The best franchises to buy in 2024

The world of franchising is not short of opportunities, with thousands of brands to choose from. Whether it's your first time in franchising or you are looking for a new brand to add to your portfolio, it can be overwhelming when trying to decide on the best business for you. To help navigate through the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 42 franchises who made Entrepreneurs highly sought after “Franchise 500” list this year.

Choosing the right franchise involves careful consideration of various factors, and the Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” is a valuable resource for anyone embarking on this journey. The rankings are based on a thorough evaluation of franchise opportunities, taking into account important aspects that can significantly impact a franchisee's success.

With 500 to choose from, we’ve narrowed our list down to 42. The franchises on rundown below cover a diverse range of industries: food and beverage, hospitality, education and beyond. Each brand on this list has also demonstrated excellence in terms of its business model, customer satisfaction and growth potential.

1. Taco Bell

2. Jersey Mike's Subs

3. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

4. The UPS Store

5. Ace Hardware

6. Dunkin'

7. Culver's

8. Hampton by Hilton

9. Arby's

10. Kumon

11. Servpro

12. KFC

13. Tropical Smoothie Cafe

14. Wingstop

15. Smoothie King

16. Budget Blinds

17. Wendy's

18. McDonald's

19. IHOP

20. Snap-on Tools

21. Pet Supplies Plus

22. DoubleTree by Hilton

23. Stratus Building Solutions

24. Papa Johns

25. 7-Eleven

26. Pizza Hut

27. Valvoline Instant Oil Change

28. Hilton Hotels and Resorts

29. Crunch

30. The Maids

31. Crumbl Cookies

32. The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education

33. Hilton Garden Inn

34. Home2 Suites by Hilton

35. Great Clips

36. Jan-Pro Cleaning and Disinfecting

37. Pearle Vision

38. Burger King

39. Kona Ice

40. Baskin-Robbins

41. Homewood Suites by Hilton

42. Dairy Queen

Franchisees looking for stability and recognition may find well-established brands such as McDonald's and Pizza Hut appealing. On the other hand, those interested in emerging trends might explore options such as Crumbl Cookies or Kona Ice.

Overall, the world of franchising is ripe with opportunities in 2024. Whether you're drawn to the recognition of a well-known fast-food giant or the flexibility of a boutique service brand, there's something for everyone in this list. Take the time to explore these options, consult with industry experts and start your journey toward successful franchise ownership.