My assumption is that fast-food chains begin as restaurants in a single location. Then, if they're successful, they expand – with or without franchising.

Honestly, I know next to nothing about running a business in the food industry. But I can help you with 1 important first step: creating your brand, choosing a name, and obtaining the matching domain.

A single-location restaurant might get by with a clunky domain or a brand name that isn't unique at a national level, as long as customers can find their building. However, if your goal is to expand beyond that 1 shop, then branding and the internet will be especially important.