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THIS OFFERING IS MADE BY PROSPECTUS ONLY.

October 2013 • Franchise Times 3

Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop 200 Overview

By Jonathan Maze

Over the past couple of years, com-panies on the Franchise Times Top 200 have built sales without adding

more units. Last year, the largest fran-chises managed to do both.

The 200 largest franchises by sales vol-ume saw sales increase 6.3 percent, on average, according to our ranking. And they began adding units again last year, too: Average unit count grew by 3.4 per-cent in 2012. In 2011, unit count grew by less than 1 percent, on average.

As usual, there was a wide variation

in our ranking, with some companies seeing sales declines nearing 20 percent. But many companies saw overall sales increases of 20 percent.

The result: This year’s ranking isn’t as top-heavy. We noted a year ago the larg-est companies on the Franchise Times Top 200 have grown increasingly domi-nant since we first published the ranking in 2000. Last year, the 10 largest fran-

chises accounted for 50.2 percent of overall sales for the 200.

But this year that percentage fell. Yes, the 10 largest franchises remain a domi-nant group, but they accounted for 49.9 percent of total sales. In other words: The rest of the franchise world has started catching up with the McDonald’s and

Top ListOne newcomer to biggest 25, plus more notable debuts & newsWith ‘other-worldly’ unit count expansion at 7-Eleven, the long-time No. 2 company on the Franchise Times 200 is poised to overtake McDonald’s next year. Who else is rising or falling? Read on.

Top List continued on 4

7-Eleven, with $84.8 billion in system sales, is less than $4 billion behind McDonald’s.

4 Franchise Times • October 2013

Top 200 Overview

7-Elevens of the world. Well, they’re catching up figuratively,

anyway. Nobody is going to catch up with those two companies anytime soon. Combined, the world’s two most domi-nant franchises accounted for 30 percent of the ranking’s total sales. And 7-Eleven, No. 2, is nearly four times the size of No. 3, KFC.

But 7-Eleven could catch up to long-time top-dog McDonald’s as early as next year’s ranking.

McDonald’s, the Chicago-based burger giant, reported $88.3 billion in total system sales last year. Its sales grew 2.7 percent, and unit count grew 2.9 percent. 7-Eleven, the giant conve-nience store chain based in Japan (but owned by the Japanese company 7-and-I Holdings), reported 10.7 percent sales

growth last year. With $84.8 billion in system sales, it is now less than $4 billion behind McDonald’s.

If the companies matched their respective rates of growth this year, 7-Eleven would have already overtaken McDonald’s as the world’s largest fran-chise.

7-Eleven’s growth has come through its other-worldly unit count expansion. The venerable corner store has become the most ubiquitous retailer of any sort in the world. Last year, it reached 49,503 locations worldwide and this year became the first franchise to reach 50,000 units. Only 7,719 of its locations are in the U.S.

The 10 largest didn’t change much, save for Hertz’s two-spot move from No. 8 to No. 6, thanks largely to its acqui-sition of Dollar Thrifty. And there is only one newcomer to the largest 25—No. 24 Chick-fil-A. Kansas City-based

H&R Block, meanwhile, fell from No. 22 to No. 27.

But smaller companies did make their moves and started closing the gap with the big kids for the first time since we started recording the world’s largest fran-chise systems 13 years ago. Twenty-five of the 200 companies on our ranking reported sales growth exceeding 15 per-cent. Companies are more aggressive in adding new units, buoyed by economic optimism and fed by an abundance of readily available, low-cost debt. And many franchises continue to find fertile ground in international markets.

Last year, 36.2 percent of all units in companies on the Top 200 were outside the U.S., compared with just 34 percent last year and 24 percent back in 2000.

Perhaps the best example comes from Cinnabon, the Atlanta-based cinnamon roll chain. In 2011, 47 percent of its units

Top List continued from 3

w w w . e a s t c o a s t w i n g s f r a n c h i s e . c o m

Join the leader of casual dining in the Buffalo wing businessContact Dan Collins, CFE 954-263-2056 or [email protected]

How’s Your Bottom Line?

This advertisement is not an offering of a franchise. An offering can be made only by prospectus. We only sell franchisees in states where our offering is registered. Figures reflect same unit average as reported by units operating in ‘08-’13. *EBIDTA as submitted by our full service franchised restaurants operating in 2012 as published in item 19 of our April 2013 Franchise Disclosure Document. Figures reflect Franchisee submitted on unaudited P&L’s. Individual financial performance will vary. Bank Credit Report developed by Fran Data.

• Systemwide Same Store Sales Increased 10.12% in 2012• * ‘09 vs. ‘11 Same Store EBITDA growth 58%• Bancorp Financing of $7.5 Million Available an FDIC-

Insured Commercial Bank

• Superior Bank Credit Report* • Nationally Ranked 4th in 2013 out of all

Food Franchise Companies Surveyed for Franchisee Satisfaction

Average Unit EBITDA:*$232,360 in 2012

*38 Consecutive Quarters of Same Store Sales GrowthTM


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop 200 Overview

7-Eleven .......................................................... 8,200 McDonald’s .................................................... 2,349 Hertz ............................................................. 1,950* Subway ........................................................... 1,500 KFC ................................................................ 1,500* RE/MAX ............................................................ 681* Coldwell Banker Real Estate............................. 650* Keller Williams Realty ...................................... 647* Pizza Hut .......................................................... 600* Burger King........................................................ 549

7-Eleven .......................................................... 4,891 Subway ........................................................... 2,398 Hertz ............................................................. 1,783* McDonald’s ....................................................... 970 KFC .................................................................... 797 Pizza Hut ........................................................... 610 Domino’s Pizza .................................................. 513 Burger King........................................................ 485 GNC ................................................................... 407 Dunkin’ Donuts ................................................. 396

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates ....... 31.0%Sport Clips ...................................................... 25.0%Cinnabon ........................................................ 24.0%Two Men and A Truck ..................................... 23.6%Five Guys ........................................................ 21.6%Hertz ..............................................................20.2%*Firehouse Subs ............................................... 19.8%Planet Fitness .................................................19.3%*Jimmy John’s ...................................................17.4%Doubletree by Hilton ..................................... 16.0%

Firehouse Subs ................................................35.1%Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates .......34.7%*Anytime Fitness ............................................. 32.8%Jimmy John’s .................................................. 30.2%Planet Fitness .................................................29.9%*Cinnabon ........................................................28.8%Keller Williams Realty ....................................25.0%*Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar ........................21.1%Wingstop ........................................................ 20.7%Sport Clips .......................................................20.1%

FRANCHISE CONCEPT .......................... $M

FRANCHISE CONCEPT ......................UNITS FRANCHISE CONCEPT .............................%

FRANCHISE CONCEPT .............................%

were outside the U.S. Last year, 56 per-cent of its units were in other countries. Due largely to that international expan-sion, Cinnabon’s sales grew 29 percent and the company debuted on our rank-ing this year at No. 188.

Perhaps no sector in the franchise world was as successful as the sub sand-wich category. Such restaurants are dwarfed by market giant Subway, the fourth largest franchise in the world and the largest restaurant chain by unit count—which recently crossed the 40,000 unit mark.

Subway’s sales grew 9 percent last year. But many of its competitors have found places to put their sandwich shops and

customers to come in their doors. Jimmy John’s, the Champaign, Illinois-based sub chain, reported 30.2 percent sales growth, and 17.4 percent growth in unit count, to jump to No. 77 on our ranking.

Not to be outdone, Jacksonville, Florida-based Firehouse Subs added 19.8 percent more units and reported system sales growth exceeding 35 percent. It is now No. 161 on our ranking. They were followed by No. 176 Jersey Mike’s, which had 15.2 percent unit growth and 19.3 percent sales improvement.

Such concepts are filling in the void left by Quiznos, the Denver-based chain that is now ranked 94th, down from 84 a year ago after sales and unit count both

fell by more than 10 percent last year. But there is some evidence the growing sand-wich competitors could even be taking a bite out of Subway, which is reportedly struggling with sales weakness this year.

Other sectors did well, too, including fitness chains like Planet Fitness (No. 109), Anytime Fitness (No. 134) and Snap Fitness (No. 157) and another per-sonal lifestyle concept, No. 88 Massage Envy, also reported strong sales improve-ment last year. Apparently, people need a workout, and a massage, after filling up on sandwiches and cinnamon rolls.


Rank Franchise Concept Parent CompanyWorldwide Sales ($M)

Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

1 McDonald’s McDonald's Corporation 88,290 14,157 20,323 34,480 81% 2.7% 2.9%

2 7-ElevenSeven and i Holdings Co. Ltd.

84,800 7,719 41,784 49,503 96% 10.7% 11.0%

3 KFC YUM! Brands, Inc. 22,800* 4,618 13,580 18,198 74% 7.0% 4.6%

4 Subway Doctor's Associates, Inc. 18,100 25,549 12,769 38,318 100% 9.0% 6.7%

5 Burger KingBurger King Worldwide, Inc.

15,842 7,183 5,814 12,997 97% 3.6% 3.9%

6 Hertz Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. 13,800* 8,400 2,200 10,600 41% 16.5% 20.2%

7 Ace Hardware Ace Hardware Corp. 12,500 4,104 605 4,709 98% 0.0% 6.3%

8 Pizza Hut YUM! Brands, Inc. 11,600* 7,756 6,601 14,357 88% 5.5% 4.4%

9Circle K Convenience Stores

Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.

10,675 3,597 4,153 7,750 59% -9.6% 4.0%

10 Wendy’s The Wendy's Company 9,350* 5,817 743 6,560 78% 1.6% -0.5%

11Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites

Marriott International, Inc. 8,650* 352 206 558 41% 4.2% 0.5%

12 Taco Bell YUM! Brands, Inc. 7,800* 5,695 285 5,980 82% 6.8% 0.6%

13 Hilton Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels Corporation 7,600* 246 306 552 41% 5.6% -0.5%

14 RE/MAX RE/MAX International, Inc. 7,421* 3,314 3,017 6,331 100% 10.1% 0.7%

15 Domino’s Pizza Domino's Pizza, Inc. 7,400 4,928 5,327 10,255 96% 6.4% 5.3%

16 Health Mart McKesson Corp. 7,000* 3,095 0 3,095 100% -0.7% 5.2%

17 Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 6,900 7,306 3,173 10,479 100% 5.6% 3.9%

18 Tim Hortons Tim Hortons, Inc. 6,478 804 3,460 4,264 99% 7.3% 6.2%

Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate

TOP 200#81

Contact: Franchise Development Team Phone: 888-894-2676

ampm Too Much Good Stuff

Financial incentives* offered when you build new or re-brand**

The ARCO gasoline and ampm convenience store franchises are offered in the states of CA, AZ, NV, WA and OR. Powerful, distinctive branding is the cornerstone of our high visibility in the convenience-store industry. A key element of ampm’s convenience strategy is the delivery of a differentiated and distinctive offer focused on meeting the needs of its target customer segments. The ampm brand has meaning to its customers (irreverent, fun, satisfies urgent wants, indulgent...TOO MUCH GOOD STUFF). At ampm, there is always something more to get - it is okay to indulge yourself and give in to your natural cravings.

*Subject to Franchisor’s policies, requirements and qualifications. ** If you have an existing supplier or contractual obligations, seek independent legal advice before responding to this invitation. Franchisor does not solicit any breaches of contractual obligations. 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. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: CA, HI, IL, IN, MD, MI, MN, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, VA, WA and WI. If you are a resident of one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. In addition, in NY an offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law.

© 2013 BP West Coast Products LLC All Rights Reserved. © 2013 BP Products North America Inc. All Rights Reserved.

