Navigating the Vast World of Franchising: Top Opportunities by Industry
The best thing about franchising is also the worst thing: There are so many options to choose from.
This abundance is a double-edged sword. On one hand, if you’re looking to buy a franchise, you’re almost guaranteed to find one that aligns with your passion, skills, and budget. There are thousands of franchise opportunities available across diverse sectors, catering to a wide range of interests and investment levels. On the other hand, this variety can make the search overwhelming — some prospective franchisees might spend years evaluating every franchise opportunity before making a decision.
To streamline this process, we have created this comprehensive list for the first time ever. It distills our extensive Franchise 500 ranking—which assesses franchises based on over 150 data points including costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability—into the top 10 franchises in each industry category. Whether your interest lies in established sectors like Quick-Service Restaurants and Fitness or in emerging markets such as Health & Wellness, this curated list can help focus your search on the best-performing brands.
This industry-focused approach ensures you spend your time exploring franchises that truly match your interests and investment goals, while also considering only the highest-ranking and most reputable brands within each field. From food service and home improvement to business services and beyond, the cream of the crop is at your fingertips.
It’s important to remember, however, that while this list is based on rigorous analytical criteria, it is not an endorsement of any specific franchise. Your personal criteria—such as location, passion, and financial readiness—will ultimately guide your choice. Always conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing legal documents, consulting with legal and financial advisors, and speaking directly with current and former franchisees to understand the realities of ownership.
*All statistics are based on data submitted for Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® Ranking.
Top 10 Automotive Franchises
Automotive Industry Snapshot:
→ 52 total brands, with 25,664 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +849 units over one year (+3.42%)
→ Net growth of +1,890 units over three years (+7.95%)
→ Startup costs range from $2.2K (for dance fitness classes) to $6.7M (for a gym)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Jazzercise (7,073 units)
→ Largest social following: Planet Fitness (5.5 million+ followers)
Top 10 Business Services Franchises
Business Services Industry Snapshot:
→ 72 total brands, with 13,873 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +305 units over one year (+2.25%)
→ Net growth of +814 units over three years (+6.23%)
→ Startup costs range from $2K (for a monthly neighborhood publication) to $3.4M (for a coworking business)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): BNI (1,308 units)
→ Largest social following: Express Employment Professionals (927K+ followers)
Top 10 Children’s Business Franchises
Children’s Business Industry Snapshot:
→ 100 total brands, with 40,998 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +589 units over one year (+1.46%)
→ Net growth of +991 units over three years (+2.48%)
→ Startup costs range from $9.95K (for a STEM enrichment program) to $10.1M (for a childcare center)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Kumon (23,400 units)
→ Largest social following: School of Rock (698K+ followers)
Top 10 Financial Services Franchises
Financial Services Industry Snapshot:
→ 22 total brands, with 14,871 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net loss of -525 units over one year (-3.41%)
→ Net loss of -1,407 units over three years (-8.64%)
→ Startup costs range from $8.7K (for business financial services) to $239.8K (for a mortgage brokerage)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): H&R Block (9,001 units)
→ Largest social following: Freeway Insurance (1.5 million+ followers)
Top 10 Fitness Franchises
Fitness Industry Snapshot:
→ 52 total brands, with 25,664 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +849 units over one year (+3.42%)
→ Net growth of +1,890 units over three years (+7.95%)
→ Startup costs range from $2.2K (for dance fitness classes) to $6.7M (for a gym)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Jazzercise (7,073 units)
→ Largest social following: Planet Fitness (5.5 million+ followers)
Top 10 Full-Service Restaurant Franchises
Full-Service Restaurant Industry Snapshot:
→ 44 total brands, with 10,916 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net loss of -19 units over one year (-0.17%)
→ Net loss of -185 units over three years (-1.67%)
→ Startup costs range from $100.5K (for a mobile self-pour bar) to $8.7M (for a steakhouse/buffet)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): IHOP (1,814 units)
→ Largest social following: Buffalo Wild Wings (12.8 million+ followers)
Top 10 Quick-Service Restaurant Franchises
Quick-Service Restaurant Industry Snapshot:
→ 303 total brands, with 291,928 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +7,515 units over one year (+2.64%)
