Top Franchise Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in 2025

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In 2025, the franchise market continues to offer vast opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. With a variety of sectors to choose from—food, technology, fitness, and more—the options are virtually limitless. But how do you navigate this complex landscape and select the right opportunity for your goals?

In this guide, we’ll explore the top franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025, highlighting the best franchises across different industries. We’ll dive into the benefits of franchising, review popular opportunities, and provide actionable insights on how to choose the right franchise for you.

What Are Franchise Opportunities?

Franchise opportunities are business models where an entrepreneur (the franchisee) buys the rights to use an established brand’s name, business system, and support services. In exchange, the franchisee pays fees, including initial franchise fees, ongoing royalty fees, and marketing contributions. This model is an attractive option for entrepreneurs as it provides a proven business system and brand recognition.

There are numerous franchise types to explore in 2025, and with new technologies, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving market conditions, many sectors are experiencing significant growth.

Why Should Entrepreneurs Consider Franchise Opportunities?

Before diving into the top franchise opportunities for 2025, let’s briefly discuss the benefits of choosing a franchise:

1. Established Brand Recognition

One of the key advantages of franchising is leveraging the reputation of an established brand. This means you don’t have to start from scratch in building your customer base. Customers are already familiar with the brand, which significantly reduces your marketing efforts.

2. Proven Business Model

Franchises operate under a proven and tested business model, which reduces the inherent risk of failure. Franchisees receive detailed training and ongoing support, increasing the likelihood of success.

3. Access to Marketing and Operational Support

Franchisees benefit from national and regional marketing campaigns, operational assistance, and the collective strength of the franchise network. This allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business rather than handling every logistical detail.

4. Funding Support

Many franchise systems have relationships with lenders who specialize in financing franchises, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access funding.

5. Scalable Business Model

Franchise systems are built to scale, so franchisees have the opportunity to expand their operations over time, whether through opening additional locations or increasing their market reach.

Top Franchise Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in 2025

Below are 5 of the best franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025. We’ll explore each franchise in detail, including their pros, cons, features, and pricing.

1. Planet Fitness

Overview: Planet Fitness is one of the most well-known fitness franchises, offering affordable gym memberships to a broad customer base. In 2025, fitness franchises remain one of the most attractive business models due to rising health consciousness and a steady demand for gym memberships.

  • Initial Investment: $1.5M–$3.5M

  • Franchise Fee: $20,000

  • Royalty Fee: 7% of monthly gross revenue

  • Support: Extensive training, marketing materials, and operational support.

Pros:

  • High demand for affordable fitness.

  • Established brand with a loyal customer base.

  • Strong support and training program.

Cons:

  • High initial investment.

  • Requires significant space for equipment.

2. McDonald’s

Overview: A household name in the fast-food industry, McDonald’s has a history of success. With over 40,000 locations worldwide, it’s a powerhouse in the franchise industry. The brand has embraced technological advances, offering drive-thru ordering, mobile apps, and self-ordering kiosks, which positions them well for 2025 and beyond.

  • Initial Investment: $1M–$2.3M

  • Franchise Fee: $45,000

  • Royalty Fee: 4% of sales

Pros:

  • Unmatched global brand recognition.

  • Continuous technological innovation.

  • Strong customer loyalty.

Cons:

  • High franchise fees and initial investment.

  • Strict operational guidelines.

3. The UPS Store

Overview: The UPS Store has evolved to become a leader in the packing, shipping, and printing services industry. As e-commerce grows, small businesses continue to rely on shipping and printing services, making The UPS Store a great investment in 2025.

  • Initial Investment: $168,000–$398,000

  • Franchise Fee: $29,950

  • Royalty Fee: 5% of gross sales

  • Support: Comprehensive training and marketing resources.

Pros:

  • Low investment compared to food franchises.

  • Steady demand for shipping and printing services.

  • Well-established brand.

Cons:

  • Competitive market.

  • Requires strong customer service skills.

4. Jersey Mike’s

Overview: Jersey Mike’s is a rapidly growing sandwich chain that has gained a lot of traction due to its commitment to fresh ingredients and excellent customer service. The food and beverage sector continues to grow in 2025, and Jersey Mike’s offers an attractive business opportunity.

  • Initial Investment: $200,000–$700,000

  • Franchise Fee: $18,500

  • Royalty Fee: 6.5% of gross sales

  • Support: Ongoing operational and marketing support.

Pros:

  • Strong demand for healthy, fresh food.

  • Affordable initial investment.

  • Well-established brand with strong customer loyalty.

Cons:

  • Competitive market with many food franchises.

  • Needs to maintain consistency in food quality and customer service.

5. 7-Eleven

Overview: 7-Eleven is one of the largest convenience store chains globally, with over 70,000 locations. With an increasing number of people preferring quick, on-the-go food options, 7-Eleven has become a favorite in the convenience store industry.

  • Initial Investment: $50,000–$1M

  • Franchise Fee: $20,000

  • Royalty Fee: 50% of net profit

  • Support: Comprehensive operational and marketing support.

Pros:

  • Global recognition.

  • Large product offering that attracts a broad customer base.

  • Reliable, consistent revenue stream.

Cons:

  • High royalty fees.

  • Needs to operate 24/7, which can be challenging.

Comparison Table of Franchise Opportunities

Franchise Industry Initial Investment Franchise Fee Royalty Fee Features Pros Cons
Planet Fitness Fitness $1.5M–$3.5M $20,000 7% of sales Gym memberships, wellness programs Strong brand, high demand for fitness High initial investment, space required
McDonald’s Fast Food $1M–$2.3M $45,000 4% of sales Global reach, mobile app integration Brand recognition, customer loyalty Strict guidelines, expensive fees
The UPS Store Shipping/Printing $168K–$398K $29,950 5% of sales Packing, shipping, printing services Low initial cost, steady demand Competitive market, service-oriented
Jersey Mike’s Food & Beverage $200K–$700K $18,500 6.5% of sales Fresh sandwiches, customer service Affordable, fast-growing market Competitive, food quality consistency
7-Eleven Convenience Store $50K–$1M $20,000 50% of profit 24/7 service, large product offering Global brand, high traffic High royalty, 24/7 operation

How to Buy and Where to Buy These Franchise Opportunities

To buy into any of these franchises, follow these steps:

  1. Research the Franchise: Visit the official websites of each franchise to gather more information on the investment process.

  2. Contact the Franchise: Reach out to the franchise to inquire about the application process, fees, and requirements.

  3. Evaluate the Terms: Carefully read through the franchise agreement to ensure it aligns with your goals and budget.

  4. Secure Financing: Explore financing options, including small business loans or franchise-specific financing.

  5. Start Your Business: Once approved, you’ll receive the training, support, and resources to successfully launch your franchise.

5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much money do I need to start a franchise?
The initial investment varies greatly depending on the franchise. It can range from $50,000 for smaller businesses to over $3 million for large franchises.

2. Are franchises a good investment?
Franchises offer a proven business model, established brand recognition, and strong support, making them a less risky investment compared to starting a business from scratch.

3. Can I get financing for a franchise?
Yes, many banks and lenders offer financing specifically for franchise businesses, including SBA loans and franchise-specific loan programs.

4. Do I need previous business experience to run a franchise?
While experience can be helpful, many franchises offer comprehensive training programs for new franchisees, regardless of their previous experience.

5. How long does it take to open a franchise?
The timeline can vary depending on the franchise and location, but it typically takes 3 to 6 months from the time you sign the agreement to opening the doors.