The annual Franchise Times ranking of the largest franchise systems by sales has remained stable at the top for decades, led by McDonald's, 7-Eleven, KFC, and Subway. However, this year's list highlights the increasing international focus of franchising, as brands derive more of their growth from expanding abroad rather than in the stagnating domestic market. While the top franchisors collectively grew their sales by 7% overall, their success relied more on strong international performance than growth in the United States.
Angus Macpherson. The PRN system. Introducing a free market to packaging wast...
Franchise Times 2009 Top 200
1. Our annual ranking of the country’s largest franchise
systems by systemwide sales has changed remarkably
2009 Franchise Times little over the past decade, especially at the top where
some of the same, familiar names hold onto their places.
Yet this year’s list shows where franchising is going—
mostly across the border. While domestic growth has
been stagnant, restaurants, retailers, hotels and other
franchises are finding plenty of international markets
that are ripe for growth.
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2.
3. Franchise Times Top 200 Overview
Changing Landscape
There’s more to the Franchise Times Top 200 than in years past
Over the past decade, franchisors have become larger and more An international flavor
A big reason many large franchisors suc-
global. They’re concentrated in hospitality, but represent a surprisingly ceeded in 2008 was the growth of international
broad array of industries, like elder care and medicine. And franchise operations. This trend has been clear for years
but seems to have accelerated in the past year.
companies are more likely to rely on franchisees to carry out their When the ranking was first published, 24
operations. Much of that has been generally assumed in franchise percent of franchisors’ units were outside the
U.S. This year that figure was up to 32 percent.
circles, but the latest edition of the Franchise Times Top 200 provides Franchisors added 10,000 international units
proof. The list, our ranking of the nation’s largest franchise systems last year and added 5,000 domestic units. Even
so, the additional domestic unit count is mis-
by total sales, is now in its 10th year. An analysis of those rankings leading, considering the entire difference can
provides an intriguing look at the trends affecting the largest be traced to the addition of Re/Max and its
3,750 units and No. 21 HealthMart with its
franchisors and, by extension, the entire franchise. 2,039 domestic stores.
In simple terms: Franchisors were fortunate
By Jonathan Maze they’ve held each year since the ranking was to avoid a drop in U.S. business last year—a
T
he Franchise Times Top 200 collec- first compiled. Illinois-based McDonald’s, clear sign of the credit crunch and of concerns
tively demonstrated a remarkable ability with an estimated $73.7 billion in system- that the domestic market in many franchise-
to withstand the economic turmoil of the wide revenue, was easily No. 1, and 7-Eleven, heavy industries, such as restaurants, is largely
past year. All told, the franchisors took in $474 at $53.7 billion, was nearly $35 billion ahead tapped.
billion last year, 7 percent more than the year of third-place KFC. No. 4 Subway, meanwhile, Not so in other countries. It’s hardly a
before. That equals the typical growth pattern continued its steady march up the Top 200. secret that the top franchisors on the list are
for the Franchise Times 200. The world’s third-largest franchisor by unit also doing well overseas, and have for years.
Look deeper into the numbers, however, and count saw 14.2 percent systemwide revenue McDonald’s is everywhere. KFC has more
the companies’ success was more modest. For growth last year, leapfrogging Burger King units overseas than it does in the U.S.—and its
one thing, some large franchisors have been (No. 5) and Ace Hardware (No. 6)—Subway parent, Yum! Brands, is now trying to replicate
added to this year’s rankings, like No. 12, Re/ was 16th a decade ago. its KFC China model in the U.S. 7-Eleven,
Max International, a real estate franchise. The rest of the top 10, remains largely meanwhile, is owned by a Japanese company
Participation in the Franchise Times Top unchanged aside from a few internal moves, and more than three-quarters of its units are
200 is largely voluntary, so companies appear including Pizza Hut (No. 7), Circle K (No. in other countries.
and disappear from the rankings from one year 8), Marriott Hotels (No. 9) and Wendy’s (No. Other companies are also performing bet-
to the next—making annual comparisons dif- 10). Seven of those top companies were in the ter overseas, particularly hotels, many of which
ficult. The addition of franchisors is a reason top 10 in 2000. have been hurt by declining revenue num-
the revenue numbers were higher this year. A franchise system had to take in more than bers in the U.S. Minneapolis-based Radisson
Another reason: Success at the top. The $235 million in system sales to make the Top Hotels saw an estimated $150 million in rev-
four companies that sit atop this year’s 200 this year, compared to $204 million a year enue growth last year even though it has 16
list—McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, K FC and ago. Some companies toward the bottom fell fewer U.S. units—a loss more than made up
Subway—together added $15.4 billion in off even though they grew last year, such as for by the addition of 25 international hotels.
systemwide revenue. Indeed, McDonald’s Baymont Hotels, which dropped off despite Even companies toward the bottom of the
and 7-Eleven continued their dominance as gaining 3 percent more in sales.
the world’s two largest franchisors—a place Top 200 continued on 17
October 2009 Franchise Times 3 n
4. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
1 1 McDonald’s McDonald’s Corporation 70,693 13,918 18,049 31,967 80%
2 2 7-Eleven Seven and I 53,700 6,378 29,225 35,603 95%
Holdings Co. Ltd.