E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.arcoampmfranchise.com

Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales


Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

19 Hyatt Hyatt Hotels Corporation 5,700* 368 107 475 32% 7.5% 3.3%

20Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

InterContinental Hotels Group

5,575* 820 427 1,247 100% 3.4% 1.1%

21 SheratonStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

5,200* 238 192 430 48% 6.1% 2.9%

22 Hampton Inn & Suites Hilton Hotels Corporation 4,900* 1,842 76 1,918 97% 4.3% 2.6%

23 Holiday Inn ExpressInterContinental Hotels Group

4,600* 1,931 261 2,192 100% 7.0% 3.7%

24 Chick-Fil-A Chick-Fil-A, Inc. 4,600 1,685 0 1,685 100% 12.2% 4.3%

25 Applebee’s DineEquity, Inc. 4,503* 1,885 149 2,034 99% 1.6% 0.7%

26Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Realogy Holdings Corp. 4,475* 2,446 820 3,266 80% 17.0% 4.2%

27 H&R Block Tax Services H&R Block, Inc. 4,085* 10,992 1,627 12,619 48% -17.5% -1.2%

28 Century 21 Real Estate Realogy Holdings Corp. 4,000* 2,500 4,600 7,100 100% 2.1% -2.1%

29 Courtyard Marriott International, Inc. 4,000* 817 112 929 64% 6.7% 1.8%

30 Chili’s Grill & Bar Brinker International, Inc. 3,976 1,279 257 1,536 47% 2.5% 0.1%

31 Panera Bread Panera Bread Co. 3,861 1,643 9 1,652 51% 12.9% 7.2%

32 Sonic, America’s Drive-In Sonic Corp. 3,835 3,543 0 3,543 89% 3.9% -0.5%

33 Comfort Inn & Suites Choice Hotels International 3,725* 1,946 552 2,498 100% 4.9% -3.2%

34 Dairy Queen Berkshire Hathaway 3,500 4,454 1,752 6,206 100% 11.1% 2.3%

35 WestinStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

3,400* 130 62 192 40% 6.3% 2.1%

36 Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty, Inc. 3,237* 647 16 663 100% 25.0% -4.5%

37 Aaron’s Aaron's, Inc. 3,132 2,022 50 2,072 36% 9.5% 10.6%





Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

38 Jack In The Box Jack in the Box, Inc. 3,085 2,250 0 2,250 76% 4.7% 1.3%

39 Arby’s Roark Capital 2,992 3,354 127 3,481 71% -1.1% -2.3%

40Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts


2,975* 183 209 392 100% 6.3% 1.3%

41 GNC GNC Holdings, Inc. 2,900* 3,970 1,997 5,967 47% 10.8% 7.3%

42 Radisson HotelsCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group

2,900* 93 333 426 88% 4.5% 2.2%

43 Papa John’s Papa John's International 2,847 3,204 959 4,163 83% 10.6% 7.2%

44InterContinental Hotels & Resorts


2,800* 53 117 170 96% 5.7% 0.6%

45 Prudential Real Estate HSF Affiliates, LLC 2,733* 1,400 0 1,400 100% 3.1% -7.2%

46 T.G.I. Friday’s Carlson Restaurants, Inc. 2,700* 545 366 911 64% 3.8% 1.0%

47 IHOP Restaurant DineEquity, Inc. 2,695* 1,537 44 1,581 99% 1.7% 2.0%

48 Denny’s Denny's, Inc. 2,500 1,590 98 1,688 90% 3.2% 0.2%

49 Residence Inn Marriott International, Inc. 2,500* 602 23 625 79% 4.2% 1.3%

50Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. 2,474 891 0 891 57% 21.1% 9.1%

51Express Employment Professionals

Express Services, Inc. 2,300 583 48 631 100% 4.4% 10.5%

52 Renaissance Marriott International, Inc. 2,200* 79 76 155 42% 4.8% 0.6%

53 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen AFC Enterprises, Inc. 2,189 1,634 425 2,059 98% 13.3% 1.2%

54 Hardee’s CKE Restaurants Holdings 2,182 1,703 241 1,944 76% 5.5% 1.2%

55 Little Caesar’sLittle Caesar Enterprises, Inc.

2,160* 3,673 0 3,673 85% 8.0% 6.3%


There's never been a better time to franchise with our brands.

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Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

56 Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Hotels Corporation 2,050* 514 59 573 94% 5.1% 5.1%

57 Doubletree by Hilton Hilton Hotels Corporation 2,025* 271 84 355 78% 6.6% 16.0%

58 Embassy Suites Hilton Hotels Corporation 1,950* 206 7 213 72% 2.6% 0.0%

59 Baskin Robbins Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. 1,900 2,463 4,517 6,980 100% 5.8% 4.0%

60 The UPS Store The UPS Store, Inc. 1,850* 4,376 365 4,741 100% 2.8% 0.1%

61 ServiceMaster CleanThe ServiceMaster Company

1,846 3,038 1,871 4,909 100% -1.8% 1.3%

62Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

Golden Corral Corp. 1,783 488 0 488 75% 5.9% 0.6%

63 RamadaWyndham Worldwide Corporation

1,725* 465 385 850 100% 1.5% 0.6%

64 Days InnWyndham Worldwide Corporation

1,700* 1,615 211 1,826 100% 6.3% -2.0%

65 Quality Inn & Suites Choice Hotels International 1,700* 1,152 366 1,518 100% 3.0% 7.1%

66Disaster Kleenup International

DKI Ventures 1,700 278 61 339 100% 13.3% 14.9%

67 Carl’s Jr. CKE Restaurants Holdings 1,650 1,124 245 1,369 69% 7.5% 4.3%

68 La Quinta Inn & Suites LQ Management, LLC 1,600* 835 2 837 56% 3.2% 2.6%

69 Midas TBC Corporation 1,505 1,216 976 2,192 89% 0.1% -0.7%

70 WhataburgerWhataburger Restaurants, L.P.

1,477 740 0 740 16% 12.6% 1.6%

71 Super 8Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

1,460* 1,773 541 2,314 100% 2.5% 2.9%

72 Jiffy Lube Shell Oil Co. 1,447 1,958 132 2,090 100% 2.4% 5.7%

73 Fairfield Inn Marriott International, Inc. 1,375* 678 13 691 100% 10.0% 1.6%


Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Contacts: Gayle McMillin Phone: 800-211-8778 x7303 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.viocfranchise.com

Valvoline Instant Oil Change owns and operates more stores than any other quick lube. That means we can offer our franchisees real-world solutions that have been tested in our own company stores, where we have increased same-store sales for 4 consecutive years. We have 261 company-owned units and 636 franchised units, and have been franchising since 1989. Training and support includes site development, business consultation, recruiting tools, employee training, management training and marketing tools. Visit our website at www.viocfranchise.com or contact Gayle McMillin at 1-800-211-8778 x7303, or [email protected].

#118TOP 200




Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

74 Red RobinRed Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

1,330* 455 17 472 28% 4.3% 1.7%

75 Church’s Chicken Church's Holding Corp. 1,300 1,204 453 1,657 84% 9.0% -0.1%

76 Snap-On Tools Snap-On Incorporated 1,272 3,412 1,327 4,739 95% 10.1% 0.3%

77 Jimmy John’sJimmy John's Franchise, LLC

1,263 1,560 0 1,560 98% 30.2% 17.4%

78 SERVPRO Servpro Industries, Inc. 1,261 1,624 2 1,626 100% 2.0% 0.7%

79Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates

Realogy Holdings Corp. 1,190* 403 256 659 95% 34.7% 31.0%

80 Five Guys Five Guys Enterprises, LLC 1,132 1,105 45 1,150 78% 19.6% 21.6%

81 AMPM BP 1,050 959 0 959 99% -18.5% -59.2%

82Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar

Boston Pizza 1,035 40 352 392 98% 3.3% 0.3%

83 Home Instead Senior Care Home Instead, Inc. 1,020 615 344 959 100% 12.3% 0.9%

84 Krispy KremeKrispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.

993 239 509 748 87% 8.5% 7.8%

85 Hooters Hooters of America, LLC 990* 356 61 417 62% 4.8% -4.1%

86 Zaxby’s Zaxby’s Franchising, Inc. 979 565 0 565 83% 16.6% 4.6%

87Homewood Suites by Hilton

Hilton Hotels Corporation 960* 314 11 325 88% 3.8% 3.5%

88 Massage EnvyMassage Envy Franchising, LLC

960 845 0 845 100% 19.4% 13.9%

89 Curves North Castle Partners 950* 3,000 4,000 7,000 100% -10.7% -4.4%

90 Motel 6 The Blackstone Group, L.P. 950* 1,026 21 1,047 51% 2.7% 1.8%

91 Great Clips Great Clips, Inc. 939 3,190 97 3,287 100% 8.6% 6.5%


We are growing!The visual communications industry is evolving rapidly – new technology means more ways to deliver targeted messages more quickly, more effectively. AlphaGraphics is at the forefront of a growing demand for integrated marketing services and just wrapped up a year of record franchise growth!

The 300+ owners in our franchise network have embraced the New Now, with the innovative support of a legacy company. There’s never been a better time to build a profitable business with an industry-leading brand. CEO type B2B franchise opportunity that is completely scalable.

Contact: Chrys RichardsonPhone: 800-528-4885E-Mail: [email protected]

#193TOP 200 TOP 200

#25 Contacts: Franchise Development Phone: 888-774-4467 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.applebees.com

With more than 2,000 restaurants in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory, Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining brand. Founded in 1980, Applebee’s has always been dedicated to full service, consistently good food, reasonable prices and quality service in a neighborhood setting. Today Applebee’s continues to grow and prosper, and further differentiates itself with innovative attractions, like the popular Carside to Go service available at many of its restaurants, and its successful Weight Watchers agreement, enabling it to cater to those preferring less-caloric alternatives. And the company continually works to add greater value and broaden its appeal, as evidenced by the “It’s a Whole New Neighborhood” campaign.

Applebee’s is currently seeking qualified multi-restaurant operators and developers for selected Domestic and International markets, as well as Non-Traditional venues such as airports, colleges, military bases and casinos.

Applebee’s




Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

92Bojangles’ Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits

Bojangles' Restaurants, Inc. 867 536 2 538 61% 12.6% 5.9%

93 Springhill Suites Marriott International, Inc. 850* 297 2 299 90% 6.3% 4.2%

94 Quizno's The Quiznos Master, LLC 840* 1,940 750 2,690 100% -10.2% -10.4%

95Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butterburgers

Culver Franchising System, Inc.

839 472 0 472 98% 12.3% 6.3%

96 Four Points SheratonStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

825* 128 48 176 77% 6.5% 9.3%

97 Steak ‘N Shake Biglari Holdings, Inc. 820* 497 0 497 17% 2.5% 1.6%

98 J.D. Byrider J.D. Byrider Systems, Inc. 783 146 0 146 84% 0.7% 5.8%

99 Country Inn & SuitesCarlson Rezidor Hotel Group

780* 445 30 475 98% 4.0% -1.9%

100Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza

Papa Murphy's Holdings, Inc.

774 1,328 18 1,346 95% 10.3% 3.5%

101 Roto-Rooter Chemed Corporation 765 511 32 543 81% 8.0% -2.0%

102 Interim HealthCare Interim HeathCare, LLC 751 329 0 329 100% 1.5% 0.9%

103 Long John Silver’s LJS Partners, LLC 723 1,278 27 1,305 100% 3.6% -2.9%

104 Big O Tires TBC Corp. 714 427 0 427 84% -2.3% -2.7%

105 Checkers/Rally’sCheckers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

697 777 0 777 59% 4.2% -0.4%

106 Jani-King Jani-King International, Inc. 693 8,049 2,228 10,277 100% 1.9% -8.0%

107Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Perkins & Marie Callendar's, LLC

691 400 16 416 68% -3.5% -3.5%

108 SuperCuts Regis Corporation 686 2,245 243 2,488 43% 4.1% 3.1%

109 Planet FitnessPlanet Fitness Holdings, LLC

675* 606 0 606 93% 29.9% 19.3%


TOP 200

Black Bear Diner #281 Contacts: Natalie Becker Phone: 530-243-2327 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: BlackBearDiner.com

Black Bear Diner delivers huge portions of comfort food classics in a fun, family-friendly, bear-themed atmosphere. We are looking for experienced, capitalized restaurateurs with proven industry success. Our franchisees are successful restaurant operators whose passion, energy and entrepreneurial spirit reflect that of our founders, and share a relentless commitment to serving their guests and communities.

Be part of a growing brand with a fun, unique culture. The Black Bear Diner family looks forward to hearing from you!

Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar has created a consumer experience that appeals to people of all ages, and experiences. Offering two concepts under one roof and a unique design that separates the dining experience from the sports bar experience; Guests know they can come in and enjoy a high-quality meal with family and friends,

or have a few drinks and watch the game at the bar. Boston’s provides only the best quality food and fresh ingredients in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The casual-plus dining experience, and array of menu options, helps separate Boston’s from many other experiences consumers have seen.

we’ve gotcha coveredLearn More about Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar

Director of Franchise Development: 866-277-8721www.bostons.com/franchise



Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

110Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

650* 76 36 112 98% 2.4% 12.0%

111 Clarion Hotels Choice Hotels International 640* 191 129 320 100% 6.7% -2.1%

112 Pet Supplies "Plus" Pet Supplies Plus, LLC 620 271 0 271 53% 5.8% 5.0%

113 ERA Real Estate Realogy Holdings Corp. 613* 571 1,751 2,322 100% 2.9% -2.2%

114 Sbarro the Italian Eatery Sbarro Holdings, LLC 608* 598 402 1,000 58% -5.3% -0.6%

115 Del Taco Del Taco Holdings, Inc. 608 551 1 552 46% 2.9% 3.8%

116 El Pollo Loco EPL Intermediate, Inc. 607 399 0 399 58% 8.8% 1.3%

117 CARSTARCARSTAR Franchise Systems, Inc.

604 248 165 413 100% 1.2% 4.6%

118Valvoline Instant Oil Change

Ashland, Inc. 602 897 0 897 71% 5.2% 9.4%

119 Jason’s Deli Deli Management, Inc. 579 242 0 242 42% 7.2% 3.0%

120 Ruth’s Chris Steak HouseRuth's Hospitality Group, Inc.

560* 119 18 137 53% -1.8% 4.6%

121 Staybridge SuitesInterContinental Hotels Group

550* 183 6 189 100% 5.8% 5.6%

122 G.J.Gardner Homes Netdeen Pty, Ltd. 548 26 83 109 100% 13.5% 10.1%

123 Qdoba Mexican Grill Jack in the Box, Inc. 541* 627 0 627 50% 2.4% 7.5%

124 Linc ServiceABM Franchising Group, LLC

540 131 23 154 84% 4.1% 1.3%

125Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (The)

International Coffee & Tea, LLC

525 306 602 908 69% 5.0% 10.5%

126 Jenny Craig Nestle Holdings, Inc. 520* 567 181 748 33% -8.8% 0.7%

127 Candlewood SuitesInterContinental Hotels Group

505* 299 0 299 100% 4.1% 4.9%






Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

128 Goddard School (The) Goddard Systems, Inc. 501 394 0 394 100% 8.9% 3.4%

129 Econo Lodge Choice Hotels International 500* 817 82 899 100% 2.0% 3.1%

130 Howard JohnsonWyndham Worldwide Corporation

500* 306 149 455 100% 0.0% 0.9%

131 Paul Davis Restoration FirstService Corporation 500 307 0 307 100% -9.2% 4.4%

132 Famous Dave’sFamous Dave's of America, Inc.

497 188 0 188 72% 0.9% 0.5%

133 Meineke Car Care Centers Driven Brands, Inc. 491 864 78 942 99% 1.1% -0.5%

134 Anytime Fitness Anytime Holdings, Inc. 484 1,735 300 2,035 99% 32.8% 13.8%

135 Edible ArrangementsEdible Arrangements International, LLC

479 945 59 1,004 100% 11.9% 1.5%

136 Cold Stone Creamery Kahala Corp. 478 1,031 424 1,455 98% 1.2% -0.3%

137 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels FOCUS Brands, Inc. 477 997 336 1,333 99% 8.0% 13.4%

138 Pearle VisionLuxottica Retail North America, Inc.

476 523 99 622 57% -4.5% -5.9%

139 CiCi’s Pizza CiCi Enterprises, L.P. 473 520 0 520 98% -8.3% -4.9%

140Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. 469 517 3 520 47% 7.8% -0.4%

141 Wingstop Roark Capital Group 457 546 13 559 96% 20.7% 11.8%

142 Einstein Bros. BagelsEinstein & Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.

455 678 0 678 43% 10.2% 8.3%

143 Towneplace Suites Marriott International, Inc. 450* 208 2 210 90% 5.9% 4.5%

144 Wireless ZoneAutomotive Technologies, Inc.

448 417 0 417 95% -8.0% -4.1%

145 Jamba Juice Jamba, Inc. 445* 774 35 809 63% 5.2% 5.2%


TOP 200

Country Visions, Inc. #395 Contacts: Terry Odneal Phone: 707-451-6890 x106 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.ApricotLaneUSA.com

Apricot Lane is a dynamic, fast reacting, truly unique fashion retail store located in high traffic shopping centers, bringing the latest designer brands and collections to your customers and backed with the support of an established, comprehensive proven retail operation. Apricot Lane is the ONLY women’s fashion boutique franchise combining opportunities from the Fashion and Gift industries! We offer popular merchandise that customers love, along with a proven formula that maximizes your potential for success

TOP 200

Corner Bakery Cafe #186 Contacts: Gregg Koffler Phone: 888-732-2825 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.CornerBakeryCafe.com/Franchise.aspx

With more than 150 company-owned and franchised locations in 14 states and Washington, D.C., Corner Bakery Cafe’s made-to-order menu features hot breakfast scramblers, signature paninis and sandwiches, homemade soups, hand-tossed salads, pastas and indulgent sweets while providing a casual atmosphere to gather with family and friends. Offering dine-in, to-go and a robust, best-in-class catering service for any occasion, Corner Bakery Cafe delivers a premier bakery cafe experience in the heart of neighborhoods everywhere.



Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

146 Moe’s Southwest Grill FOCUS Brands, Inc. 445 483 3 486 99% 16.7% 7.3%

147 Sleep Inn & Suites Choice Hotels International 440* 387 9 396 100% 7.3% -2.0%

148 ProForma Proforma, Inc. 430 700 52 752 100% 9.0% 0.3%

149 Minuteman PressMinuteman Press International

430 691 221 912 100% 1.2% -1.6%

150 McAlister’s Deli Roark Capital Group 419 312 0 312 89% 14.3% 3.7%

151 Fantastic Sams Hair Salons Dessange International, Inc. 413 1,211 0 1,211 99% -6.9% -0.2%

152 Batteries Plus Batteries Plus Bulbs, LLC 410 547 0 547 93% 13.0% 9.4%

153 Stanley SteemerStanley Steemer International, Inc.

410* 284 0 284 77% 3.0% -0.7%

154 Krystal Company The Krystal Company 407 350 0 350 39% 1.9% -1.7%

155MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting

Driven Brands, Inc. 400 415 0 415 100% -8.1% -9.4%

156 Slumberland FurnitureSlumberland Franchising, Inc.

394 127 0 127 69% 6.3% 3.3%

157 Snap Fitness Snap Fitness, Inc. 390* 1,088 237 1,325 92% 16.8% 7.5%

158 Red Roof Inn Accor North America 390* 348 0 348 50% 4.0% 1.8%

159 Valpak Direct Marketing Cox Target Media, Inc. 390 159 8 167 98% 2.0% 1.2%

160 Primrose Schools PHC Acquisitions, Inc. 388 254 0 254 100% 13.3% 4.5%

161 Firehouse SubsFirehouse Restaurant Group

385 576 0 576 95% 35.1% 19.8%

162 Pollo Campero Campero USA Corp. 385 53 316 369 26% 8.4% 9.5%

163 Comfort Keepers Sodexo, Inc. 382 682 88 770 98% 8.6% 9.8%

164 One Hour Air Conditioning Clockwork Home Services 382 281 5 286 82% -1.8% 2.1%


TOP 200#115

Contacts: Laura Tanaka Director of Franchise Development

Phone: 949-462-7379 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.deltacofranchise.com

Among the nation’s top Mexican QSR chains, Del Taco operates or franchisees more than 540+ restaurants in 17 states. Del Taco offers a full range of Mexican items such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas 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 every hour and lard-free beans made from scratch. Del Taco restaurants are 24-hours, feature drive thru’s and serve breakfast. Additional information is available at www.deltacofranchise.com.

Del Taco





Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

165 TravelodgeWyndham Worldwide Corporation

380* 354 91 445 100% 4.1% 1.1%

166Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing Services

Franchise Services, Inc. 375 241 97 338 99% 1.9% -8.4%

167 Round Table Pizza Round Table Pizza, Inc. 370 497 8 505 88% 5.7% 11.7%

168MRINetwork - Experts in Global Search

CDI Corporation 361 589 91 680 100% -4.5% -4.1%

169 SIGNARAMA United Franchise Group 360 482 391 873 100% 4.9% 7.9%

170 Liberty Tax Service JTH Tax, Inc. 359 3,889 283 4,172 97% 7.7% 1.5%

171 Unishippers Unishippers Holding, LLC 359 287 0 287 88% 5.0% -1.4%

172 Noodles & Company Noodles & Company, Inc. 355 327 0 327 16% 18.5% 15.1%

173 Travel Leaders Travel Leaders Group 353* 344 0 344 95% 15.8% -7.3%

174 Plato’s Closet Winmark Corporation 353 361 6 367 100% 18.1% 13.3%

175 Matco Tools Danaher Corporation 338 1,410 45 1,455 100% 8.4% -0.8%

176 Jersey Mike’s SubsJersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.

334 584 0 584 97% 19.3% 15.2%

177 FASTSIGNS Roark Capital Group 332 467 67 534 100% 10.7% 2.1%

178 Chester’sChester's International, LLC

327 1,658 228 1,886 100% 1.0% 1.9%

179 Taco John’sTaco John’s International, Inc.

325 404 0 404 97% 5.0% -2.9%

180 TEGG ServiceABM Franchising Group, LLC

320 74 38 112 100% 8.5% 0.0%

181 A&W RestaurantsA Great American Brand, LLC

315 733 296 1,029 100% 5.2% -4.1%

182 UNO Chicago GrillUno Restaurant Holdings Corp.

313* 132 12 144 40% -6.8% -4.0%


TOP 200

FirstLight HomeCare LLC #465 Contacts: William McPherson Phone: 513-400-5136 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.firstlighthomecare.com

The Premier in-home care franchise. Non-medical care, award winning training and support and more! FirstLight owners are enjoying unprecedented growth and revenues. In just 2 years, FirstLight has awarded over 110 markets in the U.S and has been the recipient of many industry awards including Entrepreneur 500, Franchise Business Review Franchisee Satisfaction, Franchise Times Top Franchises, etc. Take the first step to owning your own FirstLight franchise in the $75 BILLION non-medical home care industry.

Contacts: Trent Gardner Phone: 310-426-4812 E-Mail: [email protected] 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!

G.J. Gardner Homes #122

TOP 200


Groucho’s Deli #463TOP 200

Contacts: Bruce Miller Phone: 803-799-9867 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.grouchos.com

Trademark Subs and Salads served with Groucho’s Famous 45 Sauce (since 1941). Groucho’s founder, Harold “Groucho” Miller declared “quality is the most important ingredient in a sandwich” OVER 70 YEARS AGO. These values still hold true. Groucho’s uses a simple kitchen concept (No messy fryers/grills)with low startup costs, and no regional advertising fees. Groucho’s believes in controlled growth to increase the likelihood of success for each new unit.



Domestic Units

Intl Units

Total Units

Percent Franchised

Sales Growth %

Unit Growth %

183 Spherion StaffingRandstad North America, L.P.

312 146 0 146 100% -1.6% -1.4%

184Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System

CNA Holding Corporation 310 8,094 1,108 9,202 100% -10.0% 0.7%

185 Tony Roma’s Romacorp, Inc. 305 38 123 161 96% 0.0% 0.0%

186 Corner Bakery Café Roark Capital Group 301 147 0 147 26% 15.2% 14.0%

187 Johnny Rockets Sun Capital Partners, Inc. 300 214 85 299 90% 0.0% 3.5%

188 Cinnabon FOCUS Brands, Inc. 295 511 643 1,154 100% 28.8% 24.0%

189 FuddruckersLuby's Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC

295 180 2 182 65% 4.6% 1.7%

190 Sizzler Sizzler USA, Inc. 293 161 0 161 89% -1.6% -5.3%

191 Sport Clips Sport Clips, Inc. 293 1,050 1 1,051 97% 20.1% 25.0%

192 Hungry Howie’s Pizza Hungry Howie's Pizza, Inc. 291 548 0 548 97% 8.8% -0.2%

193 AlphaGraphics AlphaGraphics, Inc. 290 244 37 281 100% 1.3% -0.7%

194 Results! Travel Travel Leaders Group 290* 654 0 654 100% 0.0% 0.2%

195 Schlotzsky’s Deli FOCUS Brands, Inc. 280 340 9 349 88% 9.8% -0.9%

196 Mr. Rooter The Dwyer Group 278 265 96 361 100% 4.9% 0.6%

197 Microtel Inn & SuitesWyndham Worldwide Corporation

275* 291 17 308 100% 10.0% -2.5%

198 Two Men and A TruckTwo Men and a Truck International, Inc.

273 248 24 272 100% 19.8% 23.6%

199 Charley’s Grilled Subs GOSH Enterprises, Inc. 271 414 68 482 91% 8.6% 6.6%

200 Budget Blinds Home Franchise Concepts 270 750 101 851 100% 15.1% -8.8%


TOP 200#47

Contacts: Franchise Development Phone: 888-774-4467 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.IHOP.com

There are only a few names in the restaurant industry that can claim a more than a 54-year heritage and the status of American Icon. IHOP is one of those few because we have always focused on providing guests with delicious food, warm, genuine service and clean surroundings at a great value. Our family dining brand has been built upon the strength of our franchisees, vendor partners and dedicated IHOP team members. Although IHOP restaurants are best known for their signature pancakes, omelets and other breakfast specialties, IHOP restaurants are open throughout the day and evening hours and offer a broad array of lunch, dinner and snack items as well. As of August 30, 2013, there were 1,598 IHOP restaurants located in 50 states and the District of Columbia, Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Middle East and the Philippines.

IHOP is currently seeking qualified multi-restaurant operators and developers for selected Domestic and International markets, as well as Non-Traditional venues such as airports, colleges, military bases and casinos.

IHOP

TOP 200#43

Contacts: Regan Clauson Phone: 502-261-4844 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.papajohns.com

Papa John’s is the world’s third largest pizza company with more than 4,000 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.

Papa Johns Int., Inc.

TOP 200#352

Contacts: Nancy Price Phone: 504-297-1496 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.myplanetbeachfranchise.com

Planet Beach, the world’s leader in automated spa services, is a unique and innovative spin on traditional spas. As part of the ever growing multi-billion dollar beauty and wellness industry, we offer customers the opportunity to experience innovative automated spa treatments affordably, conveniently, and privately, without the need of an attendant.

Join the revolution and see how Planet Beach is changing the way the world rejuvenates!

Planet Beach Franchising Corporation

TOP 200

Primrose School Franchising Company #160 Contacts: Cory Durden (Ext. 220)

Tim Linderman (Ext. 290) Phone: 800-774-6767 (PRIMROSE) E-Mail: [email protected]

[email protected] Web site: www.primrosefranchise.com/

Choose excellence. Become a Primrose Schools Franchise Owner. For over 30 years, Primrose Schools has been the nation’s leader in providing a premier educational child care experience. In more than 270 schools in 18 states, our Franchise Owners create a strong foundation for learning and life. We are the first early childhood education organization in the country to receive AdvancED™ Corporation Systems Accreditation under the new Standards for Quality Early Learning Schools.

LEARN WHY OWNING A PRIMROSE CHILD CARE FRANCHISE COULD BE AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR YOU

SERVPRO® #78TOP 200

Contacts: Franchise Expansion Phone: 800-826-9586 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.servpro.com

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s network of more than 1,600 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with insurance companies, commercial clients and individual homeowners.

TOP 200#472

Contacts: Mr. Scott Sharkey Phone: 203-637-8911 E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.SharkeysCutsForKids.com

www.SharkeysHairItIs.com

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids has become the most innovative and entertaining salon for both boys and girls ages 0-14 throughout the world. Our proven business model(s) feature lower than average royalties and multiple revenue streams, giving you the best opportunity for success! Sharkey’s new family salon, “Sharkey’s Hair It Is” is being widely accepted by the franchise community, with initial roll-outs being implemented in the United States and expansion plans for Canada, Europe, and the Middle East in 2014.

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids & Sharkey’s Hair It Is

TM


Top 200 Methodology

T he Franchise Times Top 200 is an annual ranking of the 200 larg-est franchise systems in the U.S. by

global systemwide sales, based on the pre-vious year’s performance. This year, for the second time in a row, we also ranked the next 300 systems for a total of 500.

We use a combination of compa-nies’ voluntary reports and publicly available data, including the franchises’ most recent franchise disclosure doc-uments 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 company 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 com-pany units. Those sales figures should represent sales to customers, and not cor-porate sales to franchisees or prospective franchisees, such as royalty revenue or franchise fees. Other revenue not directly related to franchising should also 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 com-pa n ie s t hat v o l u n t a r i l y repor t their s y s t e m w i d e sa les, rather t h a n t ho s e companies for which we must estimate the sales figures.

Franchise Times’ estimated revenue for hotels is based on a formula multi-plying the chain’s revenue per available room (RevPar) by the number of rooms and the number of days in the year. The

estimate is reduced a certain percentage if the chain opened units during the year, to reflect that some of its locations weren’t open the full year. It is increased a certain percentage if it closed units during the

year, to account for locat ions open part of the year that were later shut down. RevPar comes from the com-

pany, or from industry estimates.We estimate real estate companies

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 revenue. FT’s estimate would count $5,000 in revenue earned as a commis-sion 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 com-missions from sales.

For more information on the Franchise Times Top 200, contact Jonathan Maze at jmaze@

franchisetimes.com

About this projectHow we ranked the Top 200 brands (plus 300 more this year)

Articles by Jonathan Maze

Research by Matt Haskin, Abbi Nawrocki and David Sheaffer

See all Franchise Times Top 200 projects at www.franchisetimes.com/resources


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesThe Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales

Rank Franchise ConceptWorldwide Sales ($M)

Total Units

Percent Franchised

201 JAN-PRO 253 11,347 100%

202 Wingate by Wyndham 253* 160 100%

203 Labor Finders 249 181 100%

204 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 247 125 92%

205 Tuffy/Car-X 245 352 91%

206 Baymont Inn & Suites 245* 317 100%

207 Huddle House Restaurants 238 397 97%

208 Right At Home 234 286 100%

209Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

231 96 40%

210 Houlihan’s 231 82 57%

211 Play It Again Sports 230 314 100%

212 Allegra Marketing-Print-Mail 229 280 99%

213 Certa ProPainters 227 440 100%

214 The Melting Pot 225 141 97%

215PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers

224 680 100%

216 Peter Piper Pizza 224 139 76%

217 Once Upon A Child 223 270 100%

218 Fazoli’s Restaurants 215 217 42%

219 Bruegger’s Bagels 214 308 33%

220 BrightStar Care 211 251 99%

221 Rodeway Inn 210* 413 100%

222The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café

208 428 44%

223 Beef ’O’ Brady’s 206 221 97%

224Rainbow International Restoration

204 414 100%

225 AmericInn 200* 204 100%

226 Marco’s Pizza 197 334 100%

227 Molly Maid 191 613 100%

228 CruiseOne 189 885 100%

229 Value Place 185* 181 75%

230 Smoothie King 180 621 93%

231 Petland 180* 138 95%



Total Units

Percent Franchised

232 Hotel Indigo 180* 50 100%

233 California Closets 177 86 78%

234 Pizza Ranch 175 173 98%

235 The Cleaning Authority 169 185 99%

236 Smashburger 167 193 56%

237 Senior Helpers 165 294 100%

238Express Oil Change & Service Center

161 200 56%

239 Cosi 160* 125 40%

240 The Original Pancake House 160 121 99%

241 Benjamin Franklin Plumbing 157 254 95%

242 Griswold Home Care 157 241 95%

243 Taco Time 151 283 96%

244 Tropical Smoothie Café 150 330 100%

245 Granite Transformations 149 167 97%

246 Novus Glass 148 2,061 100%

247 Godfather’s Pizza 148 625 96%

248 Penn Station East Coast Subs 146 257 100%

249 Fox’s Pizza Den 144 280 100%

250 HobbyTown USA 144 155 100%

251Kumon Math & Reading Centers

144 25,443 100%

252 Quaker Steak & Lube 144 59 83%

253 Pita Pit 143 391 95%

254 Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen 140 260 44%

255 Togo’s Sandwiches 139 243 98%

256 Pinkberry 139 224 91%

257 CleanNet USA 137 2,866 100%

258 Big Boy 137* 119 80%

259 AIA Corporation 136 295 100%

260 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt 136 264 100%

261 Gatti’s Pizza 135 110 84%

262 The Maids 135 1,115 98%

263 Knights Inn 135* 363 100%



The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales


Total Units

Percent Franchised

264 Bennigan's 135 76 99%

265 Estrella Insurance 135 51 100%

266 Family Financial Centers 132 35 100%

267Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham

130* 94 100%

268 LaRosa’s Pizzeria 130 65 75%

269PIP Printing & Marketing Services

129 103 100%

270 U.S. Lawns 128 265 100%

271 Wild Birds Unlimited 128 279 100%

272 Ziebart 126 424 97%

273 Vanguard Cleaning Systems 125 2,696 100%

274Which Wich Superior Sandwiches

125 207 99%

275 @WORK Group 125 53 30%

276 Pizza Inn 125 269 99%

277Genghis Grill - The Mongolian Stir Fry

124 109 36%

278 Rosati’s Pizza 123 158 66%

279 Steamatic 122 366 100%

280 Glass Doctor 121 186 100%

281 Black Bear Diner 119 54 94%

282 Weed Man 119 405 100%

283 Western Sizzlin 119* 92 95%

284 Grease Monkey 118 244 96%

285 Blimpie Subs & Salads 114 631 99%

286Christian Brothers Automotive

113 111 95%

287 Yogurtland 112 213 96%

288 Great American Cookies 110 330 98%

289 Martinizing Dry Cleaning 110* 414 100%

290 Sirloin Stockade 109 54 98%

291 1-800-Got Junk? 106 172 98%

292 The Learning Experience 105 109 87%

293 Nathan’s Famous 104 308 98%

294 Great Harvest Bread Co. 102 227 100%

295 Golden Chick 102 112 97%



Total Units

Percent Franchised

296Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN)

101 151 100%

297 Newk's Eatery 101 53 87%

298 Carvel Ice Cream 101 472 98%

299 Kwik Kopy Printing 101 227 100%

300 Kiddie Academy 100 110 98%

301 Jazzercise 100 7,862 100%

302 Sandler Training 100 236 100%

303 ComForcare Senior Services 100 176 100%

304 Fatburger 100 135 97%

305 Comet Cleaners 99 230 100%

306 COIT 99 44 77%

307Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

99 83 89%

308 Twin Peaks Restaurants 97 28 54%

309 The Little Gym 95 260 100%

310 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue 95 190 100%

311 Goin’ Postal 94 238 100%

312 Lawn Doctor 94 450 100%

313 Complete Nutrition 93 171 89%

314 Link Staffing Services 93 43 81%

315 Aire Serv 90 185 100%

316 Retro Fitness 86 89 98%

317 Relax The Back 85 95 100%

318 Homewatch Caregivers 85 202 99%

319 Fiesta Auto Insurance 85 133 100%

320 City Wide Franchise Co. 81 35 97%

321The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille

81 36 64%

322 Signs By Tomorrow 79 168 99%

323 Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 78 218 94%

324 Saladworks 77 106 97%

325 Suburban 75* 65 100%

326 Huhot Mongolian Grill 74 45 87%

327 Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park 74 79 100%





Total Units

Percent Franchised

328 Signs Now 74 182 100%

329 EmbroidMe 73 404 100%

330 Pretzelmaker 73 381 100%

331 Studio 6 70* 69 45%

332 Camp Bow Wow 66 117 99%

333 Pump It Up 66 141 98%

334 Fuzzy's Taco Shop 65 62 90%

335 Mr. Electric 64 194 100%

336 Red Mango 64 218 100%

337 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 64 201 99%

338 Home Care Assistance 63 75 80%

339 Biggby Coffee 62 161 100%

340 Cousins Subs 61 136 88%

341The Flame Broiler The Rice Bowl King

61 126 98%

342 Hurricane Grill & Wings 60 48 90%

343 Pak Mail 60 387 100%

344 MainStay Suites 60* 43 100%

345 Fitness Together 60 229 100%

346 GolfTEC 59 162 65%

347 Marble Slab Creamery 58 450 100%

348 Yesco 58 82 51%

349 Buffalo Wings & Rings 58 54 96%

350 Dream 58* 5 100%

351 The Egg and I Restaurants 56 69 88%

352 Planet Beach 56 223 89%

353 Grandy’s 56 60 100%

354 Massage Heights 55 91 98%

355 Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop 55 84 94%

356 Wahoo’s Fish Taco 54 68 54%

357 Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina 53* 81 98%

358 Mr. Handyman 51 198 100%

359Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park

51 30 90%



Total Units

Percent Franchised

360 Port of Subs 50 142 82%

361 Monkey Joe’s 50 60 100%

362Clintar Landscape Management

50 24 100%

363Mr. Transmission/Milex Complete Auto Care

49 132 99%

364 Kilwins 49 88 94%

365 Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ 49 18 22%

366 Craters & Freighters 48 66 100%

367 Pizza Factory 48 112 98%

368 Mister Sparky 48 100 91%

369 Mad Science 48 158 100%

370 Fish Window Cleaning 47 250 100%

371 Premier Rental-Purchase 46 63 100%

372Great Steak & Potato Company

46 120 98%

373 Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs 45 96 96%

374 Stevi B’s Pizza 45 48 85%

375 Great Wraps 44* 83 99%

376Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill

43 49 84%

377Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes

42 52 92%

378Elements Therapeutic Massage

41 122 100%

379Robeks Premium Fruit Smoothies

41 113 100%

380 Montana Mike’s 41 28 100%

381Always Best Care Senior Services

40 171 100%

382 Anago Cleaning Systems 40 2,440 100%

383 Mr. Appliance 39 152 100%

384 Solar Universe 39 35 97%

385 Big Apple Bagels 38 100 100%

386 Sarpino’s Pizzeria 37 42 100%

387 Pizza Patron 37 94 100%

388 Nothing Bundt Cakes 36 63 97%

389 Rib City 36 28 54%

390 UFC Gym 35 86 93%

391 Athletic Republic 35 60 98%




Total Units

Percent Franchised

392 East Coast Wings & Grill 35 24 96%

393 Toppers Pizza 35 49 73%

394 ZIPS Dry Cleaners 35 36 97%

395 Apricot Lane Boutique 34 79 100%

396 CareersUSA 33 18 89%

397 Bandana’s BBQ 33 32 16%

398 ZPizza 33* 88 88%

399 FasTracKids 32* 298 100%

400 Nestle Toll House Café 32 118 98%

401 Another Broken Egg Café 32 26 88%

402 Archadeck 31 59 100%

403Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

30 300 98%

404 BounceU 30 50 98%

405Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop

29 62 98%

406 Christmas Décor 29 238 100%

407 Speedpro Imaging USA 29 150 100%

408 Signal 88 Security 28 267 99%

409 Double Dave’s Pizzaworks 27 37 100%

410 Brightway Insurance 27 117 98%

411 Nature’s Table 27 78 95%

412 TSS Photography 26 241 100%

413 Surf City Squeeze 26 125 98%

414 Russo’s New York Pizzeria 25 28 82%

415 Scooter’s Coffee & Yogurt 25 101 75%

416 Zoup! Fresh Soup Company 25 47 94%

417 Window Gang 25 206 99%

418 Music Go Round 25 33 100%

419 Rotolo’s Pizzeria 25 29 52%

420 Tutor Doctor 24 379 99%

421 Kolache Factory 23 42 50%

422 College Nannies & Tutors 23 68 97%

423 DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen 22 37 100%



Total Units

Percent Franchised

424 Breadsmith 22 34 94%

425 BuildingStars 22 391 99%

426 School Of Rock 21 104 78%

427 Caring Senior Service 21 41 90%

428 Rainbow Station 20 9 67%

429 Honest-1 Auto Care 20 30 100%

430 Closet & Storage Concepts 20 11 73%

431 Flip Flop Shops 20 77 100%

432 Juice It Up! 20 81 95%

433 Town Money Saver 19 37 100%

434 Massage Luxe 19 22 82%

435 i9 Sports 18 115 99%

436 The Flying Biscuit Café 17 13 92%

437 ShelfGenie 17 132 93%

438 Hut No. 8 16 36 97%

439Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

16 41 100%

440 The Alternative Board 16 262 98%

441 Figaro’s Italian Pizza 16 68 100%

442 LaVida Massage 16 47 98%

443 TeamLogic IT 15 60 98%

444 Aussie Pet Mobile 15 83 100%

445 Phenix Salon Suites 15 38 92%

446 NrGize Lifestyle Cafe 14 101 98%

447 Dogtopia 14 29 83%

448 Café Yumm! 14 11 82%

449 ACFN 13 213 100%

450 VooDoo BBQ & Grill 13 15 80%

451 Corporate Caterers 13 13 77%

452 N.Y. Bagel Cafe & Deli 13 43 49%

453 Mama Fu’s Asian House 12 13 31%

454Home Cleaning Centers of America

12 32 100%

455 Mosquito Squad 12 127 100%


The Next 300 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales




Total Units

Percent Franchised

456 Renters Warehouse 12 12 83%

457 Fetch! Pet Care 11 132 99%

458 Title Boxing Club 10 70 94%

459 Coyote Canyon 10 4 100%

460 Creative Colors 10 85 75%

461 Soccer Shots 10 130 94%

462 Kitchen Solvers 10 48 100%

463 Groucho’s Deli 10 27 96%

464 Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs 10 16 94%

465 FirstLight Home Care 10 62 100%

466 Heits Building Services 10 182 99%

467 Sam & Louie's Pizza 9 23 91%

468 The Grounds Guys 9 97 100%

469 Samurai Sam’s Teriyaki Grill 9 37 95%

470 Big Frog Custom T-Shirts 9 50 100%

471 Beef Jerky Outlet 9 18 100%

472 Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids 9 39 100%

473 Dryer Vent Wizard 8 66 100%

474 Blue Coast Burrito 8 13 38%

475 LED Source 8 14 93%

476 Grout Doctor 8 75 100%

477 Mint Condition 8 236 100%

478 Transworld Business Advisors 8 82 94%

479 Jet-Black 8 90 91%

480 Plan Ahead Events 7 101 100%

481 Pizza Schmizza 7 23 100%

482 Mainstream Boutique 7 31 97%

483 ProTect Painters 7 31 100%

484 VivoPools 7 6 100%

485 Instant Imprints 7 26 92%

486 Workout Anytime 7 38 100%

487The Joint…the chiropratic place

7 79 100%

488 Tint World 7 22 100%



Total Units

Percent Franchised

489 Goldfish Swim School 7 16 94%

490 IZON Global Media 6 121 100%

491 Frullati Cafe 6 26 100%

492 V’s Barbershop 6 16 88%

493 Boneheads 6 8 88%

494 Ranch 1 5 13 100%

495 Murphy Business & Financial 5 150 100%

496 Johnnies Pizza 5 15 93%

497 Fit4Mom 5 273 99%

498 How Do You Roll? 5* 11 82%

499 Burger 21 5 5 20%

500 MaidPro 5 159 99%

501 Little Sunshine's Playhouse 5 12 58%

502 360Clean 4 57 100%

503 Bach To Rock 4 7 15%



Top Automotive Services

Franchise ConceptWorldwide Sales ($M)

Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Hertz 13,800* 10,600 8,400 2,200

Midas 1,505 2,192 1,216 976

Jiffy Lube 1,447 2,090 1,958 132

J.D. Byrider 783 146 146 0

Big O Tires 714 427 427 0

CARSTAR 604 413 248 165

Valvoline Instant Oil Change

602 897 897 0

Meineke Car Care Centers

491 942 864 78

MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting

400 415 415 0

Tuffy/Car-X 245 352 352 0

Express Oil Change & Service Center

161 200 200 0

Novus Glass 148 2,061 261 1,800

Ziebart 126 424 107 317

Glass Doctor 121 186 186 0

Grease Monkey 118 244 179 65

Christian Brothers Automotive

113 111 111 0

T he auto industry has rebounded nicely over the past 18 months. Automakers sold 14.5 million new cars, up 40 percent from the previous three years. This year, they’re on

pace to sell 17 million, getting the industry back to pre-reces-sionary levels.

Now ignore all that. The average car on the road is still really old—11.4 years, according to the Southfield, Michigan-based auto market information company Polk. That’s been going up steadily for more than a decade. In 2002, for instance, the aver-age age of a car was 9.6 years.

This is good for auto aftermarket companies—because, well, older cars need regular maintenance. Many of those on our ranking saw good sales throughout the recession, precisely because of the decline in car sales and the nation’s aging auto fleet. And many saw sales increases a year ago.

The problem is that other industries are catching up now that broader growth has returned. So even though Houston-based Jiffy Lube saw its system sales grow from $1.4 billion last year to $1.5 billion, its place on our ranking fell three spots, to No. 72. Midas, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, fell two spots to No. 69 after sales were steady at $1.5 billion.

Carmel, Indiana-based J.D. Byrider fell one spot to No. 97. Palm Beach Gardens-based Big O Tires fell two spots to 103. Overland Park, Kansas-based Carstar fell three spots to 116, and despite a 5-percent system sales increase Valvoline Instant Oil Change remained steady at 117.

It took a massive acquisition for any automotive-related com-pany to make any big move, and that came at the very top. Hertz, the auto rental giant out of Park Ridge, New Jersey, bought the nation’s fourth largest auto rental company, Dollar Thrifty. Its system sales grew nearly $2 billion last year, to $13.8 billion, helping it move from No. 8 to No. 6.

On the RoadHertz makes lone big move



Slowly but surely, the executive recruiting business is returning to normal. The recession was awful for Philadelphia-based recruiting company MRI Network,

and its franchisees. In 2009, companies simply weren’t hiring, and when they did, executives were too scared to switch jobs. Oh yeah, and the non-existent housing market didn’t make switching easier.

“Relocations are down across the board,” said Scott Bass, director of marketing at MRI, which appears on our ranking this year at No. 168, with overall system sales of $361 million. Still, according to SEC filings by its publicly traded parent com-pany, CDI Corp., MRI’s business has improved annually since that brutal 2009. And there are plenty of reasons to believe recruiting will get easier.

Bass said employment in the staffing industry overall is expected to grow 21 percent over the next decade. The down-turn and its impact on recruiting forced MRI and its franchisees to switch gears. MRI, which started franchising in 1968, has a model in which recruiters can focus on a specific industry, notably one in which they are experienced. Many switched to different specialties in demand, like healthcare. Others focused more on contract and temp staffing work.

Back to BusinessMRI Network re-tools, recovers


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Express Employment Professionals

2,300 631 583 48

Valpak Direct Marketing

390 167 159 8

MRINetwork - Experts in Global Search

361 680 589 91

Spherion Staffing 312 146 146 0

Labor Finders 249 181 181 0

AIA Corporation 136 295 295 0

U.S. Lawns 128 265 265 0

@WORK Group 125 53 53 0

Top Business Services

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What else would you expect from the 3rd largest pizza chain in America…and growing?4

Interested? Go to LittleCaesars.com to contact a Franchise Licensing Advisor.

Fastest Growing Pizza Chain in the World1#1Fastest Growing U.S. Pizza Chain2#1Largest Carry-Out Pizza Chain in America#1Best Value in America, 6 consecutive years 3#1


Top Cleaning Services

T he business of cleaning up after a disaster is a good one these days, at least for the bigger companies, and it has lit-tle to do with climate change.

The industry has been fragmented, dominated by small con-tractors or people who simply know how to replace sheetrock or flooring. But in recent years, insurance companies have been shifting more business toward larger brand name companies, and homeowners have been, too.

The result has been consolidation that is boosting companies specializing in post-disaster cleanup and remodeling services. Independents are converting locations to get the benefits of a brand name or a network of contractors.

“We’re doing a lot more of that today,” said Robb King, senior vice president of franchising for Paul Davis Restoration, the Jacksonville, Florida-based firm that is No. 131 on our rank-ing. He estimates 20 percent of his company’s new franchisees are converted from independents. “It’s gotten very scientific and very specialized. People that dabble in this don’t understand the proper way of doing things.”

The industry now includes some sizable companies, includ-ing No. 61 ServiceMaster Clean, based in Memphis; No. 66 Disaster Kleenup International, based in Wooddale, Illinois; and Gallatin, Tennessee-based Servpro, at No. 78. All three have well over $1 billion in sales. ServiceMaster’s sales exceeded $1.8 billion last year. Paul Davis had roughly $500 million in sales last year.

The disaster restoration industry leads a sizable contingent of cleaning services on our ranking, including companies that cater to both businesses and consumers. These include low-vol-ume, high-unit-count franchises like No. 184 Coverall (which has 9,202 units and $310 million in system sales) and No. 201 Jan-Pro (11,347, $253 million). Yet both of those companies fell on our ranking—Coverall fell 19 spots; Jan-Pro fell seven spots.

Maid services seem to be doing fine. Molly Maid, with $191 million in system sales and 613 locations, rose from No. 228 to No. 227. The Maids rose five spots, to No. 262, after reporting $135 million in system sales and 1,115 locations.

