Check out which food franchises are booming right now.
Franchising has become a top business model for every type of businesses in the market. More specifically, the food industry has thrived using this model. Of the 988 companies that applied for the 2017 Franchise List, almost a quarter of them were within the food franchise industry.
As franchises continue to spread worldwide, these are some of the top food franchises that are dominating in their industry:
7-Eleven
The infamous convenience store originated in Dallas, Texas in 1927 when Joe C. Thompson bought the Southland Ice Company. After making it a corporation, Thompson opened convenience stores which were later dubbed 7-Eleven when the hours of operation were established as 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
McDonald’s
The food franchise whose golden arches have become an internationally-recognized symbol originated in California in 1954. Ray Kroc originally traveled to the Golden State to visit the McDonald’s hamburger stand. Upon arrival he was so impressed he convinced brothers Dick and Mack McDonald to open a chain of their restaurant and became their business partner. 
Dunkin’ Donuts
Following Bill Rosenberg’s successful founding of a company in 1946 that delivered meals and snacks to workers, he launched a doughnut shop that would later take the name Dunkin’ Donuts—which now also franchises Baskin-Robbins.
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches
While Jimmy John’s was created in 1983 by 19-year-old James J. Liautaud, the food franchise did not begin until a decade later. With minimal equipment, Liautaud started his business from the ground up and made it the nationwide success it is to date.
Dairy Queen
The first Dairy Queen was opened in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois. However, the concept of soft-serve ice cream had already been established at that point by Dairy Queen founders J.F. McCullough and his son, Alex. After years of exclusively serving their signature ice cream, a variety of treats were added to the menu.
Wingstop Restaurants
Wings have quickly become a wildly popular meal in households across the U.S., which lead to Antonio Swad founding Wingstop in 1994. It only took four years for this privately owned company to become a food franchise and is now one of the most successful chain restaurants in the U.S.
Edible Arrangements
In 1999, florist Tariq Farid used his seven-year experience to create a new concept by combining food and bouquets. Edible Arrangements was then established and in 2001, they became a food franchise.
Smoothie King
After failing to tame his allergy symptoms through medical treatment, nurse Steve Kuhnau made changes to his diet. Kuhnau’s body quickly responded to the improved diet and slowly he began creating drinks to help with multiple ailments. By combining fresh fruits, vitamins, and other supplements he was inspired to found Smoothie King.
Marco’s Pizza
In 1978, Pasquale Giammarco founded Marco’s Pizza. It took only one year for this restaurant, specializing in made-to-order pizzas, salads, sub sandwiches, and cheesy bread, to become a food franchise.
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
The first L&L Drive-Inn opened in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1976. They changed their name to L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in 1991—when they became a food franchise—to better appeal to mainland customers. Today, not only do they offer franchises throughout the U.S., but also in Japan, New Zealand, and American Samoa.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Created in 1937, Krispy Kreme sold sweet treats—like their signature hot Original Glazed doughnut—and coffee for a decade before franchising in 1947. Currently, this company has over 1,000 food franchises worldwide.
Taco Bell
In 1962, Glen Bell opened the first Taco Bell in Downey, California after selling his Taco Tia brand to his partners. In 1964 Taco Bell became a food franchise company, and today can be found worldwide. They are now a subsidiary of Yum! Brands Inc., which also franchises KFC and Pizza Hut.
Other Top Businesses
Along with successful food franchise companies come the trends that are vital to their continued success. The following are perfect examples of how this year’s food franchise trends have contributed to companies’ continued reign as some of the top businesses in the U.S.
Papa John’s
This food franchise Papa John’s was created around the “build your own” trend, allowing their customers to customize their orders and have them delivered to their exact specifications.
Hardee’s
This food franchise Hardee’s was acquired by CKE-Restaurants Inc. in 1997. Additionally, CKE is a part of a multi-brand franchising trend that has become notable in 2017, as they are also a franchisor of Carl’s Jr. Restaurants.
McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Delii is a fast-casual restaurant franchise with southern charm. This dining experience is trending in the food franchises and doesn’t offer full table service like casual dining destinations do. Founded by retired dentist Dr. Don Newcomb in 1989, the franchise is known for deli sandwiches and its signature sweet tea.
Checkers and Rally’s Restaurants
Social media’s importance for business has food franchises taking notice. As is the case with Checkers and Rally’s Restaurants whose current online presence encompasses Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and even Vimeo.
There is no question that being a franchisor or a franchisee in the food and beverage industry has never been as promising as it is now. If you are considering this option, it is clear that now is the time to seize the opportunity.
