2014 Top 200 - Franchise Times

®

28 October 2014

Top 200 Overview

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: The big-gest franchisees are adding a lot of units in international markets.

This has been true for years. The percent-age of locations outside the United States has increased every year we have published our annual Franchise Times Top 200 (plus 300) ranking of the country’s largest franchise sys-tems.

But that development appears to have accel-erated. The number of international locations operated or franchised by companies on the Franchise Times Top 200 grew by 10.3 percent in 2013. By comparison, domestic growth was just 1.3 percent.

Let’s put it another way: The largest fran-chise systems added four locations in a foreign market for every unit they added stateside in 2013.

The average franchise system now has 36.3 percent of its locations outside of the United States, nearly two full percentage points higher than 2012, when that number was 34.4 percent. When we first published the ranking in 2000, that percentage was 27 percent.

The international growth helped companies on the Top 200 to what we’d call an average year in 2013. The added units outside the U.S. offset a lackluster domestic economy. Many of the companies at the top of the ranking strug-gled to grow sales stateside, so the international units picked up the slack.

Companies on the ranking reported $590 billion in sales last year, up 4 percent from the year before, when they earned an adjusted

$567 billion. That’s about the rate of retail sales growth.

Our rankings measure franchise perfor-mance based on total worldwide system sales. That gives systems credit for how much they sell, rather than simply how many units they build. On a unit basis, for example, McDonald’s would only be the third largest franchise after 7-Eleven and Subway. But the chain’s unit vol-umes, combined with that presence, make it a worldwide behemoth.

International development is simply a sign of the times. The United States is saturated with industries in which many com-panies franchise, like restaurants and retailers and hotels. And the domestic market is f lush with small, aggressive competitors that are quickly grabbing market share. It only makes sense these chains would look to other coun-tries in an effort to grow their business.

Itchy for growthPerhaps one reason for the increased interna-

tional development is the growing ownership of franchises by private equity groups. These investment groups are itchy for growth and have to sell within a few years, putting pres-sure on the companies to add units.

For the first time this year, we asked fran-chises submitting information whether they were owned by a private equity group. We sup-plemented these results with our own research.

According to the survey, 71 of the companies on the Franchise Times Top 200 are owned by private equity. That’s a sizable percentage, espe-cially considering most of the rest are publicly traded brands. It means that either an invest-ment group or shareholders own companies on the Top 200.

Interestingly, private equity ownership is more likely among the smaller franchises, the companies that make up the next 300 systems

on the ranking. Private equity owns 225 of the 500 companies. So more than 50 percent of the 300 smaller companies not on the Top 200 have private equity ownership. There is much less public ownership among those brands, and many franchises are sold to private equity groups or other investors as they reach a certain stage in their growth.

Private equity groups love franchising. The business model enables brands to grow fast, because they place the onus of financing new

units on a bunch of small com-panies (franchisees) rather than a single company. Because franchi-sees are funding their new units either through debt or their own cash, franchise systems have low capital requirements and thus are generally more profitable.

Companies have thus been more likely to franchise locations over the years. In 1999, compa-

nies on average franchised 79 percent of their units. Companies on this year’s ranking fran-chised 85 percent of their locations.

But international development has been the biggest change over the years.

Consider Louisville, Kentucky-based KFC, the third largest franchise system on our rank-ing. In 2013, the chicken chain increased its total unit count by about 700 restaurants. Yet while its international presence grew by more than 800 units, the number of U.S. restaurants fell by 127.

Another example is Burger King. Last year, the Miami-based burger chain, ranked fifth on our list, lost 28 units in the United States. But the company’s majority owners, the Brazilian private equity group 3G Capital, has been pushing overseas development. Last year, Burger King added nearly 700 international locations—12 percent unit growth. The chain has added 1,500 international units in just two years.

This makes the company’s pending acquisi-

World ViewBiggest franchise systems find growth opps around the globeHere’s a whopping number: $590 billion in total sales, the tab achieved by the 200 largest franchise systems on our annual ranking. Much of that increase came from abroad, and offset a lackluster domestic scene.

Articles by Jonathan Maze

Research by Matt Haskin, Nick Sommers and Abbi Nawrocki

October 2014 29

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop 200 Overview

tion of the donut chain Tim Hortons (No. 18) all the more interesting. Tim’s, being Canadian, is already mostly outside of the U.S. But only 38 of that chain’s nearly 4,500 units are outside of the U.S. and Canada. You can bet that num-ber will change quickly with 3G ownership.

Rearranging franchisesThere was very little change among the

top franchises. The top seven, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, KFC, Subway, Burger King, Hertz and Ace Hardware remained unchanged this year. Circle K and Pizza Hut switched spots to No. 8 and No. 9, respectively, but there were no newcomers to either the Top 10 and the Top 25.

And once again, the ranking was top heavy. On their own, McDonald’s and 7-Eleven represented 16.5 percent of all sales in the Top 200. The top 10 franchises, meanwhile, represent nearly half of the total sales for the 200—$292.6 billion overall.

But that’s actually been falling. In 2011, the Top 10 accounted for 50.2 per-cent of overall sales, and last year that fell to 49.9 percent. Slowly but surely, the smaller franchises, at least among the ones on this ranking, have been gaining ground.

NewcomersThis year’s ranking has

12 newcomers, a somewhat higher-than-usual number. That includes Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, a franchise that emerged in recent years and submitted its numbers for the first time this year. It debuts at No. 87.

Another one is Eye Level Learning Centers, which makes an appearance at No. 100. Eye Level is a Korean education franchise that only recently became eligible for our rankings with its growth in the U.S.

To be eligible for the Top 200, a franchise must have a sizable presence in the U.S. And franchisees must own at least 15 percent of the sys-tem’s units. Information for the ranking is compiled using companies’ own submissions as well as publicly available

data from the SEC and franchises’ franchise disclosure documents. (For details on our methodology, see page 64.)

We did have some dropouts this year. Realogy, which owns real estate franchises Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Sotheby’s and ERA, refused to provide the individual brands’ information this year. Real estate franchises’ numbers are estimated using a formula, and we did not feel comfortable estimating the brands’

sales without access to the brands’ data.As a result of the loss of those brands, we

adjusted prior years’ numbers to eliminate those brands so we could more accurately com-pare this year’s ranking with last year’s.

Research for next year’s ranking begins in April. If your system would like to submit information for

the first time, or if the contact person changes for established participants, contact Abbi Nawrocki,

[email protected].

©2014 Carl’s Jr. Restaurants LLC. ©2014 Hardee’s Restaurants LLC. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to sell a franchise.

866-253-7655 CKEFRANCHISE.COM

DUAL-BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES WITH RED BURRITO® OR GREEN BURRITO®

BROADEN MENU APPEAL

RANKED AMONG THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND BEST-TASTING IN THE BURGER BUSINESS

CONSISTENT TRACK RECORD OFAUV SALES GROWTH AND SOLID

UNIT ECONOMICS

October 2014 31

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales

Top 200 Franchise Chains

2014 Rank

2013 Rank Franchise Concept

Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

1 1 McDonald’s 89,126 14,278 21,151 35,429 81% 0.9% 2.8%

2 2 7-Eleven 84,475 8,160 45,696 53,856 77% -0.4% 8.6%

3 3 KFC 23,250* 4,491 14,384 18,875 73% 2.0% 3.7%

4 4 Subway 18,800 26,690 15,606 42,296 100% 3.9% 10.4%

5 5 Burger King 16,301 7,155 6,512 13,667 100% 2.9% 5.2%

6 6 Hertz 14,172* 9,055 2,500 11,555 34% 2.7% 9.0%

7 7 Ace Hardware 13,037 4,171 658 4,829 98% 4.3% 2.5%

8 9 Circle K 12,001 3,637 4,603 8,240 61% 12.4% 6.3%

9 8 Pizza Hut 12,000* 7,846 7,121 14,967 87% 3.4% 4.2%

10 10 Wendy’s 9,400* 5,791 766 6,557 82% 1.6% 0.0%

11 11 Marriott Hotels & Resorts 8,875* 344 215 559 41% 2.6% 0.2%

12 14 RE/MAX 8,578* 3,360 3,121 6,481 100% 15.6% 2.4%

13 12 Taco Bell 8,100 6,590 279 6,869 87% 3.8% 0.9%

14 15 Domino’s Pizza 8,000 4,986 5,900 10,886 96% 8.1% 6.2%

15 13 Hilton Hotels & Resorts 8,000* 239 315 554 40% 5.3% 0.4%

16 17 Dunkin’ Donuts 7,400 7,677 3,181 10,858 100% 7.2% 3.6%

17 16 Health Mart 7,250* 3,281 0 3,281 100% 3.6% 6.0%

18 18 Tim Hortons 6,767 859 3,626 4,485 100% 4.5% 5.2%

Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate

Still the one McDonald’s has struggled

of late, but it remains the largest franchise in the world, a spot it has held every year we have printed the ranking, dating back to 2000. Its throne has come under growing threat from No. 2, 7-Eleven. Still, it is by far the biggest restaurant chain in the world. To put this size into context, it is larger than KFC, Subway and Burger King combined and you could toss in a Dunkin’ Donuts for good measure.

Try, try again Glen Bell not only founded

No. 13 Taco Bell, he made Mexican food much more accessible by inventing the pre-formed taco shell. Yet Taco Bell wasn’t Bell’s first concept. Bell started a hot dog stand after he returned home from World War II, sold it and started another and began selling tacos. That worked out so well he started Taco Tias in the 1950s. He sold those and opened another concept, El Tacos. He finally hit the big time in 1962 when he opened Taco Bell.

© 2014 7-Eleven, Inc. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made in applicable states with authorized documentation. 7-Eleven Inc., One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St., Suite 1000, Dallas, Texas 75201

We’re excited about our #2 ranking. But when you join our team, we can push for #1! Find out just how easy it is to franchise with 7-Eleven at Franchise.7-Eleven.com.

32 October 2014

Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

19 19 Hyatt 6,250* 398 123 521 36% 9.6% 9.7%

20 20 Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts 5,725* 786 430 1,216 100% 2.7% -2.5%

21 21 Sheraton 5,550* 238 194 432 48% 6.7% 0.5%

22 22 Hampton Inn & Suites 5,350* 1,871 92 1,963 97% 9.2% 2.3%

23 23 Holiday Inn Express 5,100* 1,985 273 2,258 100% 10.9% 3.0%

24 24 Chick-fil-A 5,000 1,775 0 1,775 100% 8.7% 5.3%

25 25 Applebee’s 4,515* 1,861 150 2,011 99% 0.3% -1.1%

26 29 Courtyard 4,325* 836 117 953 65% 8.1% 2.6%

27 31 Panera Bread 4,284 1,765 12 1,777 51% 11.0% 7.6%

28 36 Keller Williams Realty 4,214 660 38 698 100% 30.2% 5.3%

29 27 H&R Block 4,175* 10,718 1,549 12,267 49% 2.2% -2.8%

30 30 Chili’s 4,025 1,266 291 1,557 46% 1.2% 1.4%

31 32 Sonic, America’s Drive-In 3,886 3,517 0 3,517 89% 1.3% -0.7%

32 34 Dairy Queen 3,800 4,538 1,917 6,455 100% 8.6% 4.0%

33 33 Comfort Inn & Suites 3,750* 1,891 537 2,428 100% 0.7% -2.8%

34 35 Westin 3,525* 133 65 198 42% 3.7% 3.1%

35 37 Aaron’s 3,246 2,086 50 2,136 37% 3.6% 3.1%

36 40 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts 3,175* 176 215 391 100% 6.7% -0.3%

37 42 Radisson Hotels 3,150* 93 337 430 50% 8.6% 0.9%


The few, the proud How difficult is it to

become a Chick-fil-A franchisee? Franchisees need just $5,000 to open a Chick-fil-A, as the company handles all of the opening costs. But pre-approval is rigorous. The company gets 20,000 franchise inquiries a year and just 75 or 80 of them become franchisees.That’s a 0.4 percent chance of success, which is roughly the chance you have of getting your application accepted at Google.

24.2 million The tax preparer isn’t

going the way of the video rental store or the bookshop. Last year, H&R Block did 24.2 million tax returns. But only 7.6 million of those returns came through the company’s digital channels. And overall, 60 percent of tax filers use someone to prepare their taxes. They’re just much less likely to use a pen and paper to do so.

www.bigofranchise.com877-890-5874

Ready for the Big Leagues?You have what it takes to be successful, and Big O Tires has the industry-leading knowledge and resources to help get you there. Enjoy the freedom of operating your business independently while leveraging the support, resources and established brand recognition of a multi-million dollar network.

• More than 50 years of experience in the tire & automotive service industries • Proven business expertise and strategy designed to exceed customer needs • Premium buying power of hundreds of locations • Nationally-recognized franchise networking

Thisadvertisementdoesnotconstituteanofferofafranchise.Afranchiseofferingcanbemadebyusonlyinastateifwearefirstregistered,excluded,exemptedorotherwisequalifiedtoofferfranchisesinthatstate,andonlyifweprovideyouwithanappropriatefranchisedisclosuredocument.Franchisesarenotavailableinallstates.

