50 Best US Franchises to Own In 2023

Delving into the world of franchising can be an exciting and rewarding way to become your own boss.

But with so many different franchise opportunities out there, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

The best franchise to own is the one that best fits your skills, interests, and goals. Whether you’re looking for a hands-on or passive investment, there’s a franchise out there that’s perfect for you.

In this article, we’ll outline a few of the best franchises to own based on different criteria. We will also provide helpful tips on choosing the right franchise for you.

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The Best Franchises to Own — Our Top Picks

1. McDonald’s

• Category: Fast food
• Initial Investment: $1 million – $2.2 million
• Royalty Fee: 4%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500,000

With over 36,000 locations in more than 100 countries, McDonald’s is one of the most ubiquitous brands in the world. And it’s no surprise that the company tops our list of the best franchises to own.

McDonald’s is a proven business model with strong brand recognition, and it offers a hands-on experience for those who want to be actively involved in running their franchise.

The initial investment is on the higher end, but you’ll have access to proven marketing and operating procedures and comprehensive training programs.

Indeed McDonald’s has a proven business model, but is McDonald’s franchise profitable?

2. 7-Eleven

• Category: Convenience store
• Initial Investment: $38,000 – $1 million
• Royalty Fee: 4.5% of gross sales
• Liquid cash requirement: $50,000 – $100,000

7-Eleven is another global brand that has become synonymous with convenience. With over 70,000 stores in 19 countries, 7-Eleven offers a turnkey franchise opportunity with low initial investment and no experience necessary.

7-Eleven provides comprehensive training and support to help you get your franchise up and running quickly and efficiently. And because the brand is so well-known, you’ll have a built-in customer base from day one.

Read our complete guide to get more information regarding 7-Eleven Franchise.

3. Dunkin’ Donuts

• Category: Coffee and donuts
• Initial Investment: $228,620 – $1.7 million
• Royalty Fee: 5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000

Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the most recognizable names in the coffee industry, and it’s also one of the best franchises to own.

With more than 11,000 locations worldwide, Dunkin’ Donuts has a proven track record of success.

The initial investment is on the higher end, but you’ll be getting a well-established brand with a loyal customer base.

Dunkin’ Donuts also offers comprehensive training and support, so you can be sure you’re set up for success from the start.

Read our complete guide to get more information regarding Dunkin Franchise.

4. Anytime Fitness

• Category: Gym
• Initial Investment: $154,000 – $7 million
• Royalty Fee: $549 per month
• Liquid cash requirement: $100,000

Anytime Fitness is a great franchise opportunity for those with a passion for fitness and helping others reach their goals. With more than 4,000 locations worldwide, Anytime Fitness has been consistently ranked as one of the top franchises to own.

The initial investment is relatively low, and you’ll have the freedom to be your own boss and set your own hours. Anytime Fitness also offers training and support to hit the ground running with your new franchise.

But what is the Anytime Fitness franchise failure rate? What is the profit margin of the franchise Read our complete guide to get all the details about the franchise.

5. The UPS Store

• Category: Shipping and postal services
• Initial Investment: $174,000 – $403,000
• Royalty Fee: 5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $75,000

The UPS Store is a great option for those looking for a hands-on franchise opportunity. With over 5,000 locations worldwide, The UPS Store has a proven business model and offers comprehensive training and support.

The UPS Store is a great choice for entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to be actively involved in running their franchise.

The initial investment is on the lower end, and you’ll have access to all the resources you need to get your franchise up and running quickly and efficiently.

Check out the UPS Store Franchise to know how profitable this franchise is.

6. Taco Bell

• Category: Mexican fast food
• Initial Investment: $500,000 – $2.6 million
• Royalty Fee: 5.5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $750,000

Taco Bell is one of the world’s most popular Mexican fast-food chains, and it’s also one of the best franchises to own.

This quick-service restaurant offers a proven business model and comprehensive training and support.

The initial investment is variable, but you’ll be getting a well-established brand with a loyal customer base. Taco Bell also offers a hands-on experience for those who want to actively run their franchise.

