Satisfaction First

For the first time, in tandem with QSR’s Best Franchise Deals for 2018, Franchise Business Review (FBR) weighed franchisee satisfaction and other metrics to make its own Best Franchise Deals picks within six menu categories.

Click the arrows in the picture above to see FBR’s Franchisee Satisfaction winners. And click here for the 6 Best Franchise Deals.

Sandwich chains

Lenny’s Grill & Subs

“With strong satisfaction among franchise partners and a reasonable initial startup cost of $188,216–$396,146, Lenny’s is a top deal in the sandwich category. Under the leadership of president and CEO Kevin Martin, Lenny’s is poised for solid growth from their core restaurant locations in the southeast.”

Burgers

Checkers/Rally’s

“Returning to the Best Franchise Deals for the third consecutive year, Checkers/Rally’s is a winner on many fronts. Their unique, double-drive-thru concept and a laser focus on keeping build-out costs low have helped drive seven consecutive years of same-store sales increases while delivering higher profits for their franchisees.”

Pizza

Pizza Factory

“Oakhurst, California–based Pizza Factory shows many promising signs of future growth as it pushes eastward from its strong base of 110 locations, primarily in California. Recent Franchise Business Review research indicates Pizza Factory franchisees rate their current financial picture 15 percent higher than industry benchmarks.”

Snack/Treat

Kona Ice

“In just 10 short years of franchising, Kona Ice has grown to nearly 1,000 outlets and has the highest franchisee satisfaction of any brand in the franchise industry. Kona has also raised over $40 million for schools and local organizations. The excitement and passion for business success and giving back, fostered by CEO Tony Lamb, is contagious. As the most affordable franchise option on this year’s Best Franchise Deals list, startup costs for a Kona Ice range from $120,225 to $143,025.”

Ethnic

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

“Backed by ‘franchisee-centric’ NRD Capital, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is well positioned for strong growth. With solid unit economics, average unit sales over $1.5 million, and six consecutive years on Franchise Business Review’s Top Food Franchises award list, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a great opportunity for experienced, full-service operators. Startup costs range from $597,000 to $1,262,000.”

Fast Casual

Tropical Smoothie Café

“Tropical Smoothie Café continues to impress. It leads the franchise food sector with some of the highest scores in innovation and marketing programs, rating 28 percent higher than industry benchmarks. Average unit sales topped $680,000 in 2017, with an average startup investment of $222,095 to $569,335.”