3 3 KFC Yum! Brands, Inc. 17,800 5,166 7,293 12,459 86%
4 6 Subway Doctor’s Associates, Inc. 12,900 21,881 8,376 30,257 100%
5 4 Burger King Burger King Holdings Inc. 12,789 7,534 4,391 11,925 88%
6 5 Ace Hardware Ace Hardware Corp. 12,500 4,410 220 4,630 100%
7 7 Pizza Hut Yum! Brands, Inc. 10,400 6,119 4,949 11,068 83%
8 8 Circle K Stores Alimentation 9,148 3,324 3,753 7,077 60%
Couche-Tard Inc.
9 9 Wendy’s Wendy’s/Arby’s Group 9,000* 5,905 725 6,630 79%
10 10 Marriott Hotels, Marriott International 8,539* 348 183 531 41%
Resorts & Suites
11 11 Hilton Hilton Hotels Corporation 7,700* 253 273 526 44%
12 Re/Max International Re/Max International, Inc. 7,500 3,745 2,807 6,552 100%
13 15 Taco Bell Yum! Brands, Inc. 7,000 5,142 203 5,345 75%
14 13 Blockbuster Blockbuster, Inc. 6,200* 4,585 2,820 7,405 22%
15 14 Holiday Inn InterContinental 5,840* 920 433 1,353 100%
Hotels & Resorts Hotels Group
16 16 Sheraton Starwood Hotels 5,650* 208 201 409 50%
& Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
17 12 Coldwell Banker Realogy Corporation 5,510* 2,903 605 3,508 79%
Real Estate Corporation
18 19 Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin Brands, Inc. 5,500* 6,395 2,440 8,835 100%
19 18 Domino’s Pizza Domino’s, Inc. 5,428 5,047 3,726 8,773 94%
20 Health Mart McKesson Corp. 5,100 2,039 - 2,039 100%
21 20 Applebee’s Neighborhood DineEquity, Inc 4,700 1,897 100 1,997 78%
Grill & Bar
22 17 Tim Hortons Tim Hortons Inc. 4,555 520 2,917 3,437 99%
23 22 H&R Block Tax Services H&R Block, Inc. 4,500* 12,923 1,571 14,494 41%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
n 4 Franchise Times October 2009
6. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
37 39 Crowne Plaza Hotels InterContinental 2,800* 187 155 342 100%
& Resorts Hotels Group
38 43 Panera Bread Panera, LLC 2,650* 1,325 2 1,327 58%
39 37 Dairy Queen International 2,600 4,584 1,116 5,700 99%
Dairy Queen, Inc.
40 42 InterContinental InterContinental 2,560* 55 104 159 95%
Hotels & Resorts Hotels Group (IHG)
41 38 Westin Starwood Hotels 2,500* 109 53 162 43%
& Resorts Worldwide Inc.
42 40 Denny’s Denny’s Corporation 2,366 1,463 77 1,540 80%
43 Medicine Shoppe Cardinal Health 2,354 902 472 1,374 97%
44 46 Residence Inn Marriott International, Inc. 2,347* 555 18 573 76%
45 50 Spherion Spherion Corporation 2,338 504 32 536 32%
46 31 Century 21 Real Estate Realogy Corporation 2,300* 3,729 4,772 8,501 100%
47 47 Papa John’s Pizza Papa John’s 2,263 2,792 588 3,380 82%
International, Inc.
48 44 IHOP Restaurants DineEquity, Inc 2,200 1,387 15 1,402 99%
49 41 Keller Williams Realty Keller Williams Realty 2,122 676 14 690 100%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Aaron’s AlphaGraphics
Contacts: Greg Tanner Contacts: Brandi Raddatz
#66 #178
Phone: 678-402-3778 Phone: 800-528-4885
E-Mail: greg.tanner@aaronrents.com E-Mail: opportunity
Web site: www.aaronsfranchise.com @alphagraphics.com
TOP 200 Web site: www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com TOP 200
Aaron’s is North America’s largest least-to-own
retail franchise opportunity. Ranked #49 among franchise AlphaGraphics has been the leader in print and visual
chains in worldwide sales by Franchise Times, Aaron’s is NYSE- communications for more than 35 years. With over 260 locations
listed with a 50+ year proven track record and over $2 billion in in the U.S. and eight countries, we set the standard for solutions in
systemwide revenues. We’re reinventing the way a growing and printing, marketing communications, graphic design and document
underserved market acquires necessities like furniture, appliances, management. AlphaGraphics business centers average more
electronics and computers. than $1,131,000 in annual revenues while the industry average is
approximately $650,000, and a median gross margin of over 70%.
There’s never been a better time to
explore joining the print and visual
communications industry’s #1
brand, AlphaGraphics.
n 6 Franchise Times October 2009
7. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
50 48 Quiznos Sub The Quiznos, Master LLC 2,000 4,381 641 5,022 100%
51 52 Renaissance Hotels Marriott International, Inc. 2,000* 76 65 141 37%
52 65 Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Hotels Corporation 1,980* 439 33 472 97%
53 57 Days Inn Wyndham Hotel Group 1,911* 1,704 176 1,880 100%
54 51 Dollar Thrifty Automotive Dollar Thrifty 1,900* 563 1,093 1,656 79%
Automotive Group Inc.
