12 Best Franchises to Own in USA 2026 | Beginner-Friendly & Profitable

Starting up an independent business can be intimidating, and this is why many entrepreneurs look at the best franchise to own in USA as an alternative way of becoming involved in business ownership in a more innovative and less risk-intensive way. The franchise sector in the USA is an incredibly potent force in the country’s economy, accounting for over $827 billion in purchases and employing more than 8.5 million workers in America every year.

In fact, research indicates that the survival rate of franchise businesses is much higher after the five-year mark than that of independently owned businesses because the “trial and error” stage is already built into the franchise model. Franchise owners also benefit from company-provided training, national marketing, and the collective knowledge of other franchisees. The U.S. franchise sector is thriving, with total sales of goods and services projected to exceed $936 billion and franchise GDP reaching around $578 billion — both outpacing overall economic growth.

Franchising also continues to be a significant job creator, employing over 9 million people and adding more than 210,000 new positions as the industry expands. Whether it is food, fitness, auto repair, or real estate, the list of franchise opportunities keeps growing in 2026.

But success relies heavily upon picking the correct franchise and industry. In this article, we will analyze the 12 best franchise to own in USA and provide you with crucial investment information to help you transition successfully from your 9-to-5 gig into a successful franchise business.

What Is a Franchise & How Does It Work?

A franchise refers to a business format where a person or a business entity (franchisee) acquires the right to use a business name that is owned by another business entity called the franchisor. This is a convenient alternative for a business owner since they do not have to start a business from scratch. The franchisee pays a franchise fee while the franchisor offers training on how the business is supposed to be carried out.

How a Franchise Works:

Brand Rights: The right to use the brand name, logos, and trademarks of the franchisor is given to the franchisee.
Initial Fee: This involves a one-time payment for membership in the franchise network as well as access to the systems.
Ongoing Royalties: These are payments made periodically to the franchise owner, depending on the revenues or on a fixed basis.
Operational Support: Training and operational manuals are provided by the franchisor.
Standard Compliance: The franchise owner is required to adhere to specific standards.

How to Choose the Right Franchise

Picking the best franchise to own in USA is strictly a function of your budget, your skills, and your desired working hours. The following factors also need to be considered in determining whether a business fits your lifestyle:

Financial Fit: Ensure that your liquid capital is sufficient for the initial investment and for funding the first six months’ worth of bills.
Daily Role: Do you want to be there every day or hire a manager for a semi-absentee ownership structure?
Market Demand: Check if there’s a need for your business in your local market before opening. For instance, check if your community needs another coffee shop or gym.
Support System: Seek a franchisor that provides extensive training and has a supportive headquarters home office.
Profit History: Interview owners to determine if their profit levels are as advertised in marketing materials.

12 Best Franchise to Own in USA | 2026 Beginner Friendly

1. Subway

Subway is one of the world’s leaders in the “quick service” industry, famous for its fresh sandwiches and salads, and is often considered one of the best franchises to own for beginners. Founded by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in 1965, it has expanded to become an enormous chain with more than 37,000 franchises all around the world. They have an easy and ventless kitchen system that is ideal for newbies who want to venture into this business with minimal cooking equipment.

Furthermore, their training program for new franchises is obvious and precise. Recently, this brand has revamped its entire menu and digital app to cater to the demands of modern diners.

Investment Needed: $150,000 – $350,000
Profit Potential: 10-15%
Link: https://www.subwayfranchise.com/

2. McDonald’s

This is one of the most recognisable franchise brands on this list and has been identified as the best franchise to own in the USA for long-term business stability. This company was founded by McDonald’s brothers but was later expanded by Ray Kroc in 1955, and has over 40,000 outlets to its name. This company has a world-renowned menu and business model supported by real estate.

Moreover, their training program, known as “Hamburger University,” has a legendary status for transforming novices into experts. Their supply chain network is arguably one of the most effective in the world, ensuring food costs remain stable. Besides, their innovations in automating their business help ease concerns regarding labor.

