The franchising sector has consolidated its relevance in the Brazilian economy by achieving a historic revenue of R$ 301.7 billion in the last year. The performance represents 10.5% growth compared to the previous period and reinforces the maturity of the business model in the country. Currently, the system brings together 3,297 franchise networks and more than 202,000 units in operation, responsible for generating around 1.76 million direct jobs.
The data is part of the report released by the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF), which highlights franchising as one of the most structured and resilient segments in the Brazilian business environment. The expansion is driven by various areas of the economy, with the food sector standing out for its strong growth pace.
The Food Service – Food Service segment recorded record revenue of R$ 51.8 billion, up 10.8% year-over-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 rising demand for meals outside the home and demonstrates the operational efficiency of franchise networks.
For Ycaro Martins, a specialist in business and high-performance 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. According to him, 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 experiences for customers. Today, we see more structured networks, with governance, clear performance indicators, and models designed to scale. This transforms franchising into an intelligent 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 specialist emphasizes that expansion requires careful analysis by investors interested in entering the franchise model.
“Franchising is not 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 health, talk to active franchisees, understand the real level of support, carefully study the Franchise Offering Circular (COF), and validate if the business makes sense for their region. A strong brand does not replace fundamentals. Expansion without a solid base leads to frustration and losses. Growing is important, but growing with structure is what builds legacy,” Martins comments.
Networks Expand Presence Across the Country
The outlook for market growth has encouraged the expansion of various food sector brands. One of them is Di Blasi Pizzas, a delivery-specialized pizzeria network that already has more than 50 units in operation. The company has been expanding its national presence, arriving in the North and Northeast regions, and projects 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 network’s essence and ensure solid operations for franchisees,” states Arnaldo Di Blasi, founder and CEO of Di Blasi Pizzas.
Another example of expansion is Casa de Bolos, considered Brazil’s largest cake franchise network and a pioneer in the segment. In 2025, the company recorded 11.6% growth in operations and revenue of R$ 720 million.
The network has more than 600 stores distributed across 20 Brazilian states and serves more than 250 municipalities, with an approximate daily production of 60,000 cakes. In the 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. For 2026, the company projects revenue of R$ 800 million and plans to reach 700 stores, with special attention to regions with a strong family profile and 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 network maintains an organic growth strategy and currently has nine units.
For CEO Antônio Augusto Ribeiro de Souza, the combination of international references and Brazilian ingredients helps broaden public interest.
“The diversity of Brazilians invites the integration of national coffee with the French croissant. Thus, networks that adhere with quality to international cuisine without ignoring the best of our country gain space and respect from the public to boost franchising,” he comments.
Consumer sophistication has also increased demand for artisanal and differentiated products. An example is the gelateria Cuor di Crema, which adopts the Italian production method. Under the management of holding Antaris Foods Brands Franchising, the network currently has ten units distributed between São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Piauí, Maranhão, and Rio Grande do Sul.
In the frozen desserts segment, Açaí Concept has established itself as one of the world’s leading networks in the commercialization 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, United Arab Emirates, Spain, and Turkey.
“With completely Brazilian raw materials, açaí has enormous potential to contribute to growth, both for those working with this product and in representativeness within food service. The trend for the coming years is increasingly better,” highlights co-founder and CEO Rodrigo Melo.
Thematic and Healthy Options Gain Ground
Another trend observed in the market is the popularization of themed restaurants. Created in 1986 in Los Angeles, the Johnny Rockets burger chain, set in 1950s aesthetics, maintains its second largest store chain in the world in Brazil, behind only the American headquarters.
The brand bets on the “quick service restaurant” (QSR) model within casual dining, aimed at different public profiles.
“Themed restaurants have been gaining strength in food service. The advantage of franchising is that the franchisee already has the brand’s experience, with a clear path and guidelines on how to achieve success in the field,” states director Alan Torres.
Confectionery is also following this expansion. Created in 2014 in Bento Gonçalves (RS), Le Petit Macarons has established itself as Brazil’s first boutique specialized in the French sweet. The network brings together 28 franchises in seven states and offers more than 30 flavors on the menu.
For Roger Coelho, co-founder and director of new business for the brand, public interest in differentiated gastronomic experiences strengthens the segment.
“The modern consumer desires moments of indulgence and authenticity. This desire for ‘affordable luxury’ has consolidated Le Petit Macarons as a reference in high gastronomy in Brazilian franchising. Our expansion reflects the maturity of a model that combines technical sophistication with efficient operations, allowing us to project around 8% growth in the network by the end of this cycle,” he highlights.
Healthy Eating Advances
The search for healthier options has also boosted franchising. Founded in 2011 in Paulínia (SP), the Mr. Fit network has established itself as one of the pioneers of healthy fast food in Brazil.
The company currently has around 900 units in the country, plus operations in Portugal and Paraguay. The menu includes ultra-frozen meals, light meals, and nutritious sandwiches.
“The search for convenience combined with health is a consolidated behavior of the modern consumer. This drives our network’s strength within franchising. The goal is to reach 1,000 units by the end of the year,” highlights Camila Miglhorini, CEO and founder of Mr. Fit.
Source: brasil247.com