The best franchise will be different from investor to investor. You are far more likely to be successful with a franchise that interests you. There is no replacement for passionate business ownership when it comes to future performance. Investors who choose something they enjoy or have preexisting skills/knowledge in will be on the best path for finding the best franchise for them. Historically speaking, fast food restaurants remain one of the safest bets when investing in a franchise.  Sticking with a name brand is often the best route for any entrepreneur, a thought backed up by the continued presences of such concepts at the top of most franchise “Best Of” lists. The top four franchises and eleven out of the top twenty from Entrepreneur’s 2020 Franchise 500 list are in the fast-food industry. Convenience stores rank high, too, as well as service businesses like gyms and tutoring centers. These businesses benefit from name recognition, high-demand offerings, and well-established business systems with plenty of franchisee support. But they also generally require significant upfront investments as well as involved real estate arrangements. For some people, the best franchise to start in 2023 is one that requires a smaller investment and less upfront work to start. Service businesses that do not require a physical location are significantly easier to open.