What to Look for in the Most Profitable Franchises to Own

If you’re exploring opportunities in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, you’re likely searching for the most profitable franchises to own. The truth is that there isn’t one universal formula for profitability — it depends on many factors, including startup costs, support systems, operational controls, and brand recognition.

That’s why it’s important to understand what drives franchise success before making your investment. Let’s take a closer look at what to consider when evaluating the most profitable franchises to own — and how Hungry Howie’s demonstrates many of the qualities that can set franchisees up for long-term success.

Why the Pizza Industry Continues to Be a Strong Investment

Quick-service restaurant (QSR) franchises remain one of the most consistent performers in franchising, thanks to the convenience, affordability, and reliability consumers crave. Even during economic fluctuations, pizza continues to be a staple for millions of Americans.

In 2024 alone, Americans spent over $42 billion at quick-service pizza restaurants. For entrepreneurs exploring the most profitable franchises to own, the pizza segment offers a proven business model that has stood the test of time because of consistent consumer demand.

What Sets Strong Pizza Franchises Apart

The most profitable franchises often share certain characteristics: simple and efficient operations, and products with year-round demand. Over the last 53 years, Hungry Howie’s has evolved and refined their business model to keep up with consumer needs.

While many brands are just now shifting toward delivery and carryout (DELCO) models, Hungry Howie’s has been leading with the DELCO model for decades. Its streamlined operations and compact store layouts allow franchise owners to serve customers efficiently while managing overhead effectively.

Evaluating ROI and Sales-to-Investment Ratios

The sales-to-investment ratio is important to keep in mind. Hungry Howie’s delivers strong sales in comparison to the investment required to build out the store. When evaluating the most profitable franchises to own, understanding the potential return on investment (ROI) is key. Factors like location, managing overhead effectively, lease negotiation, and several other factors can affect ROI.

Hungry Howie’s provides financial transparency through its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), including Item 19, which outlines financial performance. For example, in 2024, Hungry Howie’s franchise locations reported:

Over $1.2 million AUV for the top 25% of franchised stores*
Over $1 million AUV for the top 50% of franchised stores**
$905,217 AUV for the top 75% of franchised stores***

Item 19 offers prospective owners a clear picture of historical performance. It is always important to complete your due diligence when comparing franchise opportunities.

The Importance of Transparent Startup Costs

Transparency is another hallmark of the most profitable franchises to own. Hungry Howie’s outlines all estimated startup expenses and ongoing fees in Item 7 of its FDD, so franchisees can plan strategically from day one. Hungry Howie’s initial investment range — $358,903 to $519,295 — reflects a comparatively affordable entry point into the QSR space. Ongoing fees include a 5.5% royalty fee and a 7% marketing fee, which supports both national and local advertising. Marketing initiatives help build brand awareness and drive traffic to your location.

Why Strong Support Systems Matter

Profitability is driven by a combination of top-line sales and the ability to manage your costs effectively. Hungry Howie’s provides hands-on franchise training, marketing support, and business coaching designed to help owners navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Whether you’re new to franchising or an experienced business owner, the Hungry Howie’s team makes sure you’re never going through business challenges alone.

“The best part about being a franchisee is the support system. Part of Hungry Howie’s core values is “treat everyone like your family, and you really do feel that with Hungry Howie’s and the corporate team. I know I can call somebody. We work together as a team…that support allows you to operate your business and not worry about being supported. “

– Zach Deem, franchisee

Choosing the Right Franchise for Your Goals

Finding the most profitable franchises to own starts with asking the right questions:

Does the brand have strong customer demand?
Are startup costs transparent and reasonable?
Is there a proven support structure in place?
Does the business model align with your personal goals and values?

Hungry Howie’s exemplifies these traits, offering a proven brand name, efficient operations, and a focus on franchisee success.

Explore Franchise Opportunities with Hungry Howie’s

If you’re evaluating the most profitable franchises to own, take a closer look at how the Hungry Howie’s business model balances value, performance, and ongoing support. With decades of experience, a loyal customer base, and a simple business model, Hungry Howie’s offers franchisees the tools needed to build something lasting — and meaningful.

Ready to learn more? Reach out today to explore what franchising with Hungry Howie’s could look like for you.

*Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 25% (or 68 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024.

**Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 50% (or 136 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024.

***Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 75% (or 204 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024.

Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida, affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event.  The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.

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*Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 25% (or 68 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event.  The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.

**Based on Gross Sales of the top performing 50% (or 136 units) of Hungry Howie’s Franchised Units that were open for the entire 52-week period from January 1, 2024 through December 29, 2024. Franchised Units means all Hungry Howie’s Units that were open and reported sales for the entire fiscal year, and excludes units in the State of Florida (see footnote***), affiliated units, units which opened or closed during the above fiscal year, units which are not obligated to and do not report sales to us, and units closed for more than ten consecutive days during the above fiscal year due to a force majeure event.  The Franchised Units are in 20 states and have reasonably similar operations as those being offered for sale. See Item 19 of Hungry Howie’s 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document for additional information.

***Locations in Florida are franchised to independent owners and operators by HH Pizza, Inc.   

This website is for informational purposes only. Any statements or information contained herein is not intended as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your jurisdiction. 

Hungry Howie’s locations are franchised to independent owners and operators by Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. located at 30300 Stephenson Highway, Suite 200, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 248-414-3300. However, stores located in the state of Florida are franchised by HH Pizza, Inc. located at 2109-D Main Street, Dunedin, Florida, 34698 727-734-8800.. Inquiries received for development opportunities in Florida by Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. will be forwarded to HH Pizza, Inc. which is solely responsible for the offer or sale of any franchises in the State of Florida. 

STATE OF CALIFORNIA: THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.  SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION, OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE, AND NOT MISLEADING. 

If you are having trouble using this website with a screen ready or other device due to a disability, email: franchising@hungryhowies.com for assistance. 

 ©2025 Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Hungry Howie’s and its related marks are trademarks of Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, Inc. Use of the trademarks in the State of Florida are under license to HH Pizza, Inc. Pepsi, the Pepsi logo and related marks are trademarks of PepsiCo. 

Hungry Howie’s: One of the Most Profitable Franchises to Own