Owning a food franchise is probably one of the wisest decisions any aspiring business owner can make, especially if that franchise comes from a long-standing reputable company. With the right training, support and staff, your investment could take care of you for the rest of your life. Here are six of the best food franchises to own in the U.S.
Jump Ahead To
Apple Spice
Franchise fee: $379,500 – $551,700
Randy Clegg and Wayne Curtis founded the Apple Spice delivery and catering company in 1988 with the intention of providing meals that are designated just for its clients. Today, the business is grounded in a 30-year history of providing top-quality meals through its catering services.
If you enjoy baking and serving fresh meals for meetings and events, Apple Spice is one of the food franchises to own because it focuses on supporting you to fulfill your dreams.
It also prides itself on providing choice ingredients and exceptional service, which is why when you buy this franchise, you are also buying its reputation. Each outlet specializes in delivering lunch boxes that are individually packed to ensure your buyers get their meals on time and according to their requirements.
The lifestyle business boasts over 40 locations, with a new one opening soon in Wisconsin. When you choose to join this food franchise, you are joining a one-of-a-kind brand that is recognized throughout the U.S. If you are interested in buying an Apple Spice Franchise, the financial requirements are a minimum liquidity of $200,000 and a minimum net worth of $600,000.
Taco Bell
Franchise fee: $25,000 – $45,000
Glen Bell was inspired by friends in 1951 to create the Crunchy Taco. The idea was such a success that he started Taco Bell three years later. In 1962, Glen opened his first restaurant, and the first franchise was opened in 1964. Today, Taco Bell has over 8,400 restaurants worldwide and is known as a leader in the Mexican QSR Franchise Industry.
Americans love tacos so much that they have dedicated a day to them. The first Tuesday in October is now officially known as Taco Tuesday, so if you are considering buying a Taco Bell franchise, it is worth it. To open a Taco Bell franchise, you need to meet the minimum requirements of $2 million personal liquidity and $5 million net worth, though these requirements are subject to change.
Wingstop
Franchise fee: $20,000
All Wingstop sells is flavorful chicken, and the flavor works in its favor. It has been in the business since 1994 as a restaurant that’s known for selling various styles of chicken, but especially wings.
Wingstop was opened with one goal in mind — more flavor for the world. Today, it offers 14 flavors from plain to atomic for every kind of taste bud, which are available in over 2,000 franchises worldwide. The average American eats around 90 wings annually, and just like tacos, they’re so deeply loved that they have a day dedicated to them in July.
Because Wingstop takes its flavor seriously, it also takes training seriously. If you are interested in buying a franchise, once your application is approved and your development agreement is completed, you will undergo four weeks of training. To have your application considered, you need to have a minimum net worth of $1.2 million, of which $600,000 must be liquid.
Dunkin’
Franchise Fee: $10,000 – $90,000
Serving coffee and baked goods for over 70 years, Dunkin’ continues to make waves in the industry. Bill Rosenberg founded the company in 1950, and today, it’s one of the largest brands in the USA.
Dunkin’ has over 10,000 restaurants worldwide and continues to grow, bringing sweetness to everyone’s lives. The restaurants pride themselves on offering exceptional customer service and creating a memorable experience in every visit.
Aspiring business owners who want to join a franchise with a forward-thinking mindset should consider Dunkin’ to turn their dreams into a success. On average, two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily, meaning that with the right training — which is offered by Dunkin’ — and the right staff, your business venture is bound to succeed.
There are two types of franchise opportunities — traditional and non-traditional. The traditional franchise fee ranges from $40,000 to $90,000, while the non-traditional franchise fee ranges from $10,000 to $90,000. Both opportunities require $250,000 in liquid assets and a net worth of $500,000 per store.
McDonald’s
Franchise fee: $45,000 for a 20-year duration.
It all started when one man — Ray Kroc — had a dream after tasting a burger. He then founded McDonald’s in 1955. What started as a tiny restaurant has grown into a multinational brand with over 36,000 restaurants in over 100 countries, making McDonald’s one of the best food franchises to own in the U.S.
The entity has homegrown roots, with 93% of its restaurants owned by local people. McDonald’s advertising skills also draw the attention of children and families, and with over 74 million children in the USA, it’s no secret that it is one of the favorite go-to places for a quick meal or a family night out.
To qualify as a McDonald’s franchisee, a minimum requirement of $500,000 in liquid assets is necessary. However, this does not guarantee you will become a franchisee because there are several non-monetary requirements to address, such as removing yourself from other business ventures.
Once your application process is completed, you will start a six to 12-month training program. If this is a success and there is an opportunity to buy a franchise, you may sign the golden deal.
KFC
Franchise fee: $45,000
Harland Sanders created his chicken recipe and fed hungry travelers. His idea was such a success that he founded Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) in 1930. He took just under a decade to perfect his recipe, and today, KFC has over 24,000 franchises worldwide, with 4,000 in its home country. It is a well-loved franchise that is one of the longest-standing food brands in the U.S.
Though it has been more than 90 years since its inception, KFC maintains the quality and flavor of 11 herbs and spices that Harland taught and believed in. It uses 100% real chicken that is hormone-free.
If you are considering buying a KFC franchise, ask yourself if you have the characteristics it is looking for — capability, commitment and capital. If your answer is yes, then KFC requires a minimum fee of $1.5 million in net worth and $750,000 in liquid assets.
Methodology
| Restaurant | Initial Fee | How to Apply |
| Apple Spice | $379,500 – $551,700 | Send an email to the Franchise Opportunities group. The email address is on Apple Spice’s website. |
| Taco Bell | $25,000 – $45,000 | Fill out a franchise application form on Taco Bell’s website, and a team member will contact you if you are a good candidate. |
| Wingstop | $20,000 per store | Fill out an application form on Wingstop’s website to be considered. If you are successful, a team member will contact you and ask for financial documents. |
| Dunkin’ | $10,000 – $90,000 (dependent on the opportunity) | Contact a development team member, and if your application is successful, you will have an interview with the team. Details are on the website. |
| McDonald’s | $45,000 for a 20-year duration | Fill out an application form on the McDonald’s website, asking the team to contact you if there are any franchising opportunities. |
| KFC | $45,000 | Send an email, call Chris Brown or fill out an application form on the KFC website. |
Key Features
| Restaurant | What It Offers |
| Apple Spice | A catering company that prepares fresh food for companies that host events and meetings. It specializes in sandwiches, soups, salads, buffet-style hot dishes, and healthy breakfasts with a muffin, fruit and yogurt. |
| Taco Bell | The Mexican franchise is known for its classic tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos and vegetarian options. It also offers special combos. |
| Wingstop | Flavor, flavor and more flavor, and chicken. This franchise offers 14 flavors with its chicken meals. While wings are its specialty and selling point, it has recently invested in chicken tenders and sandwiches. |
| Dunkin’ | The forward-thinking franchise offers coffee and espresso, tea, frozen drinks, sandwiches, snacks, bagels, muffins, and doughnuts. It also offers packaged items for you to brew at home. |
| McDonald’s | The restaurant offers everything from chicken and beef burgers, nuggets, fries, kiddies meals, and coffees to sweet treats and vegetarian options. |
| KFC | Fried chicken is the goal. KFC offers sandwiches, pot pies, nuggets, tenders, sides, sweets, sauces and more. |
Own a Food Franchise
If you are business-oriented and have the capital to buy, these top six franchises are worth the investment. They uphold their brands’ reputations and focus on ensuring success, which means if you choose to own a food franchise, you will be trained and supported through this journey. Owning one of these entities may be one of the best business decisions you can make.