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  1. Home
  2. Home
  3. States
  4. North Carolina

QSR Franchises in North Carolina

Complete guide to fast food franchise opportunities in North Carolina

Minimum Wage
$7.25/hr
Federal minimum wage applies
QSR Locations
8,200
Estimated total in North Carolina
Franchisable Brands
7
Major chains accepting franchisees
Avg Investment
$1.7M
Typical franchise investment

QSR Franchise Landscape in North Carolina

North Carolina has approximately 8,200 QSR locations, making it a major markets for quick service restaurant franchises in the United States. The state's current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour aligns with federal standards, providing predictable labor cost structures for franchise operators.

Market Opportunity

The QSR market in North Carolina features strong representation from major national chains, with McDonald's leading in market presence. The state's growing QSR landscape offers opportunities across multiple segments including burgers, chicken, Mexican, pizza, and sandwich concepts.

Top Franchise Opportunities in North Carolina

McDonald's

burger

Global fast food leader known for burgers, fries, and breakfast items. Extensive support system and brand recognition.

Investment Range
$1.3M - $2.3M
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Cash Required
$500,000
Royalty Rate
4%
View Details

Subway

sandwich

Lower-cost franchise option with flexible footprint. Lower per-unit sales but easier entry point for new franchisees.

Investment Range
$116,000 - $263,000
Franchise Fee
$15,000
Cash Required
$80,000
Royalty Rate
8%
View Details

Taco Bell

mexican

Leading Mexican-inspired QSR with strong late-night positioning. Part of Yum! Brands portfolio with shared infrastructure.

Investment Range
$1.2M - $2.9M
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Cash Required
$750,000
Royalty Rate
5.5%
View Details

Burger King

burger

Flame-grilled burger concept with strong international presence. Owned by Restaurant Brands International.

Investment Range
$316,000 - $3.3M
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Cash Required
$500,000
Royalty Rate
4.5%
View Details

Wendy's

burger

Premium burger positioning with fresh beef and breakfast expansion. Strong digital and delivery focus.

Investment Range
$1.1M - $3.6M
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Cash Required
$500,000
Royalty Rate
4%
View Details

KFC

chicken

Original fried chicken concept with strong international brand. Part of Yum! Brands with extensive support infrastructure.

Investment Range
$1.3M - $2.8M
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Cash Required
$750,000
Royalty Rate
5%
View Details

Chick-fil-A

chicken

Highest per-unit sales in QSR. Unique franchise model where company retains ownership and operator pays only $10K. Selective approval process.

Investment Range
$219,000 - $2.9M
Franchise Fee
$10,000
Cash Required
$10,000
Royalty Rate
15%
View Details

Compare Popular Franchises

McDonald's vs Chick-fil-A
Compare costs & investment
Subway vs Jimmy John's
Compare costs & investment
Taco Bell vs Chipotle
Compare costs & investment
Dunkin' vs Starbucks
Compare costs & investment
KFC vs Popeyes
Compare costs & investment
Domino's vs Pizza Hut
Compare costs & investment

Explore Franchise Opportunities in Other States

AL
Alabama
$7.25/hr
AK
Alaska
$11.91/hr
AZ
Arizona
$14.70/hr
AR
Arkansas
$11.00/hr
CA
California
$16.50/hr
CO
Colorado
$14.81/hr
CT
Connecticut
$15.69/hr
DE
Delaware
$13.25/hr
FL
Florida
$13.00/hr
GA
Georgia
$7.25/hr
HI
Hawaii
$14.00/hr
ID
Idaho
$7.25/hr
View All 50 States

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