment that would appeal to families of all ages – a place where friends and family can enjoy fresh, delicious meals and creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Shuckin’ Shack has proven to be uniquely well positioned, with a small square-footage requirement, low inventory and minimum waste, smaller staff sizes and maximum return on investment. The team has also continued to adapt in order to overcome staffing shortages and ensure franchisees are able to grow.