Franchise industry data

Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise Agreements

By ClauseAudit Research · 168 statistics · 84 sources ·

What are the key franchise statistics for 2026?

The IFA forecasts 845,000 US franchise establishments in 2026, up 1.5% from 2025, producing $921.4 billion in economic output. Franchises are projected to employ 8.9 million people, 58.1% of them in quick-service restaurants. Across current disclosure documents the median royalty is 6% of sales, and 71.4% require binding arbitration.

A quiet franchise restaurant dining room before opening, with a printed franchise agreement, a laptop and a coffee cup on a corner table in morning light
US franchise establishments forecast for 2026, up 1.5% from 2025 (2026 (forecast), International Franchise Association)
845,000
Forecast US franchise economic output in 2026 (2026 (forecast), International Franchise Association)
$921.4 billion
Forecast franchise contribution to US GDP in 2026 (2026 (forecast), International Franchise Association)
$558.4 billion
People projected to work in US franchise businesses in 2026 (2026 (projection), International Franchise Association and FRANdata)
8.9 million
Share of all US franchise workers employed by quick-service restaurants (2026 (projection), International Franchise Association and FRANdata)
58.1%
Share of McDonald's restaurants worldwide run by independent franchisees (2025, McDonald's Corporation)
95%
Share of current franchise disclosure documents requiring binding arbitration (FDDs issued 2025 to 2026, Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of Minnesota CARDS FDD filings))
71.4%

This page collects more than 160 franchise statistics in twelve groups: industry size, employment, sector growth, restaurants, the largest brands, multi-unit ownership, owner demographics, costs and financing, success and turnover, disclosure law, disputes, and markets outside the US including India.

Most US figures come from the International Franchise Association and FRANdata outlook, Oxford Economics, SEC filings and company results, the FTC Franchise Rule and state franchise statutes, with analyses of franchise disclosure documents and court data labeled by publisher. Every number links to its source, and the data was checked on October 17, 2026.

US Franchise Industry Statistics: Establishments, Output and GDP

Franchising grows slowly but steadily in the US. These figures cover establishment counts, economic output, GDP contribution and where franchised businesses are concentrated.

Figure 1: US franchise establishments, 2022 to 2026

Figure 1: US franchise establishments, 2022 to 20262022: 788,683; 2023: 808,911; 2024: 821,837; 2025 (est.): 832,521; 2026 (proj.): 845,009788,683808,911821,837832,521845,0092022202320242025 (est.)2026 (proj.)
Chart data
LabelValue
2022788,683
2023808,911
2024821,837
2025 (est.)832,521
2026 (proj.)845,009
2025 is an estimate and 2026 a projection by IFA and FRANdata. Source: International Franchise Association and FRANdata, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook.
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Franchise Employment Statistics

Franchise businesses are projected to employ nearly 8.9 million people in 2026. This section covers jobs by sector, pay benchmarks, labor cost pressure and the no-poach clauses once common in franchise agreements.

Figure 2: US franchise employment by business line, 2026 projection (jobs)

Figure 2: US franchise employment by business line, 2026 projection (jobs): Quick-service restaurants 5.20M; Lodging 1.16M; Full-service restaurants 513K; Retail 484K; Commercial and residential services 451K; Health and wellness 368K; Business services 336K; Child services 244K; Real estate 86K; Automotive 62K; Personal services 46KQuick-service restaurants5.20MLodging1.16MFull-service restaurants513KRetail484KCommercial and residentia…451KHealth and wellness368KBusiness services336KChild services244KReal estate86KAutomotive62KPersonal services46K
Chart data
LabelValue
Quick-service restaurants5.20M
Lodging1.16M
Full-service restaurants513K
Retail484K
Commercial and residential services451K
Health and wellness368K
Business services336K
Child services244K
Real estate86K
Automotive62K
Personal services46K
IFA/FRANdata projections for 2026; lines sum to the 8,944,955 total franchise jobs forecast. Source: International Franchise Association and FRANdata, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook.
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Franchise Statistics by Industry Sector and Fastest-Growing Categories

Growth is uneven across franchise business lines. Service categories such as child services and home services are adding units faster than restaurants.

