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Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Franchising in the restaurant industry: sector trends in 2026

In an economic context still marked by uncertainty, franchising confirms its role as a structuring and reassuring model for entrepreneurship. It is based on a proven balance: on one side, the franchisor, holder of a tested concept, formalized know-how and operational support; on the other, the franchisee, an independent entrepreneur benefiting from a turnkey framework.

Historically a driving force in franchising, the restaurant industry remains one of the most active in terms of openings and is establishing itself more than ever as a field of opportunities, driven by innovation, the evolution of consumer habits and the ability of brands to quickly adjust their concepts.

A growing market, driven by fast food

According to the French Franchise Federation (FFF), 2,089 franchise networks were active in France in 2024, representing a 3% increase in one year. Fast food stands out clearly within this group: between 2023 and 2024, the number of fast food outlets increased by 15.3%, compared to 7.5% for themed restaurants.

In terms of revenue, fast food also shows significant growth (+16.6%), while themed restaurants are declining (-5.6%). These differences reflect the appeal of more flexible, standardized concepts that promise controlled investments.

Key trends for restaurant franchising in 2026

Fried chicken is a must

Already a staple by 2025, fried chicken is establishing itself as a cross-cutting product, appearing in a multitude of formats: gourmet burgers, bowls, street food, takeout, and delivery. Its strength lies in its culinary versatility, its perceived deliciousness, and its attractive profit margins. It is currently being championed by both established specialists and newcomers in France, such as Chicken House Burgers, Chikin Bang, and Chick Chill, who are structuring their concepts around this central product. Within this dynamic, the Crousty trend, popularized by Krousty Sabaïdi, illustrates a product's ability to become a true market marker.

Themed restaurants are being revitalized

Many new chains are investing in strong brand identities, combining clear concepts, immersive design, and distinctive storytelling. Greece, in particular, is making its mark with brands like Greekia and Gyraya. Meanwhile, several established chains are reinventing themselves by modernizing their image and customer experience, such as L’Atelier Artisan Crêpier, Club Café, and Spok. Asian cuisine also remains very dynamic, with concepts centered around ramen, poke, and fusion formats.

Halal: A strategic territorial issue

Depending on the location and catchment area, offering certified halal products is a major differentiating factor. When well integrated into the concept, it optimizes customer traffic and meets strong local expectations, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

Keys to success in restaurant franchising

Success in franchising is not limited to choosing an attractive concept. Three factors remain crucial:

• Customer experience, now inseparable from digitalization (kiosks, click & collect, delivery, loyalty).

• The location, carefully analyzed in light of traffic flows, catchment area and local uses.

• The strength of the network, in terms of support, expertise and long-term vision.

In 2025, restaurant franchising remains a powerful lever for value creation, combining a secure framework, capacity for innovation and growth potential for entrepreneurs ready to embrace a network approach.

This year, around thirty concepts will be making their debut at the show:

- All Pizza & Pasta Buffet

- Antica Focacceria San Francesco

- Big Top

- Burger King

- Chick’Chill

- Chickin Bang

- Class’Croute

- Clay Brunch

- Etienne Coffee & shop

- Exki

- Fish Delish

- Gion Duck Noodles

- La Dolce Serata

- Mamie Bigoude's counter

- The transition halls

- Cedric's Pizzas

- Kalios House

- Meatpack Steak House

- Mezzoday

- Milos Greek Food

- O’Crousti Original Chicken

- Pampa

- Pizza Viva

- Pots

- Rom’Antica

- If Ristorante

- Times Square

- Tio Bigotes

- Restoration Clover

-Yujo Ramen

Furthermore, nearly 70 well-known brands from the Franchise Expo will also be present for the 2026 edition:

- #CHB Chicken House Burger

- 3 Brewers

- Ar Preti

- Beef Platter

- At the Office

- By the Barrel and By Measure

- Bagel Corner

- Balme

- BChef

- Black and White Burger

- Bohébon

- Golden Brioche

- Buffalo Grill

- Cantine Corner

- At Mathias's

- Chicken Street

- Chopstix

- Club Café

- Crêpe Touch

- Dodo Brands

- Donuts & Donuts

- Doppio Malto

- Double

- Dunkin

- Eat Salad

Enjoy Tacos

- Faiparla

- Flam's

- French Coffee Shop

- G La Dalle

- Gang of Pizza

- Greekia

- Heiko Poké

- Hippopotamus

- Indiana Café

- Joyo

- Kurry Up

- L’Atelier Artisan Crêpier

- The Brigade

- The Coast and the Ridge

- The Croissanterie

- The Caribbean

- The Pizza Kiosk

- Le Pain Quotidien

- Fruit Paradise

- Leon

- Lucien's burgers

- Maison Pradier

- Mamatte

- Matsuri

- McDonald’s

- Mister Garden

- My Beers

- Nach!

- Nachos

- O’Tacos

- O Cargo Food Court

- Paul

- Pitaya

- Pizza Cosy

- Pizza Time

-Pokawa

- Roberta Caffè

- Rossopomodoro

- Spok

- Taster

-Toasushi

- Volfon

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