Starting a food franchise in the U.S. typically costs about $200,000 to $300,000 for smaller brands, and can run $1 million to $3 million+ for major chains.

It really depends a lot on the brand and your location but to give you a feel: starting a food franchise in the U.S. typically costs anywhere from about $100,000 up to $2 million or more. Smaller or simpler franchises (like quick-service or fast-casual) tend to be on the lower end say in the $100,000–$400,000 range. Big, major chains especially if you need full build-out, real-estate, equipment, staff, etc. often cost $1 million–$2 million+. So yeah “affordable” can mean different things depending on what kind of food franchise you pick.

The cost to start a food franchise in the United States can vary widely depending on the brand, location, and size of the business. In general, many food franchises require an initial investment on the order of about US$200,000 to US$2,000,000. This overall cost typically includes a one-time franchise fee (often US$10,000–US$50,000) to gain rights to the brand and business model. It also covers real‑estate or lease/renovation costs, kitchen and service equipment, initial inventory, licenses/permits, and working capital to cover early operating expenses. Smaller or simpler franchises for instance basic quick‑service or take‑out focused outlets tend to be at the lower end of the scale, while larger, full‑service, or prime‑location outlets often require investments toward the higher end.