Figure 3: Projected 2026 growth in US franchise establishments by business line (%)

Figure 3: Projected 2026 growth in US franchise establishments by business line (%): Child services 4.3%; Commercial & residential services 3.2%; Retail 2.3%; Health & wellness 2.1%; Personal services 2.0%; Business services 1.5%; Full-service restaurants 1.1%; Lodging 1.1%; Quick-service restaurants 0.4%; Real estate 0.4%; Automotive 0.2%Child services4.3%Commercial & residential …3.2%Retail2.3%Health & wellness2.1%Personal services2.0%Business services1.5%Full-service restaurants1.1%Lodging1.1%Quick-service restaurants0.4%Real estate0.4%Automotive0.2%
Chart data
LabelValue
Child services4.3%
Commercial & residential services3.2%
Retail2.3%
Health & wellness2.1%
Personal services2.0%
Business services1.5%
Full-service restaurants1.1%
Lodging1.1%
Quick-service restaurants0.4%
Real estate0.4%
Automotive0.2%
IFA/FRANdata projections from the 'Franchise Establishments by Business Line' table; the report text rounds some lines differently (3.1% for commercial and residential services, 0.5% for QSR). Source: International Franchise Association and FRANdata, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook.
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Franchise Restaurant and Fast Food Statistics

Restaurants are the most visible part of franchising, and the largest chains are almost entirely run by franchisees. These figures come mostly from company filings and results.

Figure 4: Share of restaurants franchised at major US chains, 2025 (%)

Figure 4: Share of restaurants franchised at major US chains, 2025 (%): KFC (global) 99%; Pizza Hut (global) 99%; Yum! Brands total 97%; Domino's (US stores) ~96%; Restaurant Brands Intl. (system) >95%; McDonald's (global) ~95%; Taco Bell (global) 93%; Habit Burger & Grill 22%KFC (global)99%Pizza Hut (global)99%Yum! Brands total97%Domino's (US stores)~96%Restaurant Brands Intl. (…>95%McDonald's (global)~95%Taco Bell (global)93%Habit Burger & Grill22%
Chart data
LabelValue
KFC (global)99%
Pizza Hut (global)99%
Yum! Brands total97%
Domino's (US stores)~96%
Restaurant Brands Intl. (system)>95%
McDonald's (global)~95%
Taco Bell (global)93%
Habit Burger & Grill22%
Percentages as printed by each company for fiscal 2025 (Yum! and Domino's Form 10-K; McDonald's and RBI earnings releases). McDonald's and Domino's are approximate; RBI is stated as over 95%. Source: Yum! Brands, Inc. (SEC filing), Yum! Brands Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025.
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Largest Franchise Brands and Systemwide Sales Statistics

The five largest franchise systems had combined sales of $335 billion in 2025. This section ranks the biggest systems and tracks fast-growing newcomers in restaurants, hotels and services.

Figure 5: Top 10 franchise brands by 2025 global systemwide sales (USD billions)

Figure 5: Top 10 franchise brands by 2025 global systemwide sales (USD billions): McDonald's $139.4B; 7-Eleven $104.9B; KFC $36.4B; Burger King $29.4B; Chick-fil-A $24.8B; Ace Hardware $24.1B; Circle K $21.3B; Domino's $20.1B; Taco Bell $18.4B; Subway $15.9BMcDonald's$139.4B7-Eleven$104.9BKFC$36.4BBurger King$29.4BChick-fil-A$24.8BAce Hardware$24.1BCircle K$21.3BDomino's$20.1BTaco Bell$18.4BSubway$15.9B
Chart data
LabelValue
McDonald's$139.4B
7-Eleven$104.9B
KFC$36.4B
Burger King$29.4B
Chick-fil-A$24.8B
Ace Hardware$24.1B
Circle K$21.3B
Domino's$20.1B
Taco Bell$18.4B
Subway$15.9B
Franchise Times Top 400 (2026 edition) ranking by global systemwide sales; 7-Eleven and Subway figures are Franchise Times estimates. Includes company-operated units. Source: Franchise Times, Franchise Times Top 400 Ranks the Biggest Brands in Franchising.
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Multi-Unit Franchise Ownership Statistics

Most US franchised locations are now run by owners with more than one unit. These numbers show how far consolidation has gone and in which sectors.