Get more information about the cost, profit, and revenue of the Taco Bell Franchise.

7. Planet Fitness

• Category: Gym
• Initial Investment: $1 million – $4 million
• Royalty Fee: 7%
• Liquid cash requirement: $1.5 million

Planet Fitness is another gym franchise that offers a great opportunity for those with a passion for fitness. With more than 2,000 locations worldwide, Planet Fitness has a proven track record of success.

What sets Planet Fitness apart from other gym franchises is its focus on providing a judgment-free environment.

This makes it a great choice for entrepreneurs who want to positively impact their community.

Read our complete guide to get every detail on the Planet Fitness franchise cost.

8. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

• Category: Beverage Franchise
• Initial Investment: $296,500 and $661,500
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $125,000

Tropical Smoothie has been ranked as the #1 franchise in Smoothie/Juice category for ten consecutive years now and is one of the fastest-growing franchises.

It currently has 1,235 locations in the U.S. and plans to expand to 1500 locations by 2025.

The franchisor offers in-depth training, support, and even territory protection. You can enjoy a profit margin of 15% on average and can choose from multiple franchise models that it offers.

9. Panera Bread

• Category: Bakery
• Initial Investment: $2,291,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $3,000,000

Panera Bread is a bakery-café & restaurant chain with more than 2,000 locations in Canada and the United States.

Although it is not easy to pass for a Panera Bread franchise, if you could do that, you can enjoy high profits.

Additionally, the franchisor offers hands-on training, territory protection, and ongoing support.

You should also note that Panera Bread does not offer single units, so if you are looking for a multi-unit franchise opportunity, then Panera Bread is the best for that.

10. Papa John’s 

• Category: Pizza Chain
• Initial Investment: $354,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000 

Papa John’s is the third-largest pizza chain globally, and if you are looking to invest in a pizza franchise, then this is a great option.

This franchisor offers comprehensive training and support, and the best part is that they also allow absentee ownership.

The best part about owning Papa John’s franchise is it makes a lot of sales, which will allow you to recover your initial investment within just 2-3 years, post which you will get to enjoy a major chunk of profits.

11. Wingstop

• Category: Restaurants
• Initial Investment: $315,310 – $948,080
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $600,000

Wingstop is a well-known American restaurant chain known for its scrumptious chicken, with over 1500 outlets globally.

This franchise requires a high investment amount, but it also generates very high profits, up to $200,000.

The Wingstop franchisor also offers training & support & territory protection. The only flipside of this franchise is its high-cost investment and high royalty fees.

If both work out for you, then this is the best franchise to invest in in the restaurant category. 

12. KFC

• Category: Restaurants
• Initial Investment: $2,107,075
• Royalty Fee: 5.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $750,000

The second largest restaurant chain KFC has over 24,000 restaurants worldwide & needs no introduction.

KFC is a great option for candidates willing to invest in a restaurant franchise. This is because KFC not only has a global presence but is also a very profitable franchise.

However, qualifying for this franchise is not at all easy, and the investment requirement is also high.

If you can surpass both the challenges in owning a KFC franchise, then you will be able to make $384,031 in average annual profit. 

13. Meineke

• Category: Automotive 
• Initial Investment: $384,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500K

Meineke is an automotive car repair company that offers franchise opportunities to individuals who have a minimum net worth of $1M and liquid capital of $500K, among other things.

For those who are looking for the best automotive franchise to invest in, Meineke is your best bet. Franchise owners can earn as much as $853,406 in annual revenue.

The best part about his franchise is that it has a low failure rate and a pack back period of only 2.5 years. 

14. Supercuts 

• Category: Salon
• Initial Investment: $222,000
• Royalty Fee: 6.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000

With more than 2,600 Supercuts locations, this American hair care & salon franchise is one of the best in the salon category.’

This franchise requires a very low investment of $156,000, and in return, it can generate average profits of $263,000 annually.

