As we step into 2025, the fast service meals business is extra aggressive than ever, with manufacturers leveraging worth, sustainability initiatives and menu innovation to remain forward. This 12 months’s prime franchises haven’t solely withstood financial shifts however have thrived, increasing their footprints and redefining comfort.
On this unique checklist, we dive into the ten most profitable quick-service meals franchises of 2025, primarily based on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 rating. From family names to rising stars, these energy gamers have cemented their standing as business leaders and are shaping the way forward for quick meals.
1. Taco Bell
- Based: 1962
- Franchising since: 1964
- Total Rank: 1
- Variety of models: 8,565
- Change in models: +13.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $610,750 – $3,980,200
- Management: Sean Tresvant, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
Taco Bell continues to reign because the world’s largest purveyor of Mexican delicacies — and the highest franchise on Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 — providing a profitable alternative for aspiring franchisees. With over 8,500 places throughout greater than 30 international locations, the model has not solely maintained its dominance within the fast-food business however has additionally embraced innovation to remain forward.
Taco Bell made waves in 2024 with its early retirement neighborhood, The Cantinas — which bought out in lower than three minutes — and the A long time Menu, which featured nostalgic fan-favorite objects from the Sixties to the early 2000s. The model additionally doubled down on drive-thru digital ordering, AI-powered kitchen effectivity and sustainable packaging initiatives, reinforcing its dedication to modernizing quick meals.
2. Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Based: 1956
- Franchising since: 1987
- Total rank: 2
- Variety of models: 2,861
- Change in models: +45% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $203,583 – $1,317,005
- Management: Peter Cancro, Founder and CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Jersey Mike’s Franchise Techniques Inc.
Jersey Mike’s Subs has solidified its place as one of many fastest-growing and most profitable QSR franchises. Recognized for its recent, high-quality components and signature “Mike’s Method” sandwiches, Jersey Mike’s continues to dominate the sub store phase.
Non-public fairness agency Blackstone acquired Jersey Mike’s for $8 billion in late 2024, signaling robust investor confidence within the model’s future progress. This acquisition gives Jersey Mike’s with even higher assets to develop its footprint, improve digital ordering capabilities and innovate its menu.
Associated: Jersey Mike’s Embraced Change — Then Bought for $8 Billion
3. Dunkin’
- Based: 1950
- Franchising since: 1955
- Total rank: 3
- Variety of models: 13,790
- Change in models: +7.7% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $435,500 – $1,832,500
- Management: Paul Brown, Encourage Manufacturers CEO & Co-Founder
- Mum or dad firm: Encourage Manufacturers
With practically 14,000 places worldwide, Dunkin’ continues to dominate the espresso area, providing franchisees a versatile enterprise mannequin and a loyal buyer base. Its community-driven method and popular culture relevance have stored it within the highlight, particularly with high-profile movie star collaborations.
In 2024, Dunkin’ made headlines when Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Tom Brady joined forces as The DunKings in a viral Tremendous Bowl marketing campaign that drove report engagement. Restricted-edition merch tied to the marketing campaign bought out shortly, proving Dunkin’s potential to mix nostalgia with fashionable advertising.
Associated: Dunkin’ Kicks Off 2025 With a Sabrina Carpenter Partnership and New Winter Menu
4. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
- Based: 1972
- Franchising since: 1976
- Total rank: 4
- Variety of models: 4,796
- Change in models: +34.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $471,000 – $3,875,700
- Management: Jeff Klein, President
- Mum or dad firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Popeyes made main strikes to develop its footprint in 2024, getting into high-traffic places like airports and school campuses. This strategic push permits the model to faucet right into a captive viewers craving high quality consolation meals on the go. Past the U.S., Popeyes is accelerating its international presence, increasing into new international locations with a deal with worldwide progress methods that keep its signature Southern appeal.
With its rising worldwide enchantment, robust franchise assist and a confirmed observe report of profitability, Popeyes stays one of the crucial engaging QSR investments in 2025.
Associated: Why Is Popeyes Taking Over Airports and School Campuses? The Rooster Chain’s VP Explains Its Technique.
5. Culver’s
- Based: 1984
- Franchising since: 1988
- Total rank: 7
- Variety of models: 978
- Change in models: +21% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $2,811,500 – $6,867,000
- Management: Rick Silva, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Culver Franchising System LLC
Culver’s won’t have the sheer retailer rely of some fast-food giants, however what it lacks in numbers, it greater than makes up for in loyalty and an ever-growing cult following. Recognized for its ButterBurgers, recent frozen custard and Midwestern hospitality, the model has constructed a popularity for delivering higher-quality quick meals that retains prospects coming again.
Regardless of its regional roots, Culver’s has been increasing at a formidable tempo, with 2024 marking one other 12 months of serious progress. The model has continued to punch above its weight within the aggressive fast-food business, thriving in a panorama the place many chains are slicing prices and streamlining menus.
