In the UK, the franchise industry is extensive and it’s expected to see continued growth over the coming years. The same is true for the US.
If you currently run a business and want to know what are the most popular franchise industries or you’re a prospective franchisee doing homework and due diligence, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we list some of the most popular franchises by looking at the top franchise industries.
Let’s get started!
In this article:
What Type of Businesses Are Franchises?
Franchises are businesses that operate under a proven business model and brand name, licensed by a franchisor to an independent franchisee. These businesses span a wide range of industries, including food and beverage (e.g., fast-food chains), retail, health and wellness, education, and services like cleaning or real estate.
They provide entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support to replicate a successful business concept. Franchises are ideal for individuals seeking reduced startup risk, as they leverage an established reputation and operational framework to build their business.
Which Industries Are Most Likely to Franchise?
When you run a successful business, the chances are that you want to eventually think about expanding it. One of the best ways to do this is through franchising. If your business falls within the list of best businesses to franchise, great!
However, you should know that franchising can be applicable to almost every business in any industry and this means you have a greater opportunity for scaling it.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the industries most likely to franchise because the business model lends itself well to expansion.
1. Food and restaurants
Food and restaurant franchises are popular because they offer a proven formula for success in a high-demand industry. Well-known brands attract customers who value familiarity, convenience, and consistency, making it easier for franchisees to generate steady sales.
The food industry benefits from repeat business as eating out or ordering in is a common habit worldwide. Franchisees receive training, support, and access to established supply chains, reducing the risks associated with starting a new business. Additionally, food franchises often adapt to market trends, such as healthy eating or delivery services, to stay competitive and relevant.
2. Service businesses
Service franchises are popular because they cater to essential, recurring customer needs across diverse industries like cleaning, home maintenance, childcare, and professional services. These businesses often have lower startup costs compared to product-based franchises, making them accessible to a wide range of entrepreneurs.
Home service franchises thrive on repeat business, as clients value reliability and convenience for ongoing needs. Franchisees benefit from established systems, brand recognition, and operational support, which reduce the challenges of starting from scratch. Additionally, service businesses adapt well to local markets, providing tailored offerings that drive consistent demand and growth.
3. Retail
Retail franchises are popular because they combine trusted brand recognition with the convenience of ready-made business models. They cover a broad range of industries, including fashion, electronics, and convenience stores, catering to diverse customer preferences.
These franchises benefit from high foot traffic and established marketing strategies, making it easier for franchisees to attract and retain customers. Retail franchises often provide comprehensive training, supplier networks, and inventory systems, simplifying operations for new owners. Their ability to adapt to trends and offer consistent quality ensures they remain competitive and appealing to a broad customer base.
4. Vending
Vending franchises are popular due to their low overhead costs, flexibility, and ability to generate passive income. They offer a straightforward business model, providing access to strategic, high-traffic locations like schools, offices, and gyms. Vending machines cater to a variety of customer needs, from snacks and beverages to specialized items like health products or electronics.
Franchisees benefit from the franchisor’s established supply chains, maintenance support, and proven operational strategies. Additionally, vending franchises often require minimal time and staff, making them ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a scalable and low-maintenance business opportunity.
5. Health and senior care
Health and senior care franchises are popular because they address growing and essential needs in aging populations and wellness-focused societies. These businesses provide services like home healthcare, assisted living, physical therapy, and wellness programs, offering critical support to families and individuals.
Franchisees benefit from extensive training, regulatory guidance, and proven care protocols, ensuring high-quality service delivery. With rising demand for personalized care and medical support, these franchises enjoy consistent client retention. Additionally, their focus on compassionate, life-enhancing services fosters trust and builds long-term relationships with clients and communities.
6. Mailbox rental and pack-and-ship services
Mailbox rental and pack-and-ship service franchises are popular because they cater to the growing demand for convenient, reliable shipping, and secure mail handling. These businesses serve a broad customer base, including small businesses, remote workers, and individuals needing shipping, packaging, or private mailboxes.
Franchisees benefit from the franchisor’s established partnerships with major carriers, advanced logistics systems, and marketing support. With e-commerce booming, these franchises capitalize on increased shipping needs and online returns. Their ability to offer additional services like printing and notary further enhances customer loyalty and business profitability.
7. Fitness, Gym, Beauty Salon & Wellness
Health and beauty franchises and fitness franchises are popular because they tap into the growing consumer focus on fitness, self-care, and healthy living. These businesses include gyms, yoga studios, spas, nutritional counseling, and wellness centers, offering services that promote physical and mental well-being.
Franchisees benefit from established branding, training, and operational support, helping them meet customer expectations for quality and consistency. With recurring memberships and steady demand for wellness services, these franchises enjoy predictable revenue. Their ability to adapt to trends like boutique fitness or holistic health makes them highly appealing and competitive.
8. Pet franchises
Pet franchises are popular because they cater to the ever-growing pet care industry, driven by the strong bond between pet owners and their animals. These businesses provide services like grooming, boarding, daycare, training, and retailing pet products, addressing essential needs for pet well-being.
Franchisees benefit from established systems, brand recognition, and support in operations and marketing, making it easier to attract loyal customers. With rising pet ownership and spending on premium care, these franchises enjoy consistent demand. Their ability to offer personalized, high-quality services builds trust and fosters long-term client relationships.
9. Children’s franchises
Children’s franchises are popular because they cater to parents’ desire to invest in their children’s education, entertainment, and development. These businesses include tutoring centers, childcare services, sports programs, and enrichment activities like arts or coding classes.
Franchisees benefit from established curriculums, training, and operational support, making it easier to deliver high-quality, consistent services. With a growing focus on skill-building and early education, children’s franchises enjoy steady demand. Their ability to provide fun, engaging, and educational experiences creates lasting value for families and fosters strong community connections.
10. Travel franchises
Travel franchises are popular because they provide a proven business model in the lucrative travel and tourism industry. These businesses offer services like vacation planning, cruises, and corporate travel management, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Franchisees benefit from established relationships with travel providers, booking systems, and marketing support, allowing them to deliver competitive, customized travel experiences. With increasing demand for personalized travel and the growing trend of international exploration, travel franchises enjoy consistent revenue. Their ability to offer expert advice and tailored packages helps build trust and customer loyalty.
11. Other popular industries likely to franchise
Of course, this is certainly not an exhaustive list of industries that are most likely to franchise and there are many other options to consider. For example, other popular franchises include those in:
- Entertainment
- Computers
- Accounting
- Tax and financial services
- Employment and staffing
- Security
- Moving and storage
- Training
- Photography
- Signage
- Copying and printing
How Can You Explore All the Opportunities Franchising Offers?
When it’s time to grow your business and franchise out, it’s time to study the industry really well. And no one makes this easier than we at Franchise Fame. With our extensive franchise portal, you can find absolutely any franchise business opportunity you can think of, such as franchise opportunities for under 10k in Colorado.
And when you study the competition, you know where your competitive advantage lies. If you’re someone who is looking for their next franchise opportunity, our franchise portal is perfect for you, too!
Browse from hundreds of franchise opportunities — ranging from low to high-investment options, browse by location, industry type and so much more!
FAQs
The most popular type of business for franchising is the restaurant industry.
The industry with the highest number of franchises is the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
Apart from quick-service restaurants (QSRs), other sectors of industry that franchising is most common include hotels and accommodation as well as service-based franchise businesses.
Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are among the most popular types of businesses for franchising.