Top 10 Best Franchises to Own in 2025
Daniel Hayes
Considering franchising? You might be debating between a popular mega-brand or a smaller company.
Most investors choose franchises for the well-known brand name, which reduces risk and offers a proven business model while allowing them to run their own business.
Clients often ask us, "What is the best franchise to own?" The answer varies because it depends on your desired type of franchise, investment amount, and lifestyle.
However, many restaurants perform exceptionally well and generate significant revenue annually. Here are the top 10 franchises to own in 2025 based on growth, sales, and affordability:
Dunkin Donuts
America really does run on Dunkin…This year Dunkin Donuts has earned the top spot on the list of best franchises to own. As a matter of fact, Dunkin Donuts has been on The Franchise 500 list since the 1980s. Dunkin Donuts has been a close second for quite a few years now, but as it moves to the #1 spot, now is the time to own a Dunkin!
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is a franchise that has been around for decades. Just a decade ago it was ranked No. 45 on the Franchise 500. Today it is at the top of the list due to the company’s recent growth, and we don’t expect it to slow down any time soon.
This fast-food franchise has seen sales grow by 8% since 2018. The Taco Bell franchise is also quickly adapting to delivery because of the high demand for delivery services such as Grubhub and Uber eats. Because they are adapting so great to the demands of consumers, we expect their business to remain strong in the coming years.
McDonald’s
Almost everyone in the U.S recognizes a McDonald’s franchise when they see one. You might be wondering how this franchise continues to grow with nearly 40,000 locations in place, but it seems to be that they are more successful than ever before. McDonald’s recently made a $10 billion investment in technology. And to top it all off, they report filling TEN delivery orders every SECOND. McDonald’s remains one of the best franchises out there to own.
Sonic-Drive In
Sonic is another business that has been around for decades- over 60 years to be exact! Sonic is one of the best franchises to own in 2020 because they are so focused on the future. Sonic has been known to change their menu and bring in new items by consumer demand. They also focus heavily on data analytics which means they know their customer, what they want, and how to market to them.
The UPS Store
With how popular online shopping and delivery is, it’s no surprise The UPS Store is one of the best franchises to own in 2020. Did you know that a third of all online deliveries are returned? The UPS Store caters to all those that need to make returns.
Additionally, this franchise is one of the most affordable to own! It only requires a six-figure investment while most top franchises cost over a million dollars.
Ace Hardware
Did you know that 75% of the U.S population is within 15 minutes of an ACE store? ACE is one of the best franchises to own because they are another business that is able to cater to the online world. ACE hardware’s sales have skyrocketed from $16 billion in sales last year since it started offering online orders and pick-ups in 2019.
Planet Fitness
With a membership of just $10 a month, it is no surprise that Planet Fitness is one of the top franchises to own. Planet Fitness memberships have doubled within the past 5 years from 7 million to nearly 14 million people.
Jersey Mikes
CEO of Jersey Mikes, Mike Manzo, has stated that by the end of 2020, he has a goal for there to be 2,000 locations and $2 billion in system-wide sales. The franchise is well on its way to reach that goal and because of their growth, they are one of the best franchises to own!
Culvers
Originated in Wisconsin, this brand is quickly expanding to other areas in the US. Culvers has one of the top training programs out there for their franchisees which has resulted in nothing but success for the franchise. With nearly 1,000 units in the U.S, this fast-growing franchise is one of the top franchises to own in 2020!
Wingstop
Who doesn’t love wings? There is a reason why Wingstop refers to themselves as the “wing experts” they have the concept down, that is for sure! Their hand-cut fries, homemade dressings, and unique flavors really do make them the “wing experts!”
Not only is their food phenomenal, but they have quickly adapted to delivery services such as Doordash. Wingstop also has plans to make some huge investments in technology in the near future to make their operations more successful.
Find The Perfect Franchise Fit
Here are some of the top franchises to consider in 2025. At Hundred Acre Consulting, we aim to help our clients find suitable investment opportunities.
