If you’re exploring the best fast food franchises to own, you’ll find no shortage of options. But which brands are truly worth the investment — and which ones offer real room to grow? (With Build-Out Costs, Staffing, and Market Availability)
We’ve broken down 10 top fast food franchise opportunities in 2025. From household names like Chick-fil-A and Taco Bell, to rising stars like Dave’s Hot Chicken and Konala, this list covers what you need to know — including build-out costs, staffing requirements, and the unique pros and cons of each concept.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 fast food franchise opportunities in 2025, including build-out cost, staffing, pros and cons, and territory availability.
10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025
1. Chick‑fil‑A
Chick-fil-A is the poster child for consistent sales, loyal customers, and great service — but also one of the most selective franchise models in the world.
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Build-Out Cost: $427K–$2.34M
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Labor Per Shift: ~15-30 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Extremely limited — <1% applicant approval, most markets full
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Pros:
✅ Highest AUV in the industry (~$9.4M)
✅ Iconic brand with unmatched loyalty -
Cons:
❌ You don’t own the store or real estate
❌ Only one location per operator
❌ Very little room for new franchisees - If you want to learn more about Chick-fil-A franchise cost and if they are really a franchise, visit our blog here.
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
2. Dave’s Hot Chicken
Backed by celebrities and a $1B+ valuation, Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of the fastest-growing restaurant franchises — but many prime cities are already claimed.
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Build-Out Cost: $620K–$1.96M
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Labor Per Shift: ~8–12 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Nearly sold out in most major markets
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Pros:
✅ Viral brand with simple menu
✅ Strong digital presence and foot traffic -
Cons:
❌ Heavy competition in chicken
❌ Market saturation risk
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
3. Konala
Konala is the first healthy fast food franchise with a drive-thru format, created by Army veteran Trace Miller. It combines clean eating with a lean operation and modular buildouts. They serve protein bowls with all different flavors – like a burrito bowl, greek bowl, orange chicken and more. Their menu is entirely gluten free, macro and protein focused. And extremely crave-able. Making it one of the best fast food franchises to own.
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Build-Out Cost: $428K–$750K
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Labor Per Shift: Only 3-4 employees typically
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Territory Availability: ✅ Most major markets still available
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Pros:
✅ Drive-thru focused model with low overhead
✅ No fryers, grills, or flattops. extremely minimal kitchen equipment - ✅ Incredible unit economics especially EBITDA and labor percentages – see more here
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✅ Health-forward brand positioned for long-term consumer trends
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Cons:
❌ Early development but also mean more territory availability.
🔗 Learn more about Konala here.
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
4. Shake Shack
Shake Shack elevated fast food with premium burgers and urban locations — but high build-out costs and staffing limit its scalability.
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Build-Out Cost: $2M+
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Labor Per Shift: ~15–20 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Dense urban markets are mostly saturated
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Pros:
✅ Strong brand loyalty and premium pricing -
Cons:
❌ High capex and operational complexity
❌ Slower throughput than typical QSR
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
5. Wingstop
Wingstop’s delivery-first, low-overhead model has earned it over 1,600 global locations — and near-total saturation in the U.S.
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Build-Out Cost: $400K–$600K
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Labor Per Shift: ~6–8 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Limited markets remaining for new franchisees
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Pros:
✅ Focused menu = simple operations
✅ Strong digital ordering infrastructure -
Cons:
❌ Margin pressure due to wing prices
❌ Limited expansion runway
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
6. Culver’s
Culver’s dominates the Midwest with butterburgers and frozen custard — but franchise availability is highly limited.
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Build-Out Cost: $2M+
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Labor Per Shift: ~12–15 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Highly selective and already developed in key regions
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Pros:
✅ High food quality and loyal following -
Cons:
❌ Expensive build-out
❌ Slower model, heavy dine-in focus
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
7. Jersey Mike’s
This sandwich franchise is a favorite among lunch crowds — but growth is limited due to market density.
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Build-Out Cost: $200K–$300K
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Labor Per Shift: ~4–6 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Densely developed across the U.S.
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Pros:
✅ Low overhead and minimal equipment -
Cons:
❌ Smaller AUV than hot food brands
❌ Less evening/dinner volume❌ No drive-thru
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
8. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s offers a nostalgic menu and solid performance in the suburbs — but availability is tightening.
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Build-Out Cost: $1M+
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Labor Per Shift: ~10–12 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Mostly expanding in secondary and tertiary markets
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Pros:
✅ Dual menu (savory + dessert) -
Cons:
❌ Large footprint and staff
❌ Slower build compared to leaner models
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
9. Crumbl Cookies
One of the most viral dessert franchises, Crumbl combines high margins with a low-labor footprint — but most of the U.S. is already covered.
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Build-Out Cost: $300K–$400K
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Labor Per Shift: ~3–5 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Few open markets remain
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Pros:
✅ High-profit product
✅ Simple operations and fast openings -
Cons:
❌ Trend-reliant and flavor-specific
❌ Limited meal occasions
❌ Closing locations
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
10. Taco Bell
Backed by Yum! Brands, Taco Bell has been a QSR leader for decades — but good luck finding an open territory.
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Build-Out Cost: $1.6M–$4M
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Labor Per Shift: ~10–14 employees
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Territory Availability: ❌ Most prime real estate already claimed
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Pros:
✅ Huge national brand and customer base -
Cons:
❌ Expensive to launch
❌ Few growth options for new operators
(10 Best Fast Food Franchises to Own in 2025 blog by Fransmart)
✅ Final Comparison Table
| Franchise | Build-Out Cost | Labor/Shift | Territory Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Konala | $428K–$750K | 4–6 | ✅ Most markets open |
| Chick-fil-A | $427K–$2.3M | 10–15 | ❌ Nearly full |
| Dave’s Hot Chicken | $620K–$1.96M | 8–12 | ❌ Almost sold out |
| Shake Shack | $2M+ | 15–20 | ❌ Limited availability |
| Wingstop | $300K–$900K | 6–8 | ❌ Few markets left |
| Culver’s | $2M+ | 12–15 | ❌ Highly selective |
| Jersey Mike’s | $400K – $700k | 4–6 | ❌ Most areas developed |
| Freddy’s | $1M+ | 10–12 | ❌ Small-market focus |
| Crumbl Cookies | $460K–$1.2M | 3–5 | ❌ Nearly saturated |
| Taco Bell | $1.6M–$4M | 10–14 | ❌ Prime spots taken |
👇 Why Konala Wins Our Top Pick as Best Fast Food Franchise to Own
Most top franchises are expensive, saturated, or labor-heavy. Konala offers:
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✅ Affordable entry
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✅ Very low staffing needs
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✅ Health-focused, category-creating brand
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✅ Territories still available nationwide
- ✅ No dealing with fryers, grills, grease traps. Konala has the simplest kitchen in fast food history.
