53 Best BBQ Franchises in USA for 2022 (UPDATED RANKINGS)

He is the top 53 best BBQ Franchises you can start in USA:

1. Krispy Krunchy Chicken

• Investments $ 75,000
• Franchise fee $2,500
• Year Brand Started – 1993
• Year Franchising Started – 1993
• Offices – 700

Franchise details: Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Official site

Although specializing in c-stores, grocery stores, and supermarkets, you will also find Krispy Krunchy in a zoo, water park, mall food courts, and free standing units.

2. El Pollo Norteno

• Investments $ 196,700
• Franchise fee $28,000
• Year Brand Started – 1981
• Year Franchising Started – 1981
• Offices – 413

Franchise details: El Pollo Norteno

Anabella and Salvador Corona opened the first El Pollo Norteño restaurant back in 1981. It was the culmination of their longtime desire to open a restaurant abroad

3. Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

• Investments $ 250,000
• Year Brand Started – 1991
• Year Franchising Started – 1991
• Offices – 217

Franchise details: Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Official site

For over 20 years, Baja Fresh Mexican Grill has been serving food backed by our "Live Fresh" philosophy. We only serve our customers fresh, traditional Mexican favorites that are both nutritional and flavorful.

4. Taco Maker

• Investments $ 380,000
• Year Brand Started – 1978
• Year Franchising Started – 2014
• Offices – 170

Franchise details: Taco Maker
Official site

Whether it's tacos, burritos, fajitas or dessert, our food is served fresh and with passion! Our menus are full of delicious, savory and customizable Mexican food options to fit any taste and any diet. We feature beef and chicken fajitas and fresh, made-on-site guacamole, tortillas and chips.

5. Genghis Grill

• Investments $ 346,600
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1998
• Year Franchising Started – 2001
• Offices – 110

Franchise details: Genghis Grill
Official site

Genghis Grill is a fast-casual, Mongolian barbecue restaurant featuring “build-your-own" stir-fry cuisine. The company began franchising in 2001.

6. Wing It On

• Investments $ 168,450
• Franchise fee $25,000
• Year Brand Started – 2011
• Year Franchising Started – 2011
• Offices – 100

Franchise details: Wing It On
Official site

Convenient delivery, seamless online ordering, and menu options for the entire family. Let Wing It On! satisfy your entire team's appetite!

7. Famous Dave's

• Investments $ 636,750
• Year Brand Started – 1995
• Year Franchising Started – 1998
• Offices – 87

Franchise details: Famous Dave's
Official site

After 25 years spent sampling barbecue across the country and developing his own sauce recipes and smoking techniques, Dave Anderson opened the first Famous Dave's BBQ Shack in Hayward, Wisconsin, in 1994. His Rich & Sassy sauce won first place in 1995 at the American Royal Barbecue Sauce Contest in Kansas City, Missouri. More awards, and more restaurants, followed, and franchising began in 1998.

8. Shane's Rib Shack

• Investments $ 363,000
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 2002
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 70

Franchise details: Shane's Rib Shack
Official site

We're the place to go for the best BBQ, ribs, chicken and more. What started in a tiny restaurant outside Atlanta in McDonough, Georgia has grown to become the fastest growing BBQ restaurant concept in the nation. Founder Shane Thompson quit his neck-tie-wearing corporate job, dusted off his grandfather's secret sauce recipe and along with the support of wife Stacey, made his dream of owning a family BBQ restaurant come true.

9. Pancheros Mexican Grill

• Investments $ 394,325
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 1992
• Year Franchising Started – 1995
• Offices – 68

Franchise details: Pancheros Mexican Grill
Official site

Pancheros Mexican Grill franchises offer burritos, bowls, salads, tacos and quesadillas with the customer's choice of fillings. Tortillas are pressed fresh in the store, at the time an order is placed. The first Pancheros was opened by Rodney Anderson in 1992, and franchising began in 1995.

10. HuHot

• Investments $ 984,000
• Franchise fee $40,000
• Year Brand Started – 1999
• Year Franchising Started – 2002
• Offices – 61

Franchise details: HuHot
Official site

The first HuHot Mongolian Grill opened in Missoula, Montana, in 1999, and franchising began in 2002. At HuHot, guests create their own stir fry by choosing from a selection of meats, seafood, noodles, vegetables and sauces, then handing them over to a "grill warrior" to cook in front of them. The menu also features appetizers, soups, salads, and desserts.