Figure 6: Growth in US multi-unit franchise operators by size band, 2010 to 2025 (% change in number of operators)

Figure 6: Growth in US multi-unit franchise operators by size band, 2010 to 20252-5 units: 18.56%; 6-10 units: 23.10%; 11-25 units: 33.44%; 26-50 units: 54.91%; 50+ units: 211.11%18.56%23.10%33.44%54.91%211.11%2-5 units6-10 units11-25 units26-50 units50+ units
Chart data
LabelValue (% change in number of operators)
2-5 units18.56%
6-10 units23.10%
11-25 units33.44%
26-50 units54.91%
50+ units211.11%
FRANdata operator counts: 2-5 units 28,862 to 34,218; 6-10 units 3,411 to 4,199; 11-25 units 1,630 to 2,175; 26-50 units 397 to 615; 50+ units 162 to 504. Source: FRANdata (published by the International Franchise Association), There's No Stopping Multi-Unit Ownership! Insights into multi-unit franchise ownership growth.
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Franchise Owner Demographics: Women, Minority and Veteran Franchisees

Franchising is often a first business. These figures compare franchised and non-franchised businesses by owner group, using Census Annual Business Survey data and owner surveys.

Figure 7: Franchise ownership and performance benchmarks by owner group
MeasureFranchised businessesComparisonData yearSource
Share owned by people of color26%19% of non-franchised businesses2022 (2023 ABS)Oxford Economics / IFA
Average sales vs non-franchised, all firms1.4 timesNon-franchised = 1.02022 (2023 ABS)Oxford Economics / IFA
Average employment vs non-franchised, all firms2.1 timesNon-franchised = 1.02022 (2023 ABS)Oxford Economics / IFA
Average sales, Black-owned firms2.3 timesBlack-owned non-franchised = 1.02022 (2023 ABS)Oxford Economics / IFA
Average sales, veteran-owned firms2.7 timesVeteran-owned non-franchised = 1.02022 (2023 ABS)Oxford Economics / IFA
Veteran-owned share of all US employer firmsn/a5.4%2021U.S. Census Bureau
Hispanic-owned share of all US employer firmsn/a7.1%2021U.S. Census Bureau

Franchise Costs, Royalty Fees and Financing Statistics

Upfront investment, ongoing royalties and loan terms shape whether a unit can make money. Several figures here come from Item 7 and fee disclosures in current franchise disclosure documents.

Figure 8: Estimated initial investment and fees disclosed by selected franchise brands
BrandEstimated initial investmentInitial franchise feeRoyaltyDisclosure cited
Arby's$651,550–$2,456,600$37,5004% of gross salesFDD issued March 26, 2026
Dunkin'$443,000–$1,832,500$40,0005.9% of gross salesFDD issued March 26, 2026
Jimmy John's$366,200–$733,500$35,0006% of gross salesFDD issued March 26, 2026
Goddard School (build-to-suit lease)$1,003,500–$1,503,000Not stated on pageNot stated on page2026 FDD
Firehouse Subs (in-line, no drive-thru)$379,650–$795,600$20KNot stated on page2025 U.S. FDD
Mathnasium$127,316–$165,846Not stated on pageNot stated on pageFranchise site, October 2026
Median of 259 FDDs (Minnesota filings)$265,372–$573,000$49,500–$49,9006% of sales (239 FDDs)FDDs issued 2025 to 2026

Franchise Success Rate, Failure Rate and Turnover Statistics

Survival rates depend heavily on how they are measured. This section sets franchise unit success rates beside general business survival data, owner satisfaction and resale activity.