As for the disaster restoration industry, most of the com-panies remained relatively steady on our ranking, though Paul Davis fell nine spots. King said most of the businesses in

Cleaning UpDisasters bring a bright side


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

ServiceMaster Clean 1,846 4,909 3,038 1,871

Disaster Kleenup International

1,700 339 278 61

SERVPRO 1,261 1,626 1,624 2

Jani-King 693 10,277 8,049 2,228

Paul Davis Restoration 500 307 307 0

Stanley Steemer 410* 284 284 0

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System

310 9,202 8,094 1,108

JAN-PRO 253 11,347 11,319 28

Rainbow International Restoration

204 414 310 104

Molly Maid 191 613 436 177

The Cleaning Authority 169 185 175 10

CleanNet USA 137 2,866 2,866 0

The Maids 135 1,115 1,083 32

Vanguard Cleaning Systems

125 2,696 2,480 216

Steamatic 122 366 266 100

Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network (CRDN)

101 151 132 19

the industry have “plenty of room to grow,” thanks in part to those conversions. “This is a maturing sector right now. It’s well defined,” he said. “There’s a lot of competition in the industry. Like so many businesses that start out new, it was a green field. And then the really good companies rise to the top.”

The primary benefit in being part of a post-disaster cleanup brand is the insurance business. While many small jobs still go to local contractors, insurers that pay most of the bills prefer to steer business toward brand-name businesses. “The relationships with the primary carriers are held predominantly by companies like ours,” King said.


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Health/Medical Services


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Health Mart 7,000* 3,095 3,095 0

Home Instead Senior Care

1,020 959 615 344

Interim HealthCare 751 329 329 0

Comfort Keepers 382 770 682 88

Right At Home 234 286 269 17

BrightStar Care 211 251 250 1

Senior Helpers 165 294 280 14

Griswold Home Care 157 241 241 0

Age is everything for the senior services franchises that have generally performed well on the Franchise Times Top 200 in recent years.

Indeed, right now, 39.2 million people are 65 or older. That’s 12.8 percent of the nation’s population. But another 58.9 mil-lion people are 50 to 64 years old—that’s 19 percent of the population. The country is getting older. And there are going to be a lot more seniors, quickly.

But everybody talks about demographics. Few people men-tion this: Seniors are also a well-to-do market, or at least more able to pay their bills than younger folk.

According to U.S. Census data, 7.7 percent of people 65 to 69 live in poverty, compared with 15.1 percent for the popula-tion as a whole. While seniors are more likely to live in poverty the older they get, they’re never more likely to live in poverty than their younger counterparts.

Also, seniors have health insurance. This is largely due to Medicare, and various supplementary insurance products. Less than 3 percent of people 65 or older don’t have health insur-ance. As of 2011, 16.3 percent of the general population was uninsured.

Money and strong demographic trends make the senior care industry a no-brainer for entrepreneurs. And franchises have taken full advantage. Home Instead Senior Care, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company, has led the charge, and has reached No. 83 on our ranking, up 94 spots from a year ago, with sys-tem sales exceeding $1 billion. It has 959 units.

No. 102 Interim HealthCare, based in Sunrise, Florida, has system sales of $751 million. The 382-unit Comfort Keepers, based in Dayton, Ohio, is No. 163 on our ranking and had $382 million in system sales a year ago.

Beyond the Top 200, Right At Home saw its ranking grow from No. 218 to No. 208 last year. The Omaha-based company has $234 million in system sales and 286 locations. BrightStar Care, based in Gurnee, Illinois, moved up to No. 220 from No. 239 and has $211 million in system sales and 251 locations. And Senior Helpers, the 294-unit senior care franchise out of Timonium, Maryland, is now at 237, from 255, and has $165 million in system sales.

In other words: Just like there will be more seniors in the next few years, there will be more senior service franchises among the Top 200.

Healthy SectorGetting better with age

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Top Home Services


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Roto-Rooter 765 543 511 32

Linc Service 540 154 131 23

One Hour Air Conditioning

382 286 281 5

TEGG Service 320 112 74 38

Mr. Rooter 278 361 265 96

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

157 254 253 1

Weed Man 119 405 275 130

Mark Baker was named president of Clockwork Home Services’ franchised brands just more than a year ago, in August 2012, after a career at the real estate fran-

chise Re/Max. He brought with him some franchisor business beliefs: A franchise company needs to build a brand, and sup-port its franchisees.

Since then, the Sarasota, Florida-based owner of home ser-vices brands One Hour Air Conditioning (No. 164 on the Franchise Times Top 200), Benjamin Franklin Plumbing (No. 241) and No. 368 Mister Sparky has done both. And the early results have been strong: Through the end of July this year, the brands’ combined same-store sales growth has exceeded 13 per-cent. “They’re going amazingly well,” Baker said. “We’re having a great year.”

The company’s efforts under Baker include its first-ever sus-tained advertising campaign. In the past, the company collected a modest, 0.6 percent franchise fee and had a deal with the NBC reality show program Celebrity Apprentice. This year, the company started charging a 2 percent advertising fee, and it started broadcasting actual ads, on television, digital media and radio, in most of the 110 market areas in which the com-pany has operators.

“I’ve been in franchising a long time,” Baker said. “I under-stand the thing we need to do as a franchisor is to build a brand name. And one of the ways to do that is through advertising. It helps the phones ring for the local stores.”

Clockwork’s efforts have also been at the field level, with a combination of field support and more regular meetings with franchisees.

Marketing and field support staff now make more routine visits to franchisee locations, helping operators manage their business and make their operations more efficient. “The fran-chisees need to have a point of reference,” Baker said. “They have our operational standard, and can follow a guideline. But they need coaching to get better.”

At HomeGrowth going like Clockwork

This year the company started hosting regular meetings with franchisees in cities across the country. For instance, in September, company executives traveled to six cities, for two-day presentations. The first day included an update on the company and the franchise network.

The second day includes training, including technical train-ing for the franchises’ technicians. That also includes “soft skills,” or skills in dealing with customers. Those are impor-tant when you consider franchisees employ HVAC technicians or plumbers who are routinely invited into customers’ homes. A bad experience can mean the customer will go elsewhere the next time, and certainly won’t recommend the company again.

“When a technician comes into your house, that’s a pretty intimate moment,” Baker said. “They need to be able to talk to the customer, tell the customer what the problem is, how they’re going to resolve the problem. We sell comfort. And our job is to make you comfortable.”

All of these efforts seem to be getting franchisees on board. Improving sales at the brands is luring more operators to buy the territories that Clockwork’s brands sell—through August, the company had sold 70 territories this year for its three brands, already well above the 53 territories Clockwork sold last year. And many existing franchisees are now buying other brands—Ben Franklin operators, for instance, are buying One Hour Heating territories.



Americans traveled more in 2012, both for business and for personal reasons, and that was a boon to the nation’s hotel franchises. But the real growth might be coming from

international visitors.Total travel dollars spent in the U.S. grew 4.2 percent in

2012, to $851.1 billion, according to U.S. Census data, as busi-ness and personal travel continues to recover from the recession. U.S. travelers increased spending by 3.4 percent. Yet interna-tional travelers’ spending grew 8.7 percent. Foreigners have apparently taken a liking to U.S. tourist spots.

The travel industry had a good year last year, and that was good for the hotel industry and the franchises on the Franchise Times Top 200. According to STR, the travel research firm in Hendersonville, Tennessee, occupancy at the nation’s hotels grew 2.5 percent. The average daily rate hotels charged grew 4.2 percent. And revenue per available room, or RevPar—a key measurement of hotel company performance—grew 6.8 percent.

Foreign FansInt’l travelers spending big


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites

8,650* 558 352 206

Hilton Hotels & Resorts 7,600* 552 246 306

Hyatt 5,700* 475 368 107

Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts

5,575* 1,247 820 427

Sheraton 5,200* 430 238 192

Hampton Inn & Suites 4,900* 1,918 1,842 76

Holiday Inn Express 4,600* 2,192 1,931 261

Courtyard 4,000* 929 817 112

Comfort Inn & Suites 3,725* 2,498 1,946 552

Westin 3,400* 192 130 62

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

2,975* 392 183 209

Radisson Hotels 2,900* 426 93 333

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

2,800* 170 53 117


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Residence Inn 2,500* 625 602 23

Renaissance 2,200* 155 79 76

Hilton Garden Inn 2,050* 573 514 59

Doubletree by Hilton 2,025* 355 271 84

Embassy Suites 1,950* 213 206 7

Ramada 1,725* 850 465 385

Days Inn 1,700* 1,826 1,615 211

Quality Inn & Suites 1,700* 1,518 1,152 366

La Quinta Inn & Suites 1,600* 837 835 2

Super 8 1,460* 2,314 1,773 541

Fairfield Inn 1,375* 691 678 13

Homewood Suites by Hilton

960* 325 314 11

Motel 6 950* 1,047 1,026 21

Springhill Suites 850* 299 297 2

Four Points Sheraton 825* 176 128 48

Country Inn & Suites 780* 475 445 30

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

650* 112 76 36

Clarion Hotels 640* 320 191 129

Staybridge Suites 550* 189 183 6

Candlewood Suites 505* 299 299 0

Econo Lodge 500* 899 817 82

Howard Johnson 500* 455 306 149

Towneplace Suites 450* 210 208 2

Sleep Inn & Suites 440* 396 387 9

Red Roof Inn 390* 348 348 0

Travelodge 380* 445 354 91

Travel Leaders 353* 344 344 0

Results! Travel 290* 654 654 0

Microtel Inn & Suites 275* 308 291 17

Foreign Fans continued on 34

Top Hotel/Travel Services


Michael and Marc Grondahl opened their fitness club, Coastal Fitness, in New Hampshire in 1992, but they soon realized something: It was awful tough to compete for the

everyday gym-goer.It’s a limited group. Only 12 percent of the population had a

gym membership, and so gyms competed by offering amenities: day cares, classes, more and more heavy weights. So rather than add those amenities, the Grondahls started taking them away.

They also began lowering prices and doing things to make sure the club was a safe haven for those of us who don’t have ripped bodies and aren’t able to bench-press a station wagon.

By 1998, when the brothers opened their third location, in Concord, New Hampshire, it called itself a “Judgment-Free Zone,” employed a “Lunk Alarm” for people who grunt too loud or drop their weights, and sold memberships for as low as $10 a month.

The concept would ultimately be called Planet Fitness. And it is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country. The com-pany rose to No. 109, from No. 125, on our ranking. The chain has tripled in size over the past five years. And in the past decade it went from four clubs to 670.

Apparently, shifting the gym’s focus to regular people worked. “We’re making fitness affordable to everyone, not just people who want to go to the gym every day,” said McCall Gosslein, director of public relations for the Newington, New Hampshire-based chain.

Planet Fitness’s growth has helped it become the second largest fitness franchise on our ranking, behind No. 88 Curves, and the fifth largest personal services franchise of any sort.

The fitness sector has long been fertile ground in the franchise business. And many of the most successful concepts in the sector have sought to tap into the market of people who otherwise don’t go to the gym—either because traditional gyms are more intimi-dating or more expensive. That’s a much bigger market than is the regular gym-going market.

It’s also a more fickle one, something Curves appears to be fig-uring out now. The Waco, Texas-based franchise had targeted regular people, women, with clubs specializing in 30-minute fit-ness routines, spawning an entire sector of copycats, most of which have since faded away. At its peak, the chain had $1.3 billion in system sales, more than 10,000 clubs, and ranked 67th on our list, in 2005.

But sales stagnated, clubs closed. This year it’s No. 89 on our ranking, after sales last year fell to $950 million. The number of clubs declined by 30 percent, to 7,000.

That said, other clubs have found success catering to a clien-tele eager for low-cost options. Two Minneapolis-based chains, Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness, keep surging up our ranking. Anytime moved up to No. 134 this year from No. 159. Snap is

Getting FitRegular Joes fuel Planet


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

H&R Block Tax Services 4,085* 12,619 10,992 1,627

Massage Envy 960 845 845 0

Curves 950* 7,000 3,000 4,000

Great Clips 939 3,287 3,190 97

SuperCuts 686 2,488 2,245 243

Planet Fitness 675* 606 606 0

Jenny Craig 520* 748 567 181

Goddard School (The) 501 394 394 0

Anytime Fitness 484 2,035 1,735 300

Pearle Vision 476 622 523 99

Fantastic Sams Hair Salons

413 1,211 1,211 0

Snap Fitness 390* 1,325 1,088 237

Primrose Schools 388 254 254 0

Liberty Tax Service 359 4,172 3,889 283

Sport Clips 293 1,051 1,050 1

Two Men and A Truck 273 272 248 24

Certa ProPainters 227 440 409 31

Kumon Math & Reading Centers

144 25,443 1,525 23,918

Estrella Insurance 135 51 51 0

Family Financial Centers

132 35 35 0

Martinizing Dry Cleaning

110* 414 210 204

1-800-Got Junk? 106 172 168 4

The Learning Experience

105 109 109 0

Kiddie Academy 100 110 110 0

snapping at its heels, now at 157, from No. 170 a year ago. The growth at Planet Fitness was enough to lure TSG Consumer

Partners, a private equity group based in San Francisco, and with offices in New York, to buy a majority stake of the company. Since then, Planet Fitness has been increasing staff: The company increased support staff by 40 percent and added a new point of sale system. In other words, expect the chain to continue on its current trajectory.

