Looking to own a low-cost franchise. business in the United States? If yes, find here in this article, a selected list of low-cost franchise opportunities in the USA that brings in high profit.
Buying a franchise in the USA is a great way to start a profit-making small business for beginners who do not want to take the hassle of building a venture from scratch. The USA is the birthplace of countless brands and names, and you can benefit from those big names through your franchise business.
Think of your business preference before going for a franchise business. If you want to explore the food market, there are McDonald’s or KFC and the like for you. If you want to try other business ideas like pharmacy, cleaning, or real estate, there are plenty of cheap franchise business opportunities in the USA.
Another important factor you have to consider is your budget. A franchise business needs a certain amount of money as an investment, deposit, etc. Franchise business in the USA has provisions for different budget slots. You have to find which suits you.
Before starting your franchise business in the USA do good research on the demand of the people of the area where you want to start your business. Plan your business accordingly. According to Statista, approximately there were 790,500 franchise establishments in the United States in 2022.
Find below our selected list of highly profitable franchise opportunities in the USA:
25 Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities in the USA
1. McDonald’s
Headquartered in Chicago, McDonald’s needs no introduction in the area of fast food. Starting its business in 1955, McDonald’s has more than 39000 franchises. There are different types of franchise options for you. They include traditional restaurants, satellite locations, Small Town Oil (STO) and Small Town Retail (STR) locations, and Business Facilities Lease (BFL) franchises.
For a McDonald’s franchise, you need to spend $45000 as a franchise fee along with $1 million to $2.2 million as an initial investment.
2. KFC
Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC began its food retail business in 1939 and franchising since 1952. It has more than 24000 franchise units. There are bigger traditional outlets with more items on the menu along with non-traditional outlets that have a limited menu.
To get the KFC franchise, you need to qualify for their assessment test. For a non-traditional outlet, you need to invest approximately $241,100 to $996,000, and for a traditional outlet between $1,442,600 and $2,771,550. This includes franchise fees, licenses, insurance, training, inventory, etc.
3. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is a famous doughnut shop in the USA and is almost a part of daily life. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin’ started franchising in 1955 and has more than 13000 units now. They sell coffee, doughnuts, bagels, muffins, sandwiches, as well as other food items and beverages.
For a Dunkin’ franchise in the USA, you have to spend $40,000 to $90,000 as a franchise fee. Along with that, you will need an investment of approximately $1.5 million to start the outlet.
Related: Top Bagel Franchise Business Opportunities
4. Taco Bell
Taco Bell franchise is a very profitable option for you in the USA because of its huge popularity. This famous Mexican food joint started its operations in 1964 and now has approximately 7500 units. Their signature dishes include tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc.
There are several categories of Taco Bell franchises. They are Traditional Units, In-Lines, Power Pumpers, and Taco Bell Express. The franchise fee varies between $25000 and $45000. The initial investment is approximately in the range of $1.2 million and $2.5 million. You will get training from Taco Bell and the duration of the franchise is between 10 and 25 years depending on your type of franchise.
5. Subway
The famous food joint for freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads, Subway is a favorite name among all. It started its operation in 1965 and franchising in 1974. There are more than 37000 franchise outlets of Subway.
For Subway’s franchise business in the USA, you need to invest between $167,500 and $476,900. However, the franchiser may offer you a loan or waive the franchise fee in certain special cases. The duration of the franchise is 20 years after which it is renewed automatically.
6. Baskin Robbins
The famous ice cream brand Baskin Robbins started its operations in 1946 with its headquarters in Canton, Massachusetts. They started the franchise in 1950 with more than 7500 outlets now.
For the Baskin Robbins franchise, your investment will range between $280,340 and $636,360. You will get a 10-day training on production, merchandise, service, etc. The franchise will be for 20 years and the renewal is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions. Loans through third-party lenders can also be arranged by the franchiser in case you need them.
7. Dream Vacations
If you want to explore your franchise business in the travel and tourism sector in the USA, the Dream Vacations franchise is among the most profitable home-based franchise opportunities in the USA at present. You can run this business online from your home and there are special incentives for veterans, military spouses, medical professionals, and teachers.
For the Dream Vacations franchise, you need to pay an initial franchise fee of $495 to $9,800. The amount varies according to your experience. Here, more experienced franchisees get larger discounts. The initial investment ranges between $1,795 and $20,300.