Investment Needed: $1,300,000 – $2,300,000
Profit Potential: 20%
Link: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/us-franchising.html

3. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is known for its excellent customer service and chicken sandwiches and is widely regarded as one of the best franchises to own in USA. Founded by S. Truett Cathy in 1946, the brand is distinctive in its business model: the start-up costs are relatively low, but the selection process is highly competitive. With more than 3,000 franchises and a devoted fan base, Chick-fil-A has built strong brand loyalty. The company is also famously closed on Sundays, encouraging a better work-life balance for its franchise owners.

In addition, they pay for their real estate and structure, which explains why their start-up costs are very low for their owners. They therefore seek leaders who are heavily embedded in their local communities.

Investment Needed: $10,000 – $25,000
Profit Potential: 15-20%
Link: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/franchise

4. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ has been around as a go-to place for coffee and baked goods since 1950, founded by William Rosenberg, and is widely considered one of the best food franchises to own. With more than 12,000 stores, it has moved its focus primarily towards becoming a beverage-driven brand. They operate in different models, from full-service stores to kiosks.

Additionally, their loyal “Dunkin’ Rewards” members ensure that the foot traffic is exceptionally high. Dunkin’ has experienced a massive rise in espresso and cold brew, which come with much higher margins than their donut sales. Moreover, their drive-thru technology is the fastest in the breakfast segment.

Investment Needed: $400,000 – $1,800,000
Profit Potential: 12-18%
Link: https://www.dunkin.com.ph/franchise

5. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut is a pioneer in pizza delivery as well as dine-in restaurants and is widely regarded as one of the best food franchises to own. Founded in 1958 by Dan and Frank Carney, the brand belongs to Yum! Brands Inc. and has about 18,000 stores worldwide. Pizza Hut serves a distinctive menu that includes its iconic Pan Pizza, which continues to attract loyal customers. Additionally, the brand offers a strong online ordering system that helps franchise owners drive consistent online sales.

They have been shifting towards a smaller format, which would be used for delivery, thereby decreasing the rental costs. This would make it relatively easy for a new owner to operate a profitable business in an urban area.

Investment Needed: $360,000 – $2,100,000
Profit Potential: 10-15%
Link: https://franchise.pizzahut.com/

6. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is the global leader in the convenience store industry and is often considered one of the best franchises to own with low investment. Founded in 1927 by Joe C. Thompson, the brand provides a staggering range of snacks, beverages, and everyday necessities through more than 80,000 locations worldwide. Its business model is built for 24/7 operations and is targeted at high-foot-traffic locations. Additionally, their “plug and play” inventory system is ideal for newcomers entering the franchise business.

They also offer a special distribution program that delivers fresh food daily to each location. Additionally, they offer financing solutions within their organization that assist potential business owners in getting started faster.

Investment Needed: $50,000 – $1,200,000
Profit Potential: 15%
Link: https://www.7-eleven.com.ph/franchising/

7. Cruise Planners

If you want a home-based business, Cruise Planners is always the best franchise to own in USA for the travel industry. Founded in 1994 by Michelle Fee, it enables you to sell holiday packages and cruises using only a laptop computer. They already have more than 2,500 travel advisors in their network. Furthermore, they provide some of the most modern marketing resources available in the trade.

Their owners do not need to hold inventory, so the cost is extremely low. Also, they provide webinars for constant updates on the latest developments in the global travel industry.

Investment Needed: $2,000 – $25,000
Profit Potential: 10-25% (Commission-based)
Link: https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/

8. Jazzercise

Jazzercise is a pioneer in the fitness industry and is often considered one of the best franchises to own with low investment. Founded by Judi Sheppard Missett in 1969, this business combines strength training, cardio, and dance into one complete workout program. With over 5,800 locations, it offers a very low startup cost for entering the health and fitness industry. On top of this, Jazzercise enjoys a high level of customer retention due to its community-oriented business model.

