Franchised businesses operated 767,483 establishments in the United States in 2001, counting both establishments owned by franchisees and those owned by franchisors: [4] 1.   Subway  (Sandwiches and Salads) |  Startup costs  $84,300 – $258,300 (22000 partners worldwide in 2004). 2.   McDonald's  |  Startup costs  in 2010, $995,900 – $1,842,700