18 Best Franchises to Own in America

Are you searching for a list of the best franchises to own in the United States of America?

At Jack in the Box, we understand it can be hard to pick only one because there are so many options to choose from.

In this article, we will take a look at eighteen of the best franchises to own in America in no particular order.

Jack in the Box

We simply had to put ourselves on this list because of our innovative menu, flexible restaurant designs, and franchise opportunities in prime U.S. markets.

Jack in the Box offers a large and distinctive 24/7 menu with five dayparts to our customers. This means you can get anything on our menu at any time – day or night.

Plus, our new 1,350 square foot prototype features dual drive-throughs for higher order volume and a walk-up window for mobile orders to ensure you’re ready to serve today’s consumer.

When you look at our map of available markets, you’ll see most of the United States is available with a focus on exciting markets like:

• Atlanta, GA
• Orlando, FL
• Tampa, FL
• Nashville, TN
• Chicago, IL
• Little Rock, AR
• Indianapolis, IN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Wichita, KS
• Kansas City, MO
• Charlotte, NC
• Greenville, SC
• Denver, CO
• Louisville, KY
• Albuquerque, NM

Being able to develop multiple franchises in markets with this much potential is rare in the QSR Industry. It would be hard to do with other top brands.

Many of the legacy franchise brands you’re familiar with typically don’t have whitespace availability like we do at Jack in the Box.

This means you have an opportunity to grow a multi-unit portfolio with a brand that has supported our franchisees for more than 70 years.

We’re actively looking for new franchisees to grow our footprint and bring our craveable menu to markets across the United States of America. Click here to get started!

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is one of the most well-known QSR franchises in the world. It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t familiar with their “I’m Lovin’ It” advertising campaign.

They currently have more than 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operated by independent local business owners.

The availability of restaurants in specific areas is uncertain until you’ve completed your franchisee training. You may be required to relocate to your nearest restaurant opportunity.

Dunkin

For more than 70 years, Dunkin’ has been one of the top coffee and baked goods franchises in the United States.

It only took five years after Bill Rosenburg opened their first location in Quincy, MA for Dunkin’ to begin expanding their footprint with franchising.

Today, they have more than 11,000 locations worldwide with over 8,500 of those restaurants located in the USA.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is one of the most well-known QSR franchises in the world. In 1962, their first location opened in Downey, California.

In the United States, Taco Bell and their franchisees operate over 7,200 restaurants that serve more than 40 million customers each week.

This makes Taco Bell the largest Mexican QSR concept in the world when it comes to their total number of restaurants.

Their brand is growing domestically and internationally with more than 1,000 restaurants located in 30 countries across the globe.

The UPS Store

The UPS Store is a unique franchise that offers a variety of different products and services designed to support small business owners.

Aside from packing and shipping - they also provide printing services, mailboxes, and direct mail services to the local community.

Today, there are more than 5,000 UPS Stores across the United States, and California (+850 stores) is the state with the most locations.

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A was founded by Truett Cathy in Hapeville, GA. Today, it is one of the most successful fast-food restaurants in America.

There are more than 2,800 Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the U.S. and the state with the most units is Texas with 456 locations.

They are currently seeking hands-on franchise candidates in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada to own and operate their quick-service restaurant.

Del Taco

Del Taco is known for their authentic Tex-Mex ingredients, freshly prepared menu, and franchise opportunities in existing and untapped markets.

In 2022, Del Taco was purchased by Jack in the Box and has grown to +590 locations in +15 states thanks to their incredibly loyal fan base.

Their menu includes tacos, burritos, nachos, and other Tex-Mex favorites along with 100% beef burgers and crinkle cut fries.

However, Del Taco take things a step further by starting with fresh ingredients like:

• Fresh House-Grated Cheddar Cheese
• Slow-Cooked Beans Made From Scratch
• Fresh House-Made Pico De Gallo
• Freshly Grilled, Marinated Chicken
• Fresh House-Made Guacamole
• Freshly Grilled, Marinated Carne Asada Steak

This rare combination of freshly prepared, craveable food at an unbeatable value is why they are the second largest brand in the Mexican QSR Industry.