This business also has all of its choreography and music lists set, so you don’t have to be a genius to have a successful class. Also, it has very accommodating hours to fit your busy schedule.

Investment Needed: $3,000 – $38,000
Profit Potential: 15-30%
Link: https://www.jazzercise.com/in-studio/teach/benefits-costs

9. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is the largest chain of ice cream specialty stores around the globe and is widely regarded as one of the best food franchises to own. Founded in 1945 by Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, the brand is well known for its iconic “31 flavors” concept and operates more than 7,000 stores worldwide. Baskin-Robbins offers a pleasant business environment and a simple, manageable product range for franchise owners. Additionally, its strong seasonal marketing strategy helps maintain consistent revenue throughout the year.

They provide an opportunity to jointly operate their stores with Dunkin’, enabling their owners to bag both morning and evening peak hours’ business, thus increasing the cumulative revenues from a single store by a substantial margin.

Investment Needed: $90,000 – $650,000
Profit Potential: 12-15%
Link: https://www.baskinrobbins.com.au/franchise-opportunities/

10. Jimmy John’s

Jimmy John’s is recognized for its “Freaky Fast” delivery services and fresh-baked bread, established by Jimmy John Liautaud in 1983, and is often considered one of the best franchises to own for beginners. They have more than 2,600 outlets across the United States. Jimmy John’s maintains a streamlined menu to make operations easy to execute, making it an ideal choice for those seeking fast-service businesses. Additionally, their marketing campaigns have an edgy flavor that appeals to younger audiences.

They have an assembly line that produces sandwiches in under 30 seconds. Moreover, they have an entire corporate team for bulk national ad-buying.

Investment Needed: $350,000 – $600,000
Profit Potential: 15-20%
Link: https://www.jimmyjohnsfranchising.com/about-us/

11. Two Men and a Truck

This is the biggest franchised moving company in North America and was founded in the early 1980s by Mary Ellen Sheets. They deal with local and long-distance moving, packing, and storage solutions with more than 350 locations. The company is founded on customer service and the “Grandma Rule” (treat all customers as if they were your grandma).

Additionally, this is a recession-proof business since people move regardless of economic times. They offer customized dispatch and estimating software that is free from estimates and guesswork. Additionally, there is a comprehensive training system for drivers and movers to ensure safety.

Investment Needed: $160,000 – $600,000
Profit Potential: 10-15%
Link: https://franchise.twomenandatruck.com/

12. Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is a gym chain that gives 24/7 access to its facilities to its members. They began their operations in 2002. They own more than 5,000 facilities all over the world. They concentrate on being convenient and helpful to ordinary individuals. They serve as a good example for a semi-absentee business ownership because the fitness centers remain unattended at late hours.

Also, the membership fee they get every month generates a very stable source of income. Their security system and key card system operate in a fully integrated manner. This makes their operating system completely low-touch.

Investment Needed: $380,000 – $700,000
Profit Potential: 15-25%
Link: https://www.anytimefitness.com/en-au/own-a-gym

List of Best Franchise to Own in USA – Table

Name	Sector	Investment Range (Approx.)	Beginner-Friendly?	Revenue / Popularity Notes
Taco Bell	Food & Beverage	$576K – $3.4M	Moderate	One of the top rated franchises in the U.S. market
McDonald’s	Fast Food	$1.3M – $2.5M	Low-Medium	World’s most recognized restaurant franchise
Dunkin’	Coffee & Snacks	$438K – $1.8M	Medium	Strong national brand with loyal customers
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen	Fast Food	$384K – $3.5M	Medium	Popular quick-serve chicken franchise
Jersey Mike’s Subs	Fast Casual	$194K – $955K	Yes	Growing fast-casual sandwich brand
The UPS Store	Business Services	$122K – $508K	Yes	Benefits from rising shipping and small business demand
Kumon	Education	$67K – $146K	Yes	Low overhead, home-based model
Ace Hardware	Retail	$292K – $2.1M	Medium	Well-established home improvement franchise
Wingstop	Fast Food	$315K – $948K	Medium	Popular wing franchise with strong unit economics
7-Eleven	Retail	$125K – $1.3M	Yes	One of the largest convenience store networks
Planet Fitness	Fitness	$1.1M – $4.2M	Medium	Growing gym franchise with memberships revenue
Orangetheory Fitness	Health & Wellness	~$488K	Yes	High-demand boutique fitness brand
Keller Williams Realty	Real Estate	~$100K+ (variable)	Yes	Largest U.S. real estate franchise by sales volume
Massage Envy	Health & Personal Care	~$300K – $500K	Yes	Large U.S. wellness services network
Domino’s Pizza	Fast Food	~$120K – $2.2M	Medium	Strong delivery revenue and brand footprint