Often, clients approach us with interest in a single franchise. We encourage them to explore multiple options, as there are thousands of franchise concepts available. The right fit for you is out there.
To learn more about top franchises, the team at Hundred Acre Consulting is available to assist you.
The growing popularity of heat pumps in the United States reflects a shift toward energy-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for residential and commercial spaces. With their ability to address heating, cooling, and air quality needs, heat pumps have become indispensable in modern living. However, maintaining their efficiency and benefits requires professional cleaning services, such as those provided by Vermont’s own We Clean Heat Pumps.
Are you considering investing your time in a franchise but don’t want to be “all in”? A semi-absentee model may be just right for you as it’s one that can be started and run while still maintaining other obligations. Learn more here.
Do you love working with youth? Are you business savvy? The array of kid-friendly franchises available to the entrepreneur is incredible. As parents continue to focus on the well-being of their children, business opportunities to answer that demand are continuing to grow. Learn more about all the exciting possibilities here.
Eco-friendly franchises are on the rise! In 2025, the preference for eco-friendly brands and sustainable products is reshaping consumer markets and driving significant changes within the franchise industry. Franchises are adapting to meet these demands by offering new brands and models that prioritize sustainability. To explore these eco-friendly opportunities, read more here.
Retirement: beach…travel…grandkids…and everything in between, right? Then you wake up and wonder if there will be enough money for all of this. “What was I thinking? I cannot afford this!” Will you be ready? Find out here, plus get a practical list of steps to help make your retirement dreams a reality.
Becoming a franchise owner offers a desirable path for new entrepreneurs by offering access to established and successful business models. One considerable factor for pursuing this career path is understanding a franchise’s earnings potential. The answer to the question, “How much does a franchise owner make?” is quite complex and depends on several variables: The specific type of franchise. The chosen ownership structure. The capital needed for overhead expenses. This article will cover what is considered “average” for franchise owner earnings, which industries offer the highest income potential, and how the type of ownership model can influence income. What is the Average Net Income of Franchise Owners? The average net income of franchise owners can vary widely. According to a study conducted by ZipRecruiter , franchise owners earn an average annual income of a little over $125,000. It’s vital to note that this figure encompasses a broad range of franchise types and operational models. Some franchise owners report earning significantly more, while others may find their income levels below this average. Franchise Industries with the Highest Earning Potential Some franchise industries , in particular, are recognized as yielding higher average net incomes. Some of these include: Food and Beverage: This sector encompasses the fast food and casual dining franchises and produces substantial revenue due to high product demand and continuous foot traffic. Franchisees can earn between $100,000 and $200,000 a year or more. Health and Fitness: Wellness and physical health continue to trend in today’s market, making franchises like gyms and wellness centers very profitable. Owners in this industry typically earn around $85,000 to $150,000 yearly. Business Services: The demand for business services such as financial and marketing consulting remains high, making this sector a high-income possibility. Franchisees in this sector are looking at incomes of $90,000 to $150,000 annually. Types of Ownership and How They Impact Earnings How a franchise is run and how many units an owner has to manage are important factors when it comes to earnings potential. Consider the ownership variables below when balancing profitability with scalability. Owner-Operator vs Semi-Absentee Ownership The operational model of the franchise can significantly impact earnings. Owner-operators are franchise owners who are actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. This hands-on approach can lead to higher profitability as the owner is directly managing costs, staffing, and customer relations. Owner-operators typically see higher net incomes due to their intimate involvement in the business.
Franchising has proven to be an incredibly successful business model for countless entrepreneurs, offering structure, support, and a proven system for achieving success. For veterans, the franchise model can be particularly appealing, as it aligns closely with the disciplined and strategic approach they have honed during their military service. Learn more—plus read the exact steps to get started as a franchisee here.