Figure 9: US franchise historical unit success rate, 2021 to 2025 (%)

Figure 9: US franchise historical unit success rate, 2021 to 20252021: 95.9%; 2022: 95.4%; 2023: 95.4%; 2024: 94.5%; 2025 (expected): 94.2%95.9%95.4%95.4%94.5%94.2%20212022202320242025 (expec…
Chart data
LabelValue (%)
202195.9%
202295.4%
202395.4%
202494.5%
2025 (expected)94.2%
FRANdata's Historical Unit Success Rate, from the 'Annual Historical Unit Success Rates' chart; 2025 is an expected value. Source: International Franchise Association and FRANdata, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook.
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Franchise Agreement, FDD and Franchise Law Statistics

Federal and state law set minimum disclosure periods, exemption thresholds and notice and cure rules. These are the time periods and dollar limits a buyer is most likely to meet.

Figure 10: Key time periods in federal and state franchise disclosure and relationship laws
Jurisdiction and lawRequirementTime period
Federal: FTC Franchise Rule, 16 CFR 436.2(a)Deliver disclosure document before signing or any paymentAt least 14 calendar days
Federal: FTC Franchise Rule, 16 CFR 436.2(b)Deliver unilaterally and materially revised agreement before signingAt least 7 calendar days
New York: GBL 683(8)Deliver prospectus before saleEarliest of first personal meeting, 10 business days before signing, or 10 days before payment
Minnesota: Stat. 80C.14 subd. 3Notice before termination / time to cure90 days notice / 60 days to cure
Minnesota: Stat. 80C.14 subd. 4Notice before nonrenewalAt least 180 days
Washington: RCW 19.100.180(2)(j)Cure period after written notice of defaultNeed not exceed 30 days
Iowa: Code 523H.7(2)Cure period after written notice of termination30 to 90 days (30 days for nonpayment)

Franchise Dispute, Litigation and Arbitration Statistics

Few franchise lawsuits end in a trial verdict, and current agreements push many into arbitration. These figures cover federal court filings, contract waivers, regulator orders and recent settlements.

Figure 11: Franchise dispute indicators in the US, Australia and the UK
MarketMeasureValuePeriod
USFranchise cases filed in federal district courts28912 months to June 30, 2026
USTerminated federal franchise cases recorded as settled33.7%July 2021 to June 2026
USFDDs requiring binding arbitration71.4%FDDs issued 2025 to 2026
USFranchisees who say they trust their franchisor76%Surveys May 2024 to November 2025
AustraliaFranchise share of new ombudsman-managed disputes10.0%Q1 2026
AustraliaFranchise share of new ombudsman-managed disputes9.2%Q2 2026
UKFranchised units changing hands or closing because of a dispute0.2%2018
UKFranchisees satisfied with their franchisor82%2024

Global and India Franchise Market Statistics

Franchising is large outside the US too. This section covers the UK, Canada, Europe, Brazil, New Zealand and India, where master franchisees run major global brands.

Figure 12: Franchise sector snapshots by country and region (latest published figures; definitions and methods differ)
MarketFranchise systemsFranchise unitsEconomic contribution or salesDirect jobsYear
United StatesNot reported832,521 establishments$907.3 billion output8,788,3132025 (estimate)
United Kingdom1,00950,421£19.1 billion contributionNot reported2024
Brazil3,297 networks202,444R$301.7 billion revenue1.762 million2025
New Zealand546 (business format)27,295NZ$47.2 billion turnoverMore than 114,3002024
CanadaNot reportedNot reportedAlmost $150 billion per year (CAD)Almost two million2026 (CFA)
Europe14,900+Not reportedNot reportedNot reportedCurrent EFF figure

What the numbers mean for people buying a franchise

The headline figures describe a large, steady industry: 845,000 US establishments forecast for 2026 and more than 12,000 new franchised businesses expected to open. Steady growth for the system is not the same as safety for a single unit. FRANdata's historical unit success rate has slipped from 95.9% in 2021 to an expected 94.2% in 2025, fewer than 18% of franchise brands ever reach 100 units, and more than 37% of brands that passed 100 units since 2010 now run fewer franchised units than at their peak.

