10+ Most Profitable Franchises to Own (2027)

Buying a franchise can cost anywhere from under $100,000 to more than $4 million, so it pays to know which brands give you the best shot at a return before you invest.

Franchisors rarely publish owner profits, so no list can rank franchises by profit alone. Instead, we looked at what’s verifiable: average sales reported in each brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), startup costs, ongoing fees, and rankings on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List. Here are 10 of the most profitable franchises to own in 2026, plus how to choose the right one for you.

Key Takeaways

• Some of the most profitable franchises to own include McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Taco Bell, Jersey Mike’s Subs, The UPS Store, The Maids, Anytime Fitness, Pearle Vision, Supercuts, and Ace Hardware.
• Some of the best franchise industries to invest in include fast food restaurants, fitness centers, cleaning services, laundromats, and auto repair shops.
• Need financing to start your franchise? Secure an SBA loan with Llama Loan today.

Most Profitable Franchises To Invest In

At a glance, here’s how the 10 franchises compare on startup costs and ongoing fees. Figures come from each brand’s most recent FDD or franchise site, and they change often, so confirm them with the franchisor before you commit.

Franchise	Franchise fee	Total investment	Royalty	2026 Franchise 500 rank
McDonald’s	$45,000	$1.47M–$2.81M	5%	#10
Dunkin’	$40,000–$90,000	$443K–$1.83M	5.9%	#3
Taco Bell	$25,000–$45,000	$935K–$4.31M	5.5%	#2
Jersey Mike’s Subs	$18,500	$204K–$1.3M	6.5%	#1
The UPS Store	$39,950	$114K–$606K	5%	#7
The Maids	About $65,000 per territory	$82K–$160K	3.9%–6.9%	#56
Anytime Fitness	$42,500	$539K–$905K	Flat monthly fee	#82
Pearle Vision	$30,000	$699K–$1.34M	7%	#48
Supercuts	$39,500	$186K–$323K	4%–6%	Not ranked
Ace Hardware	$5,000 application fee	$350K–$2M+	None	#4

1. McDonald’s

McDonald’s serves around 69 million people every day and has more than 13,700 U.S. restaurants. That brand recognition shows up in sales: the average traditional U.S. McDonald’s brings in about $4 million in annual sales, among the highest of any franchise.

It’s also one of the hardest franchises to get into. McDonald’s requires at least $500,000 in non-borrowed personal resources, and total startup costs run $1.47 million to $2.81 million, including a $45,000 franchise fee. Owners also pay a 5% royalty for new restaurants, plus rent and advertising fees.

There are downsides to consider. Beyond day-to-day management, you’ll have little say in how your restaurant operates, since McDonald’s sets the menu, pricing guidance, and operating standards. You’ll also own the restaurant, not the land, which McDonald’s typically controls and leases back to you.

2. Dunkin’

Dunkin’ is a household name across the U.S., especially in the Northeast, and it ranks #3 on the 2026 Franchise 500. Its franchised stores average about $1.37 million in annual sales. To qualify, you’ll need $250,000 in liquid capital and a net worth of $500,000.

The franchise fee ranges from $40,000 to $90,000 depending on your market, and Dunkin’ offers incentives for some multi-unit developers and veterans. Total startup costs run $443,000 to $1.83 million, with a 5.9% royalty.

3. Taco Bell

Taco Bell took the #1 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 List in 2025 and ranks #2 in 2026. U.S. locations average about $2.2 million in annual sales.

It’s one of the bigger investments on this list. The franchise fee runs $25,000 to $45,000, and total startup costs range from about $935,000 to $4.31 million. Owners pay a 5.5% royalty plus 4.25% of sales for advertising. Liquid capital and net worth requirements are substantial and vary by deal, so confirm them directly with Taco Bell.

4. Jersey Mike’s Subs

For years, Subway was the king of sub shop franchises, but today that title belongs to Jersey Mike’s, the #1 brand on the 2026 Franchise 500. Its locations averaged about $1.37 million in sales in 2025, and the chain has grown to more than 3,200 stores.

It’s also one of the more affordable restaurant franchises. The initial franchise fee is about $18,500, total startup costs run roughly $204,000 to $1.3 million, and you’ll need at least $100,000 in liquid capital. Owners pay a 6.5% royalty and a 5% advertising fee.

5. UPS Store

The UPS Store ranks #7 on the 2026 Franchise 500 and has more than 5,500 locations. Stores average about $724,000 in annual sales, and the model doesn’t require cooking staff or food inventory.

You’ll need about $100,000 in liquid capital. The standard franchise fee is $39,950, and total startup costs range from about $114,000 to $606,000, with a 5% royalty. Veterans can get the fee cut in half, and some qualify for a full waiver.

6. The Maids

The Maids has been in business since 1979, making it one of the longest-running cleaning franchises. Its locations average about $1.1 million in annual revenue, and the top quarter of franchises average much more.