11. Wings Etc.

• Investments $ 300,000
• Franchise fee $37,500
• Year Brand Started – 1994
• Year Franchising Started – 2005
• Offices – 52

Franchise details: Wings Etc.
Official site

Wings Etc. is a full-service restaurant featuring award-winning, fresh-never-frozen jumbo wings and premium burgers, as well as appetizers, salads, wraps, sandwiches, ribs and much more.

12. Quaker Steak & Lube

• Investments $ 473,500
• Year Brand Started – 1974
• Year Franchising Started – 1997
• Offices – 50

Franchise details: Quaker Steak & Lube
Official site

In 1974, with gas prices rising and gas stations closing around the country, George "Jig" Warren III and Gary "Moe" Meszaros sought to preserve the culture of those old gas stations by opening Quaker Steak & Lube, a restaurant decorated with old muscle cars.

13. Billy Sims BBQ

• Investments $ 169,200
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 2004
• Year Franchising Started – 2008
• Offices – 49

Franchise details: Billy Sims BBQ
Official site

Named for a former college and professional football player, Billy Sims BBQ was started in 2004 and began franchising in 2008. The company is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and most of its restaurants are located in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

14. Muscle Maker Grill

• Investments $ 187,500
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1995
• Year Franchising Started – 2007
• Offices – 48

Franchise details: Muscle Maker Grill
Official site

FOUNDED IN 1995, Muscle Maker Grill provides its guests healthier versions of mainstream-favorite dishes that taste great, making it easy, affordable and enjoyable to eat healthy. Muscle Maker Grill’s diverse menu was created for everyone – fitness enthusiasts, those starting their journey to a healthier lifestyle, and people trying to eat better while on-the-go.

15. Glory Days Grill

• Investments $ 1,696,500
• Franchise fee $50,000
• Year Brand Started – 1996
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 38

Franchise details: Glory Days Grill
Official site

Founded in Fairfax, VA in 1996, Glory Days Grill is a sports-themed family restaurant that appeals to all age groups and specializes in great food, outstanding service and real-time entertainment. Every restaurant features an abundance of televisions tuned to sports, cartoons, news and entertainment with individual speaker stations at each table.

16. Wings To Go

• Investments $ 224,500
• Year Brand Started – 1985
• Year Franchising Started – 1989
• Offices – 35

Franchise details: Wings To Go
Official site

Since 1985, Wings To Go® is a name synonymous with Award Winning Authentic Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings and Buffalo Wing Sauces. Offering 19 different mouth watering flavors to tantalize your taste buds!

17. Little Greek

• Investments $ 90,000
• Year Brand Started – 2004
• Year Franchising Started – 2010
• Offices – 34

Franchise details: Little Greek
Official site

Little Greek Fresh Grill takes great pride in serving high quality Greek food using the freshest ingredients available. Each Little Greek restaurant prepares our menu from scratch each day.

18. Wild Wing Café

• Investments $ 1,054,242
• Franchise fee $50,000
• Year Brand Started – 1990
• Year Franchising Started – 1995
• Offices – 33

Franchise details: Wild Wing Cafe
Official site

The first Wild Wing Cafe opened in the late 1990s with eight sauces and rubs. Back then, flavored chicken wings weren’t the only thing considered a rarity at the restaurant. Our founders were among a minority when it came to preparing popular bar foods like nachos and onion rings using fresh rather than packaged ingredients. It was a lot of work, to say the least.

19. Bandana's Bar-B-Q

• Investments $ 380,200
• Franchise fee $40,000
• Year Brand Started – 1996
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 32

Franchise details: Bandana's Bar-B-Q
Official site

The tradition began in September of 1996 when our first Bandana's BAR-B-Q opened in Arnold, Missouri. Our mission remains the same, to provide the best Southern Style BAR-B-Q, with exceptionally quick service, in a friendly, family atmosphere. Our real wood pit smokers operate 24 hours a day, which is why you can "SMELL THAT SMOKE" every time you come to Bandana's BAR-B-Q.

20. D.P. Dough

• Investments $ 142,956
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 1987
• Year Franchising Started – 1996
• Offices – 27

Franchise details: D.P. Dough
Official site

In the mid 1980′s, a dude and his mom came up with an idea that would change college life forever: calzones! Dan (the dude) and Penny (his mom) named their new restaurant D.P. Dough after their initials. The first D.P. Dough opened in 1987. Today, D.P. Dough delivers ooey, gooey, cheesy happiness on and around college campuses throughout the United States.

