The High 10 Rooster Franchises of 2025

[ad_1] The rooster franchise scene is scorching — iconic legacy manufacturers like Popeyes, KFC, and Wingstop proceed dominating with confirmed programs and widespread recognition, whereas quick‑informal newcomers are carving out their area of interest with daring flavors and fashionable ideas. Mixed, these prime contenders supply entrepreneurs a robust combine of brand name energy, operational help, and excessive client demand, making chicken-centric franchising one of many hottest progress sectors in meals service in the present day.

The manufacturers on this listing earned their spot on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, our annual rating of the strongest franchise programs, primarily based on elements like unit progress, model stability and monetary efficiency. Whether or not you are on the lookout for a globally acknowledged identify or a rising idea with momentum, these rooster franchises signify a few of the finest alternatives within the trade proper now.

Associated: Contemplating franchise possession? Get began now to search out your personalised listing of franchises that match your life-style, pursuits and price range.

1. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Based: 1972Franchising since: 1976Overall rank: 4Number of models: 4,796Change in models: +34.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $471,000 - $3,875,700Leadership: Jeff Klein, PresidentParent firm: Restaurant Manufacturers Int'l. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, ranked #4 in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, boasts practically 4,800 models within the U.S. and 35+ international locations — up 34% in three years — backed by sturdy model help, entrepreneurial steering, and strong coaching applications. In a savvy progress transfer, Popeyes has expanded into airports and faculty campuses to construct model affinity in excessive‑visitors areas, complementing its viral rooster sandwich and new wings lineup

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2. Wingstop Based: 1994Franchising since: 1998Overall rank: 11Number of models: 2,352Change in models: +44.8% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $259,400 - $912,100Leadership: Michael Skipworth, President & CEOParent firm: Wingstop Eating places Inc. Wingstop has soared to greater than 2,350 places worldwide, fueled by its well-known wings, streamlined operations and daring digital technique. With a low-labor mannequin and powerful unit economics, the model has grown practically 45% prior to now three years. Ranked #11 on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, Wingstop helps franchisees with complete coaching and expansive territory rights. It is a favourite amongst multi-unit operators because of its scalable setup and give attention to taste innovation.

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3. KFC Based: 1930Franchising since: 1952Overall rank: 21Number of models: 30,680Change in models: +19.5% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,852,825 - $3,771,550Leadership: Tarun Lal, PresidentParent firm: Yum! Manufacturers Inc.

KFC stays some of the iconic names in quick meals, with a large world presence and a menu constructed round its signature unique recipe. Backed by a long time of brand name recognition, franchisees achieve entry to strong coaching, proprietary programs and ongoing discipline help. Whereas the funding is critical, the model presents unmatched scale and endurance. For entrepreneurs looking for a legacy identify with world attain, KFC, #21 on the 2025 Francise 500, continues to be a prime contender.

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4. Slim Chickens Based: 2003Franchising since: 2011Overall rank: 81Number of models: 251Change in models: +109.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,522,900 - $4,439,000Leadership: Sam Rothschild, COO & PartnerParent firm: Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens brings Southern consolation meals to the fast-casual house, serving contemporary, hand-breaded tenders, wings, and rooster & waffles alongside signature dipping sauces and indulgent jar desserts. Since launching its franchise program in 2011, the model has grown to over 250 places with sturdy momentum in each the U.S. and worldwide markets. Backed by strong coaching, advertising help and a hospitality-driven tradition, Slim Chickens appeals to franchisees on the lookout for a contemporary, scalable idea with loyal followers — recognized affectionately as "Slimthusiasts."

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5. Golden Chick Based: 1967Franchising since: 1972Overall rank: 92Number of models: 231Change in models: +12.7% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $810,250 - $1,852,800Leadership: Mark Parmerlee, CEOParent firm: Golden Franchising Corp.