October 2014 33

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

38 41 GNC 3,125* 4,182 2,196 6,378 48% 7.8% 6.9%

39 39 Arby’s 3,114 3,269 135 3,404 72% 4.1% -2.2%

40 38 Jack In the Box 3,109 2,251 0 2,251 79% 0.8% 0.0%

41 43 Papa John’s 3,023 3,286 1,142 4,428 84% 6.2% 6.4%

42 44 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2,950* 51 127 178 97% 5.4% 4.7%

43 47 IHOP Restaurant 2,826* 1,564 56 1,620 99% 4.9% 2.5%

44 50 Buffalo Wild Wings 2,805 978 15 993 56% 13.4% 11.4%

45 45 HomeServices/ Prudential Real Estate 2,760* 1,272 0 1,272 100% 1.0% -9.1%

46 46 T.G.I. Fridays 2,700 525 390 915 63% 1.4% 0.4%

47 49 Residence Inn 2,700* 629 24 653 80% 8.0% 4.5%

48 57 Doubletree by Hilton 2,600* 283 104 387 77% 15.6% 9.0%

49 48 Denny’s 2,510 1,599 101 1,700 90% 0.4% 0.7%

50 51 Express Employment Professionals 2,500 659 50 709 100% 8.7% 12.4%

51 53 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 2,400 1,769 456 2,225 98% 9.6% 8.1%

52 55 Little Caesars 2,275* 3,888 18 3,906 86% 5.3% 6.3%

53 54 Hardee’s 2,261 1,721 274 1,995 77% 3.6% 2.6%

54 56 Hilton Garden Inn 2,250* 532 66 598 94% 9.8% 4.4%

55 52 Renaissance 2,200* 74 77 151 42% 0.0% -2.6%

56 58 Embassy Suites 2,050* 210 8 218 74% 5.1% 2.3%



Now that’s genius Finally, somebody added

bacon to waffles. No. 43 IHOP recently came out with a new Waffullicious Waffles line that isn’t what we’d quite call health food. One of the versions has “gooey cheddar and hickory-smoked bacon,” for those consumers too lazy to eat bacon in addition to the waffle. And for those with a sweet tooth, IHOP has the

“Very Blueberry Cheesecake” waffle that’s stuffed with cheesecake and blueberries.

A $300 breakfast Visitors to New York City’s

latest hot spot in late August were treated to breakfast topped off with bottles of Dom Perignon. The hot spot? Denny’s. The Spartanburg, South Carolina-based chain opened its first ever Manhattan location in August in the city’s financial district. To celebrate the opening, the company offered $300 breakfasts pairing the chain’s traditional Grand Slam with Champagne.

34 October 2014

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

57 61 ServiceMaster Clean 2,044 3,092 1,872 4,964 100% 10.7% 1.1%

58 60 The UPS Store 1,950* 4,412 365 4,777 100% 5.4% 0.8%

59 65 Quality Inn & Suites 1,925* 1,223 372 1,595 100% 13.2% 5.1%

60 59 Baskin-Robbins 1,900 2,467 4,833 7,300 100% 0.4% 4.6%

61 63 Ramada 1,800* 431 403 834 100% 4.3% -1.9%

62 66 Disaster Kleenup International 1,800 427 66 493 100% 5.9% 7.6%

63 62 Golden Corral 1,795 502 0 502 75% 0.6% 2.9%

64 67 Carl’s Jr. 1,757 1,137 298 1,435 51% 6.5% 4.8%

65 64 Days Inn 1,700* 1,585 232 1,817 100% 0.0% -0.5%

66 70 Whataburger 1,588 758 0 758 16% 7.6% 2.4%

67 71 Super 8 1,575* 1,724 667 2,391 100% 7.9% 3.3%

68 73 Fairfield Inn 1,550* 691 17 708 99% 12.7% 2.5%

69 68 La Quinta Inn & Suites 1,525* 827 7 834 57% 3.4% -0.4%

70 69 Midas 1,500* 1,167 980 2,147 100% -0.3% -2.1%

71 72 Jiffy Lube 1,492 1,955 143 2,098 100% 3.1% 0.4%

72 77 Jimmy John’s 1,467 1,802 0 1,802 98% 16.2% 15.5%

73 78 SERVPRO 1,394 1,641 0 1,641 100% 10.5% 0.9%

74 74 Red Robin 1,367* 477 18 495 27% 2.8% 4.9%

75 76 Snap-On Tools 1,358 3,423 1,348 4,771 95% 6.8% 0.7%



An obvious answer Having a tough day?

Start thinking of ice cream. At least that’s according to No. 60 Baskin-Robbins, which recently worked with a behavioral food expert to link behavioral traits and food. Their survey found the thought of ice cream put 72 percent of people in a happy mood, even if they are preoccupied or stressed. And the flavor that makes people the happiest? You guessed it, chocolate.

Make it snappy Kenosha, Wisconsin-

based Snap-On Tools, No. 75, got its start back in 1920, when Joseph Johnson and William Seidermann formed the Snap-On Wrench Co. It marketed a revolutionary new socket that would snap on to five interchangeable handles. They then took their tools directly to business customers to show them how the tools would work. The concept evolved into fully stocked vans and what would become the Snap-On franchise.

Midas is a globally recognized leader in the tire and automotive service industry for nearly 60 years. We are looking for motivated people to become part of our Midas franchise family! Build your long term success with a brand name customers know and trust.

• Powerful local and national marketing •Accesstonationalfleetaccountstohelpyourbusinessgrow • Ongoing training and support

• Excellent point of sale and shop management systems

Your Golden Opportunity

midasfranchise.com800-365-0007

Thisadvertisementdoesnotconstituteanofferofafranchise.Afranchiseofferingcanbemadebyusonlyinastateifwearefirstregistered,excluded,exemptedorotherwisequalifiedtoofferfranchisesinthatstate,andonlyifweprovideyouwithanappropriatefranchisedisclosuredocument.Franchisesmaynotbeavailableinallstates.

October 2014 35


2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

76 75 Church’s Chicken 1,225 1,204 476 1,680 85% 1.5% 1.4%

77 80 Five Guys 1,209 1,120 61 1,181 73% 6.8% 2.7%

78 83 Home Instead Senior Care 1,118 638 373 1,011 100% 9.7% 5.4%

79 88 Massage Envy Spa 1,100 941 0 941 100% 14.6% 11.4%

80 81 ampm 1,083 966 0 966 100% 3.1% 0.7%

81 86 Zaxby’s 1,073 596 0 596 83% 9.5% 5.5%

82 82 Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar 1,067 40 380 420 99% 3.1% 7.1%

83 84 Krispy Kreme 1,060 254 574 828 89% 6.8% 10.7%

84 90 Motel 6 1,050* 1,059 0 1,059 53% 10.5% 1.1%

85 87 Homewood Suites 1,025* 329 16 345 89% 6.8% 6.2%

86 91 Great Clips 1,021 3,409 111 3,520 100% 8.8% 7.1%

87 NEW Sears Home Appliance Showrooms 1,001 330 0 330 63% 1.9% 7.1%

88 85 Hooters 1,000 344 72 416 55% 1.0% -0.2%

89 93 Springhill Suites 1,000* 306 2 308 91% 17.6% 3.0%

90 92 Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits 925 574 3 577 61% 6.8% 7.2%

91 95 Culver’s 906 495 0 495 98% 8.0% 4.9%

92 102 Interim HealthCare 900 337 191 528 100% 19.8% 60.5%

93 97 Steak ‘n Shake 900* 518 1 519 20% 5.3% 4.4%

94 109 Planet Fitness 891 749 0 749 94% 27.7% 23.6%



Shaking things up For years and years, Five

Guys Burgers & Fries resisted the temptation to add shakes to its menu, preferring to keep its concept super simple. But that’s changing, as the company’s once-rapid growth has slowed of late. Five Guys is testing milkshakes, which apparently have a vanilla shake base and can be customized, like its burgers, with peanut butter, coffee, Double Stuf Oreos, salted caramel and, of course, bacon.

Oldie but goodie Sears might be the oldest

new brand on our ranking. The company traces its roots to 1886 when Richard Sears started the R.W. Sears Watch Co. in Minneapolis and ultimately grew into a do-it-all retail center. More recently, it began spinning off some of its retail products into smaller franchise stores, which it then began franchising. The company started franchising Sears Home Appliance Showrooms in May 2009, and the company quickly grew to 330 locations.

#243TOP 200

Rosati’s Pizza

Contact: Tim McCarthy

Phone: 847-915-9174

E-Mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.RosatisFranchising.com

With over 50 years in operation, Rosati’s is one of the oldest surviving family pizza restaurant business in the United States. Generations of mid-westerners have grown up with the brand and continue to spread its legend to every corner of the country. Still run by members of the original Rosati family, this is an iconic family brand that has grown organically and carefully with a common sense approach.

With almost 200 locations through out the United States, the secret to our success isn’t a secret at all. It’s pretty simple: demand. The people who grew up with Friday night Rosati’s pizza in the Chicagoland area now demand this unique flavor and quality and family experience wherever it is they now call home.

Authentic Italian food matched with authentic, genuine people is the Rosati recipe, and America can’t get enough!

36 October 2014

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

95 98 J.D. Byrider 876 155 0 155 85% 11.9% 6.2%

96 96 Four Points 875* 127 54 181 76% 6.1% 2.8%

97 101 Roto-Rooter 795 508 32 540 81% 4.0% -0.6%

98 100 Papa Murphy’s 786 1,396 17 1,413 95% 1.5% 5.0%

99 99 Country Inn & Suites 785* 443 31 474 99% 0.6% -0.2%

100 NEW Eye Level Learning Centers 767 224 1,179 1,403 55% -8.6% 31.6%

101 110 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 750* 101 69 170 99% 15.4% 51.8%

102 105 Checkers/Rally’s 723 783 1 784 58% 3.8% 0.9%

103 106 Jani-King 717 7,505 2,133 9,638 100% 3.5% -6.2%

104 104 Big O Tires 696 392 0 392 90% -2.6% -5.3%

105 108 Supercuts 687 2,284 255 2,539 45% 0.1% 2.0%

106 103 Long John Silver’s 682 1,241 22 1,263 100% -5.7% -3.2%

107 111 Clarion Hotels 680* 190 131 321 100% 6.3% 0.3%

108 112 Pet Supplies “Plus” 675 290 0 290 50% 8.9% 7.0%

109 107 Perkins Restaurant 663* 391 17 408 68% -4.0% -1.9%

110 116 El Pollo Loco 658 399 0 399 58% 8.3% 0.0%

111 118 Valvoline Instant Oil Change 657 901 0 901 71% 9.1% 0.4%

112 117 CARSTAR 641 246 194 440 100% 6.1% 6.5%

113 94 Quiznos 636* 1,234 800 2,034 100% -24.2% -24.4%



Starring role In 1991, a drive-thru

restaurant chain called Snapps made a popular ad featuring an obnoxious drive-thru order taker ringing up a bill while exclaiming “CHA-CHING!” with each new item. The point was to promote Snapps’ low prices. Snapps would change its name to Rally’s, and then merge with Checkers. The ad would launch the career of the actor playing the order taker, Seth Green, who would go on to star in movies and TV.

On fire Can’t come up with

a decent slogan for your restaurant chain? Ask your customers, which is what El Pollo Loco did this spring with its #CrazyYouCanWear social media t-shirt contest.The company asked customers to come up with a slogan to use on its employees’ t-shirts. The winner, Steven Brower, received one year of free El Pollo Loco for his slogan:

“Without the Flame It Ain’t the Same.”

TOP 200#195

Contact: Laurie Miller

Phone: 800-528-4885


Web site: www.AlphaGraphicsFranchise.com

AlphaGraphics has been in business since 1970 and is the leader in providing marketing solutions to small and medium size businesses in the local community.

Our goal is to be the “one-stop” solution for our clients - providing conceptual ideas and campaigns to help our clients grow their business using a wide variety of technology, print, and marketing media while generating multiple revenue streams for the franchise owner.

A B2B franchise opportunity for executive entrepreneurs!

AlphaGraphics

Be part of a growing, award-winning brand with a fun, unique culture! Black Bear Diner delivers huge portions of comfort food classics in a family-friendly, bear-themed atmosphere. Discover why we’re winning awards and accolades from industry professionals and guests alike. We’re currently in 8 western states and franchise opportunities are available nationally.