21. Ground Round Grill & Bar

• Investments $ 1,140,000
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1969
• Year Franchising Started – 1969
• Offices – 27

Franchise details: Ground Round Grill & Bar
Official site

Ground Round® Grill and Bar has been a proven Casual Dining brand for more than 45 years. Founded in 1969, its two-room restaurant design is ideal for families with children in the dining room, or for adults meeting friends or watching the game in a separate, sports bar lounge.

22. Dick’s Wings and Grill

• Investments $ 250,000
• Year Brand Started – 1993
• Year Franchising Started – 2003
• Offices – 25

Franchise details: Dick’s Wings and Grill
Official site

Dicks’ Wings restaurants are “Family Fun Fooderys”™ where both families and sports fans can go to enjoy a unique restaurant experience from “First Bite to Last Call™.” Dick’s Wings offers a variety of boldly-flavored menu items highlighted by its famous Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings and Dick’s Blingz boneless chicken wings, for which it boasts 365 mouth-watering flavors.

23. SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen

• Investments $ 440,900
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 2002
• Year Franchising Started – 2002
• Offices – 22

Franchise details: SanSai Fresh Grill & Sushi Kitchen
Official site

Our mission at SanSai Fresh Japanese Grill is to be the leading national restaurant brand to be known and recognized as the defining standard for the best tasting, highest quality, most convenient and freshest in Japanese quick-casual cuisine. Our business is based on making our menu items fresh from scratch and served with “SanSai Spirit”.

24. Buffalo's Café

• Investments $ 407,350
• Franchise fee $50,000
• Year Brand Started – 1985
• Year Franchising Started – 1990
• Offices – 20

Franchise details: Buffalo's Cafe
Official site

Our first restaurant opened its doors in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia. Since then, we’ve grown to over 20 Buffalo’s Cafe restaurants around the world (with plenty more coming soon to a city near you).

25. BullChicks

• Investments $ 120,550
• Franchise fee $39,000
• Year Brand Started – 2006
• Year Franchising Started – 2011
• Offices – 19

Franchise details: BullChicks
Official site

BullChicks was established to serve low cost, satisfying meals to the general public, especially striving students with a low budget.

26. Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar

• Investments $ 1,305,100
• Franchise fee $49,500
• Year Brand Started – 2007
• Year Franchising Started – 2010
• Offices – 19

Franchise details: Arooga's Grille House & Sports Bar
Official site

An innovative full-service casual restaurant concept with a sports and entertainment focus that combines exceptional food and beverages, with unique concepts, and proprietary operational strategies with the goal of providing value and entertainment for our guests.

27. UFood Grill

• Investments $ 418,000
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1999
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 19

Franchise details: UFood Grill
Official site

At UFood Grill, we believe food should make you feel good, not guilty. Our team of culinary experts has worked tirelessly to curate a wide variety of delicious menu options that are designed to be low in calories, but rich in flavor.

28. BB.Q Chicken

• Investments $ 312,000
• Year Brand Started – 1995
• Year Franchising Started – 1995
• Offices – 18

Franchise details: BB.Q Chicken
Official site

Established in 1995, bb.q Chicken's visions to always provide the most delicious and healthiest premium chicken in the world. bb.q Chicken is continually motivated to prepare and share only the best flavors with you.

29. Black Rock Bar & Grill

• Investments $ 1,519,940
• Year Brand Started – 2010
• Year Franchising Started – 2014
• Offices – 17

Franchise details: Black Rock Bar & Grill
Official site

Welcome to Black Rock Bar & Grill, an award-winning steakhouse specializing in Certified Angus Beef ® steaks served and cooked to perfection by you on a 755-degree volcanic sizzling rock. Our concept ensures that every bite is just as hot and juicy as the first, and is always cooked just the way you like it!

30. VooDoo BBQ & Grill

• Investments $ 340,500
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 2002
• Year Franchising Started – 2006
• Offices – 15

Franchise details: VooDoo BBQ & Grill
Official site

While working as an accountant, Tony Avila began doing some side projects for Alton Doody, a successful restaurant developer. When Avila began considering starting his own business, he and Doody discussed food concepts and realized that despite the popularity of barbecue throughout the South, barbecue restaurants were rare in south Louisiana. Avila contacted his old college roommate Dino Arvanetes, who had experience managing a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, and the three of them partnered to open the first VooDoo BBQ & Grill restaurant on the parade route in New Orleans on Mardi Gras day in 2002. The fast-casual barbecue concept began franchising in 2006, expanding first throughout Louisiana and then branching out into other southern states.

