Here are some of the best food and beverage franchises to own right now (2025), based on growth potential, brand recognition, return on investment, and support for franchisees: For more information please visit Best Franchises To Own

🔥 Top Performing Food Franchises

  1. Chick-fil-A
    • ✅ Pros: Extremely high revenue per store, strong brand loyalty
    • ❌ Cons: Highly selective, you don’t own equity—it’s more like an operator role
  2. Crumbl Cookies
    • ✅ Pros: Viral marketing, rapid expansion, high margins on dessert items
    • ❌ Cons: Trend-driven; long-term sustainability not guaranteed
  3. Jersey Mike’s Subs
    • ✅ Pros: Consistent growth, solid unit economics, full ownership model
    • ❌ Cons: Initial investment can be high
  4. Smoothie King
    • ✅ Pros: Health-conscious brand, growing demand for functional beverages
    • ❌ Cons: Seasonal dips in demand in colder climates
  5. Wingstop
    • ✅ Pros: Fast-casual model with strong delivery sales, growing global footprint
    • ❌ Cons: Requires understanding of back-of-house operations

💡 Emerging & Niche Opportunities

  1. 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee
    • ✅ Pros: Competing with Dutch Bros, drive-thru model, Gen Z appeal
    • ❌ Cons: Limited territories left
  2. Paris Baguette
    • ✅ Pros: Upscale bakery café experience, growing U.S. presence
    • ❌ Cons: More complex operations with baked goods
  3. The Halal Guys
    • ✅ Pros: Niche Middle Eastern market, cult following
    • ❌ Cons: Urban-focused model may not work everywhere
  4. Clean Juice
    • ✅ Pros: USDA-certified organic, wellness-aligned brand
    • ❌ Cons: Higher product costs, niche audience
  5. Cinnaholic
  • ✅ Pros: Vegan desserts, customizable menu, good margins
  • ❌ Cons: Smaller footprint, still scaling

If you’re looking for something with lower startup costs or easier operations, consider frozen yogurt (e.g., Menchie’s), bubble tea (e.g., Gong Cha), or ghost kitchen concepts.