Supercuts are not only profitable but also have a low failure rate and a payback period of only 3 years. We recommend Supercuts for those willing to invest in a salon franchise. 

But is the Supercuts franchise profitable? To get the complete information about the franchise read our article.

15. Jiffy Lube

• Category: Automotive 
• Initial Investment: $337,000
• Royalty Fee: 3%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000

This one is an automotive preventive maintenance company with a customer base of 20 million & with over 2,000 service centers in Canada & U.S.

This one requires a comparatively lower cost of investment but generates good profits in return. Additionally, Jiffy Lube has a low failure rate, flexible policies & low royalty fee of 3%.

However, it does not offer exclusive territory protection and has a high advertisement fee. We still feel Jiffy Lube is worth it. 

16. Nothing Bundt Cakes

• Category: Bakery
• Initial Investment: $591,650
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000

Nothing Bundt Cakes is a unique bakery chain that specializes in selling handcrafted Bundt cakes.

There are over 500+ Nothing Bundt Cakes locations, and to be eligible for this franchise, the candidate is required to have some business management experience.

This franchise requires a mid-range investment, and in return, it generates revenue of $1,307,280 per year on average.

The best part is it has a low failure rate and low payback period, making it an ideal bakery franchise to invest in.

17. Great Clips

• Category: Hair Salon
• Initial Investment: $278,000
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $75,000

Great Clips is a well-known American salon chain with more than 4,500 locations throughout the U.S.

The franchisor offers training and support, exclusive territory protection, third-party financing, and more.

Great Cips franchise owners generate average annual profits of $183,977 with only $278,000 in investment. This salon franchise has a low failure rate as well as 1.5 year of payback period.

Additionally, it requires less liquid capital and net worth, making it an ideal option for many candidates. The only con of this franchise is that it faces a lot of competition.

Read our complete guide to get detailed information about Great Clips franchise.

18. Snap-on

• Category: Automotive
• Initial Investment: $201,433 – $465,436
• Royalty Fee: $135
• Liquid cash requirement: N/A

Snap-on is a global producer of tool and equipment solutions with over 4,600 franchisees in 130 countries.

This franchise is highly profitable in the automotive sector generating average annual sales of $750,000.

The franchisor offers needed training and support and charges a low royalty fee and zero advertising fees.

If you have the kind of money this franchise requires, then this could be a profitable venture for you.

Read our complete guide on the Snap-On franchise.

19. Drybar

• Category: Hair Salon
• Initial Investment: $813,000
• Royalty Fee: 7.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $250,000

Drybar features more than 140+ locations in the U.S. and is known for offering 45-minute exclusive blowouts and haircuts service.

Although the Drybar franchise costs a lot- $813,000, it also generates annual average revenue of $809,000 per year, making it a very profitable opportunity.

Drybar franchisor also allows flexibility in choosing your own operating hours. The only con of this franchise is that it charges a 7% royalty and has a payback period of 7 years.

Read our complete guide to know more about the Drybar franchise.

20. Mathnasium

• Category: Education
• Initial Investment: $126,655
• Royalty Fee: 5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $112,750

Mathnasium is a supplemental math learning franchise with 1,100 locations worldwide.

This is one of the lowest cost franchises that you can get and earn profits in the range of $40,500–$54,000 annually.

Mathnasium offers training and support to franchises, has a simple qualification process, and anyone can start this franchise.

The only con about this franchise is that it faces heavy external competition.

21. Culver’s

• Category: Restuarant
• Initial Investment: $2,398,000 – $5,432,000.
• Royalty Fee: 4%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500,000

This family restaurant chain is known for its fresh frozen custard, butter burgers, etc., and has more than 800 restaurants in 26 states.

Culvers require high investment, but in return, it generates annual average profits of $365,000 to $546,000.

Additionally, Culvers has a low failure rate of 2% but has a payback period of 6.5 years.

If you want to enjoy customer loyalty, high profits, and a unique niche, then Culver’s franchise is a great opportunity for you.