8. 7-Eleven
The famous retail chain 7-Eleven is a profitable franchise business idea for you in the USA. There are different types of franchise options for you-Traditional Stores, Business Conversion Programs, and Micro Market Franchises in different places like office buildings, hospitals, shopping malls, etc.
For a 7-Eleven franchise, you need to invest between $53000 and $ 1163000, depending on the size of your business. You will get 300-hour training and some concessions in down payment and franchise fee in special cases. The validity of the contract is 15 years and renewal is subject to certain conditions.
9. The Maids
The cleaning business has a universal demand. If you want to start a franchise business on cleaning The Maids is your perfect choice. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska it started its franchise business in 1980 and now has approximately 1500 units.
For the franchise, you need to spend $12,500 as a franchise fee and invest $48,950 to $124,950. You will get training on opening the business and business operations. You can also get financial assistance. However, that is at the discretion of the franchiser. The duration of the contract is 10 years.
10. Anytime Fitness
If fitness is your passion as well as a business idea, then Anytime Fitness is one of the best franchise businesses for you in the USA. The USP of Anytime Fitness is that it remains open round the clock, round the year which makes its client base large. It started its business in 2002 and has more than 4800 units.
For the Anytime Fitness franchise, the franchise fee is $3,150 to $42,500. Apart from that, you have to invest $58,870 to $521,437 initially. You will get training on the different aspects of the fitness business and as a franchise, you have to attend and complete the training successfully. The duration of the contract is 6 years. After successfully running the business it can be renewed for another 5 years.
11. Supercuts
If you want to start a salon business, Supercuts is indeed among the most profitable franchise opportunities in the USA. It is a business with experience of more than 40 years, having 2600 franchise salons. Apart from a haircut, the Supercuts franchise will also give you opportunities to provide other beauty services and sell different beauty products.
For the Supercuts franchise, you have to pay a franchise fee of $39,500 and invest a sum of $151,370 to $321,020.
12. Sport Clips
Sport Clips is a specialized salon for men’s haircuts and hairstyling. This is a reputed name with an experience of 25 years having more than 1700 outlets in the USA as well as Canada. Hence it is a profitable franchise business for you in the USA.
For the Sport Clips franchise, you have to pay a franchise fee of $59,500 and get 3 licenses. Your investment will amount to $204,800 to $368,300 depending on the size of your salon. The royalty fee is 6%.
13. Papa John’s
Papa John’s is a famous name for serving great Pizzas since 1985. Having more than 5000 units, it is without saying one of the most lucrative franchise business opportunities in the USA.
For Papa John’s franchise, you need to pay a franchise fee of $25,000 and invest approximately $250,000. You will get training in business operations and the duration of the contract is 10 years for cities. For small-town restaurants, it is 5 years. If you can run the business successfully it will be renewed for another 10 or 5 years according to the size of the city or town.
14. Ace Hardware Corporation
If you are interested in the hardware and tools business, the Ace Hardware Corporation franchise is a very good franchise business for you. Starting its operations in 1924, it has more than 5000 outlets now. In the Ace Hardware Corporation franchise, you have several options. You can start a new shop, use a part of your existing grocery store like Ace Hardware Store or convert your unused space into Ace Hardware Store.
For the Ace Hardware franchise, you have to pay an initial franchise fee of $5,000 and an investment of $286,000 to $1.07 million. You will get training and marketing support and the advantages of their huge supply network.
15. Interim Healthcare
If you are interested in the Adult care business, Interim Healthcare is a perfect option for you. For more than 50 years in adult care, Interim Healthcare has been a trusted name in this franchise business in the USA. It offers you two kinds of franchise-Home Care Franchise and the Hospice Franchise.
For an Interim Healthcare franchise, the franchise fee is $50000. Along with that, you need an investment of $75,000 to $148,500. You will get classroom training of 40 hours and another 40 hours of on-site training.
16. Pearle Vision
Pearle Vision is a renowned name in Eyecare and a very profitable franchise business opportunity for you in the USA. Selling prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses from 1961, it started its franchise in 1980 and has more than 500 units.
For the Pearle Vision franchise, the franchise fee is $30,000 and you have to invest $391,795 to $620,538. They provide you with exhaustive classroom and on-the-job training.