Contact: Doug Branigan [email protected] BlackBearDiner.com | 530.243.2327

BB_263_Ad.indd 1 9/16/14 12:54 PM

October 2014 37


2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

114 134 Anytime Fitness 634 1,801 572 2,373 99% 30.8% 16.6%

115 121 Staybridge Suites 625* 188 8 196 100% 13.6% 3.7%

116 115 Del Taco 623 547 0 547 45% 2.4% -0.9%

117 122 G.J. Gardner Homes 606 33 85 118 100% 10.7% 8.3%

118 119 Jason’s Deli 593 248 0 248 43% 2.5% 2.5%

119 123 Qdoba Mexican Grill 593 613 2 615 52% 8.7% -1.9%

120 120 Ruth’s Chris Steak House 590* 121 18 139 54% 5.4% 1.5%

121 124 Linc Service 574 133 31 164 85% 6.3% 6.5%

122 125 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (The) 550 301 649 950 71% 4.8% 4.6%

123 129 Econo Lodge 550* 830 84 914 100% 10.0% 1.7%

124 141 Wingstop 550 589 25 614 96% 20.3% 9.8%

125 137 Auntie Anne’s 542 1,079 423 1,502 99% 13.7% 12.7%

126 128 Goddard School (The) 535 400 0 400 100% 6.9% 1.5%

127 143 Towneplace Suites 510* 222 2 224 90% 13.3% 6.7%

128 135 Edible Arrangements 508 1,009 113 1,122 100% 6.0% 11.8%

129 130 Howard Johnson 505* 295 154 449 100% 1.0% -1.3%

130 NEW Yogen Fruz 501 115 1,426 1,541 100%

131 132 Famous Dave’s 500 194 0 194 72% 0.7% 3.2%

132 146 Moe’s Southwest Grill 500 527 6 533 99% 12.3% 9.7%



A new tradition Chris Steak House was

a 38-year New Orleans institution in 1965 when Ruth Fertel, a single mother who needed money to send her sons to college, mortgaged her home for $22,000 to buy the chain. She kept the name for another 11 years, until 1976 when a fire destroyed the building. Fertel relocated the restaurant a few blocks away and then added her name to the title. Thus, No. 120, Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Froyo throwback Not all of the frozen

yogurt from the 1990s boom went away. Some of them are still left to benefit from the renewed froyo boom of the 2010s. That includes No. 130 Yogen Fruz. Two brothers, Michael and Aaron Serruya, founded Yogen Fruz in Toronto in 1986 and by the late 1990s the company was one of the hottest franchises around. Today it is the largest frozen yogurt chain in the world

#64MICHAEL D'AREZZO, CFE

VP Franchise Sales - North America

[email protected]

CARLSJRFRANCHISING.COM

At Carl’s Jr.®, we consistently outperform the competition with an innovative menu strategy that delivers premium, sit-down restaurant quality items, while offering the convenience and value of fast food. Our flexible menus simply give fast food customers what they want: bigger, better burgers.We support this premium product strategy with strong restaurant fundamentals, cutting-edge advertising, and outstanding brand recognition -- all oriented toward building top-line sales that support franchise profitability. With a consistent track record of AUV sales growth and solid unit economics, we engineer growing franchise operations that are sustainable for the long term.Carl’sCarl’s Jr.® is part of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., operator of 3,513 Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® restaurants in 42 states and 31 countries.© 2014 Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC. © 2014 Hardee's Restaurants LLC.All rights Reserved. This is not an offer to sell a franchise.

TOP 200#461

Contact: Jennifer Brock

Phone: 216-923-1296


Web site: www.clubmetrousa.com

Own a Club Metro USA and build a great future in the thriving fitness and wellness industry, offering affordable experiences with an upscale resort style approach. With decades of collective experience, Club Metro offers support in construction, training, operations, marketing, and management, not to mention established relationships with some of the best vendors in the market. Contact us today to learn more about how you can get involved in the growing momentum of the fitness industry!

Club Metro USA

38 October 2014

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

133 131 Paul Davis Restoration 499 200 0 200 100% 2.5% -4.3%

134 149 Minuteman Press 485 699 232 931 100% 12.8% 2.1%

135 145 Jamba Juice 485* 803 48 851 69% 9.0% 5.2%

136 140 Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen 480 512 3 515 46% 2.4% -1.0%

137 142 Einstein Bros. Bagels 479 723 0 723 46% 5.3% 6.6%

138 133 Meineke Car Care Centers 476 882 95 977 100% -3.2% 3.7%

139 148 ProForma 465 700 50 750 100% 8.0% -0.3%

140 136 Cold Stone Creamery 463 990 433 1,423 98% -3.2% -2.2%

141 NEW Visiting Angels 460 475 10 485 100% 19.5% 12.5%

142 147 Sleep Inn & Suites 460* 382 9 391 100% 4.5% -1.3%

143 150 McAlister’s Deli 459 321 0 321 86% 9.5% 2.9%

144 152 Batteries Plus Bulbs 452 602 0 602 93% 10.3% 10.1%

145 144 Wireless Zone 449 404 0 404 93% 0.2% -3.1%

146 160 Primrose Schools 448 272 0 272 100% 15.6% 7.1%

147 161 Firehouse Subs 443 722 0 722 97% 14.9% 25.3%

148 139 CiCi’s Pizza 441 476 0 476 97% -6.8% -8.5%

149 155 MAACO 429 468 25 493 100% 7.2% 18.8%

150 158 Red Roof Inn 425* 347 0 347 60% 9.0% -0.3%

151 153 Stanley Steemer 425* 278 0 278 77% 3.7% -2.1%



Comic relief No. 136 Captain D’s

Seafood was founded in Tennessee in 1969 and grew quickly in the 1970s, thanks in part to comic books. The chain published a series of 24 educational comic books, each one about the exploits of various sea captains throughout history, such as Samuel Reid, who slowed a force of British ships en route to New Orleans during the War of 1812. He then went on to help design the American flag.

Blazing donations Chris and Robin

Sorensen, brothers and former firefighters, founded No. 147 Firehouse Subs in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1994, giving the chain a firehouse theme. And as the chain has grown, so has its donations to emergency responders.Last year, the company’s Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated more than $2.2 million in equipment and resources to first responders and public safety organizations.

TOP 200#116

Del Taco

Contact: Laura Tanaka Director of Franchise Development

Phone: 800-628-1368 x5


Web site: www.deltacofranchise.com

Among the nation’s top Mexican QSR chains, Del Taco operates or franchises more than 549 restaurants in 17 states. Del Taco offers a full range of Mexican items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, bowls and American favorites including cooked-to-order burgers, fries and shakes. Del Taco uses fresh ingredients including hand-made salsa, fresh produce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, chicken grilled in restaurant and lard-free beans slow-cooked from scratch. Del Taco restaurants are 24-hours, feature drive thru’s and serve breakfast. Additional information is available atwww.deltacofranchise.com.

October 2014 39


2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

152 170 Liberty Tax Service 421 4,175 258 4,433 95% 17.3% 6.3%

153 156 Slumberland Furniture 417 126 0 126 67% 5.9% -0.8%

154 157 Snap Fitness 410 1,080 318 1,398 91% 5.1% 5.5%

155 172 Noodles & Company 409 380 0 380 16% 15.0% 16.2%

156 176 Jersey Mike’s Subs 406 713 0 713 97% 21.5% 22.1%

157 163 Comfort Keepers 406 690 97 787 98% 6.2% 2.2%

158 154 Krystal Company 404 349 0 349 38% -0.7% -0.3%

159 164 One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 399 316 5 321 85% 4.3% 12.2%

160 222 The HoneyBaked Ham Co. 397 420 0 420 56% 5.0% -1.9%

161 165 Travelodge 390* 341 91 432 100% 2.6% -2.9%

162 174 Plato’s Closet 387 387 10 397 100% 9.6% 8.2%

163 151 Fantastic Sams Hair Salons 382 1,171 0 1,171 99% -7.6% -3.3%

164 162 Pollo Campero 378 53 307 360 24% -1.9% -2.4%

165 167 Round Table Pizza 378 435 8 443 85% 2.2% 0.2%

166 171 Unishippers 375 299 0 299 83% 4.5% 4.2%

167 169 SIGNARAMA 365 503 411 914 100% 1.4% 4.7%

168 183 Spherion Staffing 365 176 0 176 100% 16.9% 20.5%

169 159 Valpak 356 151 8 159 96% -8.7% -4.8%

170 186 Corner Bakery Café 354 159 0 159 31% 17.8% 8.2%



Gas plus fitness Truckers, vacationers

and other road warriors expect various things from a travel plaza, like gas and fast food and convenience store trinkets. More recently they’re getting fitness centers. Last year, No. 154 Snap Fitness partnered with Rolling Strong, which works with drivers on health and wellness, to start easy-in, easy-out workout concepts in Pilot Flying J travel centers. The first one opened in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Pining for pollo Pollo Campero had

become so popular since its opening in Guatemala in 1971, the company had to open locations in airports in El Salvador and Guatemala so people traveling to the U.S. could bring chicken with them for relatives. So when the company finally opened a location in the U.S., in Los Angeles in 2002, the store drew immense crowds. And openings in cities around the country in subsequent years would draw lines requiring a wait of an hour or more.

TOP 200#16

Contact: Pam Gore

Phone: 781-737-3432


Web site: www.dunkinfranchising.com

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for eight years running. The company has nearly 11,000 restaurants in 33 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts

40 October 2014

2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

171 191 Sport Clips 350 1,151 11 1,162 98% 19.5% 10.6%

172 177 FASTSIGNS 350 485 61 546 100% 5.4% 2.2%

173 166 Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing Services 348* 216 85 301 99% -7.1% -10.9%

174 173 Travel Leaders 341* 371 1 372 94% -3.3% 8.1%

175 NEW Village Inn 337 207 0 207 42% 2.4% 0.5%

176 NEW Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 331* 353 0 353 97% 20.3% 23.9%

177 168 MRINetwork 330 623 76 699 100% -8.4% 2.8%

178 179 Taco John’s 330 402 0 402 98% 1.6% -0.5%

179 184 Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System 330 7,652 393 8,045 100% 6.5% -12.6%

180 175 Matco Tools 329 1,432 55 1,487 100% -2.7% 2.2%

181 NEW Keystone Insurers Group 326 268 0 268 100% 19.0% 8.1%

182 198 Two Men and A Truck 324 208 26 234 100% 18.7% 4.9%

183 181 A&W Restaurants 323 703 304 1,007 100% 2.4% -2.1%

184 178 Chester’s 313 1,483 200 1,683 100% -4.3% -10.8%

185 194 Results! Travel 313* 650 0 650 100% 7.8% -0.6%

186 182 UNO Chicago Grill 310* 127 14 141 43% -1.0% -2.1%

187 187 Johnny Rockets 309 215 98 313 90% 3.0% 4.7%

188 200 Budget Blinds 308 828 131 959 100% 14.1% 12.7%

189 188 Cinnabon 306 580 714 1,294 100% 3.5% 12.1%



Dickey’s debut Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

is making its debut on our ranking at No. 176, thanks to a recent string of incredible growth. In each of the past two years, the Dallas-based restaurant chain was the fastest-growing large restaurant chain in the country, according to Technomic. It’s also one of the fastest-growing franchises this year, thanks to its 23.9 percent unit growth and 20.3 percent sales growth.

In real life Want a modern method

for getting some brand recognition? Get involved in a reality TV show. No. 188 Budget Blinds has periodically appeared on the HDTV program “Buying and Selling” with the Property Brothers, in which Drew and Jonathan Scott help homeowners sell their current home and buy new ones. The two install blinds on various episodes of

“Buying and Selling” this fall.

TOP 200#50

Contact: David Lewis

Phone: 877-652-6400


Web site: www.ExpressFranchising.com

The staffing industry is on track to generate a projected $137 billion in North America alone in 2014. For new franchisees awarded this year, Express Employment Professionals will pay the office space lease up to $2,500 per month for the first year. Our start-up offices average more than $700,000 in sales in their first year, with mature offices averaging $5.1 million annually. Express is a growing franchise with more than 700 locations and 31 years of experience.

Express Employment Professionals

TOP 200#117G.J. Gardner

Homes

Contact: Trent Gardner

Phone: 310-426-4812


Web site: www.gjgardner.com

G.J. Gardner Homes specialises by helping builders with skills, resources and systems to develop their building business. With over 110 offices worldwide and a combined turnover of over $500 million, G.J. Gardner Homes has a large support network for its Franchises. We are setting up in your area - make sure its you!

We are currently looking for Master Franchisees across the country as well as additional franchisees in CA, CO, CT, IN, KS, MA, ME, NH, NV, RI, TX, UT, VT and WY.

October 2014 41


2014 Rank


Global Sales ($M)

USUnits

IntlUnits

Total Units

% Franchised

Sales Growth

%

Unit Growth

%

190 201 JAN-PRO 301 9,680 1,860 11,540 100% 19.0% 1.7%

191 NEW Wienerschnitzel 300 405 1 406 83% 7.1% 20.5%

192 197 Microtel Inn & Suites 300* 292 20 312 100% 9.1% 1.3%

193 192 Hungry Howie’s Pizza 297 546 0 546 97% 2.0% -0.4%

194 199 Charley’s Grilled Subs 293 422 95 517 93% 8.3% 7.3%

195 193 AlphaGraphics 290 243 32 275 100% -0.1% -2.1%

196 196 Mr. Rooter 282 241 95 336 100% 1.4% -6.9%

197 190 Sizzler 280 150 0 150 89% -4.4% -6.8%

198 203 Labor Finders 274 182 0 182 88% 9.9% 0.6%

199 208 Right At Home 266 351 30 381 100% 13.4% 33.2%

200 213 CertaPro Painters 266 328 23 351 100% 16.8% -0.6%



Well satisfied Who says good things

don’t come in small packages? The consumer ratings firm J.D. Power & Associates has ranked No. 192 Microtel Inn & Suites as the top economy hotel in consumer satisfaction for 12 of the past 13 years.

Laughing along Sizzler has often been

the subject of one-liners and jokes in movies, like

“White Men Can’t Jump”—our personal favorite. The company has always taken this in stride. It even has a three-minute video clip compilation of the programs in which it has been featured.

#53JOHN MAYES

Director - Domestic Franchise Development

[email protected]

HARDEESFRANCHISING.COM

At Hardee’s®, we consistently outperform the competition with an innovative menu strategy that delivers premium, sit-down restaurant quality items, while offering the convenience and value of fast food. Our flexible menus simply give fast food customers what they want: bigger, better burgers.We support this premium product strategy with strong restaurant fundamentals, cutting-edge advertising, and outstanding brand recognition -- all oriented toward building top-line sales that support franchise profitability. With a consistent track record of AUV sales growth and solid unit economics, we engineer growing franchise operations that are sustainable for the long term.HaHardee’s® is part of CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., operator of 3,513 Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® restaurants in 42 states and 31 countries.© 2014 Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC. © 2014 Hardee's Restaurants LLC.All rights Reserved. This is not an offer to sell a franchise.

TOP 200#41Papa John’s

Int., Inc.

Contact: Regan Clauson

Phone: 888-255-7272


Web site: www.papajohns.com

Papa John’s is the world’s third largest pizza company with more than 4,400 restaurants. Our founder, “Papa” John Schnatter is passionate about our quality positioning of “Better Ingredients. Better Pizza.” His high level of commitment to our brand and products result in Papa John’s being recognized as quality leader in the pizza category. Papa John’s offers a relatively low cost of entry and fee structure. In addition, franchisees are offered an enticing package of incentives.

42 October 2014

The Next 3002014 Rank Franchise Concept

Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

201 Baymont Inn & Suites 265* 329 100%

202 Fuddruckers 265 180 62%

203 BrightStar Care 252 261 99%

204 Precision Tune Auto Care 250 357 90%

205 Once Upon A Child 248 288 100%

206 Sonny’s BBQ 247 123 92%

207 Marco’s Pizza 246 437 100%

208 Rainbow International Restoration 243 404 100%

209 Tuffy/Car-X 242 353 92%

210 Huddle House Restaurants 241 386 98%

211 Express Oil Change & Service Center 240 210 53%

212 Smoothie King 239 673 98%

213 Schlotzsky’s 238 345 89%

214 Peter Piper Pizza 234 141 77%

215 Sylvan Learning 229 727 94%

216 Play It Again Sports 228 300 100%

217 Smashburger 228 248 50%

218 Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail 226 283 99%

219 Houlihan’s 223 82 57%

220 Bruegger’s Bagels 222 297 35%

221 The Melting Pot 221 138 98%

222 Fazoli’s 220 216 41%

223 Beef ’O’ Brady’s 213 214 97%

224 AmericInn 200* 200 100%

225 Molly Maid 198 632 100%

226 Family Financial Centers 198 40 100%

227 Re-Bath 195 150 100%

228 Value Place 195 186 60%

229 PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers 192 700 100%

230 TEGG Service 192 118 100%

231 Pizza Ranch 191 180 97%

232 CruiseOne 191 878 100%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

233 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 191 420 100%

234 Senior Helpers 190 271 100%

235 The Original Pancake House 190 121 99%

236 Caffebene 184 1,613 99%

237 Pita Pit 183 460 95%

238 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing 178 274 96%

239 The Cleaning Authority 173 148 99%

240 Tropical Smoothie Café 170 376 100%

241 Estrella Insurance 168 70 100%

242 Twin Peaks Restaurants 165 46 61%

243 Rosati’s Pizza 162 117 87%

244 Image360 158 168 99%

245 Penn Station East Coast Subs 156 275 100%

246 Quaker Steak & Lube 156 63 70%

247 Novus Glass 152 2,113 99%

248 Granite Transformations 145 151 97%

249 U.S. Lawns 145 264 100%

250 Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers 145 104 89%

251 Yogurtland 143 275 93%

252 AIA Corporation 143 281 100%

253 Togo’s Sandwiches 142 242 98%

254 The Maids 142 1,109 97%

255 Godfather’s Pizza 140 602 97%

256 HobbyTown 140 163 100%

257 Fleet Feet Sports 140 124 82%

258 Taco Time 139 281 95%

259 Wild Birds Unlimited 139 285 100%

260 Fox’s Pizza Den 138 262 100%

261 Which Wich Superior Sandwiches 137 286 99%

262 Vanguard Cleaning Systems 136 2,946 100%

263 Black Bear Diner 135 61 93%

264 Weed Man 134 457 100%

265 Grease Monkey 133 260 89%



October 2014 43

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesThe Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales

Top 10 Sales Growth ($M)Circle K leads our list of the 10 fastest-growing franchises

ranked by worldwide sales growth, with $1.33 billion more revenue than this time last year. Tied for ninth place are

Holiday Inn Express and Dunkin’ Donuts, each with an impressive $500 million increase.

1,326 1,158* 977 836 700 600 550* 537 500* 500

Circ

le K

RE/M

AX

Kelle

r Will

iam

s Re

alty

Dom

ino’

s

Pizz

a

Ace

Hard

war

e

Holid

ay In

n Ex

pres

s

Dunk

in’

Donu

ts

McD

onal

d’s

Subw

ay

Hyat

t2014 Rank Franchise Concept

Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

266 Christian Brothers Automotive 132 123 98%

267 LaRosa’s Pizzeria 132 63 76%

268 @WORK Group 131 59 66%

269 Genghis Grill 131 109 28%

270 ComForcare Senior Services 130 194 100%

271 1-800-GOT-JUNK? 129 162 100%

272 Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen 128 249 46%

273 The Learning Experience 125 126 86%

274 Glass Doctor 123 174 100%

275 Pizza Inn 121 265 98%

276 Martinizing Dry Cleaning 120 414 100%

277 Kiddie Academy 119 113 98%

278 Great American Cookies 117 347 100%

279 Newk’s Eatery 116 66 86%

280 PIP Printing & Marketing Services 115* 93 100%

281 COIT 114 47 77%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

282 Steamatic 113 347 100%

283 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 113 192 100%

284 Golden Chick 110 122 93%

285 Sirloin Stockade 110 54 98%

286 Aire Serv 110 184 100%

287 Home Helpers 108 342 100%

288 BlueGrace Logistics 104 38 95%

289 Great Harvest Bread Co. 104 209 100%

290 Retro Fitness 103 96 99%

291 Carvel Ice Cream 100 445 100%

292 Sandler Training 100 263 100%

293 Blimpie Subs & Salads 100 563 100%

294 Jazzercise 100 8,266 100%

295 Nathan’s Famous 99 329 98%

296 Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network 97 154 100%

297 Lawn Doctor 97 482 100%


44 October 2014



Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

298 Homewatch Caregivers 96 225 99%

299 Complete Nutrition 95 178 97%

300 City Wide Franchise Co. 95 40 98%

301 Studio 6 90* 74 49%

302 The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille 90 37 65%

303 Marble Slab Creamery 90 356 100%

304 Link Staffing Services 89 43 81%

305 Alamo Drafthouse Cinema 88 17 53%

306 Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park 88 65 97%

307 Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa 88 143 99%

308 Sterling Optical/ Site for Sore Eyes 87 118 90%

309 Relax The Back 85 94 100%

310 Comet Cleaners 84 210 100%

311 PuroClean 83 242 100%

312 Griswold Home Care 82 258 97%

313 HuHot Mongolian Grill 81 52 87%

314 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 80 74 89%

315 Home Care Assistance 78 96 81%

316 Roy Rogers 78 50 56%

317 The Flame Broiler/ The Rice Bowl King 77 149 99%

318 The Egg & I Restaurants 77 92 87%

319 Expedia CruiseShipCenters 77* 181 99%

320 Shakey’s Pizza Parlor 76 61 61%

321 Saladworks 76 102 99%

322 Kwik Kopy Printing 76 161 100%

323 Real Property Management 76 257 100%

324 InXpress 75 367 100%

325 Pretzelmaker 74 322 100%

326 GolfTEC 74 182 64%

327 Biggby Coffee 74 156 100%

328 CleanNet USA 73 2,705 100%

329 EmbroidMe 73 325 100%

330 Maid Brigade 72 476 100%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

331 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 71 200 99%

332 Baby Boot Camp 70 134 99%

333 Pump It Up 69 141 99%

334 Mr. Electric 67 191 95%

335 ABC Seamless 66 106 92%

336 Always Best Care Senior Services 66 175 100%

337 Massage Heights 64 100 98%

338 SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service 63 62 97%

339 Cousins Subs 59 131 88%

340 Elements Massage 59 167 100%

341 Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop 58 100 94%

342 BD’s Mongolian Grill 58 31 61%

343 Pro Image Sports 58 115 100%

344 Yesco 58 101 53%

345 Rooter-Man 57 521 96%

346 Mister Sparky 57 108 94%

347 Fitness Together 55 207 100%

348 Mr. Handyman 54 198 100%

349 Costa Vida 54 65 77%

350 World Of Beer 54* 51 94%

351 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 53 25 40%

352 Port of Subs 53 146 78%

353 Nothing Bundt Cakes 52 80 100%

354 Wahoo’s Fish Taco 50 62 58%

355 Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning 50 3,287 100%

356 Pak Mail 50 394 100%

357 Kilwins 50 90 96%

358 Craters & Freighters 50 66 100%

359 Fish Window Cleaning 50 251 100%

360 Pizza Factory 49 112 98%

361 Aurelio’s Pizza 48 40 93%

362 Mr. Transmission 48 129 100%

363 Country Kitchen 47 47 100%


October 2014 45



Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

364 Kid to Kid 47 104 99%

365 UFC Gym 45 97 93%

366 Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 45 89 96%

367 LearningRx 45 89 98%

368 Mr. Appliance 44 166 100%

369 Floor Coverings International 44 94 100%

370 Sarpino’s Pizzeria 44* 46 100%

371 Montana Mike’s 43 27 100%

372 Mad Science 42 160 100%

373 Max Muscle Sports Nutrition 42 158 100%

374 Miracle Method Surface Refinishing 42 134 99%

375 Apricot Lane Boutique 42 91 100%

376 Anago Cleaning Systems 42 2,445 100%

377 Spring-Green Lawn Care 42 125 79%

378 Solar Universe 42 48 98%

379 Robeks Fresh Smoothies & Juices 42 104 100%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

380 Great Wraps 41* 73 99%

381 Toppers Pizza 41 49 65%

382 Planet Beach Automated Spa 40 209 100%

383 ZIPS Dry Cleaners 40 37 97%

384 Great Steak 38 104 100%

385 Woodhouse Day Spa 38 40 100%

386 Signal 88 Security 37 327 94%

387 East Coast Wings & Grill 37 30 93%

388 Rib City 37 26 54%

389 Big Apple Bagels 36 91 100%

390 Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes 35 67 93%

391 Dream Dinners 35 90 94%

392 Archadeck Outdoor Living 35 57 100%

393 Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop 35 70 99%

394 School Of Rock 33 128 84%

395 Wing Zone 33 69 99%



Top 10 Sales Growth %The top 10 franchises when ranked by percentage sales

growth all boast double-digit increases, from Anytime Fitness at a whopping 30.8 percent, to 20.3 percent for

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a newcomer to the FT Top 200, to 19 percent for Keystone Insurers.

30.8% 30.2% 27.7% 21.5% 20.3%* 20.3% 19.8% 19.5% 19.5% 19%

Plan

et F

itnes

s

Kelle

r Will

iam

s Re

alty

Jers

ey M

ike’

s Su

bs

Dick

ey’s

Ba

rbec

ue P

it

Win

gsto

p

Inte

rim

He

alth

Care

Visi

ting

Ange

ls

Spor

t Clip

s

Keys

tone

In

sure

rs G

roup

Anyt

ime

Fitn

ess

46 October 2014


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

396 Nestle Toll House Café 33 124 97%

397 Christmas Décor 33 242 100%

398 BounceU 32 49 98%

399 Wok Box fresh asian kitchen 32 69 99%

400 Sparkle Wash 32 55 98%

401 Flip Flop Shops 32 90 100%

402 Title Boxing Club 31 134 99%

403 Zoup! Fresh Soup Company 31 57 95%

404 Steak Escape Sandwich Grill 30 64 94%

405 Another Broken Egg Café 30 37 95%

406 Tutor Doctor 29 395 99%

407 Nurse Next Door 29 75 99%

408 Property Management Inc 29 75 97%

409 Double Dave’s Pizzaworks 29 35 94%

410 Get In Shape For Women 28 92 97%

411 Tailored Living 28 165 100%

412 Kona Ice 28 572 98%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

413 Greenleaf’s/Bananas 27 44 48%

414 Buffalo’s Cafe 26 16 94%

415 Honest-1 Auto Care 26 37 100%

416 Nature’s Table 25 73 93%

417 The Original SoupMan 25* 14 100%

418 Caring Senior Service 25 44 91%

419 College Nannies and Tutors 25 78 99%

420 BuildingStars 25 476 99%

421 Kolache Factory 25 50 52%

422 DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 24 34 100%

423 Figaro’s Italian Pizza 24 77 100%

424 Just Between Friends 24 140 100%

425 Juice It Up! 24 79 99%

426 HouseMaster Home Inspections 24 312 100%

427 Music Go Round 24 29 100%

428 i9 Sports 24 130 96%



Top 10 Unit Growth7-Eleven added 4,283 units to its global tally since we

compiled our last Franchise Times Top 200 ranking, or more than 11 per day. Subway isn’t far behind, with 3,978. GNC,

10th on the list, came in at 411 units added, just over one unit a day and a noteworthy clip.