→ Net growth of +24,521 units over three years (+9.17%)
→ Startup costs range from $27,500 (for a chicken restaurant inside a convenience store) to $8.6M (for a burger and frozen custard restaurant)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): McDonald’s (44,113 units)
→ Largest social following: McDonald’s (94.5 million+ followers)
Top 10 Health & Wellness Franchises
Health & Wellness Industry Snapshot:
→ 44 total brands, with 7,693 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +431 units over one year (+5.94%)
→ Net growth of +2,070 units over three years (+36.81%)
→ Startup costs range from $44.4K (for emotional health services) to $2.2M (for a health optimization center)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Miracle-Ear (1,615 units)
→ Largest social following: Pearle Vision (409K+ followers)
Top 10 Home Improvement Franchises
Home Improvement Industry Snapshot:
→ 85 total brands, with 11,124 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +667 units over one year (+6.38%)
→ Net growth of +2,992 units over three years (+36.79%)
→ Startup costs range from $31.8K (for lighting services) to $2.5M (for HVAC sales and installation)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Budget Blinds (1,476 units)
→ Largest social following: Budget Blinds (308K+ followers)
Top 10 Lodging Franchises
Lodging Industry Snapshot:
→ 57 total brands, with 27,345 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +968 units over one year (+3.67%)
→ Net growth of +2,368 units over three years (+9.48%)
→ Startup costs range from $109K (for a converted campground) to $204.3M (for an upscale hotel/resort)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Holiday Inn Express (3,264 units)
→ Largest social following: Hilton Hotels and Resorts (1.6 million+ followers)
Top 10 Maintenance Franchises
Maintenance Industry Snapshot:
→ 174 total brands, with 63,531 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +2,367 units over one year (+3.87%)
→ Net growth of +6,634 units over three years (+11.66%)
→ Startup costs range from $2.4K (for a commercial cleaning business) to $2.8M (for a plumbing business)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting (12,756 units)
→ Largest social following: 1-800-Packouts (534K+ followers)
Top 10 Personal-Care Business Franchises
Personal-Care Business Industry Snapshot:
→ 79 total brands, with 15,561 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +413 units over one year (+2.73%)
→ Net growth of +1,484 units over three years (+10.54%)
→ Startup costs range from $66.1K (for bridal beauty services) to $2.7M (for a day spa)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Great Clips (4,439 units)
→ Largest social following: Great Clips (1 million+ followers)
Top 10 Pets Franchises
Pets Industry Snapshot:
→ 38 total brands, with 3,930 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +383 units over one year (+10.8%)
→ Net growth of +1,228 units over three years (+45.45%)
→ Startup costs range from $52.6K (for dog walking and sitting) to $3.6M (for a dog daycare)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Pet Supplies Plus (727 units)
→ Largest social following: Pet Supplies Plus (740K+ followers)
Top 10 Recreation Franchises
Recreation Industry Snapshot:
→ 51 total brands, with 8,967 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +771 units over one year (+9.41%)
→ Net growth of +2,119 units over three years (+30.94%)
→ Startup costs range from $1.9K (for a home-based travel agency) to $8.4M (for an adventure park)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Cruise Planners (3,063 units)
→ Largest social following: Get Up And Go Kayaking (957K+ followers)
Top 10 Retail Franchises
Retail Industry Snapshot:
→ 30 total brands, with 31,916 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net loss of -1,055 units over one year (-3.2%)
→ Net growth of +3,379 units over three years (+11.84%)
→ Startup costs range from $39.4K (for a pop-up apparel consignment shop) to $8.3M (for a convenience store)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Circle K (13,922 units)
→ Largest social following: Circle K (24.6 million+ followers)
Top 10 Senior Care Franchises
Senior Care Industry Snapshot:
→ 39 total brands, with 8,545 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +508 units over one year (+6.32%)
→ Net growth of +1,395 units over three years (+19.51%)
→ Startup costs range from $17.4K (for an in-home meal prep business) to $1.3M (for an assisted living home)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): Home Instead (1,218 units)
→ Largest social following: Home Instead (237K+ followers)
Top 10 Services Franchises
Services Industry Snapshot:
→ 101 total brands, with 31,374 units open as of July 31, 2025
→ Net growth of +437 units over one year (+1.41%)
→ Net growth of +2,228 units over three years (+7.64%)
→ Startup costs range from $10.4K (for a yard-sign rental business) to $5.2M (for security services)
→ Largest brand (by number of units worldwide): RE/MAX (8,588 units)
→ Largest social following: RE/MAX (1.2 million+ followers)
For a detailed look at the top franchises in every industry, see the full ranking Here.