Margins are thin. Median unit-level profit margins for franchisees are only 10%, while the median royalty in current disclosure documents is 6% of sales, with the middle half between 5% and 7%, and many brands add an advertising fee on top. The median Item 7 initial investment estimate runs from $265,372 to $573,000. Before signing, build your own budget from the brand's Item 7 and fee tables, ask current and former franchisees what their real costs were, and treat a young brand with few units as a higher risk.

The agreement shapes what happens when things go wrong

When disputes happen, the contract decides where they go. In current franchise disclosure documents, 71.4% require binding arbitration, usually in the franchisor's home state, 87.3% include a class action waiver and 79.5% include a jury trial waiver. Federal franchise filings rose 40.3% to 289 in the 12 months to June 30, 2026, and only 1.0% of terminated federal franchise cases ended in a trial verdict.

Regulators have also been active. Eight state regulators published 562 enforcement orders from 2015 to October 2026, and 74.0% involved selling unregistered franchises. Xponential Fitness agreed to pay $17 million to settle FTC charges of Franchise Rule violations. Buyers have some protection on timing: the FTC Franchise Rule requires the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before signing or any payment, and some states add termination rules, such as Minnesota's 90 days of advance notice with 60 days to cure. Use that waiting period to read the agreement itself, not just the sales material.

What to do with these numbers

  • Compare the royalty, advertising fee and total initial investment against the medians on this page before you negotiate.
  • Ask how many units the brand has closed or transferred, and check the unit turnover tables in the disclosure document.
  • If you plan to borrow, note that the median franchise SBA 7(a) loan was $394,000 in fiscal 2026 through June 30, and most variable SBA loans move with the prime rate.
  • Check the dispute, termination, renewal and non-compete terms with your state's franchise law in mind, since protections vary by state.
  • Have the agreement reviewed before the 14-day disclosure window closes, while there is still time to ask questions.

Check your franchise agreement before you sign

Many of the figures on this page trace back to the agreement itself: the fees, the renewal rights and the dispute terms. An automated review of your franchise agreement flags the clauses that matter and explains them in plain English, so you know what to ask the franchisor or your attorney before you sign.

  • Royalty, advertising fund and technology fees, and whether the franchisor can raise them
  • Territory rights and whether the franchisor can open or sell nearby
  • Term length, renewal conditions and any renewal fee
  • Termination triggers, notice periods and cure rights
  • Post-term non-compete scope, duration and geography
  • Binding arbitration, venue, class action and jury trial waivers
  • Transfer and resale restrictions, including franchisor approval and transfer fees
  • Personal guarantees signed by the owner or spouse
Review a franchise agreement

Frequently asked questions

How many franchises are there in the US?

The International Franchise Association forecasts 845,000 US franchise establishments in 2026, up 1.5% from 832,521 in 2025. More than 12,000 new franchised businesses are expected to open during the year.

How many people work in franchises?

US franchise businesses are projected to employ nearly 8.9 million people in 2026, a 1.8% increase on 2025. Quick-service restaurants employ about 58.1% of all franchise workers.

What is the average franchise royalty fee?

Across 239 current disclosure documents that charge a percentage royalty, the median is 6% of sales, with the middle half between 5% and 7%. Many brands also charge a separate advertising fund fee.

How much does it cost to open a franchise?

The median Item 7 initial investment estimate ran from $265,372 to $573,000 across 259 franchise disclosure documents issued in 2025 and 2026. Costs vary widely by brand; Arby's, for example, estimates $651,550 to $2,456,600.

What is the franchise success rate?

FRANdata expects a historical unit success rate of 94.2% for US franchise units in 2025, down from 95.9% in 2021. Brand-level growth is harder: fewer than 18% of franchise brands ever reach 100 units.

Do most franchise agreements require arbitration?

Yes. 71.4% of 259 current franchise disclosure documents require binding arbitration, usually in the franchisor's home state, and 87.3% include a class action waiver.

How long do I have to review a franchise disclosure document?

Under the FTC Franchise Rule, a franchisor must give you the disclosure document at least 14 calendar days before you sign or pay anything. New York requires delivery at least ten business days before signing, or earlier if a first personal meeting or payment comes first.