22. Biggby Coffee

• Category: Coffee
• Initial Investment: $310,575
• Royalty Fee: 6.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: N/A

Biggby Coffee is a well-known coffee chain in the U.S. with a huge customer base. You do not need to have prior experience to own a Biggby Coffee franchise.

By investing in this franchise, you can enjoy a flexible franchise model and get needed training and support. Additionally, the failure rate of the Biggby franchise is low, and it has a payback period of only two years.

If you are looking for a coffee franchise that is low investment and generates high profits with the above-mentioned benefits, then this can be a great opportunity for you.

23. Marco’s Pizza

• Category: Pizza Chain
• Initial Investment: $242,142 – $633,109
• Royalty Fee: 5.5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $200,000 

Marco’s is one of the fastest-growing pizza chains in the world, with 1,153+ outlets in the world.

The franchisor offers marketing support, training, territory protection, and more. The failure rate of Marco’s is also low, and so is the payback period.

This franchise requires an average investment of $438,000 and, in return, generates massive profits of $240,000 a year.

The only problem with this franchise is its long selection process and competition.

24. Crumbl Cookies

• Category: Bakery
• Initial Investment: $227,666 to $567,833.
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Liquid cash requirement: $150,000

Crumbl Cookies is a popular US bakery chain with over 600+ bakeries in 47 states nationwide.

This franchise chain has low start-up costs, low franchise fees, and zero percent failure rates.

If you wish to make annual net profits of $357,512 or more with minimal investment and less risk, then this franchise is great for you.

25. Popeyes

• Category: Pizza Chain
• Initial Investment: $1,096,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500,000

Who doesn’t know about Popeyes? With 3,700+ global locations, Popeyes is truly one of the best pizza franchises to invest in, albeit expensive.

Poepeyes has a very low failure rate and a payback period of 6.5 years, and with this franchise, you can generate average profits of $354,019 a year!

A few cons of this franchise are, however, that you will only get limited flexibility, will need more space, and will have to bear a high franchise fee.

Read our complete guide to learn about the Popeyes Franchise.

26. Orangetheory

• Category: Fitness
• Initial Investment: $1,381,400 
• Royalty Fee: 8.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $150,000

Orangetheory is a well-known American fitness brand with 1500 units in 25 countries.

Orangetheory does not have any stringent qualification requirements and offers comprehensive help right from training to sales and marketing to construction & design and much more.

The failure rate of Orangetheory is low but requires high investment. Even though the investment required is high, this franchise is very profitable and worth investing in.

Read our complete guide on Orangetheory franchise to get more information on the franchise.

27. Firehouse Subs

• Category: Restuarant
• Initial Investment: $189,574 – $1,065,350
• Royalty Fee: 6.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $100,000

Firehouse Subs is a fast-food restaurant chain with a comprehensive network of 1,200 outlets and a solid customer base. This franchisor offers an opportunity to own a multi-unit franchise; it also offers advertising, ongoing support, and territory protection.

The investment for Firehouse Subs is on the higher end, and the payback period is 5 years on average.

So the franchise owners make $888,356 in sales annually from Firehouse Subs, which makes it a good franchising option.

Read our complete guide on Firehouse Subs.

28. Cruise Planners

• Category: Travel Agency
• Initial Investment: $10,995
• Royalty Fee: 1.5% – 3%
• Liquid cash requirement: N/A

For entrepreneurs who are looking to invest in the traveling industry, Cruise Planners is a promising opportunity.

This is one of the lowest-cost franchises starting at $10,995 only, and in return, it can generate $128,682 in annual revenue.

To own a Cruise Planners franchise, you do not need any experience, and the best part is that you can work from any part of the world.

Cruise Planners charge a very low royalty fee, and since it does not require a lot of money to get started, the payback period is less as well.

The only con worth noting is that Cruise Planners has a failure rate of 12.7%.

29. Buffalo Wild Wings

• Category: Restaurant Franchise
• Initial Investment: $3,547,000
• Royalty Fee: 5.0%
• Liquid cash requirement: $750,000

Buffalo Wild Wings is an American dine-in restaurant featuring 1200 locations.