31. Wing Nutz

• Investments $ 195,000
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 2008
• Year Franchising Started – 2008
• Offices – 13

Franchise details: Wing Nutz

Wing Nutz is truly changing the way America eats its meals and drinks its beer. At Wing Nutz, we get you, which is why we make sure your game is always on, your personalized mug is chilled and waiting, and our friendly staff is always on hand ready to serve.

32. Urban Bar-B-Que

• Investments $ 182,650
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 2003
• Year Franchising Started – 2013
• Offices – 13

Franchise details: Urban Bar-B-Que
Official site

We take granting an UBQ restaurant franchise very seriously. Consequently, we will make every effort to be most selective in granting restaurant franchises.

33. Anchor Bar

• Investments $ 450,000
• Franchise fee $50,000
• Year Brand Started – 1964
• Year Franchising Started – 1964
• Offices – 10

Franchise details: Anchor Bar
Official site

The Anchor Bar created The Original Buffalo Wing in 1964 and now over 50 years later serves more than 70,000 pounds of Buffalo chicken wings per month.

34. Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders

• Investments $ 338,380
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 2004
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 9

Franchise details: Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders
Official site

Florida based Huey Magoos is a fast casual chicken tender concept. Voted Best Fried Chicken in Florida by Yahoo News, Huey Magoos is led by a team of ex-Wingstop executives who helped build that brand into a national as well as international chain. Prior restaurant experience is required.

35. Virginia Barbeque

• Investments $ 81,500
• Franchise fee $25,000
• Year Brand Started – 2000
• Year Franchising Started – 2004
• Offices – 7

Franchise details: Virginia Barbeque
Official site

Our model has been specifically designed to be family friendly to our customers and the franchise owner. Owners are drawn to the business because of the lifestyle freedoms that are unique to our chain that opens at 11 am and closes no later than 9pm.

36. Ground Pat'i Grille

• Investments $ 359,800
• Year Brand Started – 1971
• Year Franchising Started – 1975
• Offices – 6

Franchise details: Ground Pat'i Grille
Official site

The Ground Pat'i, Inc. is a casual family restaurant local to Lafayette, LA. We started our business with the intention of creating delicious dishes with premium ingredients and the utmost attention to quality. Even our meat provider will only eat burgers from our restaurant. When you visit, you can expect excellent service and fresh flavors every time you visit.

37. Friends American Grill

• Investments $225,250
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 2010
• Year Franchising Started – 2010
• Offices – 5

Franchise details: Friends American Grill
Official site

Friends is a neighborhood grill & bar. We are locally owned and operated by Ray Stanjevich and Suzanne Cartwright, with locations in the Atlanta suburbs of Dacula, Dawsonville, Suwanee, Buford and Winder.

38. Buffalo Wing Factory and Pub

• Investments $ 717,750
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 1991
• Year Franchising Started – 2009
• Offices – 4

Franchise details: Buffalo Wing Factory and Pub
Official site

Whether you are a single unit restaurant operator or currently operating multiple restaurants, we can help you grow with a category that continues to expand in the restaurant industry.

39. Yabo's

• Investments $ 436,300
• Franchise fee $40,000
• Year Brand Started – 2016
• Year Franchising Started – 2016
• Offices – 3

Franchise details: Yabo's
Official site

WHY YABO'S? With consumers spending more cost per meal in Quick Serve Restaurant’s then they do with Fast Food, now is the perfect time to own a Yabo’s franchise.

40. Philly Grill

• Investments $ 150,000
• Year Brand Started – 1994
• Year Franchising Started – 1994
• Offices – 2

Franchise details: Philly Grill
Official site

At The Philly Grill Restaurant we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality products in a fast, casual environment. With our customers in mind, we offer an all American style menu at affordable prices.

41. Teakwoods Tavern & Grill

• Investments $ 207,500
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1995
• Year Franchising Started – 2014
• Offices – 2

Franchise details: Teakwoods Tavern & Grill
Official site

Teakwood's Tavern and Grill is an Arizona based franchise with multiple locations in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Teakwood's began in 1998 and has grown into a regional chain, which frequently receives rave reviews. Our concept of a neighborhood tavern with a fun and intriguing ambiance is only the beginning. Our food is what truly sets us apart.

42. Mugs 'N Jugs

• Investments $ 635,000
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 2007
• Year Franchising Started – 2012
• Offices – 2

Franchise details: Mugs 'N Jugs

Turns out we also like people, though. We're not making these delicious, one-of-a-kind Wings creations to not share them with our human species brethren. We hope to share them with you, in fact soon. So head on in to the nearest (heck, it could even be the furthest) Mugs N Jugs Sports Bar location and feast your eyes on the greatest Wings ever made. You won't be sorry you did.

