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Franchising continues to be one of the most resilient and profitable business models in the U.S. economy, and 2025 is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for franchise expansion.

The 2025 Franchising Economic Outlook Research data published by the International Franchise Association, projects that the franchise industry is set to surpass $936.4 billion in economic output in 2025, reflecting 4.4% growth year-over-year. This growth outpaces the overall U.S. economy, which is projected to expand by only 1.9%. The data was compiled by FranData, a firm offering independent, comprehensive market insight focusing on the franchise ecosystem.

Their rigorous analysis leverages the largest database of franchise information. Using internal data from more than 4,000 brands along with overall economic trending including projected interest rates and small business optimism they forecast the year ahead and report on the current year’s results.

The restaurant industry, in particular, is poised for growth as consumer demand, technological advancements, and favorable economic conditions create a prime opportunity for investment. As restaurant growth accelerates, the need for brokerage services provided by the We Sell Restaurants franchise surges as well. We Sell Restaurants provides franchisees with a proven system, expert training, and access to a booming market of restaurant buyers and sellers.

Recently named by Entrepreneur as one of the Top Low Cost Franchises of 2025, the nation’s largest restaurant brokerage brand does not require expensive real estate, extensive leases, complex build outs or large capital investments. Franchisees enjoy a work from home lifestyle supported by the brand’s proprietary software, the BOSS or Broker’s Operations and Sales System. Established for more than two decades, the unique restaurant brokerage business model has carved an unparalleled niche in business brokerage.

The Strength of the Franchise Industry in 2025 and 2024

The results for 2025 and forecast for 2025 both reflect the strength of the industry on multiple metrics including the overall size of the franchise gross domestic product, franchise employment growth and number of units.

Results for Franchising in 2024

• In 2024, franchising outperformed expectations for a second consecutive year with establishments estimated to have increased by 2.4%, exceeding FRAN data's 1.9% projection.
• Franchise employment growth increased by 2.2% in 2024, adding more than 189,000 jobs bringing franchise employment to 8.8 million.
• Franchise GDP was an estimated $550.3 billion, outpacing the broader economy for the year.

Key Economic Highlights for Franchising in 2025

• Franchise establishments are projected to grow by 2.5%, exceeding 851,000 locations.
• Employment in franchising will increase by 2.4%, adding over 213,000 jobs, bringing total franchise employment to over 9 million.
• Franchise GDP will rise 5%, reaching $578 billion, solidifying franchising’s position as a key driver of the U.S. economy.
• Lower interest rates and rising consumer spending will further accelerate franchise growth, making 2025 an ideal year to invest.

FranData anticipates that with strong consumer confidence, rising disposable income, and stabilized inflation, franchising will continue to be viewed as a favorable business model, offering a low-risk, high-reward path to business ownership.

Why Restaurant Brokerage and Why Now?

The restaurant sector remains one of the most profitable and dynamic industries within franchising. Consumers continue to prioritize convenience, quality, and variety, leading to consistent demand for both quick-service and full-service restaurants. The growth of the restaurant sector, in particular, is positive, leading to more restaurant units, that will ultimately require the services of the restaurant brokerage franchise to transfer.

Restaurant Industry Growth Forecasts for 2025:

The projected growth across all segments of the restaurant industry, from quick service to full service along with consumer behavior and automation are all cited in the study as reasons for continued upward trending. According to the report:

• Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) will grow by 2.2%, with total output increasing 5.4% to $321.8 billion.
• Full-service restaurants will see 1.3% growth in new establishments and a 2.4% rise in output, reaching $81.9 billion.
• Lower inflation and rising disposable incomes will drive higher consumer spending at restaurants.
• Return-to-office trends will increase breakfast and lunch sales in QSRs and fast-casual dining.
• AI and automation will enhance efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve customer experiences, making restaurant franchises more profitable.

