Are you hungry for enterprise? Burger franchises are scorching sizzling, providing entrepreneurs a slice of probably the most enduring — and worthwhile — sectors within the meals business. From iconic, time-tested staples to daring newcomers flipping the script on fast-casual fare, the burger recreation is as aggressive as it’s scrumptious. What connects the most important winners? Consistency, sturdy model enchantment and operations that may be replicated coast-to-coast — and even around the globe.
On this rating, we have rounded up the highest 10 burger franchises lighting up the scene this yr, primarily based on the 2025 Franchise 500. Whether or not you are craving the consolation of a beloved basic or chasing the following up-and-coming smash hit, these burger manufacturers convey greater than flame-grilled meat — they ship scalable techniques constructed to face the warmth.
This text will allow you to determine whether or not these burger giants — and rising stars — are serving up the proper alternative for you.
1. Culver’s
- Based: 1984
- Franchising since: 1988
- General rank: 7
- Variety of items: 1,020
- Change in items: +17.1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $2,642,500 – $8,573,000
- Management: Julie Fussner, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Culver Franchising System LLC
Culver’s is not simply slinging burgers — it is crafting a cult following, one ButterBurger at a time. Born in Wisconsin and steeped in Midwestern hospitality, the model has grown steadily to greater than 1,000 items, because of its concentrate on high quality, neighborhood and crinkle-cut fries performed proper. Beneath CEO Julie Fussner’s management, Culver’s has embraced calculated progress, posting a 17% unit improve over the previous three years — to not point out a high 10 rating within the 2025 Franchise 500. With an funding beginning at simply over $2.6 million, franchisees are shopping for right into a system designed to final, backed by a model that also looks like household.
2. Wendy’s
- Based: 1969
- Franchising since: 1971
- General rank: 8
- Variety of items: 7,282
- Change in items: +5.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $310,095 – $2,828,707
- Management: Kirk Tanner, president & CEO
- Mum or dad firm: Wendy’s
Wendy’s brings daring flavors and larger ambitions to the quick-service burger recreation. Recognized for sq. patties, Frosty treats and fast-food snark, the model continues to evolve with trendy retailer codecs and a push into digital ordering and international markets. Its comparatively low entry level for a legacy model — paired with sturdy client recognition and a multibillion-dollar assist system — makes Wendy’s a compelling possibility for franchisees who need scale and endurance.
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3. McDonald’s
- Based: 1955
- Franchising since: 1955
- General rank: 22
- Variety of items: 42,406
- Change in items: +7.6% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,471,000 – $2,728,000
- Management: Chris Kempczinski, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: McDonald’s
McDonald’s reigns because the unmatched titan of quick-service burger franchising. Its iconic Golden Arches are backed by a confirmed, scalable mannequin and highly effective actual property technique. To personal a slice of its legacy, franchisees should navigate a seven-figure funding alongside a $45,000 franchise charge and have not less than $500,000 in liquid property. However the payoff is baked in: McDonald’s sturdy model, operational rigor and international footprint supply unmatched scale — and profitability — for these capable of match its ambition.
4. Burger King
- Based: 1954
- Franchising since: 1961
- General rank: 53
- Variety of items: 19,732
- Change in items: +2.5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $2,064,200 – $4,730,500
- Management: Chris Elias, senior director, enterprise improvement and franchising
- Mum or dad firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int’l.
Burger King — originating in 1953 and franchising since 1959 — provides a storied license into fast-food royalty with a typical funding of $1.8 to $4.2 million and a $50,000-$55,000 franchise charge. Beneath the umbrella of Restaurant Manufacturers Worldwide, Burger King is present process a daring transformation — buying its largest franchisee for $1 billion and rolling out a sweeping rework plan dubbed “Reclaim the Flame.” The chain goals to modernize almost 90% of U.S. retailers by 2028, mixing heritage with glossy, high-tech effectivity.
Associated: Burger King’s Proprietor Is Shopping for the Chain’s Greatest Franchisee for $1 Billion
5. Sonic Drive-In
- Based: 1953
- Franchising since: 1959
- General rank: 56
- Variety of items: 3,521
- Change in items: -0.11% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,714,200 – $3,370,900
- Management: Jim Taylor, model president
- Mum or dad firm: Encourage Manufacturers
Sonic Drive-In has carved out a lane all its personal within the burger world — the place curler skates meet cherry limeades and carhops nonetheless matter. Launched in 1953 and franchising since 1959, the model now boasts greater than 3,500 areas nationwide. Backed by Encourage Manufacturers, Sonic provides versatile codecs, from full-scale drive-ins to nontraditional areas, with startup prices starting from roughly $669,000 to over $3.6 million. Franchisees want sturdy financials — usually $1 million in web price and $500,000 in liquid property — and pay ongoing royalties and advertising and marketing charges. It isn’t simply nostalgia on wheels — Sonic is evolving quick, backed by critical tech, daring flavors and a fiercely loyal fan base.
6. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
- Based: 2002
- Franchising since: 2004
- General rank: 59
- Variety of items: 531
- Change in items: +30.8% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $897,836 – $2,753,566
- Management: Chris Uninteresting, president & CEO
- Mum or dad firm: N/A
Based in 2002 and named after a WWII veteran, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has develop into a fast-casual standout with over 500 items throughout the U.S. and robust systemwide gross sales close to $1 billion. Franchisees make investments between $786,000 and $2,750,000 up entrance, with typical minimal asset necessities of $850,000 web price and $250,000 liquidity. Acquired by Thompson Avenue Capital Companions in 2021, Freddy’s is accelerating growth — concentrating on Canadian provinces and opening areas like Beaumont, Texas, later this yr. With sturdy progress and confirmed AUVs, Freddy’s stays a compelling franchise alternative.
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7. Behavior Burger & Grill
- Based: 1969
- Franchising since: 2013
- General rank: 107
- Variety of items: 379
- Change in items: +10.2% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,026,000 – $2,859,000
- Management: Jonathan Trapesonian, head of franchising and improvement
- Mum or dad firm: Yum! Manufacturers
Behavior Burger & Grill began as a fast-casual restaurant known as The Behavior in Goleta, California, in 1969, and did not open its second location till 1996. It began franchising in 2013, and in 2020, Yum! Manufacturers bought the corporate and expanded it to greater than 350 areas worldwide. The fast-casual chain is understood for its charburgers, rooster and ahi tuna sandwiches. Franchisees concerned about opening a Behavior Burger & Grill will need to have a web price of $3 million and a money requirement of $1 million.
8. Jack within the Field
- Based: 1951
- Franchising since: 1982
- General rank: 182
- Variety of items: 2,178
- Change in items: -1% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,910,500 – $4,032,100
- Management: Van Ingram, CDO
- Mum or dad firm: Jack within the Field Inc.
Based in 1951 in San Diego, Jack within the Field started franchising round 1982 and now operates almost 2,200 eating places throughout 22 states. Aspiring franchisees face an upfront funding starting from about $2 to $4 million, alongside a $50,000 franchise charge. Ongoing charges embrace a 5% royalty and 5% advertising and marketing contribution. You have to have not less than $1.5 million in web price and $500,000 in liquid capital to open a Jack within the Field franchise. The model is increasing into new markets like Georgia and Chicago, however can also be streamlining operations: beneath its “Jack on Observe” technique, together with closing underperforming areas to sharpen its long-term efficiency.
9. Carl’s Jr.
- Based: 1945
- Franchising since: 1984
- General rank: 187
- Variety of items: 1,719
- Change in items: +2.6% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $1,486,000 – $3,176,500
- Management: Joe Guith, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc.
Carl’s Jr. has come a great distance from its 1941 origins — franchising since 1984 and now working round 1,700 U.S. eating places. In case you’re aiming to personal one, be ready for a startup price between roughly $1.3 and $3.4 million, plus a franchise charge of almost $25,000. Ongoing obligations embrace a royalty of round 4% of gross sales and advertising and marketing charges of about 6%. Candidates typically will need to have a web price of not less than $1 million and liquid capital between $300,000 and $500,000. The model’s premium picture and franchisor assist make it a stable wager for seasoned operators.
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10. A&W Eating places
- Based: 1919
- Franchising since: 1925
- General rank: 193
- Variety of items: 848
- Change in items: -5% over 3 years
- Preliminary funding: $298,899 – $1,639,906
- Management: Betsy Schmandt, CEO
- Mum or dad firm: A&W Eating places
A&W is a storied icon of American quick meals — based in 1919 and franchising since 1926, it is the nation’s oldest restaurant franchise nonetheless thriving in the present day. With round 460 U.S. areas (and almost as many worldwide), A&W has been absolutely franchisee-owned since 2011. Preliminary investments vary from roughly $300,000 for compact codecs to over $1.6 million for freestanding retailers, plus a $30,000 franchise charge (discounted for veterans). Ongoing prices embrace a 5% royalty and advertising and marketing charge. Franchisees want not less than $500,000 in web price and $250,000 in liquid capital.
Are you hungry for enterprise? Burger franchises are scorching sizzling, providing entrepreneurs a slice of probably the most enduring — and worthwhile — sectors within the meals business. From iconic, time-tested staples to daring newcomers flipping the script on fast-casual fare, the burger recreation is as aggressive as it’s scrumptious. What connects the most important winners? Consistency, sturdy model enchantment and operations that may be replicated coast-to-coast — and even around the globe.
On this rating, we have rounded up the highest 10 burger franchises lighting up the scene this yr, primarily based on the 2025 Franchise 500. Whether or not you are craving the consolation of a beloved basic or chasing the following up-and-coming smash hit, these burger manufacturers convey greater than flame-grilled meat — they ship scalable techniques constructed to face the warmth.
This text will allow you to determine whether or not these burger giants — and rising stars — are serving up the proper alternative for you.
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