55 61 Doubletree Hotels Hilton Hotels Corporation 1,900* 201 16 217 77%
56 55 Embassy Suites Hotels Hilton Hotels Corporation 1,900* 192 8 200 64%
57 53 GNC General Nutrition 1,876 3,568 1,350 4,918 44%
Centers, Inc.
58 56 Hardee’s CKE Restaurants, Inc. 1,821 1,713 195 1,908 75%
59 72 Express Employment Express Services, Inc. 1,797 527 42 569 100%
Professionals
60 58 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen AFC Enterprises, Inc. 1,740 1,582 340 1,922 97%
61 60 Ramada Wyndham Hotel Group 1,718* 556 341 897 100%
62 ServiceMaster Clean The ServiceMaster Co. 1,675 3,020 1,560 4,580 100%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Boston Pizza
Restaurants
Contacts: Franchise Development
#83
Coordinator
Phone: 866-277-8721
E-Mail: franchisesales
@bostonpizza.com TOP 200
Web site: www.bostons.com
Boston Pizza Restaurants is the franchisor of Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza,
a casual dining restaurant concept with a full service sports bar. BP has
been in business for over 40 years with over 350 locations across North
America. Our menu has a strong pizza
and pasta focus as well as favorites
in categories such as appetizers,
sandwiches, salads and desserts. We
are seeking qualified developers to
franchise units in territories all across
the United States.
October 2009 Franchise Times 7 n
8. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
63 54 Ruby Tuesday Ruby Tuesday, Inc. 1,623 891 54 945 24%
64 63 Quality Inn & Suites Choice Hotels International 1,613* 926 362 1,288 100%
65 64 Super 8 Wyndham Hotel Group 1,593* 1,894 216 2,110 100%
66 49 Aaron’s Sales Aaron’s, Inc. 1,593 1,500 22 1,522 33%
& Lease Ownership
67 68 Carl’s Jr. CKE Restaurants, Inc. 1,520 1,074 121 1,195 65%
68 62 Golden Corral Golden Corral Corp. 1,518 483 - 483 79%
Family Restaurants
69 67 Midas Auto Service Experts Midas International 1,500* 1,471 1,011 2,482 96%
Corporation
70 69 La Quinta Inns & Suites LQ Management LLC 1,470* 741 2 743 50%
71 66 Jiffy Lube Pennzoil Quaker State 1,437 1,989 45 2,034 100%
72 70 Baskin’ Robbins Dunkin Brands, Inc. 1,400 2,692 3,321 6,013 100%
73 71 Curves Curves International, Inc. 1,297 6,247 3,430 9,677 100%
74 78 Buffalo Wild Wings Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. 1,240 598 - 598 64%
Grill & Bar
75 73 Whataburger Whataburger 1,173 713 - 713 24%
Restaurants, LP
76 75 Church’s Chicken Friedman Fleischer & Lowe 1,150 1,199 426 1,625 86%
77 74 Red Robin Red Robin Gourmet Burgers 1,140* 423 18 441 33%
78 77 Fairfield Inn Marriott International, Inc. 1,100* 560 9 569 100%
79 79 Hooters Restaurants Hooters of America 997 386 64 450 73%
80 80 Motel 6 Accor North America 985* 908 10 918 26%
81 82 1-800-Flowers 1-800-flowers.com 919 110 - 110 96%
82 85 SERVPRO Servpro Industries, Inc. 918 1,459 - 1,459 100%
83 87 Boston Pizza Restaurants Boston Pizza International 830 53 333 386 98%
84 98 Homewood Suites Hilton Hotels Corporation 820* 267 9 276 84%
by Hilton
85 81 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Perkins & Marie 807 464 17 481 66%
Callendar’s LLC
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
n 8 Franchise Times October 2009
9. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
86 84 Long John Silver’s Yum! Brands Inc. 800 1,022 38 1,060 100%
87 88 Country Inn & Suites Carlson Hotels Worldwide 788* 469 30 499 98%
88 86 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Krispy Kreme 773 225 298 523 82%
Doughnuts, Inc.
89 184 Big O Tires TBC Corporation 743 498 - 498 95%
90 89 Great Clips Great Clips, Inc. 727 2,681 57 2,738 100%
91 90 Sbarro the Italian Eatery Sbarro, Inc. 715 753 338 1,091 52%
92 Steak n’ Shake The Steak n’ 700 490 - 490 15%
Shake Company
93 97 Jani-King Jani-King 682* 9,734 2,253 11,987 100%
International, Inc.
94 94 Roto-Rooter Chemed 680 548 30 578 81%
95 96 Four Points By Sheraton Starwood Hotels 675* 93 41 134 82%
& Resorts Worldwide Inc.
