Is Buying a Food Franchise a Good Idea in 2022?
The COVID-19 pandemic's effects on the restaurant industry have been well-documented, with the National Restaurant Association forecasting upwards of a $165 billion loss for the industry to date. So that means it's a terrible time to purchase a food franchise, right?
Not exactly.
While independent food and beverage operators are struggling, with an estimated 85% facing risk of closure, many larger food and beverage brands are well-positioned to ride out the downturn and are actively looking to expand - Domino's is in the process of hiring 10,000 workers, while pizza franchises as a whole are reporting robust business.
Demand has been higher for those brands with established take-out and delivery options. With many of these franchises having strong reserves and access to capital because of their proven business model, quick service and delivery-focused restaurants still represent a strong business investment in 2021.
Below, we've listed a few of the best food franchises to purchase in 2020. With so many great options to choose from, this is the first in a multi-part series.
Pizza Franchises for Sale
Big Mamas and Papas Pizzeria
California-centered Big Mamas and Papas Pizzeria has focused on the size of their pies to differentiate, with an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for largest pizza and a Big Papa 36" pizza on the menu. Their pizza has been served on-camera during the Oscars, and the franchise is perfect for an owner looking for the "LA" pizza vibe. Startup costs run approximately $37,000, and you can learn more about purchasing a franchise from Big Mamas and Papas at this link.
Blast & Brew
Currently delivering through Doordash, Blast & Brew takes its name from the 825 degree heat of pizza ovens that cook a pie in just four minutes. The franchise began in Fresno, CA, and has expanded into Arizona and Texas and is actively seeking franchisees in contiguous states. Franchise start-up costs are $500,000. To request information about buying a franchise with Blast & Brew, click here.
Domino's
The 60-year old delivery focused pizza chain is seeing its business model pay off during the pandemic, with same-store sales up by 16% in the latest quarter. The franchise operates more than 13,200 stores worldwide, and recommends that franchisees ensure they first have restaurant industry experience before beginning. If you fit the bill, franchise start-up costs begin at $50,000. To inquire about Domino's franchises for sale, click here.
Hungry Howie's Pizza
With more than 550 outlets in 21 states, Hungry Howie's has an appetite for growth and differentiates itself through its flavored crust pies. Originally founded 44 years ago in Madison Heights, Michigan, the company is actively looking for franchise partners in the Southeastern U.S. and estimates start-up costs to begin at $291,000. To request more information about franchise opportunities with Hungry Howie's, click here.
LaRosa's
Ohio-based LaRosa's began with a $400 investment in 1954 and has spread to 65 locations in and around the Ohio River Valley. Typical location revenues are north of US$2 million, and the chain offers a full Italian menu for take-out and delivery in addition to its pizza. Total initial investment for a LaRosa's location begins at $700,000, and you can learn more about LaRosa franchise opportunities at this link.
Little Caesars
Customers hungry for "pizza pizza" have been ordering from Little Caesars since 1962, and the franchise's delivery-focused business model makes it an ideal choice during the coronavirus. As the third largest pizza franchise in the world, Little Caesars operates locations in all 50 U.S. states and 22 other countries, with initial investment beginning at $334,000. To inquire about buying a franchise with Little Caesars, click here.
Marco's Pizza
Toledo-headquartered Marco's Pizza has the distinction of being named America’s Most Loved and Most Trusted Pizza Restaurant Brand in a 2019 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, and its franchises have been breaking sales records during the pandemic. Marco's has been franchising since 1978, and has aggressive expansion plans throughout the U.S. Start-up franchise costs begin at $224,000. To purchase a franchise with Marco's Pizza, click here.
Papa Saverio's
15-location franchise Papa Saverio's was built on an Italian immigrant to Chicago's family recipes. The restaurant concept features a wide variety of American staples, including wings, sandwiches and burgers, and is still managed by the Saverio family today. Initial investment for a carry-out/delivery format begins at $136,200, with the Midwest being initial expansion opportunities. To request information about a Papa Saverio's franchise opportunity, click here.
Rocky Rococo
Wisconsin-based Rocky Rococo's quick-service format is ideal delivery and takeout, and the franchise's corporate office plays a strong part in helping new owners launch their restaurants. Initial investment required is $75,000, and you can request more information about a Rocky Rococo franchise opportunity at this link.
Your Pie
Up-and-coming pizza franchise Your Pie operates 75 locations throughout the U.S. and has been named a top food franchise of 2019 by Entrepreneur Magazine. YourPie's minimum investment is $160,000, and the company is actively looking for franchisees throughout the contiguous U.S. To inquire about franchises for sale with Your Pie, click this link.
Seafood, Cajun and BBQ Franchises for Sale
This is It!
George-based This is It! was founded by a third-generation restaurant family in 1983 and has been serving Southern home-cooking ever since. The franchise offers two concepts, a sit-down fast-casual restaurant that is currently delivering through third party services, or a To Go concept that offers less customer contact in the current environment. Startup costs begin at $150,000, and you can learn more about purchasing a This is It! franchise at this link.
Off the Hook
Gulf Coast-centered Off the Hook is a smaller franchise delivering Louisiana-inspired Cajun recipes. The franchise offers an express concept more conducive to take-out and delivery, and began its expansion in 2018. To inquire about Off the Hook franchises for sale, click here.
The Captain's Boil
Canadian seafood franchise The Captain's Boil serves up an interesting fusion of Cajun, Asian, and traditional seafood recipes that could best be summed up as a globally inspired crab shack. The franchise has transitioned to primarily take-out and delivery business, and currently operates more than 20 locations. Franchise startup costs being at $300,000. To learn more about buying a franchise with The Captain's Boil, click here.
Asian Food Franchises for Sale
Atlantic Poké
The Hawaiian dish poké is spreading across the country, and Atlantic Poké is looking to help franchisees capitalize on this trend. The company just began franchising in 2019, and its Massachusetts-based location is currently offering curbside takeout or delivery through GrubHub. Startup costs begin at $250,000. Entrepreneurs interested in Atlantic Poké franchises for sale can view more information here.
Go Go Curry
When we think of Japanese food, we don't think of curry, but New-York based Go Go Curry is changing that perception. Operating with a straightforward menu in a take-out format, Go Go Curry has 70 locations operating outside the US and has been expanding around New York since 2017. Franchise fees begin at $25,000. To request more information about buying a franchise with Go Go Curry, click here.
Tin Drum Asian Kitchen
Pan-Asian street food franchise Tin Drum began in Georgia and soon partnered with the owners of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe to build out its franchise model. The business began franchising in 2019 and is actively looking to expand outside of the Atlanta area. For more information about the Tin Drum's franchises for sale, click here.
Hungry for more? Visit our franchise directory to search for more great food and beverage franchises.