Consumer behavior has changed — and fast food is changing along with it. If previously success in the sector depended on large kitchens, extensive menus, and busy salons, today the leaders of the transformation are brands with compact operations, efficient management, and a total focus on agility and convenience.
According to the studyFoodservice Brazil 2025, conducted by the Galunion consultancy in partnership with the Qualibest Institute, 66% of Brazilians prefer brands that deliver practical, tasty, and hassle-free meals. This data reinforces a turning point in the market: the rise of what experts are already calling the "new Brazilian fast food" — a lighter, more affordable model aligned with current habits.
More than selling fast food, these franchises sell simple, well-executed, and easily replicable experiences, with a competitive average ticket and scaling potential. And they are winning over both consumers and investors.
Next, get to know four brands that are leading this movement.
Crazy about Coxinha
With a compact store format, popular average ticket, and emotional appeal, Loucos por Coxinha is an example of how a typical product can become a successful brand. The franchise offers a simplified operation, easy to replicate and with high turnover, ideal for shopping malls, street locations, and delivery. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing networks in the snack segment.
- Estimated total initial investment: starting from R$ 131,000
• Average monthly revenue: from R$ 40,000
• Return period: 12 to 30 months
Italy in the Box
Italy in the Box bet on reinventing traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on logistics and delivery. Your pasta arrives at the customer in smart packaging that preserves temperature and texture. With optimized operation and standardized menu, the brand combines comfort, flavor, and performance — three pillars of modern fast food.
- Initial Investment: R$120,000 (including franchise fee)
- Average monthly revenue: R$ 100,000
- Return time: 18 months
Tastefy
A Tastefy (formerly ATW Delivery) operates as a shared dark kitchen, where different brands — such as Number One Chicken and Brasileirinho Delivery — operate within a single structure. This allows scaling revenue per square meter, optimizing the team, and keeping costs under control. The company invests in AI, adaptable menus, and agile processes, being a reference in innovation in food service.
- Estimated total initial investment: R$299,000 (including franchise fee)
- Average monthly revenue: R$240,000
- Return period: 12 to 24 months
Polar Shake
With stores in the United States and direct control from Brazil, Polar Shake has created an outsourced management model that attracts investors interested in earning in dollars without leaving the country. The franchisor manages the operation, team, inventory, and monthly closing — the investor monitors everything remotely. The product also stands out for its aesthetics and Instagrammable appeal, targeting tourists and young adults.
- Estimated total initial investment: starting from R$ 220,000
- Average monthly revenue: from R$100,000 to R$120,000
- Return period: 24 to 30 months
