Franchise Statistics Bureau · 2026-02
How many franchise establishments are there in the US?
Figures are published by third parties, compiled as-is, and may change. We do not independently verify the underlying data — check the source before acting on it. For reference only; not legal, tax, or investment advice.
845,000
establishments
The number of US franchise establishments is projected to grow 1.5% to 845,000 in 2026, from 832,521, with over 12,000 new franchised businesses.
Establishment growth is led by the Southwest (+2.5%) and Southeast (+1.7%), which IFA attributes to business-friendly policies, lower cost of living and population growth (IFA/FRANdata).
What this figure measures
A projected count of franchise establishments operating in the United States in 2026. The report defines franchise establishments as businesses owned and operated by franchisees, so the figure counts individual outlets, not brands or franchisor companies. Its summary table gives 845,009 units for 2026 against 832,521 estimated for 2025, and the headline rounds the projection to 845,000. The 2025 base is itself an estimate.
How it was produced
FRANdata produced the count for the International Franchise Association. According to the report, its 2025 estimates reflect observed and currently available data, and the 2026 establishment projection extrapolates those estimates while allowing for expected macroeconomic and industry-specific developments. Listed quantitative inputs include publicly available brand information, franchise disclosure documents and historical unit growth trends, alongside qualitative input from franchisors, franchisees, lenders and subject-matter experts.
What it does not tell you
The figure is a net total, so it does not show how many outlets are expected to open and how many to close. The publisher's own materials describe the change in different terms: the press release says over 12,000 new franchised businesses, while the summary sheet gives 12,479 new units. It counts establishments in the United States only, and it is a projection rather than a record of operating units.
Related statistics
Turn data into a decision
See which franchises fit your budget and country — matched, not sold.