4,283 3,978 955* 949 677* 670 631 610* 490 411*

7-El

even

Subw

ay

McD

onal

d’s

Hert

z

Burg

er

King

GNC

KFC

Dom

ino’

s Pi

zza

Pizz

a Hu

t

Circ

le

K

October 2014 47



Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

429 Rainbow Academy 23 16 31%

430 The Joint… the chiropratic place 22 222 100%

431 The Coffee Beanery 22 75 97%

432 Breadsmith 22 32 94%

433 Paul Davis Emergency Services 22 101 100%

434 Rainbow Station 22 11 73%

435 Broken Yolk Café 21 13 92%

436 Ameci Pizza Kitchen 21 36 92%

437 Phenix Salon Suites 21 53 91%

438 Erik’s DeliCafe 21 38 87%

439 Arooga’s Grill House & Sports Bar 21 11 18%

440 18/8 Fine Men’s Salons 20 223 99%

441 College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving 20 153 92%

442 Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services 20 115 100%

443 Submarina 20 50 100%

444 Closet & Storage Concepts 20 12 75%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

445 101 Mobility 20 81 94%

446 TeamLogic IT 20 60 100%

447 LaVida Massage 20 56 98%

448 Assisting Hands Home Care 19 75 97%

449 Chronic Tacos 19 31 97%

450 MassageLuXe 18 23 70%

451 Town Money Saver 18 41 98%

452 ShelfGenie 18 165 77%

453 Caring Transitions 18 147 100%

454 The Grounds Guys 18 141 100%

455 Dogtopia 18 29 83%

456 Real Deals On Home Decor 18 74 100%

457 Outdoor Lighting Perspectives 17 44 100%

458 Mosquito Squad 17 142 100%

459 The Flying Biscuit Café 17 13 92%

460 Five Star Painting 17 117 99%



Top 10 Unit Growth %Two healthcare franchises hold the No. 1 and No. 3 spots

when ranked by percentage growth in number of units: Interim HealthCare and Right at Home, respectively. Two

sandwich chains make the list, too: Firehouse Subs is No. 5 and Jersey Mike’s is No. 8.

60.5% 51.8%* 33.2% 31.6% 25.3% 23.9%* 23.6% 22.1% 20.5% 20.5%

Inte

rim

He

alth

Care

Wyn

dham

Hot

els

& R

esor

ts

Righ

t At H

ome

Eye

Leve

l Le

arni

ng C

ente

rs

Fire

hous

e Su

bs

Dick

ey’s

Ba

rbec

ue P

it

Plan

et

Fitn

ess

Jers

ey

Mik

e’s

Subs

Sphe

rion

St

affin

g

Wie

ner-

sc

hnitz

el

48 October 2014



Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

461 Club Metro USA 17 14 100%

462 World Inspection Network 17 182 100%

463 Surf City Squeeze 17 118 99%

464 FirstLight HomeCare 16 81 100%

465 Soccer Shots 16* 153 95%

466 Tint World 16 35 100%

467 Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill 16 27 33%


Global Sales ($M)

Total Units

% Franchised

468 Uni K Wax 16 31 81%

469 NrGize Lifestyle Cafe 16 102 100%

470 Realty One Group 16 49 55%

471 Uptown Cheapskate 16 34 94%

472 Aussie Pet Mobile 15 215 100%

473 Snip-Its 15* 66 98%

474 Corporate Caterers 15 17 82%

475 Café Yumm! 14 12 83%

476 ACFN 14 216 100%

477 Mama Fu’s Asian House 14 16 50%

478 Goldfish Swim School 14 14 93%

479 Pizza Fusion 14 20 100%

480 9Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness 13 115 97%

481 Fresh Coat 13 116 100%

482 Burger 21 12 10 60%

483 Smiling Moose Deli 12 22 91%

484 Bahama Buck’s 12 28 89%

485 Zippy Shell 12 45 84%

486 Dick’s Wings and Grill 12 16 100%

487 Home Cleaning Centers of America 12 32 100%

488 Fetch! Pet Care 11 120 100%

489 Creative Colors International 11 42 93%

490 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint 11 18 100%

491 Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 11 61 100%

492 Mainstream Boutique 11 32 97%

493 Window Genie 11 145 100%

494 Slim Chickens 11 13 38%

495 Pizza Schmizza 11 24 100%

496 MosquitoNix 10 20 90%

497 Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill 10 30 97%

498 Dryer Vent Wizard 10 63 100%

499 Fit4Mom 10 270 91%

500 Dental Fix RX 10 134 100%

Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate Member FDIC.

www.stearnsbank.com

We get the job done!

Fast, competitive, customized loans thatclose when you are ready to close!

Salon$475,000California

Child Care$3,314,000North Carolina

Automotive$315,000

Texas

Burgers$150,000Pennsylvania

Pizza$1,032,000

Michigan

Restaurant$248,000

Illinois

FLEXIBLE FRANCHISEFINANCING

Call Tom Ethen or Robin Studniski.

1.800.320.7262

50 October 2014

Top Automotive/Business & Home Services

T he used car market has been strong in the post-recessionary environment. Between 2008

and 2013, the number of used cars sold increased by more than 15 percent, according to CNW Market Research.

That’s been good for the Carmel, Indiana-based J.D. Byrider. The 25-year-old franchise system—the only franchise in what is known as the “buy here-pay here” car deal-ership space—has enjoyed strong growth of late. Last year, the com-pany’s sales rose 11.9 percent while the number of locations jumped 6.2 percent. That was enough to move the company from No. 98 on the Franchise Times Top 200, to No. 95.

‘An enormous market’“We service an enormous mar-

ket, so that helps,” said Jack Humbert, vice president of fran-chise sales for the company. But he added the company has 77 dealerships scheduled to be open over the next few years, both from existing owners adding new loca-

tions and new franchisees getting into the business.

J.D. Byrider, which emerged out of a Chevrolet-Cadillac dealer in Carmel, now has 155 locations in 33 states. It services the mar-ket of customers who buy cars 5 to 10 years old, the largest car mar-ket as a whole, Humbert said. The company reconditions used cars and backs them with a warranty. It also provides financing on the spot, serving what Humbert calls an underserved market of lower- income customers in need of reliable transportation.

Still, as new car sales have grown in recent years, nearly reaching pre-recessionary levels, growth in the used car market has slowed. Sales this year are pro-jected to grow only 0.6 percent, down from 1.2 percent in 2013, according to CNW.

Growth in new car sales has also slowed auto aftermarket fran-chises that frequent the Top 200. So companies like Midas (No. 70) and Meineke Car Centers (No. 138) saw their sales decline last

As of this August, about 2.8 million people worked in temporary jobs, according

to the National Employment Law Project. That’s a record, mean-ing that roughly 2 percent of the nation’s workforce is employed by a temporary employment agency.

“Imagine walking through Walmart or Target,” said David Lewis, vice president of fran-chising for Express Employment Professionals, No. 50 on our ranking. “And one out of every 48

people you see is on the payroll of Express or one of our competitors.”

Go ahead and debate the eco-nomic merits of such a large, temporary workforce, but it’s been a boon to the agencies, many of which are franchised and some of which populate our Franchise Times Top 200.

E x p r e s s E m p l o y m e n t Professiona ls, for instance, reported a system sales increase of 8.7 percent last year. “We’re one of the winners in a recovery/post-

recession environment,” Lewis said. “Business is uncertain, so companies are adding a lot of con-tingent staff.”

Growing by billionsExpress isn’t the only one, either.

Spherion Staffing was among the ranking’s biggest movers, shooting from No. 183 to No. 169 after its system sales soared 16.9 percent in 2013.

Overall, the temporary employ-ment industry grew by $9 billion

last year, Lewis said, and it’s now a $137-billion sector overall. The industry has increased in size steadily since the recession thanks to that uncertain economy.

That also helps lure operators. Lewis noted an average terri-tory for an Express Employment Professionals franchise did $5.1 million in revenue on an invest-ment of just $140,000. The company also used incentives,

On the Road

Helping Hands

Used-versus-new car sales fuel auto sector differently

As temp workforce grows, so does agency revenue

1. Hertz $ Millions: 14,172* Total Units: 11,555

2. Midas 1,500* 2,147

3. Jiffy Lube 1,492 2,098

4. J.D. Byrider 876 155

5. Big O Tires 696 392

6. Valvoline 657 901

7. CARSTAR 641 440

8. Meineke 476 977

9. MAACO 429 493

10. Precision Tune Auto Care 250 357

11. Tuffy/Car-X 242 353

12. Express Oil Change & Service 240 210

13. Novus Glass 152 2,113

14. Grease Monkey 133 260

15. Christian Brothers 132 123

16. Glass Doctor 123 174

year after years of increases. With more new cars on the road, there is less of a need for drivers to get repairs as there had been during and immediately after the reces-sion.

A few things remain steady, like

oil change franchises that continue to grow at a good clip, like Jiffy Lube (No. 71), whose sales grew 3.1 percent last year, and Valvoline Instant Oil Change, which rose to No. 111 after sales rose 9.1 percent.

Temp continued on 51

* Franchise Times Estimate

October 2014 51

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Business & Home Services

1. Express Employment Professionals $ Millions: 2,500 Total Units: 709

2. Roto-Rooter 795 540

3. Linc Service 574 164

4. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 399 321

5. Spherion Staffing 365 176

6. Valpak 356 159

7. MRINetwork 330 699

8. Keystone Insurers Group 326 268

9. Mr. Rooter 282 336

10. Labor Finders 274 182

such as providing $30,000 in working capital, to lure new oper-ators to the business. That’s why its unit count grew by 12.4 percent.

No surprises, pleaseProviding a different type of

service, Linc Service specializes in keeping surprises to a minimum.

The Canonsburg, Pennsylvania-based franchise moved up three spots to No. 121 on our ranking, following another steady year of sales growth, 6.3 percent. Bert Kendall, Linc’s chief operating officer, credits the company’s line of business, which provides steady work for franchisees and peace of mind for building owners.

The company installs and maintains HVAC systems in commercial buildings. Most of its business comes through a full-service maintenance agreement, in which operators provide regular

maintenance to heating, ventila-tion and air conditioning systems.

By providing that maintenance, Kendall said, Linc Service ensures the systems run efficiently and effectively. And, most important, they last longer.

“If you get a new car and you just drove it and drove it and never changed the oil and just waited for the red light to come on to bring it in and say, ‘something is not right,’ that repair bill is going to be excessive,” Kendall said. “But if you changed the oil and checked the air pressure on the tires and did all the routine maintenance, you’d drive that car for 250,000 miles, no problem.”

Cost savingsThe same is true for HVAC

systems. Kendall said providing routine maintenance on those systems could save 12 percent to 18 percent in replacement costs. And Linc says it will pay for the

replacement in buildings with a maintenance agreement if they break down—which also provides a strong incentive for franchisees to keep those systems in top shape.

“The building manager doesn’t have to explain to the board why profits are off because of a major problem with the HVAC system,” he said.

It also keeps tenants happy because the building’s air condi-tioning or heating works properly.

“There’s equipment on the roof and in the boiler room,” Kendall said. “A lot of people don’t know what that stuff is. They just know when it doesn’t work. And it’s one less thing for a business manager to worry about.”

Temp continued from 50


54 October 2014

Top Cleaning/Health & Medical Services

Much has been made of the aging baby boom popu-lation and its impact on

senior services, which has fueled a boom in healthcare franchises. Several of these franchises are firmly planted on the Franchise Times Top 200, including new-comers like Right At Home (No. 199) and Visiting Angels (No. 141).

But the aging population isn’t just booming stateside. As such, international development has been key for many senior services’ business strategy.

Home Instead Senior Care,

No. 78 on our ranking, has 373 locations in other countries to go along with its 638 domestic units. Comfort Keepers, No. 157, has 97 international locations in addition to its 690 U.S. units. And Right At Home has 30 international loca-tions plus 351 domestic. And then, in September 2013, No. 92 Interim Healthcare joined that party when it acquired British senior care fran-chise Bluebird Care.

Bluebird has 180 locations in the United Kingdom, giving the

Older & WiserAround the globe, healthcare firms target the aged

1. Health Mart $ Millions: 7,250* Total Units: 3,281

2. Home Instead Senior Care 1,118 1,011

3. Interim HealthCare 900 528

4. Visiting Angels 460 485

5. Comfort Keepers 406 787

6. Right At Home 266 381

7. BrightStar Care 252 261

8. Senior Helpers 190 271

9. ComForcare Senior Services 130 194

10. Homewatch Caregivers 96 225

T o give a boost to its franchise system, Servicemaster turned to the TV show “Hoarders.”

Well, sort of. The Memphis, Tennessee-based franchise a year ago reached a deal with Matt Paxton, who started his Clutter Cleaner business in 2006 and then went on to become a featured organizer on the A&E reality show.

As Clutter Cleaner business picked up, Paxton started look-ing for a partner to help fulfill customer requests and called Servicemaster. The two created a partnership. “We both were restor-ing people’s lives,” said Tom Coba, president of the Servicemaster Franchise Services Group. “It was a good fit.”

Servicemaster Clean has enjoyed a run of good perfor-mance. Last year, the cleaning services company increased sys-tem sales by 10.7 percent, and is now a franchise with more than $2 billion in system sales and nearly

5,000 locations. It’s the biggest player in a significant cleaning services sector that has effectively used franchising as an expansion strategy.

Paxton’s presence as a com-pany spokesperson helped with Servicemaster’s sales growth. But the company also upgraded its field staff to help franchisees with operations. Business consultants work with operators on quality assurance and revenue and profit-ability growth.

In addition, the company also created its first field marketing organization, in which managers work with franchisees locally and regionally to develop marketing plans and do more outreach.

Coba also noted the sales growth starts earlier than even that. He said the company in recent years has worked to be more selective in the franchisees it chooses. “They’re better suited to be franchisees,” he said.

White GlovesPartnership with reality show boosts Servicemaster

1. ServiceMaster Clean $ Millions: 2,044 Total Units: 4,964

2. Disaster Kleenup International 1,800 493

3. SERVPRO 1,394 1,641

4. Jani-King 717 9,638

5. Paul Davis Restoration 499 200

6. Stanley Steemer 425* 278

7. Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System 330 8,045

8. JAN-PRO 301 11,540

9. Rainbow International Restoration 243 404

10. Molly Maid 198 632

11. The Cleaning Authority 173 148

12. The Maids 142 1,109

13. Vanguard Cleaning Systems 136 2,946

14. COIT 114 47

15. Steamatic 113 347

16. Aire Serv 110 184

17. Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network 97 154

Aging continued on 56



THE FASTEST,BEST OPERATORSIN THE BUSINESSLIMITED DEVELOPMENT AREAS AVAILABLE800-546-6904 ★ JIMMYJOHNS.COM

©2013 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

56 October 2014

Top Health & Medical Services/Hotels & Travel

T he past year was a good one for the travel industry, and certainly for the 41 hotel and

travel franchises on the Franchise Times Top 200.

