Can You Spot the Next McDonald’s? Meet the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise.

Ever wonder why some food concepts pop on the scene suddenly, while others take years to come to boil? It’s not just the secret sauce or a catchy jingle; it is a finely crafted recipe for replication and reach. Today, consumers are becoming increasingly in need of convenience and consistent quality. Some parts of the food industry are satisfying appetites and developing new measures for the industry.

This leads us to the great phenomenon of the “Fastest-Growing Food Franchise.” These fast-paced businesses are satisfying taste buds across multiple demographics, while also being impactful, bright spots in economic growth. 

Food franchises can establish growth by providing even business model, offering support, and brand recognition to entrepreneurs. While offering millions of employment opportunities, and helping local economies as a business that creates a number of supply channels and new ways to shop and spend. They speak to how scalable ideas in highly accessible sectors, particularly food, can contribute directly to national welfare.

Why Are Food Franchises So Popular? An Overview:

Franchise restaurants allow individual investors to purchase rights to the name, business model, and branding of a restaurant. In exchange for a portion of each store’s sales, fees, or royalties, and ongoing support in the form of advisement or marketing. For the most popular, fastest-growing food franchise cost can range from $10,000 to over $1 million, and monthly fees, which are typically calculated as a percentage of gross sales (5 to 50).

Food franchises are very popular due to a winning combination of factors. For consumers, they offer reliable consistency in taste and quality across locations, convenience with quick service and widespread accessibility, and the comfort of familiar brand recognition. For aspiring business owners, franchises provide a proven business model with reduced risk, comprehensive operational support, established marketing, and the benefit of bulk purchasing power. This is making entry into the competitive food industry more achievable and profitable.

Long story short:

Food franchises are growing fast primarily due to their proven business models and established brand recognition, which considerably reduce risk for entrepreneurs. Additionally, they cater to increasing consumer demand for convenience, consistency, and diverse dining options, making them a popular and reliable choice in today’s fast-paced world.

Here Are the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Food Franchise:

1. Peach Cobbler Factory:

This Fastest-Growing Food Franchise specializes in a wide collection of delicious, warm cobblers, banana puddings, and other unique desserts, quickly expanding its footprint across the US as a go-to for sweet cravings.

• Founders: Juan and Tamira Edgerton
• Started: 2013
• Franchise Price:  $157,444 to $458,274

2. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken:

A rapidly expanding Nashville-style hot chicken franchise, Hangry Joe’s offers a range of spice levels for its signature sandwiches, tenders, and wings, blending American and Korean flavors for a unique experience.

• Founders: Derek Cha and Mike Kim
• Started: 2021
• Franchise Price: $305,500 to $518,000

3. Parlor Doughnuts:

Known for its innovative layered doughnuts, Parlor Doughnuts has made a place with its unique croissant-like texture and diverse flavor profiles, along with specialty coffee and other breakfast items.

• Founders: Darrick Hayden, in partnership with Josh Tudela
• Started: 2019
• Franchise Price: $398,000 to $732,000

4. Jaggers:

A Fastest-Growing Food Franchise founded by the creator of Texas Roadhouse, Jaggers focuses on fresh, high-quality, made-to-order burgers, hand-breaded chicken, and salads, giving emphasis to fresh ingredients and friendly service.

• Founders: Kent Taylor
• Started: 2014
• Franchise Price: $2,504,700 to $3,881,500

5. Kalaveras:

This vibrant Mexican restaurant chain engrosses guests in the culture of “El Dia de Los Muertos” with its colorful decor, innovative urban mixology, and a menu of traditional Mexican and Latin American culinary classics with a modern twist.

• Founders: José and Francisco Brito
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $20,000 to $50,000

6. Summer Moon Coffee:

Known for its unique oak-roasted coffee and signature “Moon Milk,” Summer Moon Coffee offers a distinct, cozy coffee shop experience that has rapidly expanded its footprint across various states.

• Founders: Amanda and Justin Terry
• Started: 2002
• Franchise Price: $616,150 to $1,041,500

7. Kyuramen:

This ramen franchise brings authentic Japanese ramen to the masses with carefully crafted broths and diverse noodle dishes, aiming to become the “Starbucks of Ramen” through rapid expansion.

