The Top 10 Most Affordable QSR Franchises to Buy in 2023

Baskin Robbins

Baskin Robbins was founded in 1945 in California by Burton Baskin and Irvine Robbins. The pair were ice cream enthusiasts and brothers-in-law who created one of the largest chains of ice cream stores in the world. Baskin and Robbins decided to break the ice cream mold and offer 31 flavors of ice cream to start instead of continuing with the traditional vanilla, strawberry and chocolate flavors. Almost 80 years later, the ice cream brand has 1,400 flavors with 2,400 locations all over the world.  

The franchise fee for Baskin Robbins is $25,000, and the total initial investment ranges from $90,000–$625,000. Baskin Robbins offers reduced royalties for the first 36 months and a 10-year payment plan. To learn more about franchising a Baskin Robbins, click here. 

Chick-fil-A

Truett Cathy started his first restaurant in 1946 called the Dwarf Grill, later renamed The Dwarf House, in Hapeville, Georgia. In 1967, Cathy then opened the first Chick-fil-A location in Atlanta. Cathy’s son became the CEO of the family-run business in 2013, and Cathy’s grandson is the current CEO of Chick-fil-A. The company now has 2,600 locations across 47 states, Washington DC, Canada and Puerto Rico. 

The initial investment to open a Chick-fil-A is just $10,000. There are of course other fees involved. To learn more, fill out a form and visit the website. 

Quiznos

Quiznos was founded in 1981 by Jimmy Lambatos. According to VettedBiz, Quiznos has over 200 locations scattered throughout the country. This is a large decrease from the once-4,700 locations the brand had. In 2006, the private-equity firm CCMP Capital Advisors acquired a minority stake in Quiznos from Consumer Capital Partners. 

The initial franchise fee to open a Quiznos is $30,000, and the total ownership cost is $216,100–$500,000. Learn more about franchising a Quiznos here. 

Cold Stone Creamery

Susan and Donald Sutherland founded Cold Stone Creamery in 1988 in Tempe, Arizona. Cold Stone offers a large selection of sundaes, signature ice cream flavors and ice cream cakes. 

The ice cream brand has over 850 locations in the U.S. and 300-plus units internationally.  Investment for a Cold Stone ranges from $53,200–$580,650, depending on the type of location launched. Cold Stone offers traditional and non-traditional models. There’s no previous experience required, only a passion for business and the Cold Stone Creamery Brand. Learn more about franchising a Cold Stone Creamery here.

Scooter’s Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee was founded in 1998 by husband-and-wife Don and Linda Eckles. They made history by opening the first drive-thru coffee house in Bellevue, Nebraska. Now Scooter’s is approaching 500 locations across the country. 

The franchise fee for Scooter’s Coffee is $40,000. The initial total initial investment cost is $794,000–$1,264,500. To be a qualified candidate for Scooter’s Coffee, you need $200,000 in liquid capital. Learn more about the costs and fees to open a Scooter’s Coffee franchise here. 

Dunkin’ Donuts 

Founded in 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts was previously known as Open Kettle in 1948. The menu was similar to the well-known one today, serving coffee, sandwiches and pastries. William Rosenberg opened five shops just four years after opening the first location. Dunkin’ now boasts over 11,300 locations worldwide. 

To become a qualified candidate, you need a minimum of $250,000 in liquid assets. Investment in Dunkin’ Donuts is $526,900–$1,787,000, and the franchise fee is $40,000–$90,000. To become a franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts, visit the site here. 

 Papa John’s 

Papa John’s was founded in 1984 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. John Schnatter's pizza started with an oven in a broom closet. Now the pizza franchise has grown to over 5,000 restaurants in 45 countries around the world. 

Papa John's does not disclose all the fees necessary to be a qualified franchisee. However, there is a minimum net worth of $750,000 and a minimum of $250,000 in assets. To get more information, fill out this form. 

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs was founded by former firefighter brothers Chris and Robin Sorensen in 1994. The sub sandwich brand has more than 1,245 locations around the U.S., offering a plethora of menu options or the option to build your own. Most locations also provide an opportunity to donate to your local fire department.

Firehouse has a $100,000 minimum requirement in liquid assets. The franchise fee is $20,000, and the total cost to open a location is approximately $412,731. After inquiring, it takes six to 18 months to open, depending on a multitude of factors. To franchise a Firehouse Subs, click here. 

 Auntie Anne’s 

Auntie Anne’s started in a Pennsylvania farmers market in 1988 by Anne Beiler. After some experimentation, Beiler created the pretzel brand people know and love today. From humble beginnings, Auntie Anne’s is now a national sensation with over 1,800 locations. 

Auntie Anne’s is part of Focus Brands, and the average net sales for 2021 was $636,952. The minimum liquid capital requirement is $120,000, and the total investment costs are $146,050–$523,500. To franchise an Auntie Anne’s, head to Focus Brands’ site here. 

Taco Bell 

Glen Bell started Taco Bell in 1954 in the San Bernardino area. By 1967, there were already 100 locations. In 1970, there were 325. Taco Bell has remained an international sensation by constantly introducing new menu items that consumers love, such as the Doritos Locos Tacos and the Nacho Fries. 

Taco Bell does not disclose the investment costs and franchise fees to the public without filling out a form. According to Vetted Biz, the franchise fee is $45,000. To acquire more information about franchising a Taco Bell, visit the website. 

Before the Franchise Investment Is Made

For these 10 and all others, franchise costs may vary depending on a number of factors, including location, size and market demand. Evaluate any and all investment opportunities before making a final decision to make sure it’s feasible for your business goals.