List of Best Franchise Businesses

If you’re serious about starting a business but don’t want to build from scratch, franchising is one of the smartest moves you can make. It offers the power of ownership without the uncertainty of trial-and-error. You’re stepping into a brand that already has demand, systems, and proof of concept.

Franchises give you the best parts of entrepreneurship—freedom, income potential, and equity—without the lonely guesswork. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned operator looking for your next big play, the right franchise can get you to profitability faster and with far fewer headaches.

Why Franchises Make Sense

• Built-in brand trust and customer base

• Proven systems, training, and operations

• Easier access to financing and SBA loans

• National marketing and backend support

• Higher survival rates than startups

Below, we’ve outlined 7 of the best franchise opportunities in 2025, based on profitability, brand momentum, startup costs, and long-term scalability.

**ALL DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

Quick Comparison Chart: 7 Best Franchise Opportunities in 2025

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Crumbl Cookies

Crumbl has taken the dessert world by storm with its Instagram-worthy cookies, limited-time flavors, and wildly popular digital app. It’s not just hype—the numbers back it up. If you’re looking for a franchise with high demand, strong unit economics, and a simple operating model, Crumbl Cookies is worth serious attention.

Quick Overview

Franchise Fee	Initial Investment	Royalty	Ad Fund	Gross Sales
$50,000	$228K – $673K	8%	2%	~$1.3M – $2.2M

Costs & Revenue Potential

Crumbl has taken the dessert world by storm with its Instagram-worthy cookies, limited-time flavors, and wildly popular digital app. It’s not just hype—the numbers back it up. If you’re looking for a franchise with high demand, strong unit economics, and a simple operating model, Crumbl Cookies is worth serious attention.

The brand has expanded to over 800 locations in less than 10 years, backed by a loyal fanbase and a viral marketing engine that drives huge foot traffic and digital orders. Its weekly rotating menu fuels repeat visits, while the mobile app adds tech-driven loyalty.

✅ Why We Like It

• Massive brand buzz and viral marketing

• High foot traffic + booming digital orders

• Scalable for multi-unit operators

• Simple operations compared to traditional bakeries or full-service restaurants

👍 Pros

• Exceptional average unit revenue

• Low food costs and streamlined supply chain

• Backed by marketing, tech, and training support

👎 Cons

• High demand = limited territory availability

• Requires fast execution to keep up with product releases

• Brand-dependent success; less room for personalization

Learn More About Crumbl Franchise Opportunities 

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Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Tropical Smoothie Cafe is more than just smoothies. With wraps, flatbreads, bowls, and snacks, it blends healthy food with quick service and a vibrant, on-trend brand. It’s part of the fast-growing health-conscious QSR space—a segment projected to grow at over 8% CAGR through 2030.

With over 1,300 locations, it’s one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. Backed by strong corporate support, tech-enabled ordering, and seasonal LTOs (limited-time offers), franchisees benefit from recurring daily demand and brand consistency.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

With an average store generating around $1M in annual sales, franchisees see healthy margins from simple ingredients and recurring traffic. Start-up costs are moderate, and most franchisees can launch with less than $600K all-in.

✅ Why We Like It

• Health-focused brand in a growing niche

• Diverse menu and steady demand

• Strong unit-level economics and growth

👍 Pros

• Recurring daily traffic

• Lower labor needs vs. full-service

• Popular with multi-unit owners

👎 Cons

• Seasonal dips in colder climates

• Competitive healthy QSR space

• Must follow strict branding rules

Learn More About Tropical Smoothie Franchise Opportunities 

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The UPS Store

With over 5,000 locations, The UPS Store is one of the most recognized and trusted retail shipping and small business service brands in America. It’s a recession-resistant franchise built around essential services: shipping, mailbox rentals, notary, passport photos, and document printing.

This business thrives in suburban and urban markets, serving both consumers and small business clients. It’s a solid choice for entrepreneurs looking for a consistent revenue model, backed by global logistics giant UPS.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

Startup costs vary by location and size, but many franchisees report stable recurring revenue from mailbox rentals, shipping services, and small business print jobs.

✅ Why We Like It

• Recession-resistant and steady demand

• Long-standing national trust

• Lower employee turnover

👍 Pros

• Minimal inventory or spoilage

• High customer loyalty

• Multiple revenue streams

👎 Cons

• Heavily regulated operations

• Slower growth potential

• Location and lease-dependent

Learn More About The UPS Store Franchise Opportunities 

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Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is widely considered the most successful QSR franchise model in the world. With average store revenues topping $8M per year, it has the highest sales per unit in the entire industry. The brand is built on customer service, operational efficiency, and consistent quality.

What makes it unique is its low-cost, high-competition operator model. Chick-fil-A selects franchisees through a highly selective process, covering most of the startup costs themselves. Operators get a percentage of net profits and are deeply involved in daily operations.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

Franchisees don’t “own” the business in the traditional sense but operate a single location. Chick-fil-A covers most of the buildout, and franchisees earn a percentage of profits from what is often a multi-million dollar unit.

✅ Why We Like It

• Highest revenue per store in QSR

• Corporate support at every level

• Powerful brand loyalty

👍 Pros

• Minimal upfront investment

• Elite-level training & operations

• Massive daily foot traffic

👎 Cons

• Limited control (not true ownership)

• Can’t open multiple locations

• Highly selective approval process

Learn More About Chick-Fil-A Franchise Opportunities 

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Mathnasium

Mathnasium offers an educational franchise built around math-only learning centers. It’s designed to help kids build confidence and competence in math, using a proprietary method and individualized learning plans. The brand has over 1,000 locations globally.

Franchisees don’t need a teaching background—Mathnasium provides extensive training, curriculum, and business systems. It’s ideal for those who value meaningful impact and recurring monthly memberships.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

With a lower investment and non-retail setup, Mathnasium offers fast ROI and recurring revenue via monthly memberships. Great for franchisees who want a steady, community-focused business with lower overhead.

✅ Why We Like It

• Mission-driven model

• Low operating costs

• Strong brand reputation in education

👍 Pros

• Flexible location setup

• Growing demand for tutoring

• Strong franchisee support

👎 Cons

• Limited to math tutoring

• Lower revenue ceiling

• Requires active community marketing

Learn More About Mathnasium Franchise Opportunities 

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Premier Martial Arts

Premier Martial Arts brings together fitness, self-defense, and personal development for children and adults. The franchise taps into a growing niche for youth-focused extracurriculars and fitness-based programming with over 200 locations across the U.S.

Its curriculum is structured, franchisee-friendly, and supported by national marketing and business coaching. With strong community ties and membership-driven revenue, PMA is a standout in the youth services space.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

A full studio can be launched for under $500K, with ongoing income from classes, camps, after-school programs, and private training. Many franchisees run semi-absentee with trained instructors.

✅ Why We Like It

• Strong recurring revenue from memberships

• Mission-driven (confidence + discipline)

• Low fixed costs

👍 Pros

• Recession-resilient niche

• Great for family-focused owners

• Event and holiday revenue boosts

👎 Cons

• Requires community visibility

• Limited scalability without staff

• Niche customer segment

Learn More About Premier Martial Arts Franchise Opportunities 

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Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware is a unique franchise opportunity that operates more like a co-op. With over 5,600 locations worldwide, it empowers local store owners with national buying power, brand awareness, and zero royalty fees.

The brand excels in suburban and rural markets, offering essential goods, services, and community-driven retail. As a co-op, franchisees receive a share of profits and participate in national promotions while keeping their store’s local feel.

Quick Overview

Costs & Revenue Potential

Ace owners are shareholders in the co-op. That means no royalties, group buying discounts, and profit-sharing. Initial investment is higher due to store size and inventory, but revenue potential is strong.

✅ Why We Like It

• High trust brand in local communities

• No royalty fees

• Recession-resistant and essential

👍 Pros

• Owner-friendly model

• Great for legacy builders

• Excellent franchisee network

👎 Cons

• Higher upfront costs

• Requires inventory and supply chain know-how

• Physical space and lease considerations

Learn More About Ace Hardware Franchise Opportunities 

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Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Franchise

If you want to start a business but avoid the pitfalls of going solo, franchising gives you a powerful edge. Whether you’re drawn to food, education, fitness, or retail, there’s a model that fits your goals, lifestyle, and capital.

Want help narrowing it down to the best fit for you? Contact Us for specialized advisory