Fast food chains are popular across the country, offering a variety of food from drive-thru windows and counters. If you’re interested in breaking into the world of fast food, keep reading the guide.
What is a fast food chain?
Fast food chains are fast food restaurants developed using a franchise system. Independent operators operate their own locations, connecting to bigger brands.
- read more: Check out our Franchise Guide
Fast food industry in 2022
Even with supply and worker challenges, the fast food industry remains popular. Fast food restaurants continue to offer affordable and convenient options that customers value.
Why you should consider becoming a fast food chain owner
If you want to start your own business in 2022, a franchisee should Here are some reasons to consider adopting a fast food business model:
- Choose from a plethora of options: from burger joints to specialty food counters, Almost everyone in the fast food industry has a franchise opportunity.
Enjoy the reliable model: Fast food has been around for decades and has remained popular. Gain sufficient brand recognition: Numerous brands are well-known across the country, giving your business immediate access to trust.
Get started fast: Franchise mode lets you quickly find locations, equipment, ingredients and team members. Make a profit: Fast food tends to be quite a lucrative business compared to other foodservices. Franchisees enjoy additional purchasing power due to links with national brands to keep costs low.
Top fast food chains
If you’re looking for a fast food chain to start in 2022, here are some things to consider.
1. Burger King
Burger King is a well-known brand and there is still plenty of market for growth. The company offers extensive training and purchasing power with a franchise agreement fee of $50,000.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s franchise opportunities are the most popular because of its high brand awareness. There are a variety of models to choose from, from simple drive-thru restaurants to larger restaurants with play spaces. Franchisees pay a $45,000 franchise fee.
3. Subway
Subway restaurants offer the world’s most popular homemade sandwich model. In the US and Canada, the initial fee is $15,000.
4. KFC
KFC offers a diverse menu and flexible restaurant models. The initial investment for above ground construction starts at about $1 million, but there are also non-traditional options starting at about $250,000.
- read more: 20 Chicken Franchise Conquer Chicks – Fil-A
5. Taco Bell
Taco Bell restaurants offer franchise opportunities in the United States and internationally. The brand is popular with young people, with franchise fees ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.
6. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a traditional burger chain with many unique menu options and significant brand recognition. The franchise fee is $50,000 for a 20-year term.
7. Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s is a counter service pretzel bakery. Franchisees are usually set up in malls, but are available in a variety of models, including kiosks and trucks. The franchise fee is $35,500 and the initial cost is about $145,000.
8. Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s is a counter service sub-store with many markets available in the U.S. Franchise fee of $18,500 total initial investment Pricing starts around $145,000.
9. Popeye
Popeye is a Southern-style fried chicken chain with room to grow nationwide. Fees vary by location and restaurant model, but with an initial fee of $50,000, total fees start around $235,000.
10. Chick Fil A
Chick Fil A is another chicken chain restaurant known for its excellent service and Christian values. There are a variety of models to choose from, so startup costs vary. But franchise fees start at just $10,000.
11. Five Guys
Five Guys is a popular burger chain with a simple menu and competitive prices. The initial fee is $25,000.
12. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen is a popular ice cream brand that also offers a “Grill ‘n’ Chill” express service model. The franchise fee is $45,000 and the initial investment totals approximately $1.5 million.
13. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is a popular coffee shop that also offers a variety of store-designed baked goods and breakfast items. Franchise fees range from $40,000 to $90,000, and the total initial investment is about $530,000.
- read more: Can the Dunkin Donuts franchise create its own middle-class economy?
14. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is a popular chain store, Available in a variety of models, from counters to full-service restaurants. Non-traditional investments start around $40,000, while full-service restaurants start at $367,000.
- read more:
- read more: Can the Dunkin Donuts franchise create its own middle-class economy?
Top Pizza Franchise
15. Papa John’s
Papa John’s Pizza is a delivery and quick service franchise in the United States and international opportunities. New franchisees must pay a fee of $25,000 and have at least $75,000 in liquid assets.
16. Teriyaki Madness
Teriyaki Madness is a Japanese-inspired express service model commonly found in shopping malls and large complexes. Initial startup costs range from $346,000 to $768,000.
17. Cinnabon
Cinnabon is a popular bakery chain that offers a variety of models from full stores to kiosks. They also co-brand with Auntie Anne’s. The initial franchise fee is $30,500, and the total cost starts at about $230,000.
18. Smoothie King
Smoothie King is a popular smoothie rack that offers additional menu items. Units can be online locations or drive-thru. Initial fees range from $25,000 to $30,000, with start-up costs starting at $320,000.
19. Culver’s
Culver’s is a burger and frozen custard restaurant known for its fresh ingredients. The company has multiple markets in the United States and has a franchise fee of $55,000.
20. Checker’s
Checker’s and Rally’s are racing-themed burger restaurants that primarily offer drive-thru service. Initial franchise fees range from $20,000 to $30,000.
How To Choose The Best Franchise To Build Your Fast Food Restaurant Business
Besides Looking For Franchise Offered In Your Area In addition to the well-known brands, there are some other factors to consider.
Determine your budget
How much can you prepay? What ongoing costs do you think are justified?
Analyze your market
Consider unique opportunities in your area or wherever you plan to do business.
Research Opportunities
Check out the Franchise Business Review, Franchise Disclosure Documents and FAQs for any opportunity that appeals to you.
Talk to the candidate
Once you find an opportunity that appeals to you, get in touch with their franchise team to discuss and better understand their requirements and process.
How much does it cost to open a fast food chain?
With so many fast food chains, startup costs can range from around $200,000 to over $2 million. Many are priced between $300,000 and $500,000, including everything from the initial franchise fee to other startup costs such as restaurant equipment. Many also charge royalties or monthly service fees.
Are fast food franchises profitable?
Fast food can be a very lucrative business. For many restaurants, total sales and low food costs allow you to keep your profit margin at 5% to between 10%.
read more:
CHECK OUT OUR franchising guide
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picture: Image: Envato Elements
picture: Image: Envato Elements
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