Which franchise has the highest average sales in 2026?

Among the brands reviewed here, Culver's reports the highest 2025 average sales, at $4.142 million per restaurant. McDonald's reported a comparable $4.088 million for its U.S. traditional restaurants. High sales do not by themselves indicate high profit, since investment and operating costs also differ.

Do all franchisors disclose profit figures?

No. Item 19 is optional under the FTC Franchise Rule. Many franchisors publish gross sales only, some publish nothing, and a smaller group discloses EBITDA, operating cash flow or margins, sometimes for company-operated units only.

What is the Franchise Business Review Most Profitable Franchises list?

It is an annual list built from surveys of franchise owners. Brands qualify when at least 25% of responding owners report annual income of $150,000 or more and satisfaction scores meet the publisher's benchmarks. The income data is self-reported.

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Latest News from EL POLLO LOCO

carving roasted chicken on a wooden board

El Pollo Loco Targets New York with Three Development Deals and 16 Committed Units

El Pollo Loco, a fire-grilled chicken franchise brand with more than 500 locations across 10 states, announced on September 29, 2026, three franchise development agreements targeting the New York market. The deals commit to 15 new restaurants over five years. A first corporate-operated location is scheduled to open in Queens…

5 Oct 2026Franchise Networks