QSR's 7 Franchisors to Watch for 2026

For a fourth year, we recognized rising franchisors that are on the outside looking in and created a Hall-of-Fame for concepts that have graced the Best Franchise Deals list several times.

Starbird

Number of U.S. franchise units: 2

Number of U.S. total units: 19

Franchise average unit volume: $3,600,000

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe

Number of U.S. franchise units: 60

Number of U.S. total units: 110

Franchise average unit volume: $1,920,000

Surcheros

Number of U.S. franchise units: 25

Number of U.S. total units: 47

Franchise average unit volume: $1,600,000

Currito

Number of U.S. franchise units: 12

Number of U.S. total units: 21

Franchise average unit volume: $1,402,710

Angry Chickz

Number of U.S. total units: 38

Franchise average unit volume: $2,700,000

Clean Eatz

Number of U.S. franchise units: 114

Number of U.S. total units: 116

Franchise average unit volume: $1,030,285

Cicis Pizza

Number of U.S. franchise units: 248

Number of U.S. total units: 267

Franchise average unit volume: $1,347,962

These brands will forever be highlighted in future editions. As chains reach four appearances, they will be added to the list.

Wingstop—2011, 2014, 2017, 2019

McAlister’s—2014, 2015, 2016, 2022

Newk’s Eatery—2012, 2015, 2018, 2019

Tropical Smoothie Cafe—2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2026

Jersey Mike’s—2013, 2019, 2021, 2023

Penn Station—2013, 2016, 2017, 2023

Freddy’s—2012, 2013, 2019, 2023, 2026

Scooter’s Coffee—2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

Chicken Salad Chick—2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026

Smoothie King—2017, 2022, 2024, 2026