Discover the top successful fast food franchises.
Through examples and case studies, understand the key factors of their success: innovation, effective marketing strategy and successful customer experience. Discover all the secrets of franchises that thrive on winning, innovative strategies, and become a successful entrepreneur yourself!Â
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5 examples of successful fast food franchises
Here are a few emblematic examples of successful fast-food franchises:Â
1. McDonald's: a model of global success
McDonald's means 37,000 restaurants worldwide, 75 hamburgers sold every second, and 13 billion French fries served every year. It all began in the 1950s, with brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in California. Their concept: simple takeaway menus, prepared in under 30 seconds. The kitchen was organized for maximum profitability, with state-of-the-art equipment for the time.
In 1953, Ray Kroc joined forces with the McDonald brothers to develop their business. A few years later, he created a franchise network and sidelined the two brothers. To make even more profit, Ray Kroc had an idea: buy land to lease to future franchisees. This strategy enabled McDonald's to expand rapidly across the country, and then abroad. Today, McDonald's is present in 119 countries.
2. Subway: the importance of menu flexibility
Subway has more than 39,000 outlets in over 100 countries. The brand's history began in Connecticut in 1965, when a young student opened his own sandwich shop to finance his studies. The Italian-inspired sandwiches are prepared in front of the customer's eyes, on demand and customizable.
Subsequently, Subway developed into a vast network of independent franchisees. Its distinctive feature is that it supports future restaurants from A to Z, and is one of the least expensive successful chains to franchise. Because Subway restaurants are so easy to open, the number of establishments is skyrocketing.
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3. KFC: the impact of a unique, secret recipe
KFC's success began with Harland Sanders, born in 1890, who started cooking at an early age. In 1930, Sanders opened a gas station in Corbin, Kentucky, where he served meals to tourists. He perfected his recipe for fried chicken, seasoned with a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. His chicken quickly becomes popular.
In 1952, Sanders took a decisive step by opening his first KFC restaurant, and began franchising his concept. He asked an engineer to build a machine to speed up the kitchen: an automatic pressure fryer. Thanks to this invention, Sanders could cook 46 pieces of chicken at a time, and in record time. This revolutionary machine makes KFC one of the biggest fast-food chains in the world, with over 24,000 restaurants.
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4. Starbucks: making the customer experience a priority
Starbucks, founded in 1971 in Seattle by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, was initially a store selling coffee beans. In 1982, Howard Schultz joined the company and proposed transforming Starbucks into an Italian café. After a visit to Italy, he opened the first modern Starbucks in 1984, offering a unique espresso-centric coffee experience.
Schultz acquired Starbucks in 1987 and embarked on a rapid expansion, banking on the cafés' friendly atmosphere and rigorous training of baristas. Constant menu innovation, with customizable beverages and seasonal products, as well as loyalty programs, strengthened customer commitment. International expansion began in 1996, with the first opening in Japan, and continued apace. Today, Starbucks has over 30,000 locations worldwide.
👉 To find out more: Opening a fast food franchise: the ultimate guide
5. BCHEF: a unique approach to fast food
In 2015, after opening three restaurants under the BAGEL CHEF banner, Julien Perret rethought his concept to create BCHEF, diversifying the offering with salads, burgers and fries to better meet market trends. The first BCHEF restaurant opens in Boulogne-Billancourt, quickly followed by establishments in Lille and L'île Saint Denis. In 2016, the network structures and expands rapidly, with 21 restaurants opened by the end of the year and sales growth of over 20% per establishment.
BCHEF has quickly gained in popularity thanks to its diverse menu, quality ingredients and friendly atmosphere. Customers can customize their dishes, which meets a growing demand for flexibility and choice in food. BCHEF's focus on innovation and customer experience sets it apart in the competitive fast-food market. Today, the franchise has several dozen restaurants in France, and continues to expand internationally.
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Why are some fast-food franchises so successful?
The success of fast-food franchises depends on several key factors:
Constant innovation and adaptation
From the example of the KFC founder's automatic pressure fryer, it's clear that one of the keys to success for fast-food franchises is constant innovation. By introducing new tools and products based on food trends, fast-food outlets stay competitive and meet consumer expectations. Fast-food franchises also adapt their menus to local tastes in different markets.
👉 To go further: Franchises: how to accelerate your growth with digital?
The importance of location
Choosing the right location is crucial to the success of a franchise network. In the majority of cases, the best franchises choose high-traffic sites, such as shopping areas, densely populated city centers and the outskirts of major highways.
Effective marketing strategies
Fast-food franchises invest heavily in effective marketing campaigns, using TV advertising, social media, promotions and partnerships to attract and retain customers. Targeted marketing and loyalty programs boost consumer engagement and brand awareness.
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Product quality
These fast-food franchises have consistently sought to project the image of quality, healthy products. This commitment to quality helps build customer loyalty and trust in the brand.
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How to choose a profitable fast-food franchise
Choosing a profitable fast food franchise may seem complicated, but keeping a few key points in mind makes it easier.
Brand reputation
A well-known brand is already a foot in the door. Customers naturally gravitate towards familiar names. Look for brands with excellent reputations and positive customer reviews.
Financial performance analysis
Take a close look at profitability and return on investment (ROI). Financial reports will tell you a lot about the health of the franchise. Also, a franchise that is expanding rapidly shows that there is demand and that the business model is working well.
Initial and recurring costs
Pay close attention to initial costs, such as franchise fees, equipment and fitting out the premises. Don't overlook recurring costs such as monthly royalties and advertising fund contributions. Make sure these costs are in line with potential revenues.
Franchisor support and guidance
A good franchisor is able to support you from A to Z. Check that they offer comprehensive training and ongoing support, whether in management, marketing or the use of internal systems. The right support can make all the difference.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty
Happy, loyal customers are a sign of good health for any franchise. Opt for brands with loyal customers and high satisfaction rates. This is often a very good indicator of product and service quality.
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What are the common challenges faced by fast-food franchises?
New fast-food franchisees face a number of challenges. Competition is fierce, so you always have to stand out to attract customers. Costs, whether for ingredients, rent or wages, can also eat into profits.Â
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Adapting to changing consumer tastes, such as the trend for healthier and more ethical options, can be a real challenge. Finally, franchises have to cope with high expectations of customer service, while maintaining smooth management of day-to-day operations.
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