96 107 Zaxby’s Zaxby’s Franchising Inc. 664 461 - 461 82%
97 110 Home Instead Senior Care Home Instead, Inc. 660 604 268 872 100%
98 92 Checkers & Rally’s Checkers 660* 827 3 830 70%
Hamburgers
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Checkers Drive In Restaurants
& Rallys Hamburgers Comfort Keepers
Contacts: Sharon Williston Contacts: Larry France
#98 #172
Franchise Sales Phone: 888-329-1368
Phone: 813-283-7133 E-Mail: larryfrance
E-Mail: willistons@checkers.com @comfortkeepers.com
Web site: www.checkersfranchise.com TOP 200 Web site: www.comfortkeepers TOP 200
franchise.com
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is the largest double drive-thru
restaurant chain in the United States. The Company franchises, In just a decade, Comfort Keepers, a leading brand in the
develops, owns and operates quick-service burgeoning in-home senior care industry, has grown from a single
Checkers ® and Rally’s ® double drive-thru office to over 550 franchised territories in North America. With the
restaurants. In addition to our double drive-thru number of seniors and adults requiring care expected to double
building, Checkers has recently introduced within the next several decades,
end-cap and in-line versions of the concept. Comfort Keepers has built a system
Both offer lobby seating areas and the to allow franchisees to live the
end-cap features a single drive-thru window. dream of owning a business while
giving back to the community. Be
part of this opportunity.
October 2009 Franchise Times 9 n
10. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
99 114 SpringHill Suites Marriott International, Inc. 651* 207 1 208 88%
100 93 Jackson Hewitt Jackson Hewitt 650* 6,763 - 6,763 85%
Tax Service Tax Service Inc.
101 95 Friendly’s Friendly Ice Cream 646 505 - 505 39%
Corporation
102 103 Culver’s Frozen Culver Franchising 644 394 - 394 98%
Custard & Butterburgers System, Inc.
103 138 Jenny Craig Nestle’ Nutrition 630* 590 156 746 30%
Weight Loss Centres
104 100 Supercuts Regis Corporation 630 2,080 194 2,274 45%
105 104 El Pollo Loco Trimaran Pollo 627 413 - 413 60%
Partners LLC
106 101 CARSTAR CARSTAR 627 269 131 400 100%
Franchise Systems, Inc.
107 108 Bojangles’ Restaurants Bojangles’ Restaurants, Inc. 608 423 6 429 64%
108 83 ERA Real Estate Realogy Corporation 600* 953 1,837 2,790 99%
109 91 Wyndham Hotels Wyndham Hotel Group 586* 57 25 82 100%
& Resorts
110 102 J.D. Byrider J.D. Byrider 586 132 - 132 89%
111 117 Papa Murphy’s Papa Murphy’s 585 1,119 16 1,135 93%
Take ’N’ Bake International, Inc.
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Del Taco Denny’s, Inc.
Contacts: Michael Vogel Contacts: Franchise Development
#115 #42
Phone: 952-607-8619 Phone: 800-304-0222
E-Mail: mvogel@deltaco.com E-Mail: franchisedevelopment
Web site: www.deltacofranchise.com @dennys.com
TOP 200 Web site: www.dennys.com TOP 200
High Growth Mexican QSR brand with
Multi-Unit Development Opportunities available in select For over 50 years, Denny’s has been the trusted leader in family
geographic markets through out the U.S.A. Be sure to check out our dining. We enjoy a brand awareness of almost 100%! We cheerfully
2009 Development Incentive Program! Del Taco currently has over serve over 26 million customers a month in our 1500+ restaurants
500 Units operating in the US (just over half are corporately owned worldwide. We are proud to serve America’s most loved foods
and operated). Come see why America loves Del Taco! 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If
you are an experienced restaurateur
or businessman, we invite you to
contact us and learn more about
growth opportunities within our
great brand.
n 10 Franchise Times October 2009
11. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
112 109 Clarion Inn Choice Hotels 584* 150 125 275 100%
and Clarion Suites International
113 106 CiCi’s Pizza CiCi Enterprises, LP 580* 641 - 641 97%
114 112 Ruth’s Chris Steak House Ruth’s Hospitality 570* 117 13 130 49%
Group, Inc.
115 111 Del Taco Sagittarius Restaurants LLC 563 513 - 513 44%
116 105 SIGN*A*RAMA United Franchise Group 549 635 326 961 100%
117 118 Howard Johnson Wyndham Hotel Group 549* 365 117 482 100%
International
118 Interiors by Decorating Den 520 425 30 455 93%
Decorating Den Systems, Inc.
119 113 ProSource Wholesale CCA Global Partners 520 161 3 164 98%
Floorcoverings
120 115 Sizzler Restaurants Pacific Equity Partners 502 200 82 282 78%
121 129 Travelodge Wyndham Hotel Group 499* 380 99 479 100%
122 121 Econo Lodge Choice Hotels International 498* 821 45 866 100%
123 142 Jimmy John’s Jimmy John’s 497 805 - 805 98%
Gourmet Sandwiches Franchise, LLC
124 123 Uno Chicago Grill Centre Partners Mgt, LLC 491 198 9 207 42%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Dunkin’ Donuts
Contacts: Erin Venuti
#18
Phone: 781-737-5136
E-Mail: DunkinFranchising
@dunkinbrands.com
Web site: www.DunkinFranchising.com TOP 200
Dunkin’ Donuts is the country’s #1 retailer of hot
and iced coffee, selling more than one billion
cups of coffee a year and earning the #1 ranking
for Customer Loyalty in the Coffee Category by
Brand Keys for three years running. While Dunkin’
Donuts boasts more than 6,000 locations in the
U.S., a majority of it’s restaurants are found
in the Northeast. This is changing as Dunkin’
continues its steady and strategic expansion in
the Southeast and Midwest. To learn more, visit:
DunkinFranchising.com
October 2009 Franchise Times 11 n
12. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
125 124 Pet Supplies “Plus” Pet Supplies 485 225 - 225 100%
“Plus” USA, Inc.
126 139 Paul Davis Restoration Paul Davis Restoration, Inc. 480 217 - 217 100%
127 119 Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen Sagittarius Restaurants LLC 477 548 - 548 47%
128 149 Pollo Campero Campero USA Corp. 475 52 265 317 23%
129 116 Cold Stone Creamery Kahala Corp. 470 1,282 138 1,420 98%
130 130 Linc Network The Linc Group 469 129 19 148 84%
131 136 Jason’s Deli Deli Management Inc 469 204 - 204 44%
132 135 Famous Dave’s Famous Dave’s 463 170 - 170 72%
of America, Inc.
133 On The Border Brinker International 462* 160 5 165 22%
Mexican Grill & Cantina
134 126 Minuteman Press Minuteman Press Intl. 460 766 207 973 100%
135 132 Jamba Juice Jamba, Inc. 450* 728 1 729 30%
136 127 Stanley Steemer Stanley Steemer Int’l. 439 302 - 302 75%
Carpet Cleaner
137 141 Krystal The Krystal Company 435 383 - 383 38%
138 134 Sleep Inn and Choice Hotels 433* 366 17 383 100%
Sleep Inn & Suites International
139 131 Round Table Pizza Round Table Pizza, Inc. 433 496 - 496 73%
140 125 Sylvan Learning Centers Educate, Inc. 424 961 102 1,063 90%
141 140 Meineke Car Care Centers Driven Brands, Inc. 421 860 71 931 98%
142 128 MAACO Collision MAACO Enterprises, Inc. 415 438 29 467 99%
Repair & Auto Painting
143 150 G.J.Gardner Homes Netdeen Pty Ltd 410 15 83 98 100%
144 133 Fantastic Sams Hair Salons Fantastic Sams 408 1,335 - 1,335 100%
International Corporation
145 137 Valpak Direct Marketing Cox Target Media, Inc. 406 182 7 189 96%
146 122 Red Roof Inns Accor North America 402* 381 - 381 44%
147 Cartridge World Cartridge World 400 642 1,009 1,651 99%
International
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
n 12 Franchise Times October 2009
13. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
148 165 A&W Restaurants Yum! Brands Inc. 400 363 264 627 100%
149 151 Qdoba Mexican Grill Jack in the Box Inc. 399 454 - 454 76%
150 144 Staybridge Suites InterContinental 390* 150 2 152 99%
Hotels Group
151 145 TAF/The Athlete’s Foot NexCen Brands, Inc 378 232 377 609 100%
152 Einstein Bros. Bagels Einstein Noah 362 496 - 496 30%
Restaurant Group, Inc.
153 167 TownePlace Suites Marriott International, Inc. 361* 163 - 163 79%
154 146 Slumberland Furniture Slumberland Inc. 360 113 - 113 68%
155 147 Sir Speedy Franchise Services, Inc. 357 326 107 433 99%
156 148 Allegra Network Allegra Network LLC 353 549 44 593 100%
157 152 Coverall Health-Based CNA Holding Corporation 351 8,723 377 9,100 100%
Cleaning System
158 163 McAlister’s Deli McAlister’s Corporation 343 280 - 280 88%
159 162 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels Auntie Anne’s, Inc. 337 792 199 991 99%
160 153 Fuddruckers Fuddruckers 337 229 5 234 62%
International, LLC
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Hungry Howies Jimmy John’s
Contacts: Franchise Contacts: Bob Morena
#190 #123
Development Department Phone: 217-356-9900
Phone: 800-624-8122 E-Mail: bmorena
E-Mail: franchiseinfo @jimmyjohns.com
@hungryhowies.com TOP 200 Web site: www.jimmyjohns.com TOP 200
Web site: www.hungryhowies.com
High-energy, upscale, gourmet sandwich
Hungry Howie’s Pizza was named the 2004 chain of the year by restaurant that features a limited menu made
Pizza Today Magazine. Our flavored crust pizza is the reason for up of the highest quality meats, cheese and
our appeal and the foundation of our success. Menu includes 8 vegetables available! Our signature seven-
different flavored crust pizzas, oven baked subs, bread, chicken grain wheat bread and French bread rolls
tenders, chicken wings and salads. The Hungry Howie’s commissary are baked fresh in the store every day!
provides volume purchasing All meats and produce are sliced daily
and discounting on all food and and all sandwiches are served cold – no
paper products. We provide grills or fryers – made to order in less than
comprehensive classroom and 30 seconds. Emphasis placed on quality,
an in-store training program. lightning fast service and delivery.