• Founders: Gary Lin
• Started: 2019
• Franchise Price: $100,000 to $150,000

8. Wing Snob:

Specializing in a wide variety of flavored chicken wings, Wing Snob offers a simple yet highly accessible concept that’s appealing to both franchisees and consumers, making it a noticeable Fastest-Growing Food Franchise.

• Founders: Brian Shunia and Jack Mashini
• Started: 2017
• Franchise Price: $195,000 to $352,000

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9. Mochinut: 

Combining the chewy texture of Japanese mochi with classic donut appeal, Mochinut quickly gained popularity with its unique mochi donuts, alongside Korean-style hot dogs and boba, leading to impressive growth.

• Founders: Jaewook Ha
• Started: 2020
• Franchise Price: $188,500 to $336,000

10. Five Iron Golf:

While not just a food franchise, Five Iron Golf mixes high-tech indoor golf simulators with a vibrant sports bar atmosphere, offering a unique entertainment and dining experience that has fueled its rapid expansion.

• Founders: Jared Solomon, Katherine Solomon, Mike Doyle, and Nora Dunnan
• Started: 2017
• Franchise Price: $1.4 million to $4.2 million

11. Just Love Coffee Cafe:

This unique coffee shop franchise focuses on community and purpose, offering specialty coffee and an all-day waffle-based menu, often with a charitable mission. They aim to create welcoming spaces where customers feel at home and stay longer.

• Founders: Rob Webb
• Started: 2011
• Franchise Price: $469,500 to $711,000

12. Maman: 

An American-French inspired bakery and cafe chain, Maman is celebrated for its rustic-chic ambiance and delightful pastries, including Oprah’s favorite nutty chocolate chip cookie, alongside savory French-inspired cuisine. It has rapidly expanded, bringing its charming European feel to new neighborhoods.

• Founders: Benjamin Sormonte and Elisa Marshall
• Started: 2014
• Franchise Price:  $250,000

13. Foxtail Coffee Co:

With a focus on craft coffee and inviting neighborhood spaces, Foxtail Coffee Co. has quickly become a beloved fixture. They emphasize ethically sourced beans and a precise roasting process, which is why they are known for a consistently excellent “Foxtail Experience.”

• Founders: Alex Tchekmeian and Iain Yeakle
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $310,000 to $520,500

14. Great Greek Mediterranean Grill:

Offering authentic Mediterranean flavors, this franchise provides a healthy and delicious alternative to typical fast-casual fare. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

• Founders: Nick A. Della Penna and Trent Jones
• Started: 2011
• Franchise Price: $650,000 to $950,000

15. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream:

Starting as a yellow scoop truck in NYC, Van Leeuwen is known for its high-quality, handcrafted ice cream made with simple, good ingredients, including a wide range of popular vegan options. They focus on creating a feel-good experience with every scoop.

• Founders: Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill
• Started: 2008
• Franchise Price: $250,000

16. Big Bad Breakfast:

The brainchild of a James Beard award-winning chef, Big Bad Breakfast uplifts “the most important meal of the day” with custom-created meats, fresh biscuits, and unique breakfast cocktails, offering a truly special Southern morning meal.

• Founders: John Currence
• Started: 2008
• Franchise Price: $40,000

17. Angry Chickz:

Specializing in Nashville Hot Chicken, Angry Chickz offers various spice levels, from mild to “angry” (requiring a waiver), in the form of sandwiches, bowls, and other classic hot chicken combinations.

• Founders: David Mkhitaryan
• Started: 2018
• Franchise Price: $418,000 to $1,000,000

18. Crisp & Green: 

As a Fastest-Growing Food Franchise, Crisp & Green provides chef-crafted, scratch-made healthy food options like salads, grain bowls, and wraps. They encourage a “Live Crisp, Eat Green” lifestyle through nourishing meals and community wellness events.

