The franchise sector consolidated its relevance in the Brazilian economy by reaching a record revenue of R$ 301.7 billion last year. This performance represents a growth of 10.5% compared to the previous period and reinforces the maturity of the business model in the country. Currently, the system comprises 3,297 franchise networks and more than 202,000 operating units, responsible for generating approximately 1.76 million direct jobs.
The data is part of a report released by the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF), which identifies franchising as one of the most structured and resilient segments of the Brazilian business environment. This expansion is driven by various sectors of the economy, notably the food sector, which maintains a strong growth rate.
The Food Service segment recorded record revenue of R$ 51.8 billion, a 10.8% increase year-on-year. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the sector totaled revenues of R$ 15.3 billion, a 9.9% increase, a result that reinforces the trend of increasing demand for meals outside the home and highlights the operational efficiency of franchised networks.
According to Ycaro Martins, a specialist in high-performance business and expansion, CEO and founder of Maxymus Expand, Brazilian franchising is experiencing a phase marked by the consolidation of professional practices and the evolution of management models. He believes the food sector has stood out in this movement.
“The food sector, in particular, has shown continuous growth, driven by increased out-of-home consumption and the ability of networks to provide attractive customer experiences. Today we see more structured networks, with governance, clear performance indicators, and models designed for scalability. This transforms franchising into a smart growth strategy, both for those who want to become entrepreneurs and for investors seeking operational assets with method and predictability,” he states.
Despite the favorable scenario, the expert emphasizes that expansion requires careful analysis on the part of investors interested in entering the franchise model.
“Franchising isn’t a fad, it’s a model. Therefore, it needs to be replicable, financially healthy, and transparent. The investor needs to thoroughly analyze the franchisor’s financial health, talk to active franchisees, understand the real level of support, carefully study the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), and validate whether the business makes sense for their region. A strong brand doesn’t replace fundamentals. Expansion without a solid base generates frustration and losses. Growth is important, but growth with structure is what builds a legacy,” comments Martins.
Networks expand their presence in the country
The market’s growth prospects have spurred the expansion of several brands in the food sector. One of them is Di Blasi Pizzas, a pizza chain specializing in delivery that already has more than 50 units in operation. The company has been expanding its national presence, reaching the North and Northeast regions, and projects a 30% growth in the number of units by the end of the year.
“Our brand’s focus is to grow responsibly and consistently to maintain the essence of the network and ensure a solid operation for franchisees,” says Arnaldo Di Blasi, founder and CEO of Di Blasi Pizzas.
Another example of expansion is Casa de Bolos, considered the largest cake franchise network in Brazil and a pioneer in the segment. In 2025, the company recorded 11.6% growth in operations and revenue of R$ 720 million.
The chain has over 600 stores distributed across 20 Brazilian states and serves more than 250 municipalities, with a daily production of approximately 60,000 cakes. Last year, 63 new units were opened in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, and Pernambuco. By 2026, the company projects revenues of R$ 800 million and plans to reach 700 stores, with special attention to regions with a strong family profile and high consumption potential, such as the Northeast.
Sophistication and diversity in food service
In the confectionery field, Boulangerie Carioca stands out by betting on a concept inspired by French pâtisseries. Founded ten years ago, the chain maintains a strategy of organic growth and currently has nine locations.
According to CEO Antônio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza, the combination of international references and Brazilian ingredients helps to broaden public interest.
“The diversity of Brazilian cuisine invites the integration of national coffee with French croissants. Thus, chains that embrace quality international cuisine without ignoring the best of our country gain space and respect among the public, boosting franchising,” he comments.
Consumer sophistication has also increased the demand for artisanal and differentiated products. One example is the Cuor di Crema gelateria, which uses an Italian production method. Managed by the holding company Antaris Foods Brands Franchising, the chain currently has ten units distributed across São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Piauí, Maranhão, and Rio Grande do Sul.
In the frozen dessert segment, Açaí Concept has established itself as one of the leading global networks for the sale of açaí and tropical creams. Founded in 2014, the brand is present in 18 Brazilian states and also operates in countries such as the United States, Ecuador, Switzerland, Chile, Canada, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Turkey.
“With raw materials sourced entirely from Brazil, açaí has enormous potential to contribute to growth, both for those who work with this product and in terms of its representation within the food service industry. The trend is for increasingly better years to come,” emphasizes founding partner and CEO Rodrigo Melo.
Themed and healthy options are gaining ground
Another trend observed in the market is the popularization of themed restaurants. Created in 1986 in Los Angeles, the Johnny Rockets hamburger chain, with its 1950s aesthetic, maintains its second largest chain of stores in the world in Brazil, second only to its American headquarters.
The brand is betting on the “quick service restaurant” (QSR) model within casual dining, aimed at different customer profiles.
“The themed restaurant sector has been gaining momentum in the food service industry. The advantage of franchising is that the franchisee already has the brand’s experience, a clear path, and guidelines on how to achieve success in the field,” says director Alan Torres.
The confectionery industry is also keeping pace with this expansion. Founded in 2014 in Bento Gonçalves (RS), Le Petit Macarons has established itself as the first Brazilian boutique specializing in the French sweet. The chain has 28 franchises in seven states and offers more than 30 flavors on its menu.
According to Roger Coelho, founding partner and director of new business for the brand, the public’s interest in differentiated gastronomic experiences strengthens the segment.
“The modern consumer desires moments of indulgence and authenticity. This desire for ‘accessible luxury’ has consolidated Le Petit Macarons as a benchmark of high gastronomy in Brazilian franchising. Our expansion reflects the maturity of a model that combines technical sophistication with efficient operation, allowing us to project growth of approximately 8% in the network by the end of this cycle,” he emphasizes.
Healthy eating is advancing
The search for healthier options has also boosted franchising. The Mr. Fit chain, founded in 2011 in Paulínia (SP), has established itself as one of the pioneers of healthy fast food in Brazil.
The company currently has around 900 locations in the country, in addition to operations in Portugal and Paraguay. The menu includes frozen ready-made meals, light meals, and nutritious sandwiches.
“The search for practicality combined with health is a consolidated behavior of the modern consumer. This drives the strength of our network within franchising. The goal is to reach 1000 units by the end of the year,” highlights Camila Miglhorini, CEO and founder of Mr. Fit.
Source: brasil247.com