Top Franchise Brands to Consider in 2023

When considering entering the world of franchising, selecting the right brand is crucial for potential success. Many top-rated franchises offer robust support systems, a well-established customer base, and proven business models that help budding entrepreneurs thrive. From popular fast-food chains to booming service-oriented brands, the options are vast and diverse. To explore some of the best brands that franchisees are currently investing in, read on below.

Illustration of franchise

Best brands of franchise in 2025

McDonald's

McDonald's stands as a pinnacle of franchise success, operating over 38,000 locations in more than 100 countries and serving approximately 69 million customers daily. With over 90% of its restaurants owned and operated by independent franchisees, the company has achieved a 1% year-over-year growth rate in the U.S., ending a four-year streak of net unit losses. In 2023, McDonald's franchises generated an average gross sales of $3,837,000, a 4% increase from the previous year, highlighting robust consumer demand and lucrative returns for franchisees. The brand's strategic focus on digital transformation, new menu items, and robust marketing campaigns has significantly enhanced customer convenience and engagement. This strong financial performance and operational efficiency make McDonald's an attractive and reliable franchise opportunity.

7-Eleven

7-Eleven is one of the top franchise opportunities, ranking as the No. 2 franchise system in the Franchise Times Top 400, with global sales of $97,885,166,233 and over 82,755 total units worldwide, 93% of which are franchised. The company has been franchising since 1964 and operates in 19 countries, serving an estimated 55 million customers daily. 7-Eleven is known for its continuous innovation, strong market presence, and robust support system for franchisees, including comprehensive training and inventory management. The franchise offers various types, including traditional individual stores, Business Conversion Program (BCP) franchises, and Micro Market franchises. With an average gross sales of $2,384,000 per location, 7-Eleven franchisees can earn significant income, estimated at $190,687 in EBITDA per year. For further insights, read about the top franchise systems.

Dunkin'

Dunkin' stands as a premier brand in the franchise industry, boasting over 28,776 locations across the United States and more than 21,000 stores in 60 countries globally. The company generates significant revenue, with $1.37 billion in worldwide revenue in 2019 and average annual sales of around $1,290,494 for freestanding drive-thru locations. Dunkin' franchises achieve high order accuracy, with an 82% rate, and maintain strong customer satisfaction, with an 87% satisfaction rate. The brand's global success is driven by its commitment to localization, adapting products and marketing strategies to local preferences. Dunkin' serves approximately 3 million customers daily and has over 8 million customers enrolled in its perks program. For more detailed insights, visit their Dunkin' statistics.

The UPS Store

The UPS Store is a leading franchise in the retail shipping and business services sector, boasting over 5,000 locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, making it the largest retail shipping franchise globally. With a strong brand recognition of over 90% among American consumers, the franchise has achieved a median gross sales of $691,869 in 2023, a 2% increase from the previous year. The UPS Store's diversified service offerings, including printing, mailbox rentals, and notary services, contribute to its robust revenue streams. The franchise has a low 3-year failure rate of 3%, significantly lower than the industry average of 4%. New franchisees receive extensive training, including 72 hours of classroom instruction and 80 hours of in-store training. For more details on purchasing a franchise, visit VettedBiz's guide on buying a UPS Store franchise.

RE/MAX

RE/MAX stands as a paramount leader in the real estate franchise industry, having been named the No. 1 real estate franchise for the 16th consecutive year in the Franchise Times Top 400 rankings for 2024. The brand boasts over 140,000 sales associates in more than 9,000 offices across over 110 countries and territories. In 2023, RE/MAX added 948 new offices worldwide, including significant expansions into countries like Grenada, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and India. The fourth quarter of 2023 saw the highest franchise sales of the year, with 300 new offices and 295 renewed agreements. Despite a challenging housing market, RE/MAX Holdings reported a total agent count increase of 0.6% to 144,835 agents by the end of 2023. You can find more information about their franchise opportunities on their official website.

Subway

Subway, one of the world's largest quick service restaurant brands, has achieved remarkable success through its franchise-only model, with over 37,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries. The brand has seen nine consecutive quarters of positive sales, including a 12.1% increase in global same-store sales and a 21.2% increase in digital sales in the first quarter of 2023. Subway's global digital sales have more than quadrupled since 2019, and the brand has inked major franchise deals, committing to over 9,000 new restaurants globally. In the U.S., Subway achieved its highest weekly average unit volume since 2010 and saw a 20% overall sales increase from 2020 to 2023, reaching nearly $10 billion in U.S. sales in 2023. This growth is driven by menu innovation, restaurant modernization, and enhanced digital experiences. For more insights on Subway's ongoing success, you can find further details here.

Keller Williams Realty

Keller Williams Realty is recognized as the world's largest real estate franchise by agent count, boasting over 191,000 agents and more than 1,100 offices globally. In 2022, the company retained its title as the largest residential real estate franchise brand in the U.S., with an 11.3% market share by sales volume and the highest number of transaction sides. Keller Williams agents closed $381.4 billion in sales volume in the U.S. and Canada for the year-to-date 2022 period, despite a 3.0% decline from the previous year. The company's agents also closed over 1.3 million transactions in 2021, marking a 9.9% increase from 2020. Known for its agent-centric, technology-driven, and education-based culture, Keller Williams continues to innovate and expand its market share. For more details, visit their official press release.

Marriott International

Marriott International stands as a leading franchise producer, boasting a record year in 2023 with over 164,000 organic rooms signed globally, averaging nearly 2.5 deals a day. The company achieved a strong 4.7% net rooms growth, bringing its total to over 1.597 million rooms across nearly 8,800 properties in 139 countries. Marriott's development pipeline ended 2023 at a record 573,000 rooms, a 15% increase from the previous year. With a low 3% three-year failure rate, Marriott outperforms the industry average, highlighting its strong franchise support and operational efficiency. The company's extensive global presence and robust loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy, further enhance its attractiveness to franchisees.

Planet Fitness

Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers, with approximately 18.7 million members as of December 31, 2023, marking a 1.7 million member increase from the previous year. The company reported an 8.7% full-year system-wide same store sales increase in 2023 and opened 165 new stores, bringing the total count to 2,575 locations. Celebrated for its "Judgement Free Zone" environment, Planet Fitness provides a high-quality fitness experience with an affordable membership rate of $10 per month. The brand has successfully expanded to 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Australia. Its New Growth Model emphasizes reducing capital requirements for opening and operating locations, thereby enhancing store-level returns. For more detailed insights, visit the Planet Fitness Investor Relations page.

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness stands as a leading franchise in the fitness industry, renowned for its 24/7 access model that caters to over 4 million members globally. In 2023, the franchise saw a 3% increase in median gross sales, reaching $389,197, and owner-operators earned an estimated $58,380 annually. With a strong focus on personalized training and wellness programs, Anytime Fitness has maintained a stable and consistent performance, making it a reliable investment. The brand's expansion, including 338 new gyms added in 2013, reflects its rapid growth and success. Anytime Fitness ranks as the world's fastest-growing fitness club for seven consecutive years, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA).