Are you planning to invest in a business that ensures steady demand and profitability? Fast food franchises have become one of the most lucrative ventures in India’s dynamic food and beverage industry. With the rise of urban lifestyles, quick-service dining has evolved into a daily necessity for millions seeking convenience and taste.
These franchises offer entrepreneurs the advantage of an established brand name, proven business model, and strong customer loyalty. Moreover, they provide comprehensive support in training, marketing, and operations, reducing startup risks. Investing in a fast food franchise can be a smart step toward building a sustainable, high-revenue business. In this blog, we will take a look at 15 Best Fast Food Franchises.
Why Invest in a Fast Food Franchise in 2025?
- High Market Demand: The fast-food sector continues to thrive due to changing lifestyles, increased urbanisation, and rising demand for quick, affordable meals.
- Proven Business Model: Franchises come with tested operational systems, reducing the risk associated with starting an independent business.
- Strong Brand Recognition: Investing in an established franchise helps attract customers quickly through existing brand trust and loyalty.
- Technology Integration: Most modern fast-food chains leverage digital ordering, delivery apps, and automation, ensuring efficiency and profitability.
- Expanding Delivery Ecosystem: With the rise of platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, franchises can easily reach a wider customer base without large marketing costs.
- Support and Training: Franchise owners receive comprehensive training, operational support, and marketing assistance from the parent company.
- Scalability and Growth: Successful fast-food outlets can expand rapidly with multiple franchise units and diversified menu options.
- High Return on Investment: Low operational costs, consistent demand, and strong profit margins make fast-food franchises a lucrative investment option in 2025.
How to Choose the Right Fast Food Franchise
- Research Market Demand: Analyse local food trends and customer preferences to choose the best franchises to own that match your area’s demand
- Evaluate Brand Reputation: Select a franchise with a strong, positive brand image and proven success in the market.
- Assess Initial Investment and Fees: Review the total investment, franchise fees, and royalty charges to ensure they align with your budget.
- Check Support and Training: Opt for a franchisor that provides comprehensive training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance.
- Understand Profitability: Examine the franchise’s profit margins, break-even period, and financial performance of existing outlets.
- Analyse Location Requirements: Choose a franchise that suits your available space and has flexible location options with good footfall potential.
- Review Legal and Contract Terms: Carefully read the franchise agreement for duration, renewal, territory rights, and exit policies.
- Talk to Existing Franchisees: Get real-world insights from current owners about challenges, profitability, and franchisor support before investing.
List of 15 Best Fast Food Franchises
1. McDonald’s
McDonalds is the largest and most known fast-food franchise in the world that deals with burgers, fries and has fast service. It was established in 1955 and is now a worldwide icon of quality and convenience.
McDonalds makes franchisees have good brand awareness, time tested business systems and unceasing menu and business innovation. Its 40,000-plus branches across the globe serve a wide variety of markets and clientele. Franchisees enjoy marketing, supply chain efficiency, and training.
It is a market leader in the fast-food sector and a favourite among business people looking to acquire stable returns due to its affordability, consistency, and customer experience.
Benefits:
- Wide Brand Recognition: One of the world’s largest and most trusted fast-food chains.
- Comprehensive Training: Full operational and management training for franchisees.
- Support: Ongoing marketing, supply chain, and operational support.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 1000–4000 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹6–₹14 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹30 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 4–5%.
- Website: www.mcdonaldsindia.com
2. Cafe Coffee Day (CCD)
Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) is one of the most established coffeehouse chains in India, established in the year 1996 under Coffee Day Global Limited. With a catchphrase of A lot can happen over coffee, CCD has a young and friendly environment where individuals socialise, work and unwind.
The brand offers different blends of coffee that are produced in its own plantation, snacks, and desserts. CCD has more than a thousand retail stores in India which gives it a strong retail and brand loyalty.
Its fast food franchises system has a strong support of operations, marketing services, and premium coffee products for its potential business partners.
Benefits:
- Strong Indian Brand: Popular among urban consumers.
- Flexible Store Formats: Kiosks, standalone cafes, and malls.
- Franchise Support: Training, marketing, and operational guidance.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 400–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹50 lakh–₹1.2 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹10–20 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.cafecoffeeday.com
3. Subway
Subway is the biggest sub franchise in the world, serving freshly prepared, customisable subs, salads and wraps. It was established in 1965 and gained fame due to its Eat Fresh idea of healthier fast-food options.
Subway offers a low investment model and less space, which makes it ideal to entrepreneurs who want flexibility in ownership. It has 37,000 stores worldwide, which offers brand equity and marketing power.
The franchisees enjoy cut-and-dried operations, supply chain, and menu innovation. Its customer-oriented service, low-priced menu, and international popularity make Subway one of the most reachable and successful fast-food chains in the fast-food restaurant business..
Benefits:
- Healthy Menu Appeal: Focus on fresh, customisable sandwiches.
- Low Operational Cost: Simple setup and low staffing needs.
- International Recognition: Operates in 100+ countries.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 600–1000 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹70 lakh–₹1 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹6.5 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 8%.
- Website: www.subway.com
4. Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is a world leader in the delivery of pizza and fast food restaurants. It was established in 1960 and has established its reputation on the basis of fast delivery, quality ingredients, and new ordering technology.
Domino’s has a robust franchise model that features effective marketing training, support, and systems. It has a diverse menu with pizzas, pasta, sides, and desserts to suit the local palate. Franchisees enjoy low start-up costs, supply chain effectiveness, and sustained innovation. This makes it an attractive Domino’s Franchise opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Domino’s has maintained customer satisfaction due to the stability in its digital ordering and delivery logistics, which makes it one of the most lucrative and replicable fast food franchises globally.
Benefits:
- Fast Delivery Model: India’s most trusted pizza delivery brand.
- Technology Support: Real-time order tracking and digital presence.
- High Returns: Consistent demand and brand loyalty.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 1000–1500 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹75 lakh–₹1 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹25 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5.5%.
- Website: www.dominos.co.in
5. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is one of the iconic pizza franchises in the world and was founded in 1958. It runs thousands of restaurants in more than 100 countries with its signature pan pizzas, pastas, and family-friendly environment.
Pizza Hut has the dine-in, takeaway, and delivery service, which gives flexibility to franchise owners. The brand has strong marketing, training, and operating assistance, which makes the franchise successful. Its customer-centric and innovative menu brings about a high level of brand loyalty, making it a popular choice for a Pizza Hut Franchise.
Backed by Yum! Pizza Hut offers financial stability and established systems, which present it as a good option to entrepreneurs in the fast-food and casual restaurant.
Benefits:
- Global Presence: Trusted brand in over 100 countries.
- Menu Flexibility: Offers dine-in, delivery, and takeaway models.
- Strong Franchise Support: Training and supply chain management.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 1000–1500 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹1–₹2 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹25 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 6%.
- Website: www.pizzahut.co.in
6. Burger King
Burger King is a chain of fast foods based in the United States and is among the biggest burger retailers globally, its flame-grilled hamburgers and philosophy of Have It Your Way.
Burger King has more than 18,000 franchise locations in the global market that are supported with international brand awareness and pioneering marketing. The brand offers a varied menu, including burgers and fries, chicken, and breakfast.
Franchisees enjoy years of training, efficiency in their supply chain and advertisement. Its low cost and quality make Burger King a favorite among both the customers and investors. The globalization of the brand guarantees lucrative fast food franchises deals.
Benefits:
- Strong Global Brand: Over 19,000 outlets worldwide.
- Marketing Support: National-level campaigns.
- Consistent Quality: Standardised supply and recipes.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2.5–₹5 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹50 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%.
- Website: www.burgerking.in
7. Taco Bell
Taco Bell, owned by Yum! Brands, is a top fast-food chain that deals in Mexican-themed food including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. Established in 1962, it is now a worldwide favorite with its daring flavors and innovative menu items.
Taco Bell has a wide appeal to customers due to its strong marketing and being youthful. Franchisees are thoroughly trained in operation, brand support and supply chain benefits.
Taco Bell is also expanding globally with its emphasis on innovation, low cost, and convenience. It is a desirable investment by investors who are interested in a developing and dynamic brand in the quick restaurant industry.
Benefits:
- Youthful Brand Appeal: Attracts a diverse customer base.
- Innovative Menu: Creative Mexican-inspired items.
- Franchise Support: Training, marketing, and supply chain assistance.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2–₹4 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹40 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5–6%
- Website: www.tacobell.co.in
8. Starbucks
Starbucks is the biggest coffeehouse chain in the world known as its high quality drinks, snacks, and friendly cafe atmosphere. It was established in 1971 in Seattle, and has expanded to be a global lifestyle brand with more than 38,000 stores.
Starbucks is a high-end coffee shop that is concentrated on quality, sustainability, and customer experience. The franchise has good training, operational counseling as well as brand recognition.
Its sustained innovation in drinks and online experience create customer loyalty. To the franchisees, Starbucks offers a profitable, socially responsible and globally reputable business opportunity in a fast growing specialty coffee market.
Benefits:
- Premium Coffee Brand: Focus on quality, sustainability, and experience.
- Global Recognition: Over 38,000 outlets worldwide.
- Training & Support: Operational guidance and brand support.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1500 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹3–₹5 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹50 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 6%
- Website: www.starbucks.in
9. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Founded in 1972, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is an American fast-food chain known due to its spicy fried chicken and Cajun-style menu. It is popular due to pure Louisiana tastes, and it has grown worldwide with thousands of stores.
Popeyes provide franchisees with good brand support, new age marketing and effective supply chain systems. The brand has a competitive advantage in the fried chicken market due to its unique flavor profile and quality products.
Franchise associates are well trained and operationally guided. This popularity and profitability of Popeyes make it a great investment venture in the quick restaurant business across the globe.
Benefits:
- Unique Flavor Profile: Authentic Louisiana-style fried chicken.
- Strong Marketing Support: National and regional campaigns.
- Efficient Supply Chain: Ensures consistent quality.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2–₹3 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹35 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.popeyes.com
10. Wendy’s
Wendy has become one of the leading chain of burgers in the world; its fresh never-frozen meat, and square shaped patties are its distinguishing features. Its emphasis on quality products and excellent customer service has given the brand a global following.
The menu of Wendy is varied with burgers, sandwiches, salads, and frosty desserts. As one of the leading fast food franchises, franchisees enjoy strong brand awareness, operation training, and marketing.
Wendy has more than 7,000 stores in the world, which is why it balances tradition and innovation to stay competitive. It is a lucrative and reliable franchise in the fast-food sector because of its focus on quality and low cost.
Benefits:
- Fresh Ingredients: Known for never-frozen beef.
- Menu Diversity: Burgers, chicken, salads, and desserts.
- Brand Recognition: Over 7,000 outlets globally.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2.5–₹4 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹40 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.wendys.com
11. Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins, founded in 1945, is the largest ice cream company in the world, with its 31 flavors concept and a great variety of frozen desserts. It has a presence in more than 50 countries and provides franchisees with an established brand, business model, and product innovation.
The menu has ice creams, sundaes, milkshakes, and cakes which appeal to all ages. Baskin-Robbins offers training, marketing support, and supply chains benefits, making it an easy operation.
Its relentless attention to quality and innovativeness makes it pertinent in competitive markets. It is an enjoyable and lucrative venture to entrepreneurs in the dessert and frozen treat business.
Benefits:
- Wide Flavor Range: Famous “31 flavors” concept.
- Global Presence: Operates in over 50 countries.
- Franchise Support: Training, marketing, and supply chain help.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 400–800 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹50–₹80 lakh.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹15–20 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5–6%
- Website: www.baskinrobbinsindia.com
12. Hardee’s
Hardee is a fast-food company established in 1960, in the US, and it offers quality burgers, biscuits, and hearty meals. Hardee has its operations in the U.S. and in limited global markets with the focus on quality and rich flavor.
The franchise has various models, both dine-in and drive-thru, which gives flexibility to investors. Hardee, one of the leading fast food franchises, assists the franchisees in training, operations, and brand promotion. Its breakfast offerings and menu innovation guarantee high sales.
Hardee’s is a promising investment to entrepreneurs who are interested in the long-term growth in the quick-service restaurant industry with the support of parent company CKE Restaurants.
Benefits:
- Premium Burgers & Biscuits: Bold flavors and menu innovation.
- Flexible Formats: Dine-in and drive-thru options.
- Franchise Support: Training and operational guidance.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2–₹3.5 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹35 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.hardees.com
13. Five Guys
Five Guys is a fast-casual hamburger chain that is characterised by fresh and cooked-to-order hamburgers, hand-cut fries and straightforward yet quality menu. The brand was established in 1986 and has grown speedily in the U.S and beyond.
Five Guys is centered on fresh food and customer satisfaction, not tricks or complicated menus. Franchisees enjoy an efficient business model, strong brand and loyal customer base.
Its transparency and open-kitchen idea instill trust in customers. Its steady quality, low waste production, and high profitability have made it one of the most renowned burger chains in the world.
Benefits:
- Fresh Ingredients: Made-to-order burgers and hand-cut fries.
- Transparent Operations: Open-kitchen concept builds trust.
- Strong Brand Identity: Loyal customer base and profitability.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2–₹3 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹40 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.fiveguys.com
14. Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. is a top American fast-food chain that started in 1941 and is known to offer quality burgers and innovative advertising. It functions under CKE Restaurants with Hardee’s and is very strong in North America and overseas.
The brand focuses on quality foods, charbroiled burgers, and bold flavors. Franchisees enjoy extensive training, brand recognition and flexible formats. The variety of menus offered by Carls Jr.- breakfast to decadent burgers- appeals to a broad market.
Its innovation and customer satisfaction guarantee its success. To investors, Carls Jr. is a profitable venture in the competitive fast-food burger business.
Benefits:
- Premium Burgers: Charbroiled, high-quality ingredients.
- Menu Diversity: Breakfast to indulgent burger options.
- Franchise Support: Training, brand recognition, and flexible formats.
Franchise Opportunity:
- Space Required: 800–1200 sq.ft.
- Investment Range: ₹2–₹3 crore.
- Franchise/Brand Fee: ₹35 lakh.
- Royalty Fee: 5%
- Website: www.carlsjr.com
Ending Thoughts
In conclusion, investing in fast food franchises is one of the most promising business opportunities in India’s rapidly growing food sector. With increasing demand for quick, affordable, and quality meals, fast food chains continue to dominate both metropolitan and tier-2 markets. These franchises provide not only strong brand recognition but also operational support, consistent customer traffic, and proven profitability.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an experienced investor, partnering with an established fast food brand reduces risk and accelerates growth. As consumer preferences evolve, these franchises offer stability, scalability, and long-term success in the competitive yet rewarding food service industry.
FAQs
What Makes Fast Food Franchises A Good Investment In India?
Fast food franchises offer strong brand recognition, consistent demand, and proven business models, making them a reliable and profitable investment option across various Indian markets.
How Much Does It Cost To Open A Fast Food Franchise In India?
The investment varies between ₹10 lakh to ₹2 crore depending on the brand, location, size, and franchise model chosen.
Do Fast Food Franchises Provide Training And Support?
Yes, most established franchises offer end-to-end training, operational guidance, marketing support, and supply chain management to ensure business success.
Can I Run A Fast Food Franchise With Limited Experience?
Yes, prior experience isn’t mandatory as franchisors provide comprehensive training and assistance for daily operations.