Have you recently fired your boss? Fear not. The decision to leave traditional employment and venture into entrepreneurship is a significant and exhilarating milestone. It’s a choice that symbolizes freedom, independence, and the pursuit of one's dreams. Check out all the compelling reasons why franchising just may be the perfect next step for you.
In full transparency, being a franchisee requires hard work and resilience. We’re discussing the day-to-day experiences of being a full-time franchisee. While the idea of investing consistent hours each week might feel unnerving, remember that this is a fulfilling career choice, and the payoff for your effort and commitment is substantial. Find out what "a day in the office" as a franchisee looks like.
The franchise industry presents a compelling solution to Gen Z’s entrepreneurial desires, offering a blend of security, support, financial accessibility, and flexibility. With a proven track record, strong brand identity, and a supportive community, franchising empowers Gen Z to
pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence and creativity.
Dreaming of building more flexibility into your work/life balance—without sacrificing massive amounts of time and money? Semi-absentee franchise ownership may be the answer you didn’t know you were looking for. Learn what your role entails, some of the best semi-absentee industries, and exactly how to get started.
About 30 years ago, it became commonplace for many franchise brokers to refer to themselves as consultants to evade the stigma surrounding the term “broker.” However, in dodging the negative connotations often associated with brokers, they wound up creating confusion within the franchising community. So … what is the difference between a consultant vs. a broker? Check out our latest blog to find out.
Whether you are looking to complement your day job or diversify your investment portfolio, owning a laundromat franchise is an excellent option to consider. Learn what makes this such a great opportunity for those seeking a rewarding semi-absentee business—including lesser-known benefits—all in our latest blog.
Five years after the pandemic, franchise leaders are afforded the unique opportunity of looking back and evaluating the data to determine which franchises have best survived—and thrived—through the tumult. Savvy investors can use these insights to confidently determine the durability and agility of these companies.
Check out our list of 10 of the best franchises to own in 2025 (that we consider standout opportunities) in our latest blog.
What attributes differentiate the master franchise model from other options? Why is it an exceptionally sought-after choice for entrepreneurs and investors alike? While other franchise models afford specific benefits such as “best for new investors” or “most flexibility in a specific geographic region,” master franchise models stand unparalleled for growth and profitability in several key areas. In this overview, we’ll examine six key financial and operational benefits to master franchising as a passive income strategy, so you can decide if this model is the most suitable addition to your portfolio.
Many aspiring business owners are drawn to franchise ownership for its higher success rates, thanks to specialized support, a recognizable brand, and an established business system. However, running a franchise still presents challenges. Many new franchisees are unaware of additional resources available for support, such as financing options, educational opportunities, or consulting with a franchise expert.
Ready to take the plunge into business ownership? Here are 3 reasons for aspiring entrepreneurs to choose a franchise for their first business venture.
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When franchising, many investors think first of huge chain businesses. But here are a few of the benefits of franchising with a smaller company.
As a Certified Franchise Consultant (CFT), I assist clients in understanding the franchise industry and reaching their business ownership aspirations. My clients benefit from my advice, education, and coaching services. I introduce them to businesses that align with their backgrounds and ambitions, helping them determine whether becoming a franchisee will help them achieve their goals and is suitable for them personally. The mission of Hundred Acre Consulting is to promote community and economic development by aiding families and individuals in achieving their dreams of business ownership. I do that by starting with a portfolio exceeding 800 franchised brands across 78 industries. Hundred Acre Consulting is a comprehensive, certified franchise consulting and referral firm serving clients in the United States, Canada, and 80 countries around the world. My approach is unique as I focus on my clients’ lifestyle goals and financial objectives. I assist my clients in evaluating whether franchising is a viable option to meet their absolute goals and objectives, and if so, which business models would be most effective. For me, understanding the client's reasons comes first, followed by how they can achieve their goals, and finally, what the business does. I began consulting in the nonprofit, entertainment, and franchising sectors in early 2008. Since 1983, I have been coaching emerging and established enterprises and organizations in both the private and public sectors, focusing on business development and contributing to economic and community growth.
While some enjoy winter days by the fireplace, others see it as a time to invest in a lucrative franchise. The holiday season offers great opportunities to boost income. Some franchises thrive in winter, while many succeed year-round. If you're thinking of investing this winter, consult a franchise expert who knows the industry. They can help find a business that fits your needs and skills. Unsure about starting a franchise now? Here are some profitable winter-friendly franchise ideas.
Consider the advantages of owning your own business: the ability to act as your own boss, set your schedule, and exercise control over both your financial stability and lifestyle. This goal is attainable. It is not an unrealistic aspiration or reserved for others alone.
There are numerous franchise opportunities available for prospective investors, including notable options from the Franchise 500 list. At Hundred Acre Consulting, our mission is to assist you in identifying the franchise that aligns perfectly with your individual objectives as you strive for an enhanced quality of life for yourself and your community. How can we ensure that we are the ideal partner for this mission?
When individuals become franchise owners, one of the primary benefits they expect is operating under an established brand name. While this is generally true, it is still necessary to develop a comprehensive and brand-consistent marketing strategy for the franchise. Although being a marketing expert is not required, understanding the marketing basics is essential for a franchise owner. The most effective marketing strategy for a franchise depends on the specific industry, so it may be beneficial to discuss methods to expand the customer base with the franchisor or a knowledgeable franchise consultant.
If you’ve chosen to start your entrepreneurial journey as a franchisee, you might have many questions regarding your potential business and its requirements. Franchises provide certain advantages over starting a new business independently, such as having support from a franchisor. Unlike a new business that lacks a track record, franchises come with established and proven business models, along with franchisors who assist in setting up and operating the business effectively. Before finalizing your decision, here are four questions you should ask your prospective franchisor.
Dreaming of starting your own business? Finding the proper franchise involves evaluating different options and considering the potential in various industries. However, the financing and logistics of making your vision a reality require careful planning. It is important to consider every detail. If you are struggling to determine which business opportunity aligns with your skills and financial situation, consider consulting a franchise consultant. Experienced in the industry, they can help you identify the right franchise and guide you through obtaining financing for your new business venture.
When considering becoming self-employed, one might contemplate whether to develop a startup or invest in an existing franchise. So, what is a franchise? A franchise involves a company (franchisor) granting an individual (franchisee) the right to operate a branch of their business. This permission is provided for a specific area and comes with guidelines to ensure brand consistency is maintained.
Prospective business owners should decide whether to start a new company or invest in a franchise. While buying a franchise offers established operations, it doesn't ensure success. Starting a business from scratch has an even higher failure rate. To reduce risks, seek advice from an experienced franchise consultant who can help identify the best opportunities.
Potential investors often focus on the earning potential of franchising but must also consider the risks. Franchisees should be ready to face challenges. Consulting with a knowledgeable franchise expert can help you understand the benefits and risks, enabling an informed investment decision.
W hen most people consider the franchise opportunities available to them, the first thing they imagine is a generic Dunkin’ Donuts or Subway. While those options may be the best for some entrepreneurs, others might prefer to own something with a bit of personality. If you’re a member of the latter group, it’s recommended that you meet with an experienced franchise consultant who can help you find the perfect franchise that matches your interests and goals. There are franchise opportunities for potential franchisees of every personality type and from all walks of life. The possibilities are endless! Here are a few unique franchise opportunities for people who think outside the box.
G iven that the median age of all franchise owners is between the ages of 45 and 54, many younger people are left wondering, “Am I too young to be a franchise owner?” But contrary to popular belief, becoming a franchise owner at a young age has distinct benefits. Most millennials don’t have experience running a business or a robust network of entrepreneurial social connections, making it hard for them to strike out on their own. Owning a franchise can provide support in these areas, already packaged with policies, processes, and networks that young investors might otherwise lack. In addition, franchises have lower startup costs, making them an investment with the potential to serve you for years to come.
Y ou’ve finally signed the paperwork, and you’re officially a franchise owner. Or perhaps, you’re still in the process of discussing franchise opportunities with a franchise consultant. Either way, you should know that your first year in business as a franchise owner won’t be easy. Franchisors might try to tell you that it’s smooth sailing in the beginning, but the first year of franchise ownership is generally the most difficult. It will take time for you to grow a consistent customer base, the work hours will be long, and retaining staff will be challenging. 
C reatives often shy away from franchise opportunities, assuming that these businesses will limit their ability to explore new ideas and express themselves. At a glance, this concern seems valid since franchisors are known to have strict policies and procedures. These stringent regulations determine elements like the internal workings of the franchise and how it should go about marketing. 
F or potential investors, owning mobile franchises can be a dream come true. You get all the benefits of operating your business under an established brand name while forgoing the challenges that come with running a brick-and-mortar franchise. When most people think of a mobile franchise, the first thing that comes to mind is owning a food truck. However, food trucks aren’t your only option —there are plenty of profitable mobile franchises across various industries. If food service doesn’t suit your style, here are a few popular mobile franchises that may provide a better fit for you.
Many people know what it’s like to receive a message from a long-lost high school classmate asking if you’re interested in “learning more about their business.” You click on their profile, and it’s full of posts proclaiming that they love running their business because it allows them to make money working part-time while selling products that they actually use.
A s a self-care staple, beauty treatments are essential to the mental health and wellbeing of people from all walks of life. Herein lie lucrative franchise opportunities for eager investors ready to run a beauty business from the comfort of their own homes. Studies predict that the beauty industry will expand to a market value of $805.61 billion by 2023. So if you love caring for people and providing them with a confidence boost, now is the perfect time to invest in beauty franchises. As technology evolves, the beauty industry is following, making franchising more achievable than ever before. To start your journey, here are a few beauty franchises that you can run from home in 2021.
W ithin the past year, the e-commerce industry has grown exponentially. Of course, this leaves potential investors wondering, is it still worth it to invest in a traditional brick-and-mortar franchise? The answer is yes. Brick-and-mortar franchising has distinct advantages that online franchise opportunities will never be capable of offering. Owning a conventional storefront allows you to service your customers in real-time and build a personal relationship that keeps them coming back. Even with online shopping, providing your customers with a fun, in-person shopping experience will always be in demand. If you’re looking at franchises for sale, it’s still worth considering the traditional route before hopping on the e-commerce bandwagon. Specifically, here are four benefits of brick-and-mortar franchising.
B y 2025, America will require a staggering 2.3 million new healthcare workers to care for the senior population. With this will also come the need for more senior care facilities. If you’re considering senior care franchising, starting your business now can put you in a prime position to take advantage of the coming boom. Owning a senior care franchise is a great way to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older people while securing your financial future. With strategic planning, a solid team, and a supportive franchisor, you can turn senior care franchising into a stream of passive income that keeps on giving. Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction.
T he franchise industry is stepping into the future. Currently, millennials are aged 25 to 40 and comprise over 28% of franchise owners. So what does this mean for franchising as we know it? Millennials look for very different qualities in the franchises they choose to invest in, and they possess a leadership style that contrasts that of prior generations. As they come into their own, millennials are rapidly reshaping franchise ownership with advances in innovation and technology, all while creating a sense of connectedness within their businesses.
If you dream of helping the elderly by owning a senior care facility, the opportunities are ample. In fact, the healthcare industry provides some of the most stable options for potential franchise owners. The percentage of older people in America is increasing every day, with experts predicting that the senior population will grow to 22% by the year 2050.
While everybody else is relaxing and partying this summer, you could be making extra income with the right seasonal franchise. For some franchises, the best time to start building your clientele is during the summer because they are only profitable when it’s hot outside. Each franchise has different start-up requirements, but there’s a lot more to choosing the right franchise than the cost. The franchise you choose must be in alignment with your skillset, knowledge, and personality. So, which of these best seasonal franchises is right for you?
Within the past year, mobile franchising has grown in popularity exponentially. For one thing, new investors realize that it’s much easier to succeed with a franchise than to start their own business from scratch. Add in the low start-up costs and flexibility of self-employment, and it’s easy to see why people are interested in this type of investment opportunity. However, there are two sides to every coin, and running a mobile franchise has a few pitfalls. It’s draining to be the only one in charge of your business, large or small. So, is running a mobile franchise right for you?
So, you’ve finally found the right franchise to meet your needs and aspirations. Congratulations! The next step in your journey is to build a team of dedicated and focused employees. In 2021, this can be daunting. In today’s era, anybody can apply for a job with the click of a mouse. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast number of applications, along with the stress of interviewing each potential candidate individually. Luckily, we have a few tips to streamline your hiring process so that you find the right employees for your franchise business.
So, you’ve decided you’re going to open a franchise. While your mind may be filled to the brim with different questions and concerns, one of the most important decisions you’ll make when opening a franchise is whether to open a single unit or multi-unit franchise. Both options have their pros and cons. The answer to this question depends entirely on your knowledge and goals as a business owner.
Not every franchise opportunity requires long hours and your undivided attention. Semi-absentee franchise ownership is designed to allow you to earn extra money and create a growing enterprise while continuing your current career or focusing on your family. If you hope to grow your semi-absentee franchise, we’ve put together a few excellent tips to help you get the ball rolling.
If you are looking to invest in a new business model, you may be thinking owning a semi-absentee franchise is a win-win. You can invest your money into a business that comes with a limited time commitment and continue with your career. However, there are unique challenges that come with owning a semi-absentee franchise. Investing in a franchise is a critical business decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To help guide potential franchisees on their path to franchise ownership, we’ve brought together a list of the most common challenges that new semi-absentee franchise owners will face. This information will allow you to start on your journey armed with information to be successful no matter what type of franchise you choose to open.
A franchise can provide the perfect investment for a smart-minded entrepreneur, but how do you go about finding the right franchise? As of 2019, there were almost 800,000 franchise options in the United States alone. That’s close to a million different franchise opportunities. Finding the perfect opportunity to suit you and your financial endeavors can be complex and frustrating. Here are some tips on how to find franchise opportunities so you can succeed and grow your entrepreneurial dreams through 2025 and beyond.
2020 was devastating for everyone, with the pandemic impacting every corner of the globe. American businesses and industries got hit harder than anyone could have expected. In the franchise industry, many businesses thrived and even became essential. However, despite the financial difficulties, there is sunshine on the horizon. Industry experts predict that 2025 is the year to own a franchise. As the dust of the last four years settles, people are searching for wise investments to boost their revenue after facing some devastating losses. Plus, nothing beats the sense of pride you feel when you own a franchise. Here are the top 4 reasons why owning a franchise in 2025 is the best business decision you can make.
Becoming an entrepreneur can be an exhilarating experience. There’s nothing more rewarding than owning your own business. However, owning and operating a franchise differs in many ways from running an independent company. The responsibilities franchise owners face are unique because you benefit from working with an established brand instead of being an independent operation. Here, you begin with a proven business model that has gone through the trials and errors of business ownership and emerged victoriously. Success can be as easy as fulfilling the responsibilities of a franchise owner and demonstrating a passion for your new entrepreneurial path. Consider these everyday owner responsibilities to help you be successful on your new career path.
BBecoming a business owner is a dream that many people hold. When it comes time to decide what type of business you want to own, you should consider whether owning a franchise is for you. Buying a franchise gives you a proven and effective business model along with a credible brand, eliminating many of the risks that come with opening a non-franchise business of your own. But how do you decide which franchise to purchase? A franchise purchase is a significant decision that should not be taken likely. This is where a franchise business consultant comes in.
