Le Macaron French Pastries

• Liquid assets required: $75,000

They're sweet, light and eye-catching. Join the trend that's spreading across the U.S. and open up your own macaron shop. In addition to the low start-up costs, you won't have to sweat the baking details, either. All baking is done by French chefs at the company's central pastries commissary.

A total net worth of just $150,000 is required to be considered for a Le Macaron franchise. The franchise fee is $45,000, and the total investment range for a traditional cafe is $146,000-$373,500. An even more affordable option is to open a cart or kiosk as part of a shopping mall. That total investment requirement tops out at $127,000.

There are currently more than 50 Le Macaron shops open across the country, and the company is actively looking to expand its footprint in California, with the goal of opening 15 new locations in the next two years.

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