Franchising tells the story of American business, an ever-changing kaleidoscope of brands both new and familiar, capturing the changing mood of consumers and small business investors alike.
Entrepreneur magazine captures it all in its annual Franchise 500 list, which was published again this week. At the top of the list is McDonald’s and a dozen other familiar names that populate so many towns that you might forget that most are locally-owned small businesses. But the magazine points out that 22 of the companies have been franchising for 5 years or less, 85 have been added in the past decade, and 135 since the year 2000.
McDonald’s may top Entrepreneur’s ranking system, but it’s not the largest food franchise out there. Franchise.com notes that Subway is currently No. 1 in its list of the top 10 largest food franchises. And for another perspective on the best growing franchise brands, check out the Franchise Gator Top 100 list.