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Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise Agreements: the numbersStat cardsKey findings: Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise AgreementsKey findings cardInfographic: Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise AgreementsInfographicUS franchise establishments, 2022 to 2026US franchise establishments, 2022 to 2026Share of restaurants franchised at major US chains, 2025 (%)Share of restaurants franchised at major US chains, 2025 (%)US franchise employment by business line, 2026 projection (jobs)US franchise employment by business line, 2026 projection (jobs)Top 10 franchise brands by 2025 global systemwide sales (USD billions)Top 10 franchise brands by 2025 global systemwide sales (USD billions)Projected 2026 growth in US franchise establishments by business line (%)Projected 2026 growth in US franchise establishments by business line (%)Growth in US multi-unit franchise operators by size band, 2010 to 2025 (% change in number of operators)Growth in US multi-unit franchise operators by size band, 2010 to 2025 (% change in number of operators)US franchise historical unit success rate, 2021 to 2025 (%)US franchise historical unit success rate, 2021 to 2025 (%)Franchise ownership and performance benchmarks by owner groupFranchise ownership and performance benchmarks by owner groupKey time periods in federal and state franchise disclosure and relationship lawsKey time periods in federal and state franchise disclosure and relationship lawsEstimated initial investment and fees disclosed by selected franchise brandsEstimated initial investment and fees disclosed by selected franchise brandsFranchise dispute indicators in the US, Australia and the UKFranchise dispute indicators in the US, Australia and the UKFranchise sector snapshots by country and region (latest published figures; definitions and methods differ)Franchise sector snapshots by country and region (latest published figures; definitions and methods differ)

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Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise Agreements
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Sources and method

Every number on this page comes from the sources below, each opened and read on or before October 17, 2026. A second, independent review checked every figure against its source and corrected anything that did not match. Figures that could not be confirmed were left out.

