Americans are constantly looking for new dining experiences, which may explain why food and beverage franchise concepts account for 36% of all franchise operations in the United States. according to IFA. The restaurant industry is constantly evolving, offering new and exciting concepts that meet the changing tastes and preferences of consumers. For entrepreneurs, this dynamic landscape presents numerous opportunities to invest in innovative and emerging franchises that promise growth and profitability. With over 3,000 unique franchise concepts in the United States, choosing the right concept can be overwhelming.

Here are the 15 best up-and-coming restaurant franchises to consider for 2024.

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• Initial investment: $464,545 – $1,307,514
• Quantity: 22

Sunny Street Cafe offers a warm, community-focused dining experience with a menu that emphasizes fresh, healthy breakfast and lunch options, including its popular pancakes. With a simple operating model, low acquisition costs and a loyal following, the brand paves the way for investors to succeed in the dynamic and rewarding breakfast and lunch segment. The brand has a reported Average unit volume (AUV) of $1.266 million in 12 franchise restaurants.

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• Initial investment: $353,794 – $612,990
• Quantity: 1

Combining French gourmet cuisine with a casual atmosphere, Grégoire offers handmade, high-quality dishes. The franchise’s unique positioning in the market and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients give it a clear advantage. For example, Grégoire’s unique culinary hub-to-store kitchen model creates an even simpler, more streamlined operation than traditional fast-casual restaurants. These centers serve as prep and distribution hubs for the fresh, homemade ingredients that set Chef Grégoire Jacquet’s offerings apart from the competition. This means the concept requires minimal floor space and staff.

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• Initial investment: $406,700 – $923,700
• Quantity: 3

CHOP5 focuses on healthy, customizable salads and bowls to meet the growing demand for fresh, nutritious meals. Unlike popular health and salad chains like Sweetgreen and Chopt, which are not franchised, CHOP5 is an exception where the concept is focused solely on the success of the franchisee. That’s because the brand was developed by five long-time franchisees who together oversee more than 400 restaurants across the country – Developed by franchisees for franchisees.

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• Initial investment: $928,500 – $1,468,750
• Quantity: 30+

Modern Market Eatery emphasizes clean, farm-sourced ingredients and offers a diverse menu of health-conscious dishes. Modern Market impresses with its chef-inspired menu, a double-sided production line that allows for cooking from scratch at the speed of a quick-service restaurant (QSR), and a tech-forward approach to ordering and delivery. The Modern Market brand has a strong reputation thanks to its ownership under Modern restaurant conceptsThis synergy gives franchisees unprecedented access to top-notch equipment and food costs, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to make a name for themselves in the world of fast-casual dining.

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• Initial investment: $1,364,389 – $2,069,638
• Quantity: 97+

Melting Pot offers a unique fondue experience that is perfect for social gatherings and special occasions. Recently, Melting Pot has been working to remodel restaurants across the system, giving the spaces a fresh look and expanding the variety of experiences guests can enjoy at the restaurant, while maintaining the warm, inviting atmosphere it is known for. Melting Pot is a partner of Top brandsa restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

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• Initial investment: $472,250 – $963,250
• Quantity: 17+

Southern Classic Chicken offers authentic, flavorful fried chicken in a fast-casual setting that appeals to lovers of traditional Southern cuisine. One feature Southern Classic Chicken is known for is its Drive-thru and walk-up model. Although many brands have implemented this out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has had drive-thrus and walk-up counters from the beginning. This model has not only made operations easier for franchisees, but also allows customers to receive their orders faster.

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• Initial investment: $472,000 – $1,416,420
• Quantity: 19

Shuckin’ Shack offers a relaxed, coastal dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and a fun, community-oriented atmosphere. Shuckin’ Shack has differentiated itself in the fast-casual segment through its small footprint, low inventory and minimal waste, reduced staffing, and maximum return on investment. In addition, the oyster bar has a unique market position as it has no direct national competition.

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• Initial investment: $180,900 – $538,500
• Quantity: 25+

Atomic Wings specializes in Buffalo-style chicken wings with a variety of spiciness and flavors, and is aimed at wing enthusiasts. Thanks to an exceptional support infrastructure, Atomic Wings franchisees have been able to grow faster than franchisees of other fast-casual brands—and the word is getting out. Atomic Wings’ popular menu and successful business model have earned the brand national exposure on television, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy FallonThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CNN Money, CBS News and more.

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• Initial investment: $446,500 – $1,015,000
• Quantity: 16

Layne’s Chicken Fingers offers a simple yet delicious menu centered around its namesake staple, chicken fingers, and has built a cult-like following. Franchisees who join the system benefit from decades of shared experience on the leadership team, a proven business model, and modern flexibility that keeps Layne’s on the cutting edge without sacrificing what makes the model special. Layne’s has worked diligently to develop a flexible real estate model that includes drive-thru-only, inline, endcap, and standalone locations.

• Initial investment: $161,750 – $518,750
• Quantity: 100+

Bubbakoo’s Burritos blends Mexican and American flavors to create unique, customizable burritos and bowls in a hybrid skater-surf vibe. After rapid expansion since franchising in 2008, the brand now aims to reach over 200 locations by 2025, with a focus on the Northeast and Southeast.

Angry Chickz specializes in Nashville-style spicy chicken, offering a flavorful and satisfying dining experience. The brand aims to deliver “life-changing chicken” by keeping operations simple, offering only chicken, coleslaw, fries, and mac and cheese. The results are impressive – the top 33% of the system achieved an AUV of $2,783,325 in 2023, according to the brand’s website.

• Initial investment: 300,000 to 500,000 US dollars
• Quantity: 5+

Serving gourmet fries with a variety of creative toppings, Buena Papa Fry Bar appeals to anyone looking for a unique and delicious snack. The franchise’s simple operating model and focus on quality ingredients make it easy for franchisees to manage. Buena Papa Fry Bar won the Award for “Best French Fries” at the 2022 WRAL Voter’s Choice Awards.

• Initial investment: $419,100 – $982,000
• Quantity: 22+

Epic Wings offers high-quality, flavorful chicken wings and tenders in a fast-casual setting ideal for wing lovers. The franchise business model emphasizes simplicity and operational efficiency and has over 40 years of wings experience. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing support and ongoing operational assistance.

• Initial investment: $215,000 to $530,000
• Quantity: 28+

Straw Hat Pizza offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a menu of California-style pizza and fresh ingredients. The franchise’s focus on quality and community involvement makes it a popular choice. Owners can pursue a variety of revenue streams including: dine-in, pickup and delivery, online ordering, beer and wine, catering, food trucks, sporting events, parties and kids’ games.

• Initial investment: 663,649 to 2,080,491 USD.
• Quantity: 20+

Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse specializes in authentic Southern barbecue and offers a diverse selection of smoked meats and traditional sides. All meats are smoked on-site daily. The brand offers a pitmaster training course so franchisees can benefit from over 75 years of grilling experience. With its new smokehouse concept, the brand aims to become the first name barbecue franchise in the country.

Investing in an emerging restaurant franchise offers the opportunity to tap into innovative concepts and growth markets. Each of these franchises offers unique selling points and proven business models, making them an excellent choice for potential franchisees.

Every great franchisee has had help purchasing a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit www.1851growthclub.com and start your journey.