The List Issue: The Best Big Brands Over 250 Units

It takes a lot of hard work to become one of the biggest names in the franchising industry. From domestic to international expansion initiatives, there’s a lot that goes into becoming an iconic name that’s known among consumers and aspiring business owners alike. To shine a spotlight on brands that have gone beyond the 250-unit mark milestone, 1851 Franchise rounded up 25 concepts that are paving the way in the industry and continuing to achieve impressive things.

Ace Hardware

Rooted in its belief that customer service leads to results, Ace Hardware has solidified itself as a leader in the franchising industry as a whole. The brand is known for its helpful hardware folks, enabling it to become a part of the local communities that it serves. With more than 5,033 locations worldwide, it’s still experiencing growth through store conversions and new franchisees coming on board.

Number of Locations: 5,033

Startup costs: $272,500 - $1,561,500

Anytime Fitness

It’s not a coincidence that thousands of employees and members have Anytime Fitness’ Runningman logo tattooed on their bodies. The brand has created a simple system that gets back to the basics of fitness, ultimately providing a low-cost model for franchisees and members alike. Anytime Fitness is continuing to target new domestic and international markets for growth.

Number of Locations: 3,500+

Startup costs: $114,950 - $677,800

Checkers* & Rally’s

Based in Tampa, Florida, Checkers & Rally’s is an iconic brand that’s known for its drive-thru restaurants. The chain, which offers “crazy good food,” serves top quality American menu items at an affordable price. Checkers & Rally’s restaurants are continuing to aggressively expand across the country, building on strong momentum as it nears the 1,000-unit mark.

Number of Locations: 850+

Startup costs: $96,414 - $1,501,265

Dairy Queen*

International Dairy Queen Inc. is a Minnesota-based brand that’s known for its signature frozen treats across the country. However, the legacy brand is continuing to fuel its own momentum through the expansion of the DQ Grill & Chill Concept, which serves top quality food in addition to its frozen treats.

Number of Locations: 6,755, with 1,560 being DQ Grill & Chill locations

Startup costs: $1,083,525 - $1,850,425

Denny’s

Denny’s is recognized as one of the most iconic names in both the restaurant and franchising industries. The classic American diner is looking to expand both domestically and internationally by bringing its signature menu and customer service to new communities at a rapid rate.

Number of Locations: 1,721

Startup costs: $228,000 - $2,546,075

Dunkin’ Donuts

With over 12,200 units worldwide, Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the biggest names in franchising. That brand awareness—combined with climbing demand for coffee—positions the brand as an industry leader. Dunkin’ Donuts is continuing to experience rapid growth and it's actively looking for new business partners worldwide.

Number of Locations: 12,287

Startup costs: $228,620 - $1,691,200

Great Clips*

With over 4,200 locations across the globe, Great Clips is the world’s largest salon franchise. And that impressive number is largely due to local owners—the brand’s salons in North America are all owned by franchisees. Great Clips specializes in high quality, low-cost haircuts for men, women and children, and is positioned to continue expanding as a leader in its industry.

Number of Locations: 4,200+

Startup costs: $122,500 - $233,100

JAN-PRO

Made up of a network of thousands of Master and unit franchisees, JAN-PRO serves more than 40,000 customers across the globe. The commercial cleaning franchise brand combines a unique business model with technologically advanced cleaning methods to ensure that its customers are given the best possible service, fueling its ongoing development initiatives both domestically and internationally.

Number of Locations: 8,000+

Startup costs: $3,985 - $51,105

Jimmy John’s

When Jimmy John’s first broke into the industry, it created a new type of sandwich concept. With limited inventory and a simple model, the brand was appealing to consumers and franchisees alike. Now, with over 2,700 locations, Jimmy John’s is continuing to solidify its position as a competitive force in the sandwich segment.

Number of Locations: 2,720

Startup costs: $329,500 - $557,500

Massage Envy

Through its membership-based business model and affordable prices, Massage Envy is redefining what it means to bring an in demand spa service to the masses. With more than 1,180 locations, the brand is a national name, and is now gearing up to continue expanding its footprint outside of the U.S.

Number of Locations: 1,189

Startup costs: $434,823 - $1,030,500

McAlister’s Deli

Top quality sandwiches, soups and spuds—not to mention McAlister’s Famous Sweet Tea—have differentiated the brand in the restaurant segment of the industry since 1989. By focusing on hospitality and providing customers with a positive dining experience, the brand has created a strong reputation that’s fueling its development alongside experienced, multi-unit franchisees.

Number of Locations: 380+

Startup costs: $579,000 - $1,475,500

McDonald’s

With more than 37,000 locations worldwide, McDonald’s is one of the most iconic names in franchising. The Golden Arches are recognized across the globe, with its food and fast service continuing to fuel its ongoing growth. By focusing on its staples and continuing to innovate in the industry, McDonald’s is poised for further expansion going forward.

