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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. 

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Senior Care Authority

“You Are Family”: How Senior Care Authority Creates Deep, Lasting Connections

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Mosquito Hunters

Photo of Pest Hunters and Humbug Holiday Lighting teams

Mosquito Hunters Triples the Opportunity: 3-in-1 Franchise Model Fuels Growth

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Shuckin' Shack

Photo of Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar beverages

Shuckin’ Shack Looks To Expand South Carolina Presence With Growth in Florence

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United Water Restoration Group

The Importance of Quick Response in the Water Restoration Business: How United Water Restoration Group Leads the Way

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Senior Care Authority Celebrates Major Wins and Welcomes Four New Franchisees in Q1 2025

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Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

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How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

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Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

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Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

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Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

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&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

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CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

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The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

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Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

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IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

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Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

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Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

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

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