Several franchises had some remarkable growth last year. Consider: Motel 6, the Carrollton, Texas-based budget hotel chain, had total sales growth of 10.5 per-

cent in 2013, enough to move up six spots on our ranking to No. 84. Most of that came from increased sales within the U.S., where all of Motel 6’s 1,059 hotels are located.

Indeed, several hotel chains on our ranking fared well, but notably those in the budget and mid-scale concepts.

Tourism is big business in

the U.S., where $621.4 billion is spent on leisure travel and another $266.5 billion is spent on business travel. About 19 percent of that total, or $167.5 billion, was spent on lodging, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

That hotel spending is grow-ing. Occupancy at domestic hotels rose 1.5 percent last year, accord-

ing to the travel research firm STR Global. And average daily hotel rates rose 3.9 percent. Both num-bers are signs of a healthy industry.

Much of tourism spending is coming from international visitors, who made 69.8 million visits to the U.S. last year, according to the

Overnight SuccessBudget and mid-scale hotels, especially, fare well

1. Marriott Hotels & Resorts $ Millions: 8,875* Total Units: 559

2. Hilton Hotels & Resorts 8,000* 554

3. Hyatt 6,250* 521

4. Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts 5,725* 1,216

5. Sheraton 5,550* 432

6. Hampton Inn & Suites 5,350* 1,963

7. Holiday Inn Express 5,100* 2,258

8. Courtyard 4,325* 953

9. Comfort Inn & Suites 3,750* 2,428

10. Westin 3,525* 198

11. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts 3,175* 391

12. Radisson Hotels 3,150* 430

13. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 2,950* 178

14. Residence Inn 2,700* 653

15. Doubletree by Hilton 2,600* 387

16. Hilton Garden Inn 2,250* 598

17. Renaissance 2,200* 151

18. Embassy Suites 2,050* 218

19. Quality Inn & Suites 1,925* 1,595

20. Ramada 1,800* 834

21. Days Inn 1,700* 1,817

22. Super 8 1,575* 2,391

23. Fairfield Inn 1,550* 708

24. La Quinta Inn & Suites 1,525* 834

25. Motel 6 1,050* 1,059

26. Homewood Suites 1,025* 345

27. Springhill Suites 1,000* 308

28. Four Points 875* 181

29. Country Inn & Suites 785* 474

30. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 750* 170

31. Clarion Hotels 680* 321

32. Staybridge Suites 625* 196

33. Econo Lodge 550* 914

34. Towneplace Suites 510* 224

35. Howard Johnson 505* 449

36. Sleep Inn & Suites 460* 391

37. Red Roof Inn 425* 347

38. Travelodge 390* 432

39. Travel Leaders 341* 372

40. Results! Travel 313* 650

41. Microtel Inn & Suites 300* 312

Sunrise, Florida-based Interim a major international presence overnight. “We were convinced of the trends in demographics and demand for care,” said Kathleen Gilmartin, CEO of Interim. She noted the over-65 population would represent 23 percent of the

population by 2020. “That’s huge. There’s going to be over 750 mil-lion people over 65 globally.”

The acquisition of Bluebird also represented s a risk for Interim. In the United Kingdom, Bluebird can provide homemaking and com-panion care that older residents pay for privately. The nationalized healthcare system only pays for

skilled nursing care through gov-ernment agencies and programs.

There’s a belief, however, that Britain will change those rules to enable private providers to give that care. By acquiring Bluebird, Gilmartin said, the company can train the company’s franchisees on skilled nursing ahead of those regulation changes to give them a

running start. “I think it’s just a matter of time,” Gilmartin said.

“Every other country is facing the same dilemma as the U.S.

“You need to provide the right care at the right cost in the right setting. And there are the same cost issues. It’s more economical to receive this care at home,” she says.

Travel continued on 57

Aging continued from 54


October 2014 57

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Hotels & Travel/Personal Care & Services

For new franchises awarded by Dec. 31, 2014, Express Employment Professionals will pay the office space lease for up to $2,500 per month. Express is booming – we’re the No. 1 staffing franchise on the Entrepreneur 500 and we awarded more than 40 new franchises in the first half of 2014.

ACT NOW, free lease offer ends in December!

(877) 652-6400

Here’s a fami l ia r story : A ny t ime Fitne s s , t he Minneapolis-based chain of

24-hour fitness centers, was once again the fastest-growing fran-chise in the country last year, at least among the largest 200.

Anytime is No. 114 on our ranking, up from 134, thanks to its otherworldly 30.8 percent growth in system sales.

The company’s business model has made it one of the fastest grow-ing franchises for years now—it

was No. 7 on our Fast and Serious list, which considers sustainable growth and debuted in March. The company now has 2,373 loca-tions and $634 million in sales.

But as fast as Anytime has grown, it has been somewhat par

for the course in the personal services industry. Some of the fastest-growing franchises last year delivered services to consumers like exercise centers and haircuts

Fit & Phat‘Otherworldly’ growth for Anytime, and many others

travel association, and which have been a growing source of income for domestic leisure companies. Indeed, according to federal sta-

tistics and the travel association, the U.S. tourism industry has the third largest trade surplus of any domestic business.

This has been a boon to the lodging industry in particu-

lar. Amid concerns about online lodging sites such as Airbnb tak-ing business away from hotels, chains did fairly well. Fairfield Inn, owned by Bethesda, Maryland-based Marriott Corp., saw sales

increase 12.7 percent while the number of units grew by 2.5 per-cent—bringing Fairfield up to 68 on our ranking. No. 89 Springhill Suites’ sales grew 17.6 percent on 3 percent unit growth.

Fitness continued on 58

Travel continued from 56

58 October 2014

Top Personal Care & Services/Printing & Shipping

Let’s face it: Bob Titus’ com-pany should have been out of business several times by now,

at least if you listened to business futurists over the years. Titus and his father started Minuteman Press on Long Island 40 years ago. And then Xerox came out with the copier and people said that would be the end of the printing industry.

“The buzz around the indus-try was that every business would buy a copier and there would be no printers,” Titus said. “But you know what? We bought a copier, too, and increased our revenues 25

to 30 percent by putting one in.”And then the personal com-

puter came out, and the paperless office was supposed to be the end of printers. “We were supposed to have a paperless society 15 to 20 years ago,” Titus said. “I’m still waiting.”

But Minuteman Press is still around—and getting bigger, in fact. The franchise enjoyed a ban-ner year—no pun intended—in 2013, thanks to 12 percent sales growth that enabled the company

Carbon CopyMinuteman’s gains prove dire predictions wrong

1. The UPS Store $ Millions: 1,950* Total Units: 4,777

2. Minuteman Press 485 931

3. ProForma 465 750

4. Unishippers 375 299

5. SIGNARAMA 365 914

6. FASTSIGNS 350 546

7. Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing 348* 301

8. AlphaGraphics 290 275

9. Allegra 226 283

10. PostNet 192 700

11. PIP Printing 115* 93

and massages. Such services man-aged strong growth through the recession and afterward.

For instance, Anytime has found a niche by providing con-sumers with a low-cost gym membership option for people intimidated by typical fitness cen-ters. That’s the same reason Planet Fitness, which shot up to No. 94 on our ranking, grew sales by 27.7 percent last year—the third stron-gest growth rate on our ranking. Its unit count also grew by 23.6 percent.

Likewise, Massage Envy Spa, now the 79th largest franchise on our ranking, saw sales grow by 14.6 percent last year. It now has 941 locations. The chain offers massage memberships, and it found consumers refuse to give up their regular massages even when their incomes are down. Yet it has also performed strongly even as the economy has improved.

A newcomerOne interesting newcomer

to the ranking is No. 100 Eye Level Learning Centers, a com-pany founded in Korea that has found some success in the U.S. with a teaching methodology that

emphasizes individual learning. The franchise’s unit count grew

by 31.6 percent last year, and all but 224 of the company’s 1,403 locations are outside the United States. People will still spend to educate their children, apparently. Indeed, Acworth, Georgia-based Primrose Schools’ sales rose 15.6 percent on 7.1 percent unit growth last year.

Haircuts remain popular, too: Sport Clips, the Georgetown, Texas-based company that dis-covered men get their hair cut more often than women, is up to No. 171 on our ranking. The com-pany now has 1,162 locations and its sales grew 19.5 percent last year, making it another one of the bet-ter performing franchises last year.

Not too far behind was a tax preparation company, Liberty Tax Service, which moved up to No. 152 on our ranking after its system sales grew 17.3 percent last year. Liberty’s unit count grew 6.3 per-cent, in part because the company has aggressively courted indepen-dent tax preparers to switch to the franchise. The company also has a unique offer: New and existing franchisees can try their franchise without paying a franchise fee or a royalty during the first tax sea-son.

1. H&R Block $ Millions: 4,175* Total Units: 12,267

2. Massage Envy Spa 1,100 941

3. Great Clips 1,021 3,520

4. Planet Fitness 891 749

5. Eye Level Learning Centers 767 1,403

6. SuperCuts 687 2,539

7. Anytime Fitness 634 2,373

8. Goddard School 535 400

9. Primrose Schools 448 272

10. Liberty Tax Services 421 4,433

11. Snap Fitness 410 1,398

12. Fantastic Sams Hair Salons 382 1,171

13. Sport Clips 350 1,162

14. Two Men and A Truck 324 234

15. CertaPro Painters 266 351

16. Sylvan Learning 229 727

17. Family Financial Centers 198 40

18. Estrella Insurance 168 70

19. 1-800- GOT-JUNK? 129 162

20. The Learning Experience 125 126

21. Martinizing Dry Cleaning 120 414

22. Kiddie Academy 119 113

23. Home Helpers 108 342

24. Retro Fitness 103 96

25. Jazzercise 100 8,266

Print continued on 59

Fitness continued from 57



October 2014 59

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Printing & Shipping/Coffee, Drinks & Snacks Restaurants

Dunkin’ Donuts is the leader in the coffee-and-drinks category, far and away. Yet

Jamba Juice, No. 7 in the category, is making bold moves to try to rise in the ranks. A comprehensive refranchising effort in the last five years makes 69 percent of Jamba’s 851 locations franchisee owned.

Jamba had a specific reason for selling those stores: growth. By selling locations to franchisees, and inking development deals in the process, Jamba hoped to give those operators the cash flow and the incentive to add locations.

It worked. Franchisees built new units, and total unit count grew by 5.2 percent last year, while system sales rose 9 percent. That provided the company with a base from which it could kick off an aggressive growth initiative. Jamba Juice recently announced a new franchise recruitment plan to add 500 more stores over the next five years.

“We used refranchising to drive growth in our system,” said Dale Goss, Jamba’s chief development officer.

Jamba plays in a competitive market. There are up-and-coming smoothie concepts like Smoothie King aggressively adding new loca-tions. And other chains, including McDonald’s, sell smoothies.

Add to that the overall beverage market, including chains like No. 16 Dunkin’ Donuts, and No. 18 Tim Hortons, and there’s a need for Jamba to expand its presence

and convenience so consumers buy its juice more habitually.

So the chain is expanding its presence in California, its home market and by far its biggest, while also adding new options for franchisees looking to add units. That includes a new for-mat in which a Jamba Juice can go into a location as small as 150 square feet. And, Goss said, the chain is working on a f lexible format that could be built in an even smaller configuration.

Meanwhile, Jamba is offering incentives for franchisees to build new units in certain markets, like Atlanta, Dallas, Miami and the East Coast. Those incentives include a 50 percent reduction in the franchise fee and a three-year graduated royalty rate. The incentives are available for both new and existing operators.

“We want to go anywhere there is demand for Jamba Juice,” Goss said.

Snack AttackDrinks makers, notably Jamba, re-tool to grow

1. Dunkin’ Donuts $ Millions: 7,400 Total Units: 10,858

2. Tim Hortons 6,767 4,485

3. Baskin Robbins 1,900 7,300

4. Krispy Kreme 1,060 828

5. Auntie Anne’s 542 1,502

6. Yogen Fruz 501 1,541

7. Jamba Juice 485* 851

8. Cold Stone Creamery 463 1,423

9. Cinnabon 306 1,294

10. Smoothie King 239 673

to move up to No. 134 on the Franchise Times Top 200 rank-ing. It’s among several printing and shipping businesses that con-tinue to motor along.

To be sure, Minuteman has had to change with the times. It prints more and different items now, and

fewer things that can be done at home. “When I was running stores, we did a lot of resumés,” Titus said. “Now our stores haven’t done a resumé in 20 years.”

Commercial printers used to get huge printing accounts, because of the complexities of a single print job. But the ease of digital print-ing has enabled companies to do

smaller jobs. That has forced the companies to change by providing more products and services.

Mnuteman now handles a lot of marketing duties for small busi-nesses and adds product lines to give them more options for getting their name out there. It has a web-site where customers can design their brochures or postcards. It

does mailing for some customers. And in recent years the company has been more aggressive in selling printed promotional products like shirts and other items.

Still, while such services were nice additions, Titus was quick to note printing is still surprisingly strong. “Our business is still 90 percent printing,” he said.