Number of Locations: 37,011

Startup costs: $1,008,000 - $2,214,080

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is a one of a kind workout that brings personal training to a class setting. The brand’s interval training methods are always varied, ensuring that customers receive the best possible workout every time they sign up for a class. The brand’s methods are catching on among franchisees as well, fueling its rapid growth across the country.

Number of Locations: 627

Startup costs: $488,405 - $994,360

Papa Murphy’s

As the franchisor behind the largest Take ‘N’ Bake pizza concept in the U.S., Papa Murphy’s is the leader when it comes to providing customers with freshly made pizzas that can be cooked at home. With a strong presence in 39 states, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, Papa Murphy’s has solidified its position as a major player in the pizza segment.

Number of Locations: 1,500+

Startup costs: $274,620 - $499,246

Penn Station

Founded with a mission to keep things simple and stick with what works, Penn Station is experiencing rapid growth across the country. The brand only operates one company unit, enabling it to focus on its franchisees and their businesses. Penn Station also provides its franchisees with a strong support system in order to fuel its ongoing expansion initiatives.

Number of Locations: 310

Startup costs: $293,102 - $593,027

Pita Pit

Pita Pit is bringing together the health food trend with fast and friendly food service. Backed by is “Fresh Thinking” mission, the brand is continuing to open restaurants at a rapid rate. And as demand for healthier food options continues to climb, Pita Pit is positioned for continued growth on a global scale.

Number of Locations: 605

Startup costs: $211,362 - $366,453.50

Smoothie King

By creating each smoothie with a purpose, Smoothie King helps to make it simple for guests to achieve their individual health goals as part of a low-calorie diet and regular exercise routine. That’s why the brand is continuing to expand across the country—Smoothie King is capitalizing on its position as a leading brand behind the health movement.

Number of Locations: 900+

Startup costs: $188,200 - $414,050

Sport Clips*

After recognizing that there was a glaring gap in the men’s and boy’s haircut industry in the 1990’s, Sport Clips broke into the industry. The brand rapidly became a leader in its segment, expanding in communities across the country at a rapid rate. Sport Clips is backed by a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, positioning it for future growth in the months and years ahead.

Number of Locations: 1,550+

Startup costs: $158,300 - $316,500

Sylvan Learning*

With more than 750 locations across North America and 35 years of experience, Sylvan Learning is paving the way in the supplemental education segment of the franchising industry. The brand utilizes technology to separate itself from the competition, and focuses on providing STEM courses that aren’t available anywhere else. Sylvan also offers SylvanSync technology that integrates technology into the classroom to streamline its personalized education approach.

Number of Locations: 750+

Startup costs: $70,980 - $159,850

Taco Bell

As a leader in the Mexican QSR segment of the franchising industry, Taco Bell is another major brand that’s solidified its position as a competitive force. The brand’s affordable food and commitment to innovation continues to spark the interest of franchisees and consumers alike, ultimately fueling Taco Brand’s growth going forward.

Number of Locations: 6,686

Startup costs: $525,100 - $2,622,400

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*

With more than 380 locations and 2,900 trucks, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the largest franchised moving concept in the country. The Michigan-based brand is growing in a wide variety of markets thanks to its new Mini-Market model and Long Distance Moving solution. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is working with its franchisees to continue expanding in new markets at a rapid rate.

Number of Locations: 380+

Startup costs: $178,000 - $590,500

uBreakiFix

uBreakiFix is one of the fastest growing tech startups in the franchising industry. Known for its ability to repair all types of electronic devices, the brand is known for its ability to be efficient and successful with its business model. uBreakiFix is building momentum outside of the U.S. as it continues to target domestic markets for growth.

Number of Locations: 325

Startup costs: $60,400 - $220,850

Which Wich

Founded in Dallas in 2003, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches is known for its customizable sandwiches, creative ordering system and personalized sandwich bag. The brand is constantly working to innovate in the sandwich space, ensuring that it can continue to expand on a national level.

Number of Locations: 431

Startup costs: $199,500 - $488,750

Wild Birds Unlimited*

Wild Birds Unlimited is rooted in its mission to bring people and nature together. The brand—which is made up of hundreds of franchisees who share a passion for backyard bird feeding and watching—is rapidly expanding in communities across the country. Wild Birds Unlimited also boasts a strong support system, simple business model and low initial investment, making its system accessible to a wide variety of potential owners.

Number of Locations: 300

Startup costs: $125,978 - $199,172

Wireless Zone

What was originally founded as “The Car Phone Store” in 1988 is now the nation’s largest wireless retail franchise. With its exclusive offering of Verizon Wireless products, the brand has established a system that’s successful for both single and multi-unit owners.

Number of Locations: 370+

Startup costs: $142,500 - $328,500