Although this is an expensive franchise costing $3,547,000, in return, you can expect to make average sales of $2,534,000.

The franchisor offers relevant training and support and has a failure rate of 5% only.

Additionally, the payback period for this franchise is 5.5 years. So overall, Buffalo Wild Wings is an excellent and profitable franchise to invest in.

30. Jersey Mike

• Category: Sandwich Franchise
• Initial Investment: $465,450
• Royalty Fee: 6.5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $100,000

Jersey Mike is a submarine sandwich chain that has more than 2000 locations in the world. To own this franchise, you do not need any prior business experience.

By investing $465,450, as a Jersey Mike franchise owner you can make $70,000-$100,000 annually on average. The failure rate of this franchise is low, and the payback period is 5 years on average.
Additionally, Jersey Mike offers third-party financing, exclusive territory protection, and a lot more. Overall, a good franchising option.

31. Zaxby’s

• Category: Fast-food Restaurant
• Initial Investment: $284,000- $664,300
• Royalty Fee: 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500,000

With over 900 locations in the U.S., Zaxby’s is a fast-food restaurant chain that is known for its delicious chicken, Sandwiches, and other items.

Zaxby’s has been ranked as 25th in the list of top 50 chains in the quick-service industries.

Zaxby’s has a profit margin of 8.5%, and it can generate average profits of $190,000 in a year.

To be eligible for this franchise, the candidate needs to pass a criminal background check and must have a few financial qualifications.

32. Chick-Fil-A

• Category: Restaurant
• Initial Investment: $1,363,510
• Royalty Fee: 15%
• Liquid cash requirement: $10,000

Chick-Fil-A is the nation’s largest chicken chain with more than 1565 outlets in the U.S. This is one of the most affordable franchises to own as it requires very low investment and liquid capital to get started.

It also has a failure rate of less than 5% and has an average payback period of only 4 years.

However, Chick-Fil-A charges a very high royalty fee of 15%, and to get this franchise, the candidate has to go through 12 interviews. Additionally, they do not offer a lot of flexibility.

So make sure you go through the franchise details in case you want to invest in a Chick-Fil-A franchise.

33. Wendy’s

• Category: Fast-food Restaurant
• Initial Investment: $2,000,0000-$3,000,000
• Royalty Fee: 4% – 6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $500,000

Wendy’s is a fast-food restaurant chain that was founded in 1968, and today, it features more than 7000 restaurants worldwide.

As you can see, Wendy’s requires a very high cost of investment, and in return, it can generate $1.5 million in sales. This restaurant franchise offers high profits, but it does not offer territory protection or financing options.

If you want to benefit from a well-built customer base, ubiquitous presence, and good profits, then you can learn more about Wendy’s franchises.

34. Valvoline Instant Oil Change

• Category: Automobile
• Initial Investment: $178,00-$3.2 million
• Royalty Fee: 4-6%
• Liquid cash requirement: $600,000

Valvoline Instant Oil Change is the largest oil-chain provider in America, with more than 1,400 locations.

Candidates do not need to have prior experience to own this franchise, but having a background as a lube operator can increase your chance of selection.

Valvoline offers training and ongoing support, along with financial help.

Valvoline franchise owners make $201,000 in yearly profits on average, and is a good investment option for those looking to invest in an automobile-related franchise.

Read our complete guide on Valvoline Instant Oil Change franchise to get detailed information about the franchise.

35. Ziebart

• Category: Automobile
• Initial Investment: $416,820-$566,100
• Royalty Fee: 8%
• Liquid cash requirement: $150,000

Ziebart specialized in offering car care services and was started in 1959.

To be eligible for the Ziebart franchise, the candidate must complete an 8-week training program and meet the required financial requirements.

Ziebart is a profitable franchise option, and franchise owners make an estimated $110,000 in profits per year. You can check out more details about Ziebart to know if it will be good for you.