• Founders: Steele Smiley
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $886,028 to $1,444,038

19. Toasted Yolk Cafe:

This breakfast and lunch spot offers a diverse menu featuring unique egg specialties, creative takes on French toast, and savory items, all designed to provide a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

• Founders: Chris Milton and Mathew DeMott
• Started: 2010
• Franchise Price: $788,000 to $1,155,500

20. Tatte Bakery & Cafe:

A beloved bakery and cafe, Tatte is celebrated for its attractive French-inspired pastries, artisan breads, and savory dishes, served in beautiful, European-style spaces that invite lingering.

• Founders: Tzurit Or
• Started: 2007
• Franchise Price: $30,000–$50,000

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21. Swig:

Known for its “dirty sodas”, custom-mixed soft drinks with flavorings and cream. Swig offers a unique drive-thru beverage experience. They also serve popular treats like cookies and pretzel bites, building a loyal following for their innovative drink combinations.

• Founders: Nicole Tanner
• Started: 2010
• Franchise Price: $504,900 to $1,118,000

22. Gravity Coffee:

This drive-thru coffee and energy drink franchise focuses on speed and a superior customer experience. Gravity Coffee is rapidly expanding, bringing its fun and tailored beverage offerings to new markets with a forward-thinking design.

• Founders: Maximo Ansola III
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $300,000 to $1,000,000

23. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice:

A vibrant, frozen dessert franchise offering a wide array of Italian ice flavors and their signature “Gelati” – a layered combination of Italian ice and soft-serve ice cream. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice boasts a simple, low-overhead business model, making it a Fastest-Growing Food Franchise in the dessert sector.

• Founders: Jeremy Litwack
• Started: 1996
• Franchise Price: $324,567 to $696,000

24. Everbowl:

Specializing in superfood bowls and smoothies made from natural ingredients, Everbowl caters to health-conscious consumers. This franchise promotes a wellness lifestyle with customizable, nutritious, and convenient meal options.

• Founders: Jeff Fenster
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $133,899 to $356,843

25. Fiiz Drinks:

The largest specialty soda shop franchise, Fiiz Drinks, allows customers to create customized dirty sodas with various syrups, fruits, and creams. This concept, along with a menu of snacks and hot drinks, makes Fiiz Drinks the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise.

• Founders: Teddy Solomon and Ashton Cofer
• Started: 2021
• Franchise Price: $232,000 to $497,000

26. Emmy Squared Pizza:

Famous for its Detroit-style square pizzas with a crispy “frico” cheese crust and unique toppings, Emmy Squared also offers its acclaimed double-stack burger, the “Le Big Matt.” This concept has gained critical acclaim and is a Fastest-Growing Food Franchise expanding across the US.

• Founders: Emily Hyland, Matthew Hyland, Howard Greenstone, and Ken Levitan
• Started: 2016
• Franchise Price: $500,000 to $750,000

27. Rush Bowls:

Offering all-natural, healthy bowls crafted from fruit, granola, and honey, often blended with protein, Rush Bowls is a leader in the fast-casual wellness segment. Their convenient and nutritious offerings appeal to health-conscious consumers on the go.

• Founders: Andrew Pudalov
• Started: 2004
• Franchise Price: $199,800 to $544,800

28. Snarf’s Sandwiches: 

Established in Boulder, Colorado, Snarf’s is known for its award-winning, made-to-order sandwiches on homemade, oven-toasted bread. They use premium meats, cheeses, and their signature giardiniera peppers, along with fresh salads and soups.

• Founders: Jimmy Seidel
• Started: 1996
• Franchise Price: $337,000 to $594,000

29. Ziggi’s Coffee:

Starting as a single coffee shop, Ziggi’s Coffee has grown rapidly with its focus on high-quality coffee, superior customer service, and a diverse menu. They offer both cafe and drive-thru models, making premium coffee accessible and convenient.

• Founders: Brandon and Camrin Knudsen
• Started: 2004
• Franchise Price: $199,700 to $2,093,000

30. Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop:

This chain specializes in innovative, full-service sandwiches, salads, and catering, known for its fresh ingredients and diverse menu. It offers a wide range of classic and unique sandwich creations to satisfy various cravings.