43. Mutts Canine Cantina

• Investments $906,124
• Franchise fee $40,000
• Year Brand Started – 2013
• Year Franchising Started – 2018
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: Mutts Canine Cantina
Official site

Welcome to MUTTS Canine Cantina, the premier place to play with your best friends. We are an off-leash dog park that caters to both two-legged and four-legged friends alike – where pups and peeps come to have fun! Come on in. Have a seat. And stay for a while. Become a member and enjoy the benefits of the MUTTS community every day!

44. The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery

• Investments $ 1,351,733
• Year Brand Started – 2012
• Year Franchising Started – 2012
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: The Tuckaway Tavern & Butchery
Official site

It’s time for a franchise model that completely redefines the market place. One that offers a business model no one has done with such success and market potential.

45. Jerry Lawler's BBQ

• Investments $100,000
• Year Brand Started – 2016
• Year Franchising Started – 2017
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: Jerry Lawler's BBQ
Official site

At The King Jerry Lawler's Memphis BBQ Company we believe that great barbecue should have the same characteristics as a wrestler, bold, in your face, and not afraid to give even the biggest fella a punch in the mouth.

46. Baby Back Blues BBQ

• Investments $ 155,500
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1998
• Year Franchising Started – 2011
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: Baby Back Blues BBQ
Official site

We believe barbecue is at its best when all of its POWERFUL FLAVORS combine and harmonize. The NATURAL flavors of the meat. The savory flavor of HARDWOOD SMOKE. The spiciness of the rub.

47. L.I. Wings N Things

• Investments $100,000
• Franchise fee $50,000
• Year Brand Started – 2017
• Year Franchising Started – 2018
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: L.I. Wings N Things
Official site

Why don’t you own your own successful business, what’s been stopping you? Some have taken the leap into entrepreneurialism….maybe you have done it, maybe not, we want to show you the way to a better financial future through our tools, experience and proven retail model.

48. Flatbread Grill

• Investments $ 293,000
• Franchise fee $30,000
• Year Brand Started – 2008
• Year Franchising Started – 2016
• Offices – 1

Franchise details: Flatbread Grill
Official site

Flatbread Grill is a fast casual Mediterranean bakery and grill conceived and developed by the Esendemir Sisters in 2007. The menu features a diverse mix of soups, gourmet salads, sandwiches, platters, sides, and beverages all paired with specialty flatbreads baked daily on premises.

49. Fire Island Grill

• Investments $100,000
• Franchise fee $30,000

Franchise details: Fire Island Grill
Official site

From quick-casual dining to catering, the goal of Fire Island Grill is to provide amazing island-inspired food, made to order and served fast in a family-friendly environment. Our model includes a step-by-step line where customers can pick and choose their preferred protein, carbohydrates, and an assortment of island flavors.

50. Uncle Willie's Smokehouse

• Investments $ 225,000
• Franchise fee $35,000
• Year Brand Started – 1995
• Year Franchising Started – 2007

Franchise details: Uncle Willie's Smokehouse
Official site

Uncle Willie’s Smokehouse has established a reputation for preparing and serving delicious wood-smoked BBQ food — in the traditional southern style. We’re talking mouthwatering delicacies like pulled pork, smoked chicken, baby back ribs, beef brisket and smoked sausage. Plus an array of hearty, rib-sticking (pun intended) sides like Carolina baked beans, black-eyed peas ‘n rice, sweet potato & apples and Delta Queen coleslaw.

51. Lennys Grill & Subs

• Investments $ 88,216
• Year Brand Started – 1998

Franchise details: Lennys Grill & Subs
Official site

At LENNYS Grill & Subs our vision is simple — Consistently make and serve great food! We start with fresh ingredients, high quality proteins, and fresh baked bread. We add a well-trained team that is committed to ensuring every guest leaves completely satisfied. The result — a guest experience that keeps customers coming back for more.

52. Go-Grill

• Investments $100,000
• Franchise fee $35,000

Franchise details: Go-Grill
Official site

At Go-Grill, you can choose from a wide selection of fresh ingredients, and we grill it to perfection. You can add zesty, sweet or sour sauces of your choice, and enjoy your very own customized, fresh, and delicious meal.

53. Tickle My Ribs

• Investments $ 150,000

Franchise details: Tickle My Ribs
Official site

Tickle My Ribs BBQ is a family-friendly dining experience serving up mouth-watering, hickory-smoked BBQ with a taste of the south served on the side.