Just How Much Does It Cost to Own a Fast-Food Franchise?

Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Rank: 12

Initial investment: $1,177,300 to $2,620,600

Initial franchise fee: $30,000

New units in 2016: 147 units (+2.3 percent)

Glen Bell left the Marine Corps when he was 23 years old and started selling tacos in California for 19 cents from a side window of a hot dog stand. From that humble start, Taco Bell has turned into one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. In fact, it's so popular now that the company only has a few franchise opportnuties left. Unlike a business like Dunkin' Donuts or Dairy Queen, Taco Bell isn't looking to expand in any particular area. Instead, franchise applications are as much about the investor than it is about location. 

That's not a bad thing, though, because it means your fellow franchise operators will be qualified and reliable candidates who can give you helpful advice if you ever need it.

Related: 5 Affordable Franchises You Can Start for Less Than $10,000