17. Marriott International
The globally acclaimed chain of luxury hotels is a very profitable franchise option for you in the USA. Marriott Hotels are ideally suited for leisure travel, corporate meetings, and other purposes. The name is synonymous with a top-grade hotel. More than 50 years into the hospitality industry, it has more than 6000 franchises.
For the Marriott International franchise, the initial franchise fee is $120,000. For a 300-room hotel, your investment will range between $70,000,000 and $100,000,000 approximately. You will get training on operations and marketing from Marriott International. The site, construction will be supervised by them. Along with that, your personnel would also need to have the approval of Marriott. The contract is for 20 years.
18. ServPro
ServPro provides home cleaning, disinfection, repair, and restoration services. It is a profitable franchise business option for you as it has a very good demand. Starting its operation in 1967, ServPro has approximately 2000 units. As per their policy, each franchise covers a population of 50000 to 80000.
For the ServPro franchise, you have to pay a franchise fee of $60,000. The approximate investment is between $100000 and $175000. You have to complete a 5-step training called Business Development Program or BDP. The duration of the franchise is 5 years.
19. Jan-Pro
Jan-Pro is another profitable franchise for janitorial services in the USA. It started its business in 1991 and has more than 9000 franchise units. There are three different kinds of franchise options offered by Jan-Pro and it depends on your experience level.
The franchise fee varies between $1000 and $20000 depending on the type of your franchise. The initial investment also varies between $1,000 and $700,000. Jan-Pro provides a special Certification Program and the duration of the franchise is 10 years.
20. Orangetheory Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness is a chain of fitness studios established in 2010 and has more than 1300 units. It is a very lucrative franchise business idea for you in the USA. As per the name, their color theme is orange. These fitness studios have different types of fitness equipment for the members.
The franchise fee for Orangetheory Fitness is $ 59950 and the approximate estimate of investment is between $550,000 and $1,750,000. Training on the operation of fitness studios will be provided to you.
21. Midas
Midas is an automotive franchise chain and the shops providing auto repair and maintenance services are called Midas Shops. It started its operations in 1954 and has more than 2000 units now.
For the Midas franchisee, you need to pay a franchise fee of $30,000. The liquid capital needed is at least $50,000 along with a minimum net worth amounting to $250,000. Midas will provide you with training on operations and skill development.
22. The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a business service store providing various kinds of packing, mailing, and printing services in the USA. The company has been providing service for more than 30 years and has been able to retain its top position and reputation throughout. The benefit of The UPS Store franchise is that you can open stores in various locations including rural areas.
The franchise fee is $9,950 to $29,950 and for the initial investment, you need approximately $150,000. They offer a discount for veterans.
23. Home Instead
Home Instead is a renowned senior care facility that started its operations in 1994 and has more than 1000 units now. It is a very profitable franchise opportunity for you in the USA as it is much in demand. They provide home care services for the aged as well as hospice and Alzheimer’s care services for seniors.
For the Home Instead franchise, you have to pay a franchise fee of $ 50000. The investment needed ranges between $50000 and $75000. You have to complete the training successfully before starting your franchise.
24. Fastsigns
Fastsigns is a famous business solution provider company in the USA that started its operations in 1987 and now has more than 700 units. The Fastsigns franchise will enable you to be a part of the fast-growing business solution provider. They work in different areas like signs and graphics, exhibits and displays, promotional products, Printing and mailing, graphic design, content development, project management, sales development, etc.
For the Fastsigns franchise, you have to pay a franchise fee of $49,750. Apart from that, you need to invest between $230,000 and $300,000.
25. Primrose Schools
Primrose Schools is a childcare service provider that takes care of children between the age groups of six weeks to 12 years. If you want to grow your business in child care, Primrose Schools is a lucrative franchise business for you in the USA. They provide various academic activities as well as childcare facilities. Starting its operation in 1982, it has more than 400 units.
For the Primrose Schools franchise, you need to pay a franchise fee of $50,000 to $80,000 depending on the scale of your operation. The approximate investment ranges between $4,500,000 and $6,500,000. The duration of the franchise is 10 years. You will get training on childhood education and other on-site training.
There are different areas of franchise opportunities in the USA. If you plan well and work hard, you will be successful.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