It’s also one of the lowest-cost options here. Total startup costs run about $82,000 to $160,000, and The Maids recommends at least $70,000 in operating capital. Royalties start at 6.9% and drop to 3.9% as your revenue grows.

7. Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness runs 24-hour gyms with small staffs, which keeps labor costs low. It has more than 2,300 U.S. locations and over 6,000 worldwide.

Instead of a percentage-based royalty, owners pay a flat monthly fee of about $842 per gym, so you keep more as membership grows. You’ll need $225,000 in liquid capital and a $380,000 net worth. The franchise fee is $42,500, with a discount for veterans, and total startup costs run $539,000 to $905,000.

8. Pearle Vision

Pearle Vision combines eye exams with eyewear retail, giving owners repeat customers and steady demand. It has about 500 locations and ranks #48 on the 2026 Franchise 500.

The initial franchise fee is $30,000, and total startup costs run about $699,000 to $1.34 million. Owners pay a 7% royalty and an 8% advertising fee, and need about $100,000 in liquid capital and a $300,000 net worth.

9. Supercuts

Supercuts is one of the best-known names in hair care, with about 1,700 locations in North America. Haircuts are a steady, recession-resistant service, and salons don’t need much equipment.

You’ll need a net worth of at least $500,000 and $150,000 in liquid capital. The initial franchise fee is $39,500, and total startup costs run about $186,000 to $323,000.

10. Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware ranks #4 on the 2026 Franchise 500. It’s technically a retailer-owned cooperative, so owners pay no royalties and share in year-end profits through patronage dividends.

You can open a new store or convert an existing hardware store to Ace. There’s a $5,000 application fee, which is waived for qualified veterans. Total startup costs typically run $350,000 to over $2 million, depending on store size.

Best Types of Profitable Franchises

The most profitable franchise categories share a few traits: steady demand, repeat customers, and costs you can control. These five stand out.

Fast Food Restaurants

Fast food brands post some of the highest sales in franchising, and restaurants hold the top three spots on the 2026 Franchise 500. The trade-off is cost. Restaurants need expensive buildouts, equipment, and large staffs, so margins can be thin even when sales are high.

Fitness Centers

Gyms run on monthly memberships, which create predictable recurring revenue. Many fitness franchises use 24-hour access and small staffs to keep labor costs down, though equipment and rent can make startup costs significant.

Knowing your target customer is essential. A gym built for serious athletes needs different equipment and pricing than one aimed at people who want a casual, convenient workout.

Cleaning Services

Residential and commercial cleaning franchises are some of the cheapest to start, since you don’t need a storefront or much equipment. Customers often book recurring service, and demand holds up well in slower economies. Hiring and keeping reliable staff is usually the biggest challenge.

Laundromats

Laundromats offer steady, cash-flow-friendly demand and need relatively few employees, which makes them popular as semi-absentee investments. Expect high upfront costs for machines and buildout, plus ongoing utility bills.

Auto Repair Shops

People need car repairs and maintenance in good times and bad, and older vehicles on the road mean more service work. Auto franchises often require specialized equipment and skilled technicians, but they benefit from repeat customers and high-margin services.

Brands known for one fast, specific service, like Valvoline’s quick oil changes, often build loyal customer bases and can outmarket independent shops.

What to Consider Before Franchising

A profitable brand doesn’t guarantee a profitable location. Before you sign, look closely at these four factors.

Franchises’ Track Records

Start with the Franchise Disclosure Document, which franchisors must give you at least 14 days before you sign. Look at how many locations opened and closed in recent years, whether there’s litigation against the franchisor, and whether Item 19 discloses financial performance. Then call current and former franchisees to ask what they actually earn.

Costs

Look beyond the franchise fee. Your total investment includes buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital, and ongoing royalties and marketing fees can take 5% to 15% of revenue. Make sure you can cover expenses through the first year or two while the business ramps up. If you’ll need financing, line it up early, since many franchisors require proof of funding before approval.

Competition

Check how saturated your area already is, both with the same brand and with competitors. Ask the franchisor whether you’ll get a protected territory, and study local demand before committing to a site.

Lifestyle

Some franchises need you on-site daily, while others can run with a manager in place. Think about the hours you want to work, whether you enjoy the industry, and whether you want to own one location or eventually several.

Expect to put in 50 to 60 hours a week during the first few months while you get the business running. If you want to be a more passive owner, choose a franchise with a simple model and plan to hire a strong manager.

Final Thoughts

The most profitable franchise for you depends on your budget, your experience, and how involved you want to be. Brands like McDonald’s and Taco Bell offer high sales but require millions to start, while options like The Maids and Supercuts cost far less to open.

Whichever franchise you choose, read the FDD carefully, talk to current owners, and plan your financing before you sign. If you need funding to buy or grow a franchise, a Llama Loan specialist can help you compare franchise loans, SBA loans, and other options.