1851

When exploring franchise opportunities, you may notice some brands showcasing their ranking on the “<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-franchise-500-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it-2724766" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Franchise 500</a>.” This prestigious list is produced every year by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-franchise-500-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it-2724766" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur</a>, a magazine and website that publishes stories about business and entrepreneurship. Recognized as the world's first and most comprehensive franchise ranking, Franchise 500 is an invaluable resource that sheds light on the leading brands and their impact on the business community.&nbsp;The list has been a staple for over four decades, showcasing the evolving landscape of the franchise industry.&nbsp;Franchise 500 provides prospective franchisees with a diverse array of choices, ranging from traditional options (restaurants, maintenance service, gyms) to emerging categories (ax throwing, cryotherapy, cannabinoid [CBD] businesses).&nbsp;<h3>The Five Pillars of the Franchise 500</h3>To determine who makes the Franchise 500, Entrepreneur uses a comprehensive evaluation process, considering over 150 data points. The ranking is based on five key pillars, each consisting of factors that contribute to a franchise's overall standing:1. Costs and Fees<ul><li>Franchise Fee</li><li>Total Investment</li><li>Royalty Fees</li></ul>2. Support<ul><li>Training Times</li><li>Marketing Support</li><li>Operational Support</li><li>Franchisor Infrastructure</li><li>Financing Availability</li><li>Litigation</li></ul>3. Size and Growth<ul><li>Open and Operating Units</li><li>Growth Rate</li><li>Closures</li></ul>4. Brand Strength<ul><li>Social Media Presence</li><li>System Size</li><li>Years In Business</li><li>Years Franchising</li></ul>5. Financial Strength and Stability<ul><li>Franchisor's Audited Financial Statements</li></ul><h3>The Ranking Process</h3>The process of creating the Franchise 500 kicks off in July each year, as franchisors are invited to fill out an online form and submit their current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or Canadian Disclosure Document. To be eligible for ranking, a franchisor must actively seek new franchisees in the U.S. or Canada, and have a minimum of 10 open and operating units by a certain date, including at least one franchise located in North America. In 2022, a whopping 1,321 companies supplied all the required information.&nbsp;The eligibility criteria ensure that the Franchise 500 represents franchises with a substantial presence and growth potential in North America. The data collected is then meticulously analyzed, with each eligible franchisor being scored based on the predefined criteria. Those franchises with the highest cumulative scores earn a coveted spot on the list.<h3>Where To Find the Franchise 500</h3>Entrepreneurs and prospective franchisees can access the Franchise 50 list in both the print edition of Entrepreneur magazine and on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-franchise-500-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it-2724766" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Entrepreneur.com</a>. The detailed rankings provide a wealth of information, allowing individuals to make informed decisions based on the specific criteria that matter most to them.Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 is not just a ranking but a comprehensive resource that reflects the diversity of the franchise industry. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or someone exploring franchise opportunities for the first time, this list is a useful tool to navigate the vast landscape of franchising.

The Franchise 500: What It Is and Where to Find It

1851 Franchise

For leaders seeking new opportunities in the franchising world, Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” serves as an ultimate guide and benchmark. 

the-franchise-500-what-it-is-and-where-to-find-it

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service representative giving presentation

Strategic Partnerships Fuel Franchise Growth at HomeTeam Inspection Service

hometeam-inspection-service-franchise-growth-partnerships

Express Employment Professionals

What’s in the 2025 FDD? A Closer Look for Express Employment Professionals Franchise Buyers

whats-in-the-2025-fdd-a-closer-look-for-express-employment-professionals-franchise-buyers

petbar

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Why petbar Wants to Be the “Disney World for Dogs” — and a Dream Business for Franchisees

petbar-franchise-dan-ashley-o-loughlin-qa

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

Hardee’s Lawsuit Highlights the Risk of Going Off-Model in Franchising

hardees-franchise-lawsuit-paradigm-investment-group

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

The Franchise 500: What It Is and Where to Find It

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS