According to Statista, approximately 750,000 franchise businesses were making $670 billion in income and supporting 7.49 million jobs in the US. Restaurants are most of the famous sectors to own franchises. It may seem that restaurant franchises can break the bank, you can still find the cheapest fast food franchise to open.
Statistics show that more than 30% of franchises are in the food and beverage industry. Similarly, the food market grows around 4% every year. This tremendous growth demonstrates an excellent chance for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to venture into the food business.
Top 10 Cheapest Fast Food Franchises
It would help to look at one of these cheapest food franchises to open. They are also considered as the best restaurant franchises available on the market currently.
1. Subway
Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000 to $15,000
Total Initial Investment: $116,000 to $263,000
Franchise Information: https://www.subway.com/en-US/OwnAFranchise
Subway is an international fast-food sandwich company that promotes extensively and brings many customers. It has more than 42,000 locations worldwide. So, if you want to franchise a Subway, you can read more about it here.
2. Quiznos
Initial Franchise Fee: $10,000
Total Initial Investment: $200,000 to $330,000
Franchise Information: https://www.quiznos.com/franchising/
The fast-food chain sells a similar lineup of foot-long and submarine sandwiches. So, if Subway’s start-up costs are too high for you, you could go for Quiznos franchise.
3. Baskin-Robbins
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Total Initial Investment: $94,350 to $402,200
Franchise Information: https://baskinrobbinsf.wpengine.com/faq/
If selling sandwiches doesn’t suit your interest, you may open an ice cream parlor franchise. The brand sells ice cream, desserts, cakes, and other ice cream-based comfort food. Not to mention, for franchise info on Baskin Robbins, you can read more here.
4. Domino’s Pizza
Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000
Total Initial Investment: $120,000 and $460,000
Franchise Information: https://biz.dominos.com/about-us/franchising/
Domino’s started small, with just one store in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1960. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most recognized and leading pizza brands globally. Its success is mostly attributed to its internally-based franchise model.
If you want to franchise a Domino’s Pizza, you can read more here.
5. Chester’s
Initial Franchise Fee: $3,500
Total Initial Investment: $12,000 to $300,000
Franchise Information: https://www.chesterschicken.com/about-us/franchising
Chester’s chicken restaurants serve fried chicken with a lower franchise fee than KFC. They only started selling franchises in 2004.
6. Cold Stone Creamery
Initial Franchise Fee: $27,000
Total Initial Investment: $50,000 to $470,000
Franchise Information: https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/
Cold Stone Creamery is another global ice cream store on our list. The company has an established business model that has assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs in starting a small business while creating happy customers enjoying artisanal, premium ice cream.
7. Mucho Burrito
Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
Total Initial Investment: $270,000 to $630,000
Franchise Information: https://muchoburritofranchise.com/
As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in Mexican and Tex-Mex menus. They also provide franchising assistance, and with the right profit margin, this one could become one of the cheapest to open.
8. Scooter’s Coffee
Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
Total Initial Investment: $330,000 to $640,000
Franchise Information: https://franchising.scooterscoffee.com/
Drive-thru coffee kiosks have been thriving all around the country. In addition, nationwide data shows that consumers want easy access to specialty coffee and quality service. With almost 400 locations in the US, Scooter’s Coffee provides customers with responsibly sourced coffee served by a fantastic team of people, all from a convenient 630 square foot drive-thru kiosk. The costs may not be the lowest, but owning a franchise from Scooter’s Coffee is not as expensive as Starbucks.
9. Dickey’s Barbeque Pit
Initial Franchise Fee: $15,000
Total Initial Investment: $280,00
Franchise Information: https://franchise.dickeys.com/
Since not everyone drinks coffee, a Dickey’s Barbecue Pit may be one of the cheapest food franchises to open. The company, which started as a family business, continuously works on ensuring that franchise owners are equipped with everything they need to grow their business. So, for other info on franchising a Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, read more here.
10. Planet Smoothie
Initial Franchise Fee: $12,000 – $25,000
Total Initial Investment: $123,000
Franchise Information: https://planetsmoothiefranchise.com/
Health-conscious customers may want to skip the barbecue and opt for a nutritious filling smoothie. That’s why you should also consider buying a Planet Smoothie franchise.
