AllBusiness AllStar Franchises

Subway's size (it ranked first in system size) is a key factor in its #1 position on our AllBusiness AllStar list. The company's high profile also helped it rank #8 in Web visibility, a measure of brand awareness. Subway's impactful marketing and advertising positions it...

Dunkin' Donuts comes in at an impressive #2 on our AllBusiness AllStar list, thanks mostly to its high scores across many categories. The company came in at #10 for longevity, #12 for system size, #27 for growth, and #37 for Web visibility, a good measure...

With 60 years in business, Choice Hotels is ranked #2 overall in our ranking for longevity, as well as #2 in Web visibility (a measure of brand awareness). Since travelers generally make reservations online, Web visibility is a key factor for a hotel's success. Choice...

Convenience store franchise 7-Eleven ranks high in several categories in our ranking, but most notably in growth, where it ranked #2 overall. A two-pronged strategy -- to convert 7-Eleven's company-owned and –operated stores to franchises, and to attract existing convenience store operators as franchisees --...

While fitness fads come and go, dance fitness franchise Jazzercise has kept going strong since the company was founded nearly 40 years ago. The company's strength is reflected in its rankings. With steady increases in the number of franchises for the past three years, the...

With over 12,000 franchises worldwide, Jani-King's impressive ranking of #3 in system size helped propel it to its spot near the top of our list. International expansion is a strong focus for the commercial cleaning service, which has more than 2,000 franchises overseas. The company...

Men love sports, beer, and buffalo wings, but it's not this alone that has propelled Buffalo Wild Wings to its top spot in our ranking. Founded in 1982 as a college-oriented sandwich and wing eatery, the company brought Sally Smith on board as CFO in...

Hampton Inn franchisees are benefiting from the midpriced hotels' appeal to business travel buyers who are looking for more cost-effective places to stay. Although the overall hotel industry does face challenges from a tough economy, the midpriced-tier category is well positioned to compete. To appeal...

Smoothie King is profiting from Americans' growing commitment to physical health. The company added 70 stores last year, giving it a strong ranking of #51 in growth and #83 in system size. Part of Smoothie King's strength is the care with which it selects its...

Denny's well-known name is a key factor in its ranking. The company is #23 on our list in terms of longevity; it's been in business since 1953 and franchising for 46 years. But the familiar family restaurants are making some big changes: In 2005, more...

Ranking high in our list for both longevity (#39) and system size (#54), Long John Silver's is part of a strong family: Parent company Yum! Brands also owns A&W;, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Yum recently restructured its U.S. business to create growth opportunities...

When people think franchising, they think McDonald's. Ranked #2 in system size, #5 in Web visibility, and #15 in longevity in our list of AllBusiness AllStars, the hamburger chain has perhaps the most powerful brand in the industry. Described by its CEO as "recession-resistant," McDonald's...

Vanguard Cleaning Systems has more than 1,300 franchisees and has shown strong and consistent growth, adding more than 200 franchise units each year for the past 3 years. In September 2008 the commercial cleaning franchise opened a second regional office in Canada and continues its...

Although hotels in general face challenges from the weak economy, the La Quinta brand is well positioned to weather the storm. Its mid-market La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inns & Suites are likely to attract both business and leisure travelers looking to cut their...

With 48 years in business, Hardee's has earned a rank of 24 in longevity overall. But a decade ago, the hamburger chain was what one industry analyst called "a broken brand." When quick-serve giant CKE Restaurants Inc. (parent of Carl's Jr.) bought the struggling chain...

Parent company Wyndham Hotels Group is a solid company that owns several hotel franchises. Of these, Baymont Inn & Suites ranked the highest, primarily because it displays the most growth potential. Between 2006 and 2008, Baymont Inn & Suites' number of franchised locations increased by...

Founded in 1983 by then 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud, Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops have enjoyed impressive growth, propelling the sub sandwich restaurants to #16 in our growth ranking, and #72 in system size. Liautaud has been cash-conscious from day one, when he founded his...

Liberty is the fastest-growing retail income tax preparation firm, so its high AllBusiness AllStar rank should not come as a surprise. With currently over 3,200 locations, the company has grown by a remarkable 1,800 units since 2005. Some of this steady growth could be attributed...

As the fallout from the nation's housing crash continues, it's no wonder United Country Auction Services, a division of United Country Real Estate, has experienced exceptional success in a rough economy. While selling a house through traditional means can take nine months or more, auctions...

Name familiarity goes a long way in the success of any business. Jackson Hewitt, which has been in business since 1960 and has almost 7,000 locations, is one of the most recognized names in the tax preparation service industry. Although the franchise has been hit...

Capitalizing on the concept of haircuts for men in a sports-themed environment has earned Sport Clips the distinction of being the highest-ranked and fastest-growing haircutting franchise on the AllBusiness AllStars list. Founder and CEO Gordan Logan plans to have 1,000 stores open by 2010, and...

With the recession in full swing and cutting costs on everyone's mind, luxuries such as high-priced, fancy salons may get "snip-snipped" right out of the budget. Haircuts costing $60 to $80 are hard to justify when the neighborhood family hair salon offers the same for...

In business since 1952, IHG has the strongest Web visibility in our entire AllBusiness AllStar ranking, which is an important indicator of strong brand awareness. With the recent announcement of a new company president and the relaunching of the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express...

Servpro has been building its restoration concept's name recognition since 1967, and longevity and reputation go a long way in determining a good franchise investment. With a large network of locations and a history of steady growth, Servpro is seeking expansion in all U.S. markets....

At a time when most businesses are downsizing and lowering their profit expectations, Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership bucked the trend and raised its earnings projection 2009. A leader in the lease-to-own industry, leasing major appliances, home and office furniture, and electronics, Aaron's rent-to-own retail...