October 2009 Franchise Times 13 n
14. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
161 156 Tony Roma’s Romacorp, Inc. 337 49 140 189 93%
162 164 Candlewood Suites InterContinental 335* 204 - 204 100%
Hotels Group
163 109 Clarion Hotels Choice Hotels International 332* 155 126 281 100%
164 161 Proforma Proforma 325 650 50 700 100%
165 159 Unishippers Unishippers Global 325 298 - 298 98%
Logistics, LLC
166 169 Moe’s Southwest Grill FOCUS Brands 318 394 5 399 99%
167 143 Village Inn Restaurants Vicorp Restaurants, Inc. 313 226 - 226 40%
168 158 Fastsigns Fastsigns International, Inc. 311 460 79 539 100%
169 171 Goddard School (The) Goddard Systems, Inc. 300 330 - 330 100%
170 166 Wingate by Wyndham Wyndham Hotel Group 298* 160 4 164 100%
171 173 One Hour Heating Clockwork Home 297 245 5 250 82%
& Air Conditioning Services, Inc.
172 182 Comfort Keepers CK Franchising, Inc. 297 526 41 567 100%
173 211 Five Guys Burger & Fries Five Guys Enterprises, LLC 295 377 - 377 86%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Marco’s Pizza McAlister’s Deli
Contacts: Deborah Allen Contacts: Bill McClintock
#281 #158
Phone: 419-720-3074 Phone: 601-519-8985
E-Mail: dallen@marcos.com E-Mail: bmc@mcalistersdeli.com
Web site: www.marcos.com Web site: www.mcalistersdeli.com
TOP 200 TOP 200
Even now wonderful opportunities exist with Since 1989, McAlister’s Deli has been a leader
this authentic Italian pizza brand. Marco’s Pizza is in the midst of in the fast growing “quick casual” restaurant category.
a nationwide rollout and welcomes qualified individuals and/or Great food in a relaxed family friendly atmosphere has driven the
groups who want to join our family and be on brand to almost 300 locations in 22 states. No fryers, no grills
the ground floor of a truly rewarding and no mixers. End cap locations are preferred.
franchise opportunity. Marco’s Pizza, is
interested in experienced Franchisees Solid training, operational support
(single and multi- units), Operators, and marketing make McAlister’s
and Area Representatives who want to an excellent franchise opportunity.
control an entire market/DMA. Explore We are seeking experienced food
the Marco’s Pizza franchise opportunity, operators in many new DMA’s to
call: 800-262-7267. develop minimum 3 locations.
n 14 Franchise Times October 2009
15. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
174 204 Edible Arrangements Edible Arrangements, LLC 295 742 45 787 99%
175 35 Travel Leaders Travel Leaders Group 295* 480 - 480 94%
176 170 Taco John’s Taco John’s Int’l. Inc. 291 423 - 423 98%
177 172 Johnny Rockets Redzone Capital Fund II 290* 236 44 280 85%
178 168 AlphaGraphics Pindar 290 226 33 259 100%
179 189 Petland Petland, Inc. 289 132 55 187 96%
180 157 Marie Callendar’s Perkins & Marie 288 132 1 133 32%
Callendar’s LLC
181 155 Labor Finders Labor Finders 286 256 - 256 93%
International, Inc.
182 120 Matco Tools NMTC 285 1,443 35 1,478 100%
183 Volvo Rents Volvo Construction 281 83 80 163 98%
Equipment North America,
Inc.
184 160 Mr. Rooter The Dwyer Group 280 241 119 360 100%
185 178 Microtel Inns Wyndham Hotel Group 271* 292 16 308 100%
& Suites Franchising
186 179 Houlihan’s Houlihan’s Restaurants, Inc. 270* 103 - 103 66%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
Papa Murphy’s Taco John’s
Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza International, Inc.
Contacts: Rhonda McGrew, Contacts: Brett Miller
#111 #176
Business Development Phone: 800-854-0819
Manager
E-Mail: bmiller@tacojohns.com
Phone: 877-777-5062
Web site: www.tacojohns.com
E-Mail: Rhondam@papamurphys.com TOP 200 TOP 200
Web site: www.papamurphys.com Taco John’s new look supports their brand
icons like Taco Tuesday® and Potato Olés®. Stone-accented
Papa Murphy’s is 5th largest pizza company in the US with over buildings reflect the quality of the food inside. Comfortable dining
1,100 stores. We offer our customers the unique experience of rooms feature fresh salsa bars where patrons customize their
watching their pizza being made fresh before them and then favorite menu items. The re-imaging program for Taco John’s
taken home to bake to perfection. Papa Murphy’s limited hours over 400 restaurants has customers and operators raving. A
of operation and the take-n-bake concept without the hassles of contemporary new image, hometown hospitality, and bold fresh
dining or delivery, provide a great flavors, that’s The Fresh Taste of West-Mex®.
franchise opportunity. We do
all this while offering the lowest
investment of any national pizza
chain.
