Franchise Facts Report → rankings → Food & beverage
Food & beverage franchises with the most franchisee lawsuits
15 food & beverage franchises by the number of franchisee-vs-franchisor proceedings disclosed in FDD Item 3. Every figure is read from the brand's most recent FDD — not marketing copy.
| # | Franchise | Franchisee lawsuits | Investment | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DQ® Treat | 8 | $548,700 – $1,595,350 | High |
| 2 | Shipley Do-Nuts · Item 19 ✓ | 8 | $516,512 – $855,147 | Medium |
| 3 | New York Fries | 7 | — | High |
| 4 | 7-Eleven · Item 19 ✓ | 6 | — | Medium |
| 5 | Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt · Item 19 ✓ | 6 | $72,500 – $130,000 | High |
| 6 | Cold Stone Creamery | 5 | $390,675 – $680,775 | High |
| 7 | Great Steak · Item 19 ✓ | 5 | $257,900 – $678,850 | High |
| 8 | Maui Wowi | 5 | $28,900 – $279,050 | High |
| 9 | Pinkberry · Item 19 ✓ | 5 | $303,440 – $684,050 | Medium |
| 10 | Planet Smoothie | 5 | $227,650 – $488,000 | High |
| 11 | Surf City Squeeze | 5 | $89,410 – $396,500 | High |
| 12 | Voodoo Brewing Co. · Item 19 ✓ | 5 | $466,500 – $1,875,000 | Medium |
| 13 | Sharetea | 4 | — | High |
| 14 | Freshly Go | 3 | $27,523 – $132,141 | High |
| 15 | Marble Slab Creamery · Item 19 ✓ | 3 | $354,500 – $476,650 | Medium |
Ranked from FDDs filed with state franchise registries. Figures are as disclosed by each franchisor; “best” reflects the single metric above, not an overall recommendation. Tap any brand for the full cost, earnings, litigation and benchmark breakdown, free.
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This report compiles and structures publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) data from state franchise registrations. It is not legal, financial, or investment advice, is not affiliated with or endorsed by any franchisor, and does not replace reading the full FDD or consulting a franchise attorney or accountant. All figures are as disclosed by the franchisor in its most recent registered FDD. Item 19 financial performance representations are made at the franchisor’s option and may be absent or limited.