Print continued from 58


60 October 2014

Top Family Dining/Fast-Casual Restaurants

Family and casual dining chains are losing customers. The closely watched Knapp

Track Index of casual dining same-store sales has been positive just seven months over the past seven years.

Or put it another way : According to the Chicago-based market research firm the NPD Group, casual dining restaurants lost 7.1 million visits between 2009 and 2014.

All of which makes Buffalo Wild Wings’ performance pretty spectacular. The Minneapolis-based chicken wing chain enjoyed another strong year in 2013, when its system sales grew 13.4 percent and its unit count grew by 11.4 percent. The chain rose six spots on our ranking to No. 44.

That performance has also helped propel it up the ranks of the country’s largest casual dining chains—it is now the fourth larg-est such concept, with $2.8 billion in system sales and nearly 1,000 locations. By next year, it’ll likely leapfrog the third largest, IHOP.

While Buffalo Wild Wings’ strong growth makes it something of an exception among casual din-ing chains, a few others more than held their own last year.

IHOP, No. 43, enjoyed 4.9 per-cent system sales growth and 2.5 percent unit growth. And sales at the Red Robin system (No. 74) increased 2.8 percent. No. 82 Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar enjoyed 3.1 percent sales growth and a strong 7.1 percent unit growth last year. That said, most of Boston’s locations are out-side the United States.

No. 93 Steak N Shake’s sales rose 5.3 percent last year, though it is a hybrid QSR-family din-ing concept that has drive-thrus and wait staff as well as a lim-ited, low-price menu. And Ruth’s Chris Steak House, No. 120, is the only upscale franchise. Buoyed by strong business travel, its system sales rose 5.4 percent last year.

Sales among these chains was generally flat, though, as was unit count. Companies were able to tread water by heavy marketing and promotion, or because fran-chisees remodeled units as a way to boost customer counts.

Not so hot At No. 25 Applebee’s, system

sales grew a scant 0.3 percent and unit count actually fell by 1.1 per-cent. Denny’s (No. 49) sales grew 0.4 percent and its unit count grew

Holding Pattern Buffalo Wild Wings sets the pace in lackluster niche

1. Applebee’s $ Millions: 4,515* Total Units: 2,011

2. Chili’s 4,025 1,557

3. IHOP Restaurant 2,826* 1,620

4. Buffalo Wild Wings 2,805 993

5. T.G.I. Fridays 2,700 915

6. Denny’s 2,510 1,700

7. Golden Corral 1,795 502

8. Red Robin 1,367* 495

9. Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar 1,067 420

10. Hooters 1,000 416

11. Steak ‘n Shake 900* 519

12. Perkins Restaurant 663* 408

13. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 590* 139

14. Famous Dave’s 500 194

15. Village Inn 337 207

16. UNO Chicago Grill 310* 141

17. Johnny Rockets 309 313

18. Sizzler 280 150

So-called fast-casual restaurants have been on the move for years, thanks to their combi-

nation of higher-quality food and server-free service and a customer base attuned to their specialized offerings.

This year, those quick-moving chains have solidified their posi-

tions on the Franchise Times Top 200. Several of the ranking’s biggest movers belong to the fast-casual group of restaurants.

Panera Bread, at No. 27, has been among the biggest franchises for years and this time moved up four spots. Likewise, Five Guys moved up four spots to No. 76

and now has system sales of more than $1.2 billion. Wingstop (No. 124, up from No. 141 last year), Noodles & Company (155, up from 172), Corner Bakery (170, up from 186) and new entrant Dickey’s Barbecue Pit (debuting at No. 176) all flew up the rankings.

“Customers’ priorities have

changed and they are much more conscious of what they eat,” said Paul Damico, CEO of Moe’s Southwest Grill. The Atlanta-based chain was another big mover and is now No. 132 on our ranking, up from 146 last

Speedy SectorFast-casual chains move up as quickly as their name

0.7 percent. Golden Corral, which is ranked 63rd, had 0.6 percent sales growth. The number of loca-tions at No. 88 Hooters fell 0.2 percent, while sales grew 1 per-cent. At Perkins (No. 109), sales fell 4 percent.

Chili’s, which stayed at No. 30 this year, saw system sales growth of 1.2 percent. And T.G.I. Fridays remained at No. 46 thanks to its 1.4 percent sales growth and 0.4 percent unit count.

Fast continued on 61


October 2014 61

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Fast-Casual/Pizza Restaurants

1. Panera Bread $ Millions: 4,284 Total Units: 1,777

2. Five Guys 1,209 1,181

3. Zaxby’s 1,073 596

4. Qdoba 593 615

5. Wingstop 550 614

6. Moe’s Southwest Grill 500 533

7. Einstein Bros. Bagels 479 723

8. Noodles & Company 409 380

9. Corner Bakery 354 159

10. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit 331* 353

year. “Fast-casual restaurants give guests the opportunity for cus-tomization and healthier options in a timely setting at an affordable price point.”

Moe’s provides a great example of the growth plans for fast-casual chains. The concept of fers Mexican food made to order and competes with Chipotle as well as the Jack in the Box-owned Qdoba.

Moe’s is already pretty big, with

527 domestic units, largely out East. But Damico said the brand plans to double in size over the next three or four years, largely through western expansion. “We were able to sign 120 new fran-chise deals in the first six months of 2014 in significant markets,” Damico said. The chain will open 80 restaurant units, a 20 percent clip.

Few restaurant chains can boast an aggressive growth rate like that—unless they’re fast-casual.

For the most part, pizza chains on the Franchise Times Top 200 performed well in 2013,

as they largely have coming out of the recession. One reason: They’re taking business away from the independent pizzeria.

Consider this: Last year, the number of independent pizza res-taurants declined by 1.5 percent, according to the Chicago-based market research f irm NPD Group. By comparison, the num-

ber of chain restaurants r e m a i n e d

steady.

The chain restaurants have courted lower-income families and others struggling in the aftermath of the recession, but who still want a night in which they don’t have to do the cooking. These chains have been quick to use technology, with online ordering and mobile ordering, to give consumers more methods to get pizzas. Oh, and many of them have aggres-sively moved overseas where pizza remains more of a novelty.

Maybe the best performance among pizza chains last year belonged to Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Domino’s Pizza, which has surged in the past six years thanks

to all of these reasons and a brilliant marketing cam-

paign that continues to pay dividends. The

company added 631 locations

a nd $600 million in

s y s t e m

Piece of the PiePizza chains taking share from independent shops

1. Pizza Hut $ Millions: 12,000* Total Units: 14,967

2. Domino’s Pizza 8,000 10,886

3. Papa John’s 3,023 4,428

4. Little Caesars 2,275* 3,906

5. Papa Murphy’s 786 1,413

6. CiCi’s Pizza 441 476

7. Round Table Pizza 378 443

8. Hungry Howie’s Pizza 297 546

9. Marco’s Pizza 246 437

10. Pizza Ranch 191 180

sales—up 6.2 percent and 8.1 per-cent, respectively. It is now an $8 billion brand and is the 14th larg-est franchise on our ranking.

Much of Domino’s growth has come outside the U.S., where Domino’s now has 5,900 units, compared with just fewer than 5,000 stateside.

Likewise, No. 9 Pizza Hut is increasing its presence in other countries—its parent, Yum Brands, was a pioneer in interna-tional development, particularly in China. The $12-billion system has nearly 15,000 units, 7,121 of which are international. But keep in mind its China units are larger, dine-in restaurants. Still, the com-pany’s system sales growth last year of 3.4 percent was modest and the

company fell one spot on the rank-ing.

And Papa John’s, which moved up to 41 from 43 a year ago, grew well internationally, where it now has more than 1,000 locations. The 4,428-unit franchise saw 6.2 percent system sales growth and 6.4 percent unit growth in 2013.

Other pizza chains did well, too, including Little Caesars, which rose to No. 52 on our ranking last year. And Papa Murphy’s reported 5 percent unit growth and 1.5 per-cent sales growth to get to 98. The company’s sales growth in recent years helped lead the chain to go public this year, making it the fourth major pizza chain on Wall Street.

Fast continued from 60



62 October 2014

Top Quick-Service Restaurants

W ienerschnitzel was founded in 1961, and over the sub-sequent two decades the

chain became known for its quirky, bright red and yellow, A-frame building, where hot dogs and fries were sold from a walk-up window.

Over the years, the chain’s loca-tions have grown in size, but not necessarily stature. Growth slowed with it, as sales didn’t quite match the expense of building a new loca-tion.

“Our costs of entry were high given our average sales volumes,” said Geoff Ingles, director of real estate and franchise development for the 400-unit chain. “A lot of franchisees were hunkering down, maintaining what they had.”

Now, the Irvine, California-based Wienerschnitzel is going back to those roots in an effort to kick-start the chain’s growth.

In recent years, Wienerschnitzel has aggressively improved the visibility of its concept and its fran-chise offering, getting involved in franchise shows and working with operators on site selection and development and other issues. It also aggressively encouraged oper-ators to add new units.

The company took 50 percent off franchise fees and rolled out a graduated royalty program, in which franchisees paid low roy-alties on new unit openings. The program worked last year to boost unit growth, so the company renewed it again for next year.

“We’re like the government with a stimulus program: If it works, we’ll keep it in place until we don’t need it anymore,” said Ingles.

The improvements helped. Wienerschnitzel’s sales grew 7.1 percent last year, and the chain is making its first appearance on the Franchise Times Top 200 at No. 191. But the big growth could be yet to come. That’s because the company recently opened the first unit of a new, cheaper pro-totype more mindful of those old A-frames.

The new units are just 800 square feet. The company elimi-nated a dining area that had been added to locations over the years and returned to the walk-up win-dow—75 to 80 percent of sales come through the drive-thru, anyway, Ingles said. The locations have patio areas with seating, but the prototype costs $500,000 to

build, while the older model cost as much as $1.2 million.

“It’s really a kitchen with a walk-up, a drive-thru and 400-square feet of outdoor patio area,” Ingles said. “It goes back to the core roots. It’s what the brand was built upon.”

To be sure, the prototype has a lot to prove. The first location just

opened in September, after all. But franchisees have been lining up to build the cheaper new restaurant.

“There’s a lot of interest to get in and build that building,” Ingles said. “It comes at an attractive price point that gives the franchi-see a respectable ROI.”

Rising BrandNew, cheaper model fires up Wienerschnitzel

1. McDonald’s $ Millions: 89,126 Total Units: 35,429

2. KFC 23,250* 18,875

3. Burger King 16,301 13,667

4. Wendy’s 9,400* 6,557

5. Taco Bell 8,100 6,869

6. Chick-Fil-A 5,000 1,775

7. Sonic, America’s Drive-In 3,886 3,517

8. Dairy Queen 3,800 6,455

9. Arby’s 3,114 3,404

10. Jack In The Box 3,109 2,251

11. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 2,400 2,225

12. Hardee’s 2,261 1,995

13. Carl’s Jr. 1,757 1,435

14. Whataburger 1,588 758

15. Church’s Chicken 1,225 1,680

16. Bojangles’ Famous Chicken

‘n Biscuits 925 577

17. Culver’s 906 495

18. Checkers/Rally’s 723 784

19. Long John Silver’s 682 1,263

20. El Pollo Loco 658 399

21. Del Taco 623 547

22. Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen 480 515

23. Krystal Company 404 349

24. Pollo Campero 378 360

25. Taco John’s 330 402

26. A&W Restaurants 323 1,007

27. Chester’s 313 1,683

28. Wienerschnitzel 300 406

The classic design of the A-frame Wienerschnitzel restaurant, making its first appearance on the Franchise Times Top 200 at No. 191.


October 2014 63

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Sandwich Restaurants

In 2007, Quiznos had $2.1 bil-lion in system sales, which was good enough for the fast-grow-

ing Denver-based sandwich chain to hit No. 48 on the Franchise Times Top 200 the next year. That’s where it would peak.

System sales fell to $2 billion in 2008 and $1.6 billion in 2009 and the chain fell down to No. 58. And that was before the real decline. On this year’s ranking, Quiznos is down to No. 113, with system sales of $636 million. It is a third of the size it enjoyed dur-ing those peak years.

But Quiznos’ decline has given way to a slew of fast-growing com-petitors in the sandwich sub-sector,

all of which are eagerly snapping up business.

Perhaps no chain is doing this quite as well as Jimmy John’s. In 2007, Jimmy John’s had system sales of $386 million and was No. 142 on our 2008 ranking. These days, it’s a sandwich powerhouse, with nearly $1.5 billion in system sales and 1,802 locations, good enough for No. 71 on our rank-ing. Essentially, Jimmy John’s has traded places with Quiznos, and is now the second largest sand-wich chain on our ranking behind Subway.

Of course, that behemoth is in a class by itself when it comes to sandwiches, with nearly $19 bil-

Beyond SubwayJimmy John’s, smaller brands rise to fill Quiznos’ void

1. Subway $ Millions: 18,800 Total Units: 42,296

2. Jimmy John’s 1,467 1,802

3. Quiznos 636* 2,034

4. Jason’s Deli 593 248

5. McAlister’s Deli 459 321

6. Firehouse Subs 443 722

7. Jersey Mike’s Subs 406 713

8. Charley’s Grilled Subs 293 517

9. Schlotzsky’s 238 345

10. Pita Pit 183 460

lion in system sales and 42,296 locations, Still, the smaller chains continue to move up the rankings.

That includes No. 147 Firehouse Subs and No. 156 Jersey Mike’s Subs.