  1. International Franchise Association, IFA Predicts Steady Growth for Franchising in 2026 Economic Outlook (February 19, 2026)
  2. International Franchise Association and FRANdata, 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook (2026 edition)
  3. Oxford Economics for the International Franchise Association Foundation, The Value of Franchising (January 2026)
  4. Oxford Economics, The Value of Franchising (2021 study) (September 21, 2021)
  5. Yum! Brands, Inc. (SEC filing), Yum! Brands Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 (Filed February 20, 2026)
  6. Domino's Pizza, Inc. (SEC filing), Domino's Pizza Form 10-K for fiscal year 2025 (Filed February 23, 2026)
  7. Papa John's International, Inc., Papa Johns Announces Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results (August 6, 2026)
  8. U.S. Census Bureau, Veteran-Owned Businesses (Annual Business Survey story) (November 2024)
  9. U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic-Owned Businesses (Annual Business Survey story) (October 2024)
  10. British Franchise Association and NatWest, 2018 bfa NatWest Franchise Survey (2018)
  11. Federal Trade Commission, FTC Publishes Inflation-Adjusted Monetary Thresholds for Three Exemptions to the Franchise Rule (July 12, 2024)
  12. Federal Trade Commission, FTC Takes Action to Ensure Franchisees' Complaints Are Heard, Protect Against Illegal Fees (July 12, 2024)
  13. Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, 16 CFR 436.2 Obligation to furnish documents (FTC Franchise Rule) (Current text)
  14. New York State Senate, New York General Business Law Section 683 (Registration of franchise offers) (Current text)
  15. Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota Statutes Section 80C.14 (Unfair practices) (Current text)
  16. Washington State Legislature, RCW 19.100.180 Franchise relationship: rights and prohibitions (Current text)
  17. Iowa Legislature, Iowa Code Section 523H.7 Termination (Iowa Code 2026)
  18. McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results (February 11, 2026)
  19. Restaurant Brands International Inc., Restaurant Brands International Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results (February 12, 2026)
  20. The Wendy's Company, The Wendy's Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results and Provides 2026 Outlook (February 13, 2026)
  21. Franchise Business Review (hosted by the International Franchise Association), Franchising Outlook 2026: FBR Industry Report (2026 edition; surveys May 2024 to November 2025)
  22. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers (2025 employment and May 2025 wage data)
  23. California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office, Fast Food Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions (Current page, read October 2026)
  24. McDonald's Corporation (SEC filing), McDonald's Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K, fiscal 2025 (February 24, 2026)
  25. Franchise Times, Franchise Times Top 400 Ranks the Biggest Brands in Franchising (September 30, 2026 (2026 Top 400, 2025 sales))
  26. Franchise Times, These 5 Breakout Brands Are Climbing the Top 400 Ranks (September 30, 2026)
  27. Inspire Brands, Franchise with Dunkin' (Current page citing FDD issued March 26, 2026)
  28. Inspire Brands, Franchise with Arby's (Current page citing FDD issued March 26, 2026)
  29. Chick-fil-A, Inc., Chick-fil-A Franchise Opportunities (Current page, read October 2026)
  30. Firehouse Subs (Restaurant Brands International), Firehouse Subs Franchising (Current page citing 2025 U.S. FDD)
  31. Goddard Franchisor, LLC, Goddard School Franchise Opportunities (Current page citing 2026 FDD)
  32. Mathnasium, Mathnasium Franchise Opportunity (Current page, read October 2026)
  33. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of Minnesota CARDS FDD filings), Franchise Initial Investment: What 259 FDDs Say It Costs to Open (Updated October 7, 2026)
  34. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of Minnesota CARDS FDD filings), Franchise Royalty Rates and Fees: 259 Disclosure Documents by Sector (October 5, 2026)
  35. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of SBA 7(a) FOIA data), SBA Franchise Loans: How Much 7(a) and 504 Lending Goes to Franchises (October 3, 2026 (data as of June 30, 2026))
  36. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of Minnesota CARDS FDD filings), Franchise Agreement Terms: What 259 Current FDDs Disclose (Updated October 6, 2026)
  37. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (analysis of Federal Judicial Center IDB data), Franchise Litigation in U.S. Federal Courts: Filings, Outcomes and Duration (October 4, 2026 (cases through June 30, 2026))
  38. Franchise Consultants and Brokers (registry of state regulator order lists), Franchise Enforcement Actions: 562 State Orders, 2015 to 2026 (October 14, 2026)
  39. U.S. Small Business Administration, 7(a) loans (Current page, read October 2026)
  40. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, H.15 Selected Interest Rates (Daily) (October 16, 2026)
  41. U.S. Federal Trade Commission, FTC Secures Settlement Against Xponential Fitness for Franchise Rule Violations (March 18, 2026)
  42. U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Premier Martial Arts Franchisor and its Former Franchise Sales Organization Settle FTC Charges (October 5, 2026)
  43. New York State Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General James Secures More Than $3.9 Million from Xponential Fitness (June 9, 2026)
  44. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, ASBFEO Quarterly Report, 1 April to 30 June 2026 (July 2026)