Del Taco is aggressively expanding across the United States and currently seeking multi-unit restaurant operators.

To get started, submit this form and a member of their team will be in-touch.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness has locations on all 7 continents with more than 4,700 territories and 4 million members worldwide.

This 24-hour fitness franchise offers their members access to over 5,000 gyms with personalized plans and group training classes.

They are looking for hard-working people who are interested in joining their franchise network in America and across the globe.

Zaxby’s

Zaxby’s has seen a large amount of growth due to the success of their chicken fingers, chicken wings, chicken sandwiches, and chicken salads.

They have more than 900 locations in 18 different states with the majority of them located in the Southeastern United States.

Their headquarters is located in Athens, GA and they are currently looking for franchisees to expand their chicken restaurant into new territories.

Whataburger

The story of Whataburger began at a 24-hour burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. 70 years later, they have grown to more than 890 locations throughout the United States.

Their original idea was to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold, and so good it caused customers to exclaim, “What a burger!” after their first bite.

Whataburger was family-owned until their recent acquisition by an investment company. This has allowed for more franchises to open in new markets.

Culver’s

Culver’s is a popular burger franchise known for their frozen custard, butterburgers, and cheese curds.

Since 1984, they have grown from their first location in Sauk City, Wisconsin to more than 800 restaurant locations in 25 different states.

They are looking for owner-operators with the skills to take a team of people and operate a Culver’s according to their high standards.

WingStop

Wingstop specializes in chicken wings and tenders along with 11 different sauces like lemon pepper, hickory smoked BBQ, original hot, mango habanero, and atomic.

Their menu includes a variety of classic wings, boneless wings, and fries along with your choice of dipping sauces.

They currently have over 1,600 locations around the world with the majority of them in Texas, California, and Florida.

Wendy’s

In 1969, Dave Thomas opened the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. It didn’t take long for their quick-service chain restaurant to become famous for square beef patties and Frosty desserts.

Today, they operate 7,000 restaurants worldwide and are looking for new and diverse franchisees to join their team.

They have a variety of limited and available markets throughout the U.S. with a focus on California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Alabama, Tennessee, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

Hampton Inn & Suites

Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the most well-known hotel franchises in the United States.

Guests at Hampton Inn are able to enjoy breakfast, fresh coffee, discounted rates, meeting rooms, free internet access, and gym facilities.

This hotel franchise has more than 2,200 locations in the United States, 50 in Canada, and 250 international locations.

Ace Hardware

In 1924, the history of Ace Hardware began when four hardware shop owners joined together to start Ace Stores, Inc.

This hardware franchise has grown to be a favorite with local shoppers even when compared to the big box national chains.

Ace Hardware has more than 62 million Ace Rewards Members, and they are looking for new franchisees to expand their footprint across the United States.

McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli offers hearty sandwiches and sides with Southern hospitality and friendly conversation.

In 1989, a dentist in Oxford, MS with a dream turned a 1950s diner movie set into what would become the first McAlister’s Deli.

Today, they are looking for franchisees who want to help create connections between their brand and the communities they serve.

The Goddard School

With more than 30 years of expertise in childhood development, The Goddard School is one of the top childcare franchises in the United States.

This preschool franchise offers innovative and academically endorsed methods for children to have fun while learning skills they need for long-term success.

Today, there are over 600 Goddard Schools located in 38 states with potential sites available to prospective franchisees in a variety of areas.

Freddy’s

Freddy’s is a nostalgic fast-casual restaurant with cooked-to-order steakburgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries, and frozen custard.

They are one of the fastest-growing franchises in the United States with 400 locations around the world.

Currently, they offer exclusive territories that are available across the U.S. along with international opportunities.

Check Out These Additional Resources

We hope this list of the best franchises to own in America helped you narrow down your search.

At Jack in the Box, we’re looking for multi-unit franchisees who are excited to bring our craveable 24/7 menu to new markets across the country.

Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:

• How Much Does a Jack in the Box Franchise Cost?
• 7 Most Popular Reasons to Buy a Franchise
• Which Burger Franchise Makes the Most Money?

If you have any questions, please contact our franchise sales and support team.