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 WENDY'S

Wendy’s Files $146.9 Million Claim Against Meritage as Closures Accelerate

Wendy's International has filed a claim totaling $146.9 million against bankrupt franchisee Meritage Hospitality Group, as 10 of Meritage's restaurants have permanently closed since the September 17 Chapter 11 filing. At the heart of the dispute is a franchise termination notice that Wendy's sent on September 16, the day before…

6 Oct 2026Franchise Networks

wendy’s restaurant exterior with bold red signage

Wendy’s Cuts Dividend to $0.28 and Its Largest Franchisee Files Chapter 11

Wendy's cut its annualized dividend to $0.28 per share when it reported Q2 2026 results in August, citing deep pressure across its franchise system. Six weeks later, the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Meritage Hospitality Group, its largest franchisee with 314 restaurants across 15 states and nearly $25 million in deferred…

28 Sep 2026Franchise Networks

modern wendys restaurant with patio and parking lot

Meritage Hospitality Files Chapter 11: What It Means for the Wendy’s Franchise System

Meritage Hospitality Group, one of the largest Wendy's franchisees in the United States with 314 restaurants, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on September 17. As part of an ongoing restructuring, the company has closed 60 underperforming locations and exited or altered breakfast service at approximately 120 others, citing…

21 Sep 2026Franchise Networks

modern wendy’s restaurant exterior, red facade

Wendy’s Brings In Ex-McDonald’s CMO Tariq Hassan to Lead Brand Turnaround

Wendy's has named Tariq Hassan as its new chief marketing and customer growth officer, a position created as part of the chain's turnaround plan. Hassan, who previously served as chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald's, takes over from Lindsay Radkoski as Wendy's works to reverse six consecutive quarters…

1 Sep 2026Franchise Networks