• Founders: Frank and Michele Fagundes
• Started: 1995
• Franchise Price: $217,000 to $834,286

31. Ellianos Coffee Company:

A drive-thru coffee company offering “Italian Quality at America’s Pace,” Ellianos focuses on specialty coffee drinks. They provide convenience and a consistent, high-quality coffee experience for customers on the go.

• Founders: Scott Stewart and Pam Stewart
• Started: 2002
• Franchise Price: $397,500 to $690,000

32. Spitz Mediterranean Street Food:

A modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, Spitz offers a vibrant menu of wraps, bowls, and salads, bringing the authentic flavors of European street food to a broader audience. It’s the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise for its fresh, customizable, and flavorful options.

• Founders: Bryce Rademan and Robert Wicklund
• Started: 2006
• Franchise Price: $564,000 to $1,115,000

33. Breakfast Republic:

Raising feathers as a top spot for the most important meal of the day, Breakfast Republic offers creative and tasty twists on American breakfast classics. They provide a fun and unpretentious dining experience for breakfast and brunch lovers.

• Founders: Johan Engman
• Started: 2015
• Franchise Price: $896,000 to $1,418,000

34. The Henry:

A sophisticated all-day American restaurant, The Henry offers a refined menu with classic dishes, an extensive wine list, and handcrafted cocktails in a stylish setting. Its elegant ambiance and diverse offerings make it a Fast-Growing Food Franchise.

• Founders: Sam Fox
• Started: 1998
• Franchise Price: $235,886 to $297,925

35. Happy Lemon:

A world-leading beverage chain, Happy Lemon, is renowned for its innovative tea-based drinks, including its signature Rock Salt Cheese Tea. They focus on freshly brewed, high-quality, and unique beverages that offer a “happy” experience.

• Founders: the Yummy-Town Group
• Started: 2006
• Franchise Price: $289,000 to $607,000

36. Guthrie’s Chicken:

Known as the original chicken fingers restaurant, Guthrie’s offers a simple yet delicious menu centered on their golden-fried chicken fingers, signature sauce, and classic sides. It’s the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise due to its focused menu and loyal following.

• Founders: Hal Guthrie
• Started: 1965
• Franchise Price: $261,050 to $569,200

37. The Hampton Social:

Evoking East Coast living, The Hampton Social is a lifestyle-concept restaurant specializing in seafood and a “Rosé All Day” vibe. With stunning décor and live music, it offers a posh, social dining experience.

• Founders: Brad Parker
• Started: 2015
• Franchise Price: $100,000

38. Black Rifle Coffee Company:

A veteran-founded coffee company, Black Rifle Coffee Company serves premium, small-batch, and roast-to-order coffee. They are known for their mission-driven approach and high-quality coffee for those who love America.

• Founders: Evan Hafer
• Started: 2014
• Franchise Price: $1,455,750 to $3,099,000

39. Urbane Café:

Known for its fresh, made-from-scratch sandwiches and salads, Urbane Cafe emphasizes wholesome ingredients and a commitment to quality, offering a popular and healthy fast-casual experience.

• Founders: Tom Holt
• Started: 2003
• Franchise Price: $154,600 to $581,300

40. Sharetea: 

A global phenomenon in the bubble tea world, Sharetea offers a vast menu of high-quality, authentic tea beverages with various toppings, becoming a go-to spot for refreshing and customizable drinks.

• Founders: Cheng Kai-Lung
• Started: 1992
• Franchise Price: $386,900 to $492,200

41. Turning Point:

This breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot distinguishes itself with a “fresh is always best” philosophy, serving up scratch-made omelets, Benedicts, and other morning favorites, making it a major go-to place.

• Founders: Charles James Kirk
• Started: 2012 
• Franchise Price: $896,000 to $1,418,000

42. The Big Biscuit:

Specializing in generous portions of classic breakfast and lunch dishes, The Big Biscuit provides a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on genuine hometown hospitality and simple, satisfying comfort food.

• Founders: Dan Gerson
• Started: 2000
• Franchise Price: $1,139,672 to $2,399,746

43. Savvy Sliders:

This rapidly expanding brand focuses on fresh-to-order, 100% Prime Angus Beef sliders and hand-spun custard shakes, quickly becoming a Fastest-Growing Food Franchise known for its craveable mini-burgers and flexible store formats.

