9. Pizza Hut Inc.
2014 position: 9
Startup costs: $297K – 2M
Pizza, pasta, and wings have been a staple on Pizza Hut’s menu since Carney brothers opened their first pizza restaurant in Wichita. Startup costs were covered by their mother, who borrowed them $600. Mama Carney’s investment gave birth to the largest pizza restaurant chain in the world. Among other things, Pizza Hut delivered pizza to International Space Station. Although the sales have been dwindling in the last few years, the company is currently trying to rebrand itself and pick up the slack, so it may be a good idea to consider buying a franchise now.