October 2009 Franchise Times 15 n
16. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
187 154 Kwik Kopy Printing ICED 270 120 345 465 100%
188 187 Primrose Schools Primrose Holdings, Inc. 269 199 - 199 99%
189 45 Results! Travel Travel Leaders Group 266* 911 - 911 100%
190 175 Hungry Howie’s Pizza Hungry Howie’s Pizza Inc. 265 575 - 575 100%
191 272 Four Seasons Sunrooms Four Seasons Marketing Corp. 265 171 12 183 90%
192 176 Tuffy/Car-X Tuffy Associates Corp. 265 413 - 413 91%
193 199 Wingstop Wingstop Restaurants, Inc. 255 408 - 408 96%
194 181 Cinnabon FOCUS Brands 254 449 333 782 99%
195 188 El Chico Cafe Consolidated 251 111 3 114 25%
Restaurant Operations
196 186 Schlotzsky’s FOCUS Brands Inc 244 345 27 372 94%
197 Fazoli’s Sun Capital Partners, Inc. 241 246 1 247 49%
198 177 Budget Blinds Home Franchise Concepts 240 909 85 994 100%
199 205 Batteries Plus Batteries Plus, LLC 237 348 - 348 94%
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
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The News aNd INformaTIoN
source for fraNchIsINg
n 16 Franchise Times October 2009
17. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Worldwide Sales
Prior Worldwide Domestic Intl Percent
Rank Rank Franchise Concept Parent Company Sales ($M) Units Units Total Units Franchised
200 183 Play It Again Sports Winmark Corporation 235 313 43 356 100%
200 196 The Melting Pot The Melting Pot 235 140 - 140 96%
Restaurants Inc.
Worldwide sales are in millions. * Franchise Times Estimate
higher. ranking, including Panera Bread, Jason’s Deli
Top 200 continued from 3 Indeed, it at least appears as if newer fran- and Moe’s Southwest Grill. And Five Guys
ranking, such as Mr. Rooter (No. 184) and chisors are intent on operating brands, rather Burgers and Fries, currently the fastest-grow-
Cinnabon (No. 194) have substantial presences than stores. Consider that a third of the top ing restaurant chain in the U.S., according
overseas. A decade ago, 60 chains on the Top 100 franchise systems are 98 percent or more to restaurant industry researcher Technomic,
200 had no international units, this year 50 franchisee-owned. That figure increases to made its debut on the ranking at 173. In 2000,
remains U.S.-focused. nearly 50 percent for the next 100 companies. three fast-casual chains made the Top 200.
And fully 70 percent of franchisors that didn’t
Franchises versus company stores make the 200, but for which we have informa- A few other industries
Franchisors also appear to be focusing more tion, are nearly all franchisee-owned. In other Some industries showed broad weakness
on franchising rather than company-owned words: The smaller—and perhaps newer—the last year—like real estate agencies, where
stores. Over the years, the Franchise Times company, the more likely it is to be fully fran- every company on the Top 200 saw a substan-
Top 200 has slowly but steadily shifted toward chised. tial drop in sales amid the U.S. housing market
fewer company units and more franchised As franchising has grown over the years it collapse. Many retailers declined, both in sales
units. That shift appears to be accelerating— has expanded into more industries and dif- numbers and in their places on the ranking,
more than 84 percent of the units on the ferent sectors. Yet over the past decade the thanks to the oncoming recession.
ranking are franchise-owned, compared with hospitality industry—namely hotels and res- All told, 32 industries are represented on the
82 percent last year. A decade ago, that figure taurants—has solidified its presence in our Franchise Times Top 200, from auto and truck
was 79 percent. Top 200 list. A decade ago, food and lodging rentals to travel agencies. A few of these indus-
It’s possible that growth could slow next year franchises comprised 110 of the 200 spots on tries are less well-represented than they used
as the credit crunch keeps franchisees from the list. This year, that’s up to 123. All of that to be—auto services chains took 15 spots on
opening more units while the recession leads to growth has come from restaurants and other the 200 a decade ago. Today they hold eight.
more closures. Or it could increase along with food-related franchises. In 2000, eateries and Retailers, which numbered 17 a decade ago,
a handful of re-franchising efforts among siz- take-out places took 71 of the 200 spots on the take 14 spots on the ranking.
able franchise companies. DineEquity, owner list. This year, 83 systems serve food as their Others have grown. Seven companies this
of IHOP and Applebee’s, is selling company- main product. year focus on commercial maintenance ser-
owned Applebee’s stores to move to the pure Much of the growth has come in casual vices, like ServiceMaster Clean and ServPro.
franchise model of IHOP. Yum! Brands is dining—30 family- and casual-dining res- These types of companies had little presence in
likewise refranchising many of its units— taurants are on the list, compared with 23 a the Top 200 in 2000. Likewise, there are eight
the company in late 2007 announced that it decade ago. Several casual dining chains grew home services companies on the ranking this
wanted to cut its company store count in half, over the past decade, particularly after the year, double the number of a decade ago.