• Founders: Happy Asker
• Started: 2018
• Franchise Price: $411,000 to $965,000

44. Super Chix:

Obsessed with delivering the “Last True Chicken Sandwich,” Super Chix offers premium fried and grilled chicken, hand-cut fries, and fresh frozen custard in a simple yet high-quality fast-casual setting.

• Founders: Nick Ouimet
• Started: 2018
• Franchise Price: $611,367 to $982,800

45. Modern Market Eatery:

With a vision to make real food the standard in fast food, Modern Market Eatery offers a diverse menu of sustainably sourced, scratch-made meals like salads, bowls, and wood-fired pizzas that caters to health-conscious diners.

• Founders: Anthony Pigliacampo and Rob McColgan
• Started: 2009
• Franchise Price: $928,500 to $1.47 million

46. 7 Leaves Cafe: 

Known for its unique Vietnamese-inspired beverages and macarons, 7 Leaves Cafe offers a wide array of refreshing teas and coffees, often with customizable toppings, gaining popularity for its distinct flavor profile.

• Founders: Vinh Nguyen, Quang Nguyen, Sonny Nguyen, and Ha Nguyen
• Started: 2012
• Franchise Price: $200,000 to $450,000

47. Raising Cane’s:

Known for its simple yet highly addictive menu focused solely on chicken fingers, Raising Cane’s has cultivated a devoted following. Their commitment to quality, perfectly cooked chicken, and signature Cane’s sauce drives consistent customer demand.

• Founders: Todd Graves and Craig Silvey
• Started: 1996
• Franchise Price: $768,100 to $1,937,500

48. Dave’s Hot Chicken:

This franchise has taken the world by storm with its Nashville-style hot chicken, offering a range of spice levels that cater to all palates. Its vibrant branding and popular social media presence have made it a rapidly expanding concept.

• Founders: Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, Tommy Rubenyan, and Gary Rubenyan
• Started: 2017
• Franchise Price: $619,800 to $1,963,000

49. Cava:

Cava brings a fresh, customizable approach to Mediterranean cuisine, allowing diners to build their own healthy and flavorful bowls and pitas. This emphasis on fresh ingredients and personalized dining makes them a favorite place in the healthy fast-casual segment.

• Founders: Ike Grigoropoulos, Chef Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ted Xenohristos
• Started: 2006
• Franchise Price: $250,000 to $900,000

50. Curry Up Now:

Revolutionizing Indian food with a street-food-inspired, fast-casual concept, Curry Up Now offers innovative dishes like tikka masala burritos and “sexy fries.” Their unique menu and accessible approach to Indian flavors position them as the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise.

• Founders: Akash and Rana Kapoor
• Started: 2009
• Franchise Price: $312,400 to $1,675,700

The Information about these 50 Fastest-Growing Food Franchise has been referred from the following source, which is Restaurant Business Online. The Franchise Price is estimated and subject to change.

Case Study: 5 Food Franchises That Redefined Fast Growth and Global Appeal

The evolution of the fastest-growing food franchise models can be seen through standout examples, such as McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, Starbucks, and BCHEF. McDonald’s set the blueprint for rapid global expansion by pairing franchising with strategic real estate investments. Subway showcased the power of menu customization and low startup costs, helping it scale to over 39,000 outlets worldwide. 

KFC utilized a proprietary recipe and kitchen innovation to transform fried chicken into a global phenomenon. Starbucks elevated customer experience and personalization, turning coffee culture into an accessible lifestyle brand. More recently, BCHEF emerged as a modern success story by adapting its offerings to current food trends and consumer demands for flexibility. These case studies highlight the key ingredients like innovation, adaptability, and customer focus that fuel today’s fastest-growing food franchises.

Conclusion:

From tempting taste buds with new food ideas to feeding local economies, the Fastest-Growing Food Franchise model is the future model for business today. They are not simply selling food; they are selling proven success and giving aspiring entrepreneurs a framework for success (and satisfied consumers with the latest grab-and-go food ideas). As they innovate and grow, these young brands are paving the way for the future of the food industry and global economic development.

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