AllBusiness AllStar Franchises

By the time you read this, Subway is likely the world’s largest franchise system. The sandwich shop franchisor’s size, which translates to an outstanding brand awareness rank of #2, is a key reason it ranked as our #1 AllStar for the second year in a...

Growth was a major factor moving Liberty Tax Service to #2 on our AllStar list. The company’s growth ranking went from #18 to #6, and its financial strength ranked #40. Liberty Tax Services has taken advantage of the real estate glut to negotiate good locations...

Jazzercise ranked #3 overall in our AllStar list — impressive in itself, but even more so because it’s the second year in a row this dance fitness franchise has been in our top 5. In 2009, Jazzercise reported its most successful fiscal year ever, with...

Despite the recession’s impact on the restaurant industry, Jimmy John’s has thrived during hard times, moving up to #4 overall on our AllStar ranking. The company added 100 franchises last year, earning a growth ranking of #22. Sandwich shops in general have benefited as people...

Our highest-ranked fast-food restaurant, Jack in the Box has embarked on a refranchising program that contributed to its high growth rank (#9). In business since 1951 and franchising since 1982, the company has strong longevity (#62) and brand awareness (#34); it also ranked #33 in...

Vanguard Cleaning’s master franchise program, implemented in 2003, has contributed to its consistently high growth ranking (#9 in growth this year, and #15 last year). The company continues aggressive expansion outside the U.S., almost doubling its number of foreign units in 2009. The commercial cleaning...

Despite a down economy and a dismal year for food-service franchising, Smoothie King expanded in 2009, ranking #40 in growth (up from #51 last year). A worldwide demand for healthy, fast, functional food is helping drive Smoothie King’s success, as is a growing trend toward...

Choice Hotels experienced strong growth in 2009, moving from a growth ranking of #67 last year to #39. The company also boasts standout longevity (#2), Web visibility (#4) and brand awareness (#14). Choice moved down slightly on our AllStar list this year because its financial...

In a tough economy while many franchises were losing units and suffering financially, Servpro bucked the trend through its steady franchise growth. The company’s growth ranking rose from #179 last year to #131 this year, and its financial strength ranking increased to an impressive #21....

Hampton Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites has been a top 10 AllStar for two years in a row. The hotel chain has displayed consistently high growth since 2005, adding more than 100 new hotels in 2009. As a mid-priced hotel Hampton Inn attracted value-minded travelers during...

Although consumers are cutting back on dining out, McDonald’s was still able to grow profits in 2009. The company’s value meals helped boost sales at its franchises, as did adding innovative new menu items like the Angus burger. McDonald’s is a franchise icon. It’s the...

While many franchises had slower growth in 2009, Kumon North America bucked the trend. Its growth ranking shot from #242 to #102, and its financial strength still ranks high at #34. Several factors contributed to Kumon’s growth. It’s a low-investment business (although franchisees must have...

In its debut on our AllStars list, the gas station and convenience store franchise makes a good showing in multiple categories. The company has been franchising for more than 30 years, giving it a longevity ranking of #80; it boasts a well-known brand name, and...

While many other franchise systems saw unit growth decline, Motel 6’s growth ranking went from #105 to an even more respectable #64. The company still ranks high in financial strength (#28) because it anticipated the recession and cut operating costs before the economy went south....

Buffalo Wild Wings’ steady growth (and strong customer loyalty) has helped it maintain its spot near the top of our AllStar list. For the most part, this company has escaped the effects of the recession — possibly because most of its locations are in the...

Although 7-Eleven slowed down its conversion of company-owned units to franchise units (resulting in a decrease in its growth ranking), the convenience chain still boasts a long history and well-known name (ranking #12 in longevity and #5 in brand awareness). In July 2009, 7-Eleven launched...

The recession has been good to Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership. Already in our top 25 on last year’s ranking, this year the rent-to-own company moved even higher on our AllStar list. Aaron’s growth ranking rose from #118 to #56 this year, and as the...

Sharing a parent company with Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s has locations primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. The company completed a successful two-year refranchising program in 2009 and ranks fairly high in longevity (#23), brand awareness (#41), growth (#60), and Web visibility (#63). Hardee’s is going...

With over 13,000 franchises worldwide — an increase of more than 1,000 in the last year — Jani-King continues to dominate in growth and brand awareness rankings, coming in at #5 and #4, respectively, in these categories. The commercial cleaning franchise has been in business...

This discount hair salon franchise is profiting from the shaky economy. Great Clips remained near the top of our AllStar list again this year, thanks to continued growth (it ranked #95 in this category). In fact, the family-run company has its sights set on system-wide...

Denny’s is continuing the Franchise Growth Initiative program of converting company-owned restaurants to franchises that it began in 2005. Overall, its rankings were similar to last year’s, but its financial strength ranking declined from #98 last year to #166. Still, the company boasts strong longevity...

La Quinta’s strong growth (#37, up from #44 last year) is a primary factor in both its relatively high ranking overall, and its receiving the fourth highest overall ranking for all hotels in our listing. However, the growth was tempered by a drop in the...

For the second year in a row, Snap Fitness ranked #1 among all our AllStars in the growth category. The company is benefiting from international expansion, and in 2009, ranked in the top 20 of the Inc. 500, a ranking of the nation’s 500 fastest-growing...

Pizza Hut has faced challenges this year as cash-strapped consumers turn to less-expensive frozen pizza. In late 2009 its largest franchisee, NPC International Inc., concerned about slumping sales, urged the franchisor to find a new brand strategy. Parent company Yum! Brands is actively seeking ways...

Even with the economy struggling to get back on its feet, Bonus Building Care continued to expand in 2009. The minimal investment required makes it an attractive way for entrepreneurs to get into the commercial cleaning business, and the franchises can also be run on...