Top Personal Care & Services


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesTop Printing & Shipping/Real Estate Services

It’s a tough time to be in the printing business, what with Internet-using computers and tablets and smartphones these days. So, to boost revenue, many printing companies have

started printing things that are just too big to put on an iPad: signs.

For many, however, the number of signs they can print is limited. It’s into this void that Fastsigns has stepped. The Carrollton, Texas-based sign franchisor, No. 177 on the Franchise Times Top 200, has started offering independent printers the chance to co-brand with the franchise.

Independent printers, with more than $1 million in annual sales, can qualify to put a 400-square-foot version of a Fastsigns location in their print shop, while co-branding with the com-pany. The strategy, started late last year, has already led to five open locations and another 12 under contract.

T he housing market is making a comeback. In July, sales of existing homes increased 6.5 percent, and so far this year home sales are 17.2 percent ahead of 2012’s pace, according

to the National Association of Realtors. But perhaps the big-gest sign came on Wall Street, with the initial public offerings of the two largest real estate companies.

Last year, Madison, New Jersey-based Realogy Holdings went public, less than six years after a poorly timed buyout by Apollo Global Management. Realogy owns No. 26 Coldwell Banker, No. 28 Century 21 and No. 113 ERA Franchise Systems.

Not to be outdone, Denver-based Re/Max Holdings, the larg-est real estate brand on our ranking at No. 14, filed IPO papers in August with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All of these brands have stabilized after years of market-related struggles. At its peak in 2008, Re/Max was the 12th largest franchisor in the country and had estimated system sales of $7.5 billion. In subsequent years, system sales fell by as much

Timely Signs

Gaining Space

Co-branding helps Fastsigns

Two brands make public debutFranchise Concept

Worldwide Sales ($M)

Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

RE/MAX 7,421* 6,331 3,314 3,017

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

4,475* 3,266 2,446 820

Century 21 Real Estate 4,000* 7,100 2,500 4,600

Keller Williams Realty 3,237* 663 647 16

Prudential Real Estate 2,733* 1,400 1,400 0

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates

1,190* 659 403 256

ERA Real Estate 613* 2,322 571 1,751

G.J.Gardner Homes 548 109 26 83


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

The UPS Store 1,850* 4,741 4,376 365

ProForma 430 752 700 52

Minuteman Press 430 912 691 221

Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing Services

375 338 241 97

SIGNARAMA 360 873 482 391

Unishippers 359 287 287 0

FASTSIGNS 332 534 467 67

AlphaGraphics 290 281 244 37

Allegra Marketing- Print-Mail

229 280 255 25

PostNet Neighborhood Business Centers

224 680 280 400

PIP Printing & Marketing Services

129 103 97 6

Kwik Kopy Printing 101 227 101 126

as $1 billion and its spot fell to as low as No. 17. But by last year, its sales had largely returned, to $7.4 bil-

lion. In its recent IPO filing, the company noted that real estate agents have returned to work. When the company peaked in 2006, it had 120,000 agents in the system; by 2011 that num-ber fell to 88,000. But the number of agents has since increased to 92,000.

Timely Signs continued on 34


Top Restaurants

Several hundred people gathered at Sand Creek Park in the Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, on a warm August evening. They stood in line for food, lis-

tened to music blaring over loudspeakers, enjoyed balloon rides and even competed in a hula-hoop contest.

But this was no summer festival. The event was held by Chick-fil-A, the fast-growing Atlanta-based chicken sand-wich chain. The company is opening four locations in the Minneapolis market this fall. It held events like this all over the Twin Cities as a way to introduce the market to the chain’s sandwiches. The events drew from 200 to 2,000 people, and the chain gave away more than 12,000 sandwiches.

“They do a full-out blitz,” said Darren Tristano, senior vice president at the Chicago-based consulting firm Technomic. He said the effort is considerably different than the traditional restaurant-opening strategies that usually go below the radar with soft openings and modest announcements. “They know how they’re marketing, and they come in hard.”

Chick-fil-A’s Minnesota blitz came just months after another chicken chain, Popeyes, needed security to direct traffic at the soft opening of its newest suburban Minneapolis location, not far from that Coon Rapids’ Chick-fil-A. While both chains ben-efitted from being a hot concept opening in a new market, they both debuted in a town where the franchisee for the chicken market’s traditional top dog, KFC, went bankrupt.

The market, in fact, has become a microcosm for the brands’ domestic performance. KFC, the No. 3 chain on our ranking, has performed marvelously in international markets, notably China. But its U.S. operations have been hurt by years of sales weakness, franchisee disputes and shuttered units. Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A and Popeyes have been opening units to eager crowds.

The result: Both up-and-coming brands have been rapidly gaining market share, and this year Chick-fil-A overtook KFC as the largest chicken concept in the U.S., based on revenue numbers.

Chick-fil-A, founded in 1964, has seen its performance on the Franchise Times Top 200 grow steadily. In 2002, it was No. 61, with $1.2 billion in system sales and just over 1,000 units. By 2006, it ranked 44th with $2 billion in system sales. This year, it ranks 24th, with $4.6 billion in system sales and 1,685 locations. It is now bigger than some other well-known brands like Applebee’s or Panera Bread.

New No. 1Chick-fil-A leads in chicken biz

And, in the United States, it is bigger than KFC. According to GE Capital Franchise Finance, KFC’s domestic system sales were just under $4.5 billion, less than Chick-fil-A, now the ninth largest restaurant chain in the U.S. Popeyes remains a distant third on that ranking, at $1.8 billion in U.S. sales, according to GE. But its sales in the U.S. grew 6.8 percent last year, while KFC’s sales grew 1.3 percent. Popeyes is No. 53 on the Top 200, up from No. 56 a year ago.

In Chick-fil-A’s case, the chain’s strength is due almost entirely to the performance of its individual restaurants. The chain has huge unit volumes of about $3.2 million, according to the company’s latest FDD. By contrast, KFC has unit volumes of about $1 million per year. Put another way: Chick-fil-A’s $4.6 billion in sales came at a third the number of locations as KFC, which has more than 4,500 locations in the U.S.

Chick-fil-A even compares favorably with McDonald’s, considered the unit volume gold standard in the quick-service restaurant business, with unit volumes of about $2.6 million. And then consider this: Chick-fil-A’s locations are closed on Sundays, a reflection of founder Truett Cathy’s religious beliefs. And Chick-fil-A’s menu is half the size of McDonald’s.

“Chick-f il-A’s customer base is very broad—like McDonald’s,” Tristano said. “They’re going to do well with a higher-income demographic.” It’s a loyal demographic, too, he said. And the company does well with families, and for years has won with its fun advertising campaign involving cows that urge people to “eat mor chikin.”

How much of its success is due to the company’s pre-open-ing marketing efforts remains uncertain. But the company does a lot. In addition to the park celebrations, the company offers free Chick-fil-A for a year to the 100 people who are willing to camp overnight at the store the night before it opens.

The company would not divulge what it called “internal marketing strategy,” but a company spokeswoman said the main goal of the opening events “is to create an opportunity where the owner-operator can connect with community and guests, and build long-term relationships.”



Top Restaurants continued on 34

Top Restaurants


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Red Robin 1,330* 472 455 17

Church’s Chicken 1,300 1,657 1,204 453

Jimmy John’s 1,263 1,560 1,560 0

Five Guys 1,132 1,150 1,105 45

Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar

1,035 392 40 352

Krispy Kreme 993 748 239 509

Hooters 990* 417 356 61

Zaxby’s 979 565 565 0

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits

867 538 536 2

Quizno's 840* 2,690 1,940 750

Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butterburgers

839 472 472 0

Steak N Shake 820* 497 497 0

Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza

774 1,346 1,328 18

Long John Silver’s 723 1,305 1,278 27

Checkers/Rally’s 697 777 777 0

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

691 416 400 16

Sbarro the Italian Eatery

608* 1,000 598 402

Del Taco 608 552 551 1

El Pollo Loco 607 399 399 0

Jason’s Deli 579 242 242 0

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

560* 137 119 18

Qdoba Mexican Grill 541* 627 627 0

Famous Dave’s 497 188 188 0

Cold Stone Creamery 478 1,455 1,031 424

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels 477 1,333 997 336

CiCi’s Pizza 473 520 520 0

Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen

469 520 517 3

Wingstop 457 559 546 13

Einstein Bros. Bagels 455 678 678 0


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

McDonald’s 88,290 34,480 14,157 20,323

KFC 22,800* 18,198 4,618 13,580

Subway 18,100 38,318 25,549 12,769

Burger King 15,842 12,997 7,183 5,814

Pizza Hut 11,600* 14,357 7,756 6,601

Wendy’s 9,350* 6,560 5,817 743

Taco Bell 7,800* 5,980 5,695 285

Domino’s Pizza 7,400 10,255 4,928 5,327

Dunkin’ Donuts 6,900 10,479 7,306 3,173

Tim Hortons 6,478 4,264 804 3,460

Chick-Fil-A 4,600 1,685 1,685 0

Applebee’s 4,503* 2,034 1,885 149

Chili’s Grill & Bar 3,976 1,536 1,279 257

Panera Bread 3,861 1,652 1,643 9

Sonic, America’s Drive-In

3,835 3,543 3,543 0

Dairy Queen 3,500 6,206 4,454 1,752

Jack In The Box 3,085 2,250 2,250 0

Arby’s 2,992 3,481 3,354 127

Papa John’s 2,847 4,163 3,204 959

T.G.I. Friday’s 2,700* 911 545 366

IHOP Restaurant 2,695* 1,581 1,537 44

Denny’s 2,500 1,688 1,590 98

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar

2,474 891 891 0

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

2,189 2,059 1,634 425

Hardee’s 2,182 1,944 1,703 241

Little Caesar’s 2,160* 3,673 3,673 0

Baskin Robbins 1,900 6,980 2,463 4,517

Golden Corral Buffet & Grill

1,783 488 488 0

Carl’s Jr. 1,650 1,369 1,124 245

Whataburger 1,477 740 740 0



Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Jamba Juice 445* 809 774 35

Moe’s Southwest Grill 445 486 483 3

McAlister’s Deli 419 312 312 0

Krystal Company 407 350 350 0

Firehouse Subs 385 576 576 0

Pollo Campero 385 369 53 316

Round Table Pizza 370 505 497 8

Noodles & Company 355 327 327 0

Jersey Mike’s Subs 334 584 584 0

Chester’s 327 1,886 1,658 228


Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

Taco John’s 325 404 404 0

A&W Restaurants 315 1,029 733 296

UNO Chicago Grill 313* 144 132 12

Tony Roma’s 305 161 38 123

Corner Bakery Café 301 147 147 0

Johnny Rockets 300 299 214 85

Cinnabon 295 1,154 511 643

Fuddruckers 295 182 180 2

Sizzler 293 161 161 0

Hungry Howie’s Pizza 291 548 548 0

Schlotzsky’s Deli 280 349 340 9

Charley’s Grilled Subs 271 482 414 68

Top Restaurants

“The print business in general has been on decline,” said Mike Jameson, Fastsigns senior vice president of franchise sup-port and development. “Most have facilities that have been fairly large. But they can free up a small piece of square footage. They can drop in a Fastsigns. It allows them to get the power of the brand, the visibility and the presence.”

The strategy is part of Fastsigns’ overall effort to add new units. The company, owned by the Atlanta-based private equity group Roark Capital, has been aggressive in expanding in the

past couple of years. The company opened 30 new units last year and signed 37 new deals, and Jameson said the chain is on pace to exceed that level. It has a $6 million financing program with Franchise America Finance, and it’s started working to convert independent sign companies into Fastsigns franchisees.

Converting printers was the next logical step, although one with challenges. “It has to look like a Fastsigns,” Jameson said. “So each location becomes more of a custom project. So far we’ve managed. And we’ve learned every time we’ve done it. And the printers are very happy.”