With steady foot traffic, strong demand, and technological advancements driving efficiency, the restaurant industry remains a top choice for franchise investors in 2025. With more locations, there is a greater demand for restaurant brokerage, to assist as buyers enter and sellers exit the industry, a natural evolution of the business ownership cycle. In addition, Certified Restaurant Brokers at We Sell Restaurants, also assist in site location, a critical function for new locations entering the market.

Why We Sell Restaurants is the Right Franchise Investment

We Sell Restaurants is not a traditional restaurant franchise—it’s a franchise built on helping people buy and sell restaurants. This unique model provides franchisees with access to a recession-resistant industry while benefiting from the strong growth of the restaurant sector.

Key Benefits of Investing in a We Sell Restaurants Franchise:

Low Overhead, High Demand: Unlike owning a restaurant, We Sell Restaurants requires no inventory, kitchen equipment, or large staff. Franchisees operate with low overhead while serving an industry that sees constant buying and selling activity.

A Proven Business Model: We Sell Restaurants has a track record of success and offers franchisees a step-by-step system for success in restaurant brokerage. The brand has operated for more than twenty years nationwide and consistently meets its goal to Sell More Restaurants Than Anyone Else.

Exclusive Training & Support: Franchisees receive specialized training in restaurant sales, spanning a four-week curriculum. This includes market specific research and buyer motivation training, software training and in market training on all facets of the business. This leads to the only Certified Restaurant Brokers® in the nation.

Marketing support: The We Sell Restaurants system has more than 125,000 buyers in its database and sends more than 12 million emails annually to a proprietary database of buyers and sellers.

Proprietary Software: The BOSS or Broker’s Operations and Sales System proprietary software platform developed by the brand is a key differentiator, allowing brokers to perform tasks more efficiently, providing more time with direct buyer contact and improving results. The technology is a game changer and available only to We Sell Restaurants franchisees.

Franchisee Satisfaction: For the third consecutive year, We Sell Restaurants has ranked in the Top 50 brands overall nationwide in franchisee satisfaction as measured by Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and employee engagement. The firm provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of the top 200 franchises in its annual Guide to Today’s Top Franchises.

Favorable Market Conditions

The economic data shows that franchise expansion is strongest in high-growth states like Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Arizona, where restaurant transactions are booming. These are strongholds for the We Sell Restaurants brand with all four states nearly completely sold out for the brand and with only limited territories still available. Overall, the Southeast and Southwest regions, where We Sell Restaurants is rapidly growing, are the fastest-growing franchise markets in the United States.

Be Your Own Boss in a High-Growth Industry:

• The restaurant industry is always evolving, creating constant opportunities for restaurant sales.
• Buyers and sellers need experts to guide them, and We Sell Restaurants franchisees fill that crucial role.
• Franchisees build a rewarding career helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of restaurant ownership.

The Bigger Picture: Why Franchising is a Smart Business Choice

Beyond the success of the restaurant industry, franchising itself offers a lower-risk path to business ownership compared to independent startups.

Why Franchising Works:

✔ Built-In Brand Recognition & Support: Franchisees benefit from an established business model, brand reputation, and ongoing corporate support.

✔ Lower Failure Rates & Higher Profitability: Franchise businesses have consistently proven to have a higher success rate than independent startups, thanks to proven systems and resources.

✔ Economic Resilience: Even during economic downturns, franchises tend to recover faster than independent businesses due to their established infrastructure and industry expertise.

✔ Consumer Trends Favor Franchises: As disposable incomes rise and technology enhances efficiency, franchise brands are in a prime position for long-term success.

The Best Time to Invest is Now

With record franchise growth, a thriving restaurant industry, and favorable economic conditions, 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to invest in a We Sell Restaurants franchise.

For entrepreneurs looking for a profitable, scalable, and recession-resistant business, We Sell Restaurants offers a proven path to success in an industry that never slows down.

Ready to explore franchise ownership? Learn more about how We Sell Restaurants can help you achieve your goals today!