36. Nathan’s Famous Inc. 

• Category: Hot Dog
• Initial Investment: $326,050-$1,170,360
• Royalty Fee: 5.5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $100,000

If you are looking to invest in a hot dog franchise, then Nathan’s Famous Inc. is the best option for that.

Nathan’s Famous Inc. was founded in 1916, and today, it has expanded to more than 200 locations around the world.

By opting for Nathan’s Famous Inc., you can reap benefits from their existing customer base and their advertisement and marketing support.

37. Rooter-Man Franchise

• Category: Plumbing
• Initial Investment: $46,750-$137,600
• Royalty Fee: Varies
• Liquid cash requirement: $10,000

When it comes to drain cleaning or plumbing work, Rooter-Man Franchise is one of the top names in America.

Investing in this franchise is an appreciating investment as you can get a good profit even when you sell this franchise in the future.

The Rooter-Man franchisor offers training and ongoing support, including proven advertising strategies and plans.

So Rooter-Man could be a good franchise if you are looking for a low-cost and good-profit franchise.

38. Tailored Living

• Category: Space organization service
• Initial Investment: $156,000 and $297,000
• Royalty Fee: $300 to $2000 per month 
• Liquid cash requirement: $130,000

Tailored Living is a unique franchise option, and the company is known for offering storage solutions for closets, garages, mudrooms, etc.

The franchisor offers 80 hours of classroom training and ongoing support and requires less investment comparatively.

Tailored Living franchise owners make an estimated $588,139 in annual revenue. So it is a profitable franchise to invest in.

Read our complete guide on the Tailored Living franchise to get detailed information on franchise.

39. Tint World

• Category: Tinting, Automotive
• Initial Investment: $259,000 and $399,500
• Royalty Fee: 6% 
• Liquid cash requirement: $120,000

Tint World is an uncommon and highly successful company, and it can be a profitable option for those looking to invest in the Automotive industry.

To be eligible for this, you need to have a credit score of 700 or more and meet other financial requirements as well.

Tint World offers training that lasts for three weeks, along with ongoing and marketing support.
As a Tint World franchise owner, you can make $636,368 in average annual revenue, so it is quite a profitable venture.

40. Ding Tea

• Category: Bubble Tea
• Initial Investment: $123,000-$422,000
• Royalty Fee: 2-5%
• Liquid cash requirement: $100,000

Ding Tea is a Taiwanese-style bubble tea shop that was founded in 2004, and today, it has grown to over 1000 locations.

The company has not revealed how much profit its franchises make, but Ding Tea is a profitable franchise opportunity, especially if you are looking to own a Bubble tea company.

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Tips for Choosing the Best Franchise to Own

Now that you know some of the best franchises to own, how do you choose the right one for you? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Consider Your Skills and Interests

When choosing a franchise, it’s important to consider your interests and skills. Do you have experience in the industry?

Do you have a passion for the product or service? Do you have the skills necessary to run a successful franchise?

You’re more likely to struggle if you choose a franchise that doesn’t align with your skills and interests.

But if you choose a franchise that you’re passionate about and that plays to your strengths, you’ll be more successful in the long run.

2. Consider the Initial Investment

The initial investment is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a franchise. How much money are you willing to put into your business?

Do you have the liquid assets necessary to cover the costs? Will you need to take out a loan?

The initial investment can vary widely from one franchise to another. Some franchises require a relatively small investment, while others can cost millions of dollars. It’s essential to consider your financial situation before committing.

3. Consider the Location

When choosing a franchise, it’s also important to consider the location. Where will you be opening your franchise?

Is there a good market for the product or service in that area? Are there any competition concerns?

The location of your franchise can have a big impact on your success. After all, it’s important to be in a place where people are interested in what you’re selling.

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Wrapping Up

The best franchise to own is the one that’s right for you. The 7 franchises listed above are all great choices, but only you can decide which one is the best fit for your skills, interests, and goals.

When considering a franchise, be sure to do your research. Speak with franchisees and ask lots of questions. And most importantly, choose a franchise that you’re passionate about.