FRANCHISE FINANCE

Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of Nevada, First Independent Bank and Torrey Pines Bank are divisions of Western Alliance Bank. Member FDIC. Western Alliance Bank is a subsidiary of Western Alliance Bancorporation.

Responsive

Industry and local market expertise

Flexible terms

Real estate fi nancing

Franchise-only fi nancing

Equipment-only fi nancingFinancing subject to credit approval

Contact us: 602.386.5500

04/14


64 October 2014

Top Retail

Light bulbs used to be so easy. There was one type. And the only decision you had to

make was the wattage.“As consumers we always went to

the grocery store or the hardware store and we’d throw a four-pack of 75-watt light bulbs in the cart,” said John Twist, vice president of development for the retail fran-chise Batteries Plus Bulbs. “That’s gone. People are now faced with choices they don’t understand. As LED technology continues to evolve, we have better bulbs with better light experiences and energy savings.

“That takes some explanation and some expertise. There’s a real gap in the ability to provide that knowledge.”

Wading through choicesSo in stepped the franchise for-

merly known as Batteries Plus. The company has traditionally sold batteries from storefronts, special-izing in helping customers wade through the immense number of battery choices. Given the grow-ing complexity of the light bulb business, the company felt that product would fit in nicely with the model.

Four years ago, Twist said, Batteries Plus started testing selling light bulbs from company-owned locations that historically sold batteries of all different shapes and sizes.

Tests were successful. Then some franchisees jumped on board. By 2011, all new units sold bulbs. And as franchisees began adding the new product line, Batteries Plus decided to rebrand, to make it perfectly clear exactly what was being sold there—batteries and bulbs.

“We quickly realized that we are committed to lighting, therefore we felt it was important to mod-ify our identity,” Twist said. “If you’re out in front of a Batteries Plus Bulbs, there’s no mistaking what’s inside the four walls.”

The rebranding and the added sales have helped Batteries Plus Bulbs to move up to No. 144 on our Franchise Times Top 200 ranking of the largest franchise systems in the country. The com-pany’s sales last year grew by more than 10 percent.

Now the company is adding another service, smartphone repair.

“The synergies there are self-evi-dent,” Twist said.

It’s ComplicatedLight goes on for Batteries Plus, leading to sales gains

1. 7-Eleven $ Millions: 84,475 Total Units: 53,856

2. Ace Hardware 13,037 4,829

3. Circle K 12,001 8,240

4. Aaron’s 3,246 2,136

5. GNC 3,125* 6,378

6. Snap-On Tools 1,358 4,771

7. AMPM 1,083 966

8. Sears Home Appliance Showrooms 1,001 330

9. Pet Supplies “Plus” 675 290

10. Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 550 950

11. Edible Arrangements 508 1,122

12. Batteries Plus Bulbs 452 602

13. Wireless Zone 449 404

14. Slumberland Furniture 417 126

15. The HoneyBaked Ham Co. 397 420

16. Plato’s Closet 387 397

17. Matco Tools 329 1,487

18. Budget Blinds 308 959

19. Once Upon A Child 248 288

20. Play It Again Sports 228 300

21. Granite Transformations 145 151

22. HobbyTown 140 163

23. Fleet Feet Sports 140 124

24. Wild Birds Unlimited 139 285

25. Complete Nutrition 95 178

Methodology:

T he Franchise Times Top 200 is an annual ranking of the 200 largest franchise systems in the

U.S. by global systemwide sales, based on the previous year’s per-formance. This year, for the third time in a row, we also ranked the next 300 systems for a total of 500.

We use a combination of com-panies’ voluntary reports and publicly available data, includ-ing the franchises’ most recent franchise disclosure documents and Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

To qualify, a company must be a legal U.S. franchise. Franchisees must own at least 15 percent of the company’s total units. The com-pany must also be based in the United States, or have at least 15 percent of their total units in the United States.

Systemwide sales is defined as the total sales for both franchise and company units. Those sales figures should represent sales to customers, and not corporate sales to franchisees or prospective fran-chisees, such as royalty revenue or franchise fees. Other revenue not directly related to franchising should not be included.

If two companies reported the same systemwide sales, the higher ranking is given to the company with the most units. Preference is also given to companies that vol-untarily report their systemwide sales, rather than those compa-nies for which we must estimate the sales figures.

Franchise Times’ estimated revenue for hotels is based on a formula multiplying the chain’s revenue per avai lable room (RevPar) by the number of rooms and the number of days in the year. RevPar comes from the company, or from industry estimates.

We estimate real estate compa-

nies based on 2.5 percent of their reported sales volume. Real estate companies report sales based on total volume of homes sold. So if a home is sold for $200,000, it would be listed as $200,000 in rev-enue. FT’s estimate would count $5,000 in revenue earned as a commission from the sale.

We estimate travel agencies based on 12.5 percent of their total sales volume. Like real estate companies, travel agencies report sales volume based on the value of the vacations sold, rather than their commissions. For more infor-mation, contact Matt Haskin at [email protected]

Will your brand stand the test of time?OURS HAS.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. 1Source: The NPD Group – Motor Fuels Index December 2013 YTD. 2Subject to BP’s policies, requirements, qualifications, and in accordance with BP’s loan disbursement program. If you have an existing supplier or contractual obligations, seek independent legal advice before responding to this invitation. BP does not solicit any breaches of contractual obligations. © 2014 BP West Coast Products LLC. All Rights Reserved.

One reason ARCO and ampm franchises continue to flourish is the tremendous amount of local marketing support. Couple that with ARCO’s high-volume operating model and a 40-year reputation for value and reliability.Of course, laying claim to the #1 gasoline brand shareon the West Coast1 doesn’t hurt either.

Find out what it’s like to join brands that help fuel America.Contact us – we’re ready when you are.ARCOampmFranchisingNorth.com | (888) 930-ARCO

in financial incentives to build new or rebrand2 to ARCO and ampm.

Up to

( 2 7 2 6 )

®

$700,000


Will your brand stand the test of time?OURS HAS.

This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. 1Source: The NPD Group – Motor Fuels Index December 2013 YTD. 2Subject to BP’s policies, requirements, qualifications, and in accordance with BP’s loan disbursement program. If you have an existing supplier or contractual obligations, seek independent legal advice before responding to this invitation. BP does not solicit any breaches of contractual obligations. © 2014 BP West Coast Products LLC. All Rights Reserved.

One reason ARCO and ampm franchises continue to flourish is the tremendous amount of local marketing support. Couple that with ARCO’s high-volume operating model and a 40-year reputation for value and reliability.Of course, laying claim to the #1 gasoline brand shareon the West Coast1 doesn’t hurt either.

Find out what it’s like to join brands that help fuel America.Contact us – we’re ready when you are.ARCOampmFranchisingNorth.com | (888) 930-ARCO

in financial incentives to build new or rebrand2 to ARCO and ampm.

Up to

( 2 7 2 6 )

®

$700,000

66 October 2014

Alphabetical Listings

7-Eleven .......................................2A&W Restaurants .....................183Aaron’s .......................................35Ace Hardware ...............................7AlphaGraphics ..........................195AMPM ....................................... 80Anytime Fitness ........................ 114Applebee’s ..................................25Arby’s ........................................ 39Auntie Anne’s ...........................125Baskin Robbins .......................... 60Batteries Plus ...........................144Big O Tires ...............................104Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits .................... 90Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar ...............................82Budget Blinds ...........................188Buffalo Wild Wings .................... 44Burger King ..................................5Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen .....136Carl’s Jr. .................................... 64CARSTAR ................................. 112CertaPro Painters .................... 200Charley’s Grilled Subs ...............194Checkers/Rally’s .......................102Chester’s ..................................184

Chick-Fil-A .................................24Chili’s ........................................ 30Church’s Chicken ........................76CiCi’s Pizza ...............................148Cinnabon ..................................189Circle K ........................................ 8Clarion Hotels ........................... 107Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf ............122Cold Stone Creamery ................140Comfort Inn & Suites ................. 33Comfort Keepers ...................... 157Corner Bakery Café ..................170Country Inn & Suites .................. 99Courtyard .................................. 26Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System .......................179Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts ........................ 36Culver’s ......................................91Dairy Queen ...............................32Days Inn .....................................65Del Taco ...................................116Denny’s ..................................... 49Dickey’s Barbecue Pit ...............176Disaster Kleenup International ...............................62Domino’s Pizza ...........................14

Doubletree by Hilton .................. 48Dunkin’ Donuts ...........................16Econo Lodge.............................123Edible Arrangements ................128Einstein Bros. Bagels ................ 137El Pollo Loco .............................110Embassy Suites ......................... 56Express Employment Professionals ............................. 50Eye Level Learning Centers .......100Fairfield Inn ............................... 68Famous Dave’s ......................... 131Fantastic Sams Hair Salons ......163FASTSIGNS ..............................172Firehouse Subs ......................... 147Five Guys ...................................77Four Points ................................ 96G.J.Gardner Homes .................. 117GNC ........................................... 38Goddard School (The) ...............126Golden Corral ............................ 63Great Clips ................................. 86H&R Block ................................. 29Hampton Inn & Suites .................22Hardee’s .................................... 53Health Mart ................................ 17Hertz ........................................... 6

Hilton Garden Inn ....................... 54Hilton Hotels & Resorts ...............15Holiday Inn Express ................... 23Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts ...... 20Home Instead Senior Care ......... 78HomeServices/ Prudential Real Estate ................45Homewood Suites .......................85Hooters ..................................... 88Howard Johnson ......................129Hungry Howie’s Pizza ...............193Hyatt ..........................................19IHOP Restaurant ........................ 43InterContinental Hotels & Resorts .........................42Interim HealthCare......................92J.D. Byrider .................................95Jack In The Box ......................... 40Jamba Juice .............................135JAN-PRO ..................................190Jani-King ..................................103Jason’s Deli ..............................118Jersey Mike’s Subs ...................156Jiffy Lube ...................................71Jimmy John’s ..............................72Johnny Rockets ........................ 187Keller Williams Realty ................ 28

October 2014 67

The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesAlphabetical Listings

Keystone Insurers Group ........... 181KFC ..............................................3Krispy Kreme ............................. 83Krystal Company ......................158La Quinta Inn & Suites ............... 69Labor Finders ...........................198Liberty Tax Service ...................152Linc Service ............................. 121Little Caesars .............................52Long John Silver’s ....................106MAACO ....................................149Marriott Hotels & Resorts ........... 11Massage Envy Spa .................... 79Matco Tools ..............................180McAlister’s Deli ........................143McDonald’s ..................................1Meineke Car Care Centers ........138Microtel Inn & Suites ................192Midas ........................................ 70Minuteman Press .....................134Moe’s Southwest Grill ...............132Motel 6 ...................................... 84Mr. Rooter ................................196MRINetwork ............................. 177Noodles & Company .................155One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning .....................159

Panera Bread..............................27Papa John’s ................................ 41Papa Murphy’s .......................... 98Paul Davis Restoration ..............133Perkins Restaurant ...................109Pet Supplies “Plus” ...................108Pizza Hut ..................................... 9Planet Fitness ............................ 94Plato’s Closet ............................162Pollo Campero ..........................164Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen ......... 51Primrose Schools......................146ProForma .................................139Qdoba Mexican Grill ..................119Quality Inn & Suites ................... 59Quiznos .................................... 113Radisson Hotels ..........................37Ramada ......................................61RE/MAX .....................................12Red Robin ...................................74Red Roof Inn .............................150Renaissance ...............................55Residence Inn .............................47Results! Travel ..........................185Right At Home ..........................199Roto-Rooter ................................97Round Table Pizza ....................165

Ruth’s Chris Steak House .........120Sears Home Appliance Showrooms ................87ServiceMaster Clean...................57SERVPRO .................................. 73Sheraton.....................................21SIGNARAMA ............................. 167Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing Services................173Sizzler ...................................... 197Sleep Inn & Suites ....................142Slumberland Furniture ..............153Snap Fitness.............................154Snap-On Tools ............................75Sonic, America’s Drive-In ...........31Spherion Staffing ......................168Sport Clips ................................ 171Springhill Suites ......................... 89Stanley Steemer ....................... 151Staybridge Suites ..................... 115Steak ‘n Shake .......................... 93Subway ........................................4Super 8 ......................................67SuperCuts ................................105T.G.I. Friday’s ............................. 46Taco Bell .....................................13Taco John’s...............................178

The HoneyBaked Ham Co..........160The UPS Store ........................... 58Tim Hortons ................................18Towneplace Suites .................... 127Travel Leaders .......................... 174Travelodge ................................ 161Two Men and A Truck ...............182Unishippers ..............................166UNO Chicago Grill .....................186Valpak .....................................169Valvoline Instant Oil Change ................................ 111Village Inn .................................175Visiting Angels .......................... 141Wendy’s .....................................10Westin ....................................... 34Whataburger ............................. 66Wienerschnitzel ........................ 191Wingstop ..................................124Wireless Zone ...........................145Wyndham Hotels & Resorts ................................. 101Yogen Fruz ................................130Zaxby’s .......................................81

Franchise with DQ®

It’s never been a better time to

* Top 500 Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Franchises (2013) by Entrepreneur Magazine

RANKED 1NO.

*

Go to DQ.comclick FRANCHISE WITH US to request

more info, or call 1-800-883-4279

This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can only be made by prospectus. Minnesota Franchising Registration File No. F-2925, File No. F-1869 American Dairy Queen Corporation, Minneapolis, MN ® T.M. Am.DQ Corp © 2014 Am. DQ Corp. DQ0914-2

GREAT MARKETS AVAILABLE

and more!

Documents

2014 Top 200 - Franchise Times