Top Franchises in California

California is the largest franchise market in the US with nearly 82,000 franchise establishments. The state's massive consumer base, diverse economy, and high incomes create enormous opportunity — but also intense competition and higher operating costs.

Population
39.0M
Median Income
$91,551
Franchise Units
81,900
Franchise Output
$96.2B

California Franchise Registration Requirements

Registration State

California is a franchise registration state. Franchisors must register with the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) before offering or selling franchises. Annual renewal required.

Largest Franchise Systems Operating in California

Ranked by total franchised unit count. National franchise systems with 50+ units typically operate locations in California. Click any brand for the full FDD analysis.

BrandIndustryUnitsInvestmentRoyalty
SubwayQSR20,133$263K – $630K8.0%
McDonald'sQSR12,772$1.5M – $2.7M5.0%
Roosters Men’s Grooming CenterPet Services8,982$266K – $432K4.0%
Dunkin’QSR8,265$211K – $1.8M5.9%
7-ElevenRetail7,218$142K – $1.6M18.0%
Taco BellQSR7,198$1.9M – $4.3M5.5%
BURGER KINGQSR6,640$348K – $4.7M4.5%
DOMINO'S PIZZAQSR6,600$107K – $744K5.5%
Wendy'sQSR5,627$1.5M – $3.0M6.0%
JazzerciseFitness5,253$2K – $41K20.0%
JANI-KING OF CALIFORNIA, INC.Cleaning/Janitorial4,956$23K – $170K10.0%
JANI-KING OF MILWAUKEECleaning/Janitorial4,916$23K – $81K11.0%
JANI-KING OF BUFFALO, INC.Cleaning/Janitorial4,916$42K – $119K10.0%
Ace HardwareHome Services4,759$604K – $2.0M—
Ace Hardware CorporationHome Services4,759$604K – $2.0M—
Health MartHealth/Wellness4,657$2K – $834K—
Health Mart Systems, Inc.Health/Wellness4,657$2K – $674K—
JANI-KINGCleaning/Janitorial4,534$170K – $2.9M6.0%
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLCFinancial Services4,003$12K – $130K—
LITTLE CAESAR ENTERPRISES, INC.QSR3,641$447K – $1.8M6.0%
Little CaesarsQSR3,599$447K – $1.8M6.0%
Snap-on Tools Company LLCRetail3,238$223K – $509K—
SonicQSR3,194$669K – $3.1M5.0%
Stratus Building Solutions of The BronxCleaning/Janitorial3,144$5K – $80K5.0%
Jackson Hewitt Inc.Financial Services3,092$15K – $105K15.0%
Popeyes Louisiana KitchenQSR3,035$505K – $3.9M5.0%
Noble Roman's PizzaQSR2,871$32K – $142K7.0%
CRUISE PLANNERSTravel2,796$2K – $21K3.0%
Papa John'sQSR2,689$261K – $853K5.0%
Papa JohnsQSR2,689$261K – $853K5.0%

Low-Investment Franchises Under $100K in California

For entrepreneurs with limited capital, these franchises offer entry points under $100,000.

BrandIndustryInvestment RangeFranchise Fee
Vanguard Cleaning Systems of the Southern ValleyCleaning/Janitorial$6K – $10K$5K
SIGN GYPSIESRetail$4K – $10K$1K
Vanguard Cleaning Systems of VirginiaCleaning/Janitorial$6K – $10K$5K
Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Upstate New YorkCleaning/Janitorial$6K – $10K$5K
Vanguard Cleaning Systems of Long IslandCleaning/Janitorial$6K – $10K$5K
Baby Boot CampTravel$5K – $11K$7K
TAP INTO LOCAL LLCTechnology$8K – $11K$5K
BELOCALTechnology$2K – $12K$735
N2 Franchising, Inc. / REAL PRODUCERS®Retail$2K – $12K$735
N2 Franchising, Inc.Retail$2K – $12K$735

Fastest-Growing Franchises Available in California

Franchise systems with the highest net unit additions over the last year — a proxy for healthy unit economics and franchisee demand.

BrandIndustryNet Unit AddsTotal Units
Stratus Building Solutions of The BronxCleaning/Janitorial+6423,144
SignalOther+5861,059
Jersey Mike'sQSR+3082,647
Fish With YouQSR+2532,247
PackageHub Business CentersHome Services+231925
CruiseOneTravel+2211,954
CRUISE PLANNERSTravel+2122,796
Dunkin’QSR+2008,265
Taco BellQSR+1667,198
Club PilatesFitness+161868

Top Franchise Industries in California

QSRFitnessTechnologyHome Services

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