The average initial franchise fee in 2025 typically ranges between $20,000 and $50,000. This fee grants the right to use the franchisor's brand, trademarks, and business systems, often including initial training, support, and some marketing. Certain industries might have higher fees, for example, hotels or premium brands, while home-based or smaller franchises might charge less than $20,000. Some well-known franchises like McDonald's have initial fees around $45,000, while others like Chick-fil-A offer lower fees than average. The initial fee is just one part of the total investment required to open a franchise location, which can include costs for real estate, equipment, inventory, and more.