Pros and Cons of Franchise Ownership

Buying a franchise can be a serious business venture because it not only includes support but also has limitations. Here are some pros and cons of franchise ownership to help you understand more about it:

Pros:

Proven Business Model: You are investing in a proven business model that has successful processes and operational procedures, which is much less risky than if you started a business from scratch.
Clear Brand Recognition: A franchise has the benefit of a recognized brand, making it easier for it to gain customers, establish trust, and create traffic right from the start.
Group Purchasing Power: This provides franchise owners with better purchasing power as they are able to buy supplies and equipment at lower prices than independent businesses.
Comprehensive Training & Support: The majority of franchises come with training, operational support, marketing assistance, and technology support to help franchises manage their business effectively.
Easier Exit and Resale Value: The resale value of a franchise business is relatively high, as it is easy to sell in comparison to an independent company, as it is recognized and performs in a predictable manner.

Cons:

Lack of Creative Freedom: The owner of the franchise has very little freedom in terms of following the guidelines of the parent corporation on issues such as branding, menu items, prices, and operation.
Ongoing Royalty and Marketing Fees: Not only do franchise businesses involve initial investments, but franchise owners must make ongoing payments for royalties and marketing expenses.
High Initial Investment: Starting a franchise may require high initial investment costs, including franchise fees, property, equipment, and set-up costs.
Strict Contractual Obligations: Long-term franchise contracts may offer limited flexibility, involve penalties for withdrawal, and include strict performance requirements.
Brand-Wide Reputation Risk: What other owners of franchises in your brand are doing or failing to do may have a negative impact on customer loyalty and your business.

Conclusion

Getting the best franchise to own in USA means identifying your passion and linking it to a successful winning model. Whether you have $1,000,000 or $10,000 to invest in a business, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to help you achieve financial independence. Always remember to do your homework and research other owners to ensure you are in a home environment.

By selecting a winning option for you to follow, you are reducing all those everyday concerns for those venturing into business for the first time. Making this first step today may well mean you are going to alter your family’s financial future for all eternity.

FAQs

1. Which is the most profitable business for a beginner?

Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s are always going to have the most significant volumes, but if you are looking for something that is less expensive and has high margins, you might look at something like Cruise Planners. It depends on what you are able to invest up front.

2. Can I operate a franchise while maintaining my 9-to-5 employment?

Yes, there are some franchises, such as Anytime Fitness or vending machine franchises, that are suitable for “semi-absentee” ownership. Still, if you are planning to open a food franchise, you’ll need complete dedication, especially during the first year of business.

3. How much money do I really need to start?

Although there are home-based brands that would cost less than $10,000, most physical stores would require at least $100,000 to $300,000. Always remember to include working capital when paying bills before reaping the benefits.

4. Do I need industry experience to buy a franchise?

Not usually. Typically, a franchisor wants a person with management skills and a “can-do” attitude rather than experience in a particular field. They’ll train you in everything you need to know about their business.

5. How long does it take to become profitable?

The average owner can expect a return on investment within 2-3 years. Of course, this is not set in stone and will depend on your area of choice and the brand you pick.

The 12 Best Franchises to Own in USA