Timely Signs continued from 31

So sales at the 41 hotel companies on our ranking generally improved, even if few of the companies did much to move up the list. Sales at Marriott Hotels, the 11th largest franchise and the largest hotel on our ranking, grew 4.2 percent last year. No. 13 Hilton Hotels reported 5.6 percent sales growth. Neither company moved on the list.

Hyatt did move up our list, from No. 21 to No. 19, after its sales grew 7.5 percent. That helped it leapfrog No. 20 Holiday Inn, which stayed put after reporting 3.4 percent system sales

growth. No. 21 Sheraton, meanwhile, fell two spots.Its sister brand, Four Points Sheraton, was our biggest mover

among hotel brands, moving to No 96 from No. 106. Its sales increased 6.5 percent. The mid-priced brand added 15 new loca-tions last year and now has 176 hotels, three-quarters of which are in the U.S.

Candlewood Suites, the Intercontinental Hotels Group brand with a somewhat lower price point than Four Points, also moved up our ranking, to No. 127 from No. 134, after its sales grew 4.1 percent.

Foreign Fans continued from 29

Top Restaurants continued from 33




Total Units

Domestic Units

Foreign Units

7-Eleven 84,800 49,503 7,719 41,784

Ace Hardware 12,500 4,709 4,104 605

Circle K Convenience Stores

10,675 7,750 3,597 4,153

Aaron’s 3,132 2,072 2,022 50

GNC 2,900* 5,967 3,970 1,997

Snap-On Tools 1,272 4,739 3,412 1,327

AMPM 1,050 959 959 0

Pet Supplies "Plus" 620 271 271 0

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (The)

525 908 306 602

Edible Arrangements 479 1,004 945 59

Wireless Zone 448 417 417 0

Batteries Plus 410 547 547 0

Slumberland Furniture 394 127 127 0

Plato’s Closet 353 367 361 6

Matco Tools 338 1,455 1,410 45

Budget Blinds 270 851 750 101

Play It Again Sports 230 314 278 36

Once Upon A Child 223 270 242 28

The HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Café

208 428 428 0

Petland 180* 138 82 56

California Closets 177 86 77 9

Granite Transformations

149 167 86 81

HobbyTown USA 144 155 155 0

Wild Birds Unlimited 128 279 262 17

Ace Hardware Corp. plans to expand its smaller “express” store format across the country, possibly doubling the number to roughly 40 locations in 2014.

The Oak Brook, Illinois-based retailer hopes to add another 20 of its Express Ace Hardware locations next year, joining the 20 it expects to have in place by the end of this year.

Targeted for stores ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet, Ace introduced the format in late 2011 for current Ace retailers and other merchants looking to blend the Ace brand with their existing retail offerings. The Express locations are more com-pact stores than Ace’s larger stores. They include customized merchandising displays and stock more than 11,000 of Ace’s most popular and profitable hardware goods.

Curt DeHart, Ace’s director of new business, said a typical Express store could pair well in retail formats such as grocery stores, garden centers, paint stores and farm and ranch stores. The stores would be in rural, urban or suburban areas where Ace could not open a regular store that’s 8,000 to 10,000 square feet due to space and/or demographic limitations. Ace owners will be given the option to open annex locations near their existing stores or a free-standing stores in another market.

DeHart said Ace typically opens about 150 stores a year and the small-store-format sites make up about 15 percent of that growth. The smaller stores allow Ace to target untapped cus-tomers in underserved markets and boost Ace’s brand exposure in new areas. All told, Ace has more than 4,700 hardware stores locally owned and operated around the globe.

“As we look at these small-store-size formats, we’re seeing higher sales per square foot and improved return on invest-ment,” he said. “We think that gives us an edge over our competitors.”

Retailers who use the Express format are eligible for incen-tives up to $177,000, including Ace placing its top-selling items in stores, DeHart said. Start-up cost for an Express store for an Ace member or independent retail business will be approxi-mately $100 per square foot.

Howard Davidowitz, chairman of Davidowitz & Associates, a New York-based retail consulting and investment banking firm, said Ace is following the actions of major chains like Walmart, Target, Meijer and others building smaller stores to cut costs and operate where they can’t open full-size stores.

Davidowitz said the Express model is a good move for Ace for many reasons. The strategy will force Ace to more tightly edit product assortment as the company stocks the stores with its best-selling items with the fastest turnover speed. “Ace is looking for an additional growth vehicle and this gives it to them,” Davidowitz said.

Selling ItAcing the smaller retail store

Will the Express model allow Ace to tangle with much larger rivals? Davidowitz said Ace for sure won’t have as broad of a selection as the larger stores and might not be able to meet their price. So they’ll have to emphasize convenience and great service to compete. “Those are advantages that Ace has to cap-italize on,” he said.

—Jeffrey McKinney

Top Retail


Alphabetical Listings

7-Eleven .......................................................... 2A&W Restaurants .................................. 181Aaron’s..........................................................37Ace Hardware .............................................. 7AlphaGraphics ........................................ 193AMPM ..........................................................81Anytime Fitness ...................................... 134Applebee’s ...................................................25Arby’s ............................................................39Auntie Anne’s Pretzels ......................... 137Baskin Robbins...........................................59Batteries Plus ........................................... 152Big O Tires ................................................104Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits ....................................92Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar ...............................................82Budget Blinds...........................................200Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar ............50Burger King ................................................... 5Candlewood Suites ............................... 127Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen............. 140Carl’s Jr. ........................................................67CARSTAR ...................................................117Century 21 Real Estate ...........................28Charley’s Grilled Subs .......................... 199Checkers/Rally’s ..................................... 105Chester’s ................................................... 178Chick-Fil-A...................................................24Chili’s Grill & Bar .......................................30Church’s Chicken ......................................75CiCi’s Pizza ............................................... 139Cinnabon .................................................. 188Circle K Convenience Stores ................... 9Clarion Hotels ..........................................111Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (The) .......... 125Cold Stone Creamery ........................... 136Coldwell Banker Real Estate .................26Comfort Inn & Suites ..............................33Comfort Keepers .................................... 163Corner Bakery Café .............................. 186Country Inn & Suites ...............................99Courtyard ....................................................29Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System ..................................... 184Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts ...........40Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butterburgers .........................................95Curves ...........................................................89Dairy Queen ...............................................34

Days Inn ...................................................... 64Del Taco .....................................................115Denny’s ........................................................48Disaster Kleenup International ............66Domino’s Pizza ..........................................15Doubletree by Hilton ...............................57Dunkin’ Donuts .........................................17Econo Lodge ............................................ 129Edible Arrangements ............................ 135Einstein Bros. Bagels ............................. 142El Pollo Loco .............................................116Embassy Suites ..........................................58ERA Real Estate .......................................113Express Employment Professionals ...............................................51Fairfield Inn .................................................73Famous Dave’s ........................................ 132Fantastic Sams Hair Salons .................151FASTSIGNS .............................................. 177Firehouse Subs .........................................161Five Guys .....................................................80Four Points Sheraton ...............................96Fuddruckers ............................................. 189G.J.Gardner Homes ............................... 122GNC ...............................................................41Goddard School (The).......................... 128Golden Corral Buffet & Grill .................62Great Clips ...................................................91H&R Block Tax Services..........................27Hampton Inn & Suites ............................22Hardee’s .......................................................54Health Mart ................................................16Hertz ............................................................... 6Hilton Garden Inn .....................................56Hilton Hotels & Resorts ..........................13Holiday Inn Express ..................................23Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts ...............20Home Instead Senior Care ....................83Homewood Suites by Hilton .................87Hooters .........................................................85Howard Johnson .................................... 130Hungry Howie’s Pizza .......................... 192Hyatt .............................................................19IHOP Restaurant.......................................47InterContinental Hotels & Resorts ...................................... 44Interim HealthCare ............................... 102J.D. Byrider ..................................................98Jack In The Box ..........................................38Jamba Juice .............................................. 145

Jani-King ................................................... 106Jason’s Deli ................................................119Jenny Craig .............................................. 126Jersey Mike’s Subs ................................. 176Jiffy Lube .....................................................72Jimmy John’s...............................................77Johnny Rockets ....................................... 187Keller Williams Realty .............................36KFC .................................................................. 3Krispy Kreme ..............................................84Krystal Company ................................... 154La Quinta Inn & Suites ...........................68Liberty Tax Service ................................ 170Linc Service .............................................. 124Little Caesar’s .............................................55Long John Silver’s .................................. 103MAACO Collision Repair & Auto Painting ........................ 155Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites ........................................11Massage Envy ............................................88Matco Tools ............................................. 175McAlister’s Deli ...................................... 150McDonald’s ................................................... 1Meineke Car Care Centers ................. 133Microtel Inn & Suites ............................ 197Midas ............................................................69Minuteman Press ................................... 149Moe’s Southwest Grill .......................... 146Motel 6 .........................................................90Mr. Rooter ................................................ 196MRINetwork - Experts in Global Search ..................... 168Noodles & Company ............................ 172One Hour Air Conditioning ............... 164Panera Bread ..............................................31Papa John’s .................................................43Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake Pizza ...............................100Paul Davis Restoration ......................... 131Pearle Vision ............................................ 138Perkins Restaurant & Bakery ............. 107Pet Supplies “Plus” ................................112Pizza Hut ........................................................ 8Planet Fitness .......................................... 109Plato’s Closet ............................................174Pollo Campero ........................................ 162Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen ....................53Primrose Schools .................................... 160ProForma .................................................. 148


Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide SalesAlphabetical Listings

Prudential Real Estate .............................45Qdoba Mexican Grill ............................ 123Quality Inn & Suites ................................65Quizno’s .......................................................94Radisson Hotels .........................................42Ramada ........................................................63RE/MAX .......................................................14Red Robin ....................................................74Red Roof Inn ........................................... 158Renaissance ................................................52Residence Inn .............................................49Results! Travel ......................................... 194Roto-Rooter ............................................. 101Round Table Pizza ................................. 167Ruth’s Chris Steak House .................... 120Sbarro the Italian Eatery ......................114Schlotzsky’s Deli ..................................... 195ServiceMaster Clean................................61SERVPRO .....................................................78Sheraton .......................................................21SIGNARAMA .......................................... 169

Sir Speedy Printing & Marketing Services ........................... 166Sizzler ......................................................... 190Sleep Inn & Suites .................................. 147Slumberland Furniture ......................... 156Snap Fitness ............................................. 157Snap-On Tools ...........................................76Sonic, America’s Drive-In ......................32Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates .........................................79Spherion Staffing ................................... 183Sport Clips ................................................ 191Springhill Suites .........................................93Stanley Steemer...................................... 153Staybridge Suites .................................... 121Steak N Shake ............................................97Subway ........................................................... 4Super 8 .........................................................71SuperCuts ................................................. 108T.G.I. Friday’s ..............................................46Taco Bell .......................................................12

Taco John’s ............................................... 179TEGG Service .......................................... 180The UPS Store ............................................60Tim Hortons ................................................18Tony Roma’s ............................................ 185Towneplace Suites ................................. 143Travel Leaders ......................................... 173Travelodge ................................................ 165Two Men and A Truck ......................... 198Unishippers .............................................. 171UNO Chicago Grill ................................ 182Valpak Direct Marketing ..................... 159Valvoline Instant Oil Change .............118Wendy’s .......................................................10Westin ...........................................................35Whataburger ..............................................70Wingstop .................................................. 141Wireless Zone .......................................... 144Wyndham Hotels & Resorts ...............110Zaxby’s .........................................................86

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A yeAr’s worth of opportunities

Tell your sTory in Franchise TimesTo advertise or subscribe, visit www.franchisetimes.com

732-292-8272Find out. Call Brian Sommers

visit: jerseymikes.com

Bob MiddletonJersey Mike’s Multi-Unit Franchisee

Michigan

FOR THE STATE OF NEW YORK: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can be made only by a

prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute

approval by the Department of Law. IN MINNESOTA: Minnesota Registration Number F-5389. Jersey Mike’s

Franchise Systems, Inc., 2251 Landmark Place, Manasquan, NJ 08736

Is Jersey Mike’s the right fit for you?

“The business model is very strong but what really attracted

me to the brand was that Jersey Mike’s is a good partner in the

communities they serve. Making a positive difference in the lives

of others is important to me. The Jersey Mike’s model makes it easy

to do just that.”

“You know it’s the right fit when the business model is strong and you can help make a difference in

your community.”

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