Starting a food franchise can be a dream for many entrepreneurs, but high costs often deter them. However, several affordable options exist, with initial investments under $100,000. Based on recent franchise listings and industry reports, here are seven of the cheapest food franchises you can open today.
1. Chester's – A fried chicken franchise with an initial investment range of $15,000 to $50,000. It offers flexible formats, including kiosks and food trucks, making it a low-cost entry into the food industry.
2. Nestle Toll House Café by Chip – Known for its cookies and baked goods, this franchise requires an initial investment between $100,000 and $500,000, but some sources list lower entry points for smaller formats. Always verify current figures.
3. Papa Murphy's – A take-and-bake pizza chain with an initial investment ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. It's a popular choice due to its low labor costs and no dine-in requirement.
4. Dunkin' – While often considered a larger investment, Dunkin' offers a lower-cost model for non-traditional locations, with initial investments starting around $100,000. However, typical full-scale locations require more.
5. Subway – A well-known sandwich franchise with an initial investment range of $100,000 to $300,000. It's one of the most recognizable brands and offers relatively low startup costs compared to other fast-food giants.
6. Krispy Kreme – For those interested in donuts, Krispy Kreme has franchise opportunities with initial investments starting around $100,000 for smaller formats. However, traditional shops require significantly more.
7. Baskin-Robbins – An ice cream franchise with an initial investment range of $100,000 to $400,000. It's a well-established brand with a loyal customer base.
Before investing, always consult the official Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and verify current costs with the franchisor. The figures above are based on 2025-2026 data and may vary by location and format.