6. Wendy’s
- Based: 1969
- Franchising since: 1971
- Total rank: 8
- Variety of models: 7,282
- Change in models: +5.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $310,095 – $2,828,707
- Management: Kirk Tanner, President & CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Wendy’s Int’l. Inc.
Final 12 months marked main shifts for Wendy’s, beginning with the appointment of new CEO Kirk Tanner, a longtime PepsiCo government, who has set the stage for bold progress. Below his management, Wendy’s has doubled down on growth, leveraging a mixture of conventional places and its revolutionary Subsequent Gen restaurant designs. These new, tech-driven shops deal with streamlined operations, AI-enhanced drive-thrus, digital ordering and supply effectivity, permitting franchisees to chop prices whereas maximizing income.
With robust management, cutting-edge retailer ideas and an aggressive progress technique, Wendy’s is positioning itself as a top-tier franchise funding for 2025.
Associated: Wendy’s Has a New Restaurant Design That Lets Them Take 400 Occasions Extra Digital Orders
7. Wingstop
- Based: 1994
- Franchising since: 1998
- Total rank: 11
- Variety of models: 2,352
- Change in models: +44.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $259,400 – $912,100
- Management: Michael Skipworth, President & CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc.
Operationally, Wingstop’s digital-first method is a game-changer, permitting eating places to deal with a excessive quantity of orders with out requiring a large workers. This lean mannequin means fewer workers, decrease overhead and a extra environment friendly total operation. The model additionally presents territory protections, serving to franchisees construct a robust presence with out oversaturation.
For these trying to get in on the motion, Wingstop gives two franchising paths within the U.S. Entrepreneurs can go for a single-unit operation, which requires hands-on involvement and residency within the chosen market, or discover multi-unit alternatives for broader growth.
Associated: ChatGPT Can Now Full a Main Activity That Would Take a Human As much as 30 Days. Here is The way it Works.
8. Arby’s
- Based: 1964
- Franchising since: 1965
- Total rank: 12
- Variety of models: 3,613
- Change in models: +2.1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $644,950 – $2,451,000
- Management: David Graves, Model President
- Mum or dad firm: Encourage Manufacturers
Arby’s is not nearly roast beef anymore — it is a fast-food powerhouse that is redefining what a sandwich chain might be. Though the model constructed its legacy on slow-roasted, freshly sliced meats, it has advanced right into a prime contender within the quick meals business because of daring menu improvements and a devoted fanbase.
Past the meals, Arby’s is aware of interact its viewers in enjoyable and surprising methods. In 2024, the model made headlines by launching a giveaway of branded golf golf equipment. And in 2021, there have been Arby’s french fry-flavored vodkas, which got here in two varieties — curly fries or crinkle fries — and shortly bought out at $60 per bottle.
With robust company backing, a various menu that retains prospects coming again and a popularity for high quality, Arby’s presents franchisees a compelling alternative in 2025. Arby’s continues to show that it has the meats — and the momentum — to dominate the business.
Associated: From Roast Beef Titans to Progressive Trendsetters — 10 Shocking Information About Arby’s
9. Papa Johns
- Based: 1985
- Franchising since: 1986
- Total rank: 13
- Variety of models: 6,071
- Change in models: +12.4% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $272,915 – $989,415
- Management: Todd Penegor, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Papa Johns Franchising LLC
Considered one of Papa Johns’ greatest strengths is leveraging movie star and influencer partnerships to supercharge its model — the Shaquille O’Neal pizza helped Papa Johns elevate greater than $3 million for charity. By collaborating with high-profile figures, the corporate has been in a position to faucet into new audiences, generate buzz and reinforce its popularity as a go-to pizza vacation spot. This technique has helped franchisees profit from built-in model loyalty and widespread title recognition, making buyer acquisition simpler than ever.
Associated: How Shaq Is Bringing Enjoyable Again to Papa Johns
10. Pizza Hut
- Based: 1958
- Franchising since: 1959
- Total rank: 14
- Variety of models: 18,598
- Change in models: +12.1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $412,000 – $2,053,500
- Management: Diane Simrall, Director of Franchise Finance
- Mum or dad firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.
Few manufacturers within the pizza business command the identical stage of world recognition and buyer loyalty as Pizza Hut. With greater than 18,000 places worldwide, Pizza Hut continues to evolve, mixing time-tested recipes with fashionable comfort to remain forward in a aggressive market.
Pizza Hut made headlines in 2024 with its daring advertising initiatives and tech-driven improvements. The model launched self-service Private Pan Pizza Hut kiosks, providing prospects a fast, on-the-go expertise. It additionally grabbed consideration with its job-seeker marketing campaign, delivering resumes on free pizza containers to assist artful candidates land interviews.
Associated: Bored with Your Resume Being Ignored? Pizza Hut Will Ship it — With a Free Pizza.
