When setting up a franchise, you think of millions of dollars in investments. But what if we told you that there are leading food franchises that you can start with $10,000? Sounds surprising, doesn’t it?
Well, a handful of leading food franchises don’t involve a hefty initial investment but assure promising returns. Not only do you get to invest in an established brand name, but you also get to sit back and count the profits.
This guide will walk you through the list of all the top food franchises under $10,000 that are worth exploring.
Top 6 Food Franchises Under $10K
When exploring the top 6 food franchises under $10,000, we wanted to explore the already established options.
This way, you don’t have to worry about marketing your products. All you need is a place to start your business from scratch.
Following are the best food franchises that are affordable to get started with:
1. Krispy Krunchy Chicken
People are never going to stop eating crispy, fried chicken. And, while KFC sure does dominate the market, Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a close second.
They have been around since 1989 and offer quality fried chicken to customers. They are currently available in 2600 locations across 47 states in the U.S.
The highlight of their business model is the cutting-edge restaurant design that streamlines the concept of quick food service.
Cost of investment – $10,000 – $30,000; Franchise fee – $2500
Support provided by the franchiser:
- Extensive training
- Supply chain set-up
- Proprietary materials
- A consistent flow of new products
Pros
- Cutting-edge restaurant technology
- Affordable investment
- Available in varying locations
Cons
- Has cutthroat competition from big brands
2. Benvenuto’s Italian Grill
Although a relatively new establishment, Benvenuto’s Italian Grill has caught the attention of customers and investors.
If you have a location where you think an Italian restaurant will flourish, this affordable franchise is a must considering.
What’s great about the brand is its commitment to making its franchisees succeed in their business. You get access to everything from fresh ingredients to staff training.
Cost of investment – $2000
Support provided by the franchiser:
- Ongoing support and training
- Less competition
- Access to updated recipes
Pros
- Since they work with limited franchisees, competition is low
- Extensive recipes
- Established name
Cons
- Not that widely know
- Will require marketing initially
3. Java Dave’s Coffee House
We live in a world where coffee shops are becoming a second home for most people. Not just for dates or meetings, a quaint and secluded coffee shop also serves as a spot where people come to unwind.
Java Dave’s Coffee House offers gourmet coffee to its customers and has created a steady name for itself in the market.
Spread across multiple states, the coffee shop is set to grow further across the country. If you want to invest in a coffee shop franchise, we’d suggest going for it.
Cost of investment – $499.95 to $3,495
Support provided by the franchiser:
- Training and ongoing support
- Drink recipes
- Ordering System & The Guide to Java Dave’s Coffee Beans
- Smallwares Package
- Java Dave’s logo and “Welcome” signs
- Menu board, etc.
- One day training with a Java Dave’s Trainer
Note: The support will depend on the license package the franchisee is availing of.
Pros
- Growing business model
- Low competition rate
- Good quality products
Cons
- Low amount license package isn’t worth it
4. Southern Maid Donuts
Spread across 100+ locations across the U.S., Southern Maid Donuts is another affordable food franchise worth considering.
This donut franchise is based out of Texas and offers a great franchise model to interested investors. The brand dates back to the 1930s, so they have existed for some time.
What’s great about the brand is the quality of the ingredients. Everything is fresh and made with the highest-quality items for the best-tasting donuts.
Cost of investment – $5000
Support provided by the franchiser:
- Ongoing training and support
- Access to high-quality ingredients
- Recipes and menu board
Pros
- An established name in the market
- Available in 100+ locations
- Low competition
Cons
- It might require marketing to boost sales
5. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Next up on the list of the best food franchises under $10,000 is Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. It is a reasonably well-known establishment that offers high-quality ingredients.
Given that it is a reasonably old food establishment, they already have 300+ stores across the United States. The unique recipes make this a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Cost of investment – $2,000 – $8,000
Support provided by the franchisers:
- Training and support
- Branding
- Marketing materials
Pros
- Established brand name
- Updated recipes
- Quality ingredients
Cons
- Not the best in terms of returns
6. Champs Chicken Franchise
Another chicken establishment that offers a franchise model is Champs Chicken Franchise. It is a relatively new establishment but has dominated the market relatively quickly.
Their menu focuses on good-quality, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken. But that’s not it. Their menu includes chicken tenders, sandwiches, and fish and pork items.
The brand is owned by PFS Brands, who also run leading franchises like Blu Taco and Hanger 54 Pizza.
Cost of investment – $9000
Support provided by the franchiser:
- Access to app marketing
- Updated recipes
- Menu board
- Ongoing training and support
Pros
- Fast growing brand
- Managed by PFS brands
- High-quality ingredients
Cons
What To Consider Before Investing in A Food Franchise?
Blindly investing in a food franchise just because it is cheap is a wrong move. You can’t base your entire investment on just the initial investment you are making.
Your aim is to invest in a food franchise that has a good name in the market, is an established entity, and will generate profits for your investment.
Following are some of the factors worth considering before investing in a food franchise:
- The location of your store makes all the difference. If you are opening your franchise in an off-beat location with less footfall, you are already setting yourself up for failure. Instead, research to find the right spot to set up your restaurant.
- Have an in-depth understanding of the investment. There are often hidden charges involved that people don’t even realize until it’s too late. So, cross-check and discuss things at length.
- Understand the brand’s establishment in the market. You might have to spend more time marketing the brand to generate profit if it isn’t well-known. It isn’t worth it in the long run.
- Clarify the kind of support the franchisers will provide. Some might not provide ongoing training, recipes, etc., making the whole process not worth the time.
Having these individual pointers cross-checked and clarified is essential before investing your money in a food franchise.
Conclusion
That concludes the list of the best food franchises under $10,000. Kindly understand that this includes the initial franchise fees and the set-up cost. Once you avail of the franchise, there are additional costs like rent, employee salaries, equipment, etc., which you’d have to pay for out of your pocket. So, having a clear understanding of the overall costs and the logistics is essential before you make the big move.