  45. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, ASBFEO Quarterly Report, Q1 2026 (May 2026)
  46. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Franchising Code of Conduct and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Current page, read October 2026)
  47. British Franchise Association, UK Franchising in 2024: British Franchise Journal survey highlights (2024)
  48. Subway, Subway Newsroom: About Subway (Current page, read October 2026)
  49. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Q4 + Full Year 2025 Results (February 2026)
  50. Wingstop Inc., Own a Wingstop (Current page, fiscal 2025 highlights as of December 27, 2025)
  51. Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC (Inspire Brands), Franchise with Jimmy John's (Current page citing FDD issued March 26, 2026)
  52. Franchise Times, Real Estate Franchises Grow Sales With Fewer Outlets, According to Top 400 Data (October 2026)
  53. Planet Fitness, Inc., Planet Fitness, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2026 Results (August 2026)
  54. Valvoline Inc., Valvoline Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results (fiscal 2026) (August 5, 2026)
  55. Franchising.com / Multi-Unit Franchisee Magazine, The 2026 Multi-Unit 50: A Snapshot of Scale (data: FRANdata) (2026)
  56. FRANdata (published by the International Franchise Association), There's No Stopping Multi-Unit Ownership! Insights into multi-unit franchise ownership growth (June 2026)
  57. FRANdata (published by the International Franchise Association), MUBG 2026: Franchise Industry Ownership Landscape (June 2026)
  58. Wingstop Inc. (SEC filing), Wingstop Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 27, 2025 (Fiscal 2025 annual report)
  59. Flynn Group, Flynn Group company homepage (Accessed October 2026)
  60. FRANdata, Reaching 100 Units Is a Milestone, Not a Guarantee (September 11, 2026)
  61. Franchise Business Review, Franchise Performance Benchmarks: A Breakdown of 330 Brands (February 2026)
  62. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics, Table 7: Survival of private sector establishments by opening year (Data through March 2025)
  63. U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Evaluation Report 13-17: SBA's Portfolio Risk Management Program Can Be Strengthened (July 2, 2013)
  64. Pepperdine University Digital Commons, Thinking about starting a franchise business? Think again (Cotei and Farhat), The Journal of Entrepreneurial Finance 26(1) (2024)
  65. Associação Brasileira de Franchising (ABF), Mercado de franquias supera os R$ 300 bilhões em 2025 e impulsiona o crescimento da economia brasileira (March 10, 2026)
  66. Canadian Franchise Association, Canadian Franchise Association homepage (Accessed October 2026)
  67. European Franchise Federation, European Franchise Federation homepage (Accessed October 2026)
  68. Massey University, Survey shows resilience and optimism in franchise sector with $10.4b turnover growth (2024 Franchising New Zealand Report) (October 22, 2024)
  69. Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd, Q1FY27 Letter to Shareholders (Quarter ended June 30, 2026)
  70. Westlife Foodworld Limited, Q1 FY27 Earnings Press Release (July 2026)
  71. U.S. Census Bureau, Census Bureau Releases New Franchise Statistics Report From the 2017 Economic Census (August 26, 2021)
  72. National Bureau of Economic Research, Automating Response Evaluation for Franchising Questions on the 2017 Economic Census (NBER Working Paper 25818) (May 2019)
  73. National Bureau of Economic Research, Theory and Evidence on Employer Collusion in the Franchise Sector (NBER Working Paper 24831) (July 2018)
  74. Washington State Office of the Attorney General, AG Ferguson's initiative to end no-poach clauses nationwide secures end to provisions at four more chains (January 14, 2019)
  75. Jack in the Box Inc. (SEC filing), Jack in the Box Inc. Form 10-K for fiscal 2025 (Fiscal year ended September 28, 2025)
  76. Dine Brands Global, Inc. (SEC filing), Dine Brands Global fourth quarter and fiscal 2025 results (Form 8-K Exhibit 99.1) (February 25, 2026)
  77. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Reports Fourth Quarter Results (February 18, 2026)
  78. Choice Hotels International, Choice Hotels International Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results (February 19, 2026)
  79. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (SEC filing), IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2025 (Form 6-K) (2026)
  80. Driven Brands Holdings Inc., Driven Brands Holdings Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results (August 5, 2026)
  81. U.S. Government Accountability Office, Small Business Administration: 7(a) Loans to franchisees of one franchise organization (GAO-13-759) (2013)
  82. U.S. Government Accountability Office, Federal Trade Commission: Actions Needed to Improve Education Efforts and Awareness of Complaint Process for Franchise Owners (GAO-23-105338) (2023)
  83. Federal Trade Commission, Franchise Issue Spotlight (July 2024)
  84. U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo), 16 CFR 436.5 Disclosure items (FTC Franchise Rule), 2025 edition (January 1, 2025)

Cite this page

ClauseAudit, “Franchise Statistics 2026: 160+ Numbers on Growth, Costs, Owners and Franchise Agreements”, updated October 17, 2026, https://clauseaudit.com/data/franchise-statistics. Free to reuse with a link back (CC BY 4.0).

This page summarises published data and law as checked on October 17, 2026. Figures are updated as new editions are released, and your own situation may differ. It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.