Golden Chick is a seasoned Southern-style rooster franchise with roots courting again to 1967. Recognized for its signature hand-breaded Golden Tenders, the model has constructed a loyal following throughout the South and Midwest. With greater than 230 places and counting, Golden Chick presents franchisees sturdy operational help, complete coaching and advertising steering. It is a stable possibility for each first-time homeowners and skilled operators on the lookout for a reliable, scalable enterprise with regional allure.

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6. Zaxby's Based: 1990Franchising since: 1994Overall rank: 109Number of models: 960Change in models: +5.7% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $1,406,700 - $3,323,200Leadership: Mike Mettler, CDOParent firm: Zaxby's SPE Franchisor LLC

Zaxby's stands out within the fast-casual rooster house with its crave-worthy rooster fingers, wings, hearty sandwiches, and signature "Zalads," all paired with daring dipping sauces. With practically 1,000 places — predominantly within the Southern U.S. — Zaxby's ranked #109 in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500 and continues to climb. Franchisees obtain sturdy help, from web site choice and coaching to advertising and proprietary tech. Recognized for its hospitality and neighborhood focus, it is a stable alternative for operators eyeing contemporary fast-casual progress.

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7. Bojangles Based: 1977Franchising since: 1978Overall rank: 145Number of models: 813Change in models: +4.9% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $720,220 - $3,779,700Leadership: Jose Armario, CEOParent firm: The Jordan Firm & Durational Capital Administration LP Bojangles makes a speciality of Cajun-seasoned fried rooster and buttermilk biscuits, constructing a loyal following since its 1977 debut in Charlotte. The model ranks #145 on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500 and has expanded to greater than 800 places with regular multi-year progress. Franchisees profit from complete help—together with web site choice, in-depth coaching, advertising help, and proprietary instruments — together with sturdy neighborhood branding rooted in Southern hospitality, making it a standout alternative within the fast-food rooster class.

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8. Chester's Based: 1952Franchising since: 2004Overall rank: 237Number of models: 1,062Change in models: -16% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $27,500 - $296,500Leadership: Wynn Giles, Managing DirectorParent firm: N/A

Chester's brings contemporary, never-frozen, double-breaded fried rooster to comfort shops, supermarkets, and journey stops throughout the U.S., utilizing a secret household recipe that is constructed a loyal following. With over 1,000 places, the model has turn into a staple in high-traffic, nontraditional venues. Ranked #237 on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, Chester's presents streamlined startup prices, sturdy coaching, advertising help and a recognizable "Fried With Love" identification — ultimate for operators looking for a easy, scalable rooster idea.

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9. Church's Texas Rooster Based: 1952Franchising since: 1969Overall rank: 402Number of models: 1,532Change in models: +5.4% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $648,866 - $1,896,300Leadership: Roland Gonzalez, CEOParent firm: Cajun World LLC Church's Texas Rooster brings daring, bone‑in fried rooster, honey‑butter biscuits, and flavorful sides to excessive‑visitors places like malls, comfort stops, and drive‑ins. Launched in 1952 in San Antonio, it has grown steadily to over 1,500 models throughout greater than 20 international locations. Ranked #402 on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, the model combines legacy enchantment with fashionable progress help — actual‑property experience, thorough coaching, advertising instruments and supply-chain backing — providing entrepreneurs a resilient, hospitality-driven funding in consolation‑meals franchising.

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10. Dave's Sizzling Rooster Based: 2018Franchising since: 2019Overall rank: 453Number of models: 211Change in models: +1,072.2% over 3 yearsInitial funding: $619,800 - $1,963,000Leadership: Invoice Phelps, CEOParent firm: Roark Capital Dave's Sizzling Rooster has ignited a foodie frenzy with its Nashville‑type scorching rooster tenders and sliders, supplied in seven spice ranges and paired with easy sides like mac-and-cheese. Since franchising started in 2019, it is surged to over 200 U.S. places and climbed into Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500, rating #453 — up practically 30 spots — because of explosive unit progress and viral enchantment. Backed by superstar buyers and now owned by Roark Capital, Dave's brings daring taste and powerful franchise help to hot-casual rooster fanatics.