from 20 percent to 10 percent, by the end of 2001-2002 recession as credit flowed freely Only two companies are listed as elder care
2010. Other companies, such as Sonic and and banks’ standards loosened. Chains like providers. Not a big number, but no such com-
Jamba Juice, have also announced refranchis- Famous Dave’s, Johnny Rockets, Ruth’s Chris panies were on the ranking a decade ago and
ing plans. Steak House and Uno Chicago Grill appeared it’s widely believed that elder-care focused
Numerous franchisors have held to the belief on the ranking. Others, like Applebee’s and franchises could be on a growth track as the
of keeping a certain percentage of stores them- Chili’s, grew substantially. population ages and demand for such services
selves, if for no other reason than to show to Many of those chains, incidentally, saw increases. Perhaps not surprisingly, both those
franchisees that they have “skin in the game.” drops in revenue last year, or they struggled companies—Home Instead Senior Care (97)
The percentage has generally varied, but the to maintain sales—Ruth’s Chris, Chili’s and and Comfort Keepers (172) both moved up
growth in franchisee ownership is an indica- Ruby Tuesday, most notably. At the same time, several spots on the Top 200.
tion that franchisors are focusing more and fast-casual chains have been making their
more on franchising, where profit margins are move. Seven fast-casual restaurants are on the
October 2009 Franchise Times 17 n
20. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Units
1 7-Eleven 35,603 47 Hampton Inn 95 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar 598
2 McDonald’s 31,967 & Hampton Inn & Suites 1,710 96 Allegra Network 593
3 Subway 30,257 48 Dollar Thrifty Automotive 1,656 97 Roto-Rooter 578
4 H&R Block Tax Services 14,494 49 Cartridge World 1,651 98 Hungry Howie’s Pizza 575
5 KFC 12,459 50 Church’s Chicken 1,625 99 Residence Inn 573
6 Jani-King 11,987 51 Denny’s 1,540 100 Express Employment Professionals 569
7 Burger King 11,925 52 Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership 1,522 101 Fairfield Inn 569
8 Pizza Hut 11,068 53 Chili’s Grill & Bar 1,495 102 Comfort Keepers 567
9 Curves 9,677 54 Matco Tools 1,478 103 Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen 548
10 Coverall Health-Based 55 SERVPRO 1,459 104 Fastsigns 539
Cleaning System 9,100 56 Cold Stone Creamery 1,420 105 Spherion 536
11 Dunkin’ Donuts 8,835 57 IHOP Restaurants 1,402 106 Marriott Hotels, Resorts & Suites 531
12 Domino’s Pizza 8,773 58 Medicine Shoppe 1,374 107 Hilton 526
13 Century 21 Real Estate 8,501 59 Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts 1,353 108 Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 523
14 Blockbuster 7,405 60 Fantastic Sams Hair Salons 1,335 109 Del Taco 513
15 Circle K Stores 7,077 61 Panera Bread 1,327 110 Friendly’s 505
16 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service 6,763 62 Quality Inn & Suites 1,288 111 Country Inn & Suites 499
17 Wendy’s 6,630 63 Chick-fil-A 1,197 112 Big O Tires 498
18 Re/Max International 6,552 64 Carl’s Jr. 1,195 113 Round Table Pizza 496
19 RadioShack 6,064 65 Papa Murphy’s Take ’N’ Bake 1,135 114 Einstein Bros. Bagels 496
20 Baskin’ Robbins 6,013 66 Sbarro the Italian Eatery 1,091 115 Steak n’ Shake 490
21 Dairy Queen 5,700 67 Sylvan Learning Centers 1,063 116 Golden Corral Family Restaurants 483
22 Taco Bell 5,345 68 Long John Silver’s Restaurants 1,060 117 Howard Johnson International 482
23 Quiznos Sub 5,022 69 Budget Blinds 994 118 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 481
24 GNC 4,918 70 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels 991 119 Travel Leaders 480
25 Ace Hardware 4,630 71 Minuteman Press 973 120 Travelodge 479
26 ServiceMaster Clean 4,580 72 Signarama 961 121 Hilton Garden Inn 472
27 Arby’s 3,756 73 Ruby Tuesday 945 122 MAACO Collision
28 Coldwell Banker 74 Meineke Car Care Centers 931 Repair & Auto Painting 467
Real Estate Corporation 3,508 75 T.G.I. Friday’s 923 123 Kwik Kopy Printing 465
29 Sonic, America’s Drive-In 3,475 76 Motel 6 918 124 Zaxby’s 461
30 Tim Hortons 3,437 77 Results! Travel 911 125 Interiors by Decorating Den 455
31 Papa John’s Pizza 3,380 78 Ramada 897 126 Qdoba Mexican Grill 454
32 ampm 3,124 79 Home Instead Senior Care 872 127 Hooters Restaurants 450
33 ERA Real Estate 2,790 80 Econo Lodge 866 128 Red Robin 441
34 Great Clips 2,738 81 Checkers & Rally’s Hamburgers 830 129 Sir Speedy 433
35 Comfort Inn & Comfort Suites 2,557 82 Courtyard 808 130 Bojangles’ Restaurants 429
36 Midas Auto Service Experts 2,482 83 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches 805 131 Taco John’s 423
37 Supercuts 2,274 84 Edible Arrangements 787 132 El Pollo Loco 413
38 Jack in the Box 2,158 85 Cinnabon 782 133 Tuffy/Car-X 413
39 Super 8 2,110 86 Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centres 746 134 Sheraton 409
40 Health Mart 2,039 87 La Quinta Inns & Suites 743 135 Wingstop 408
41 Jiffy Lube 2,034 88 Jamba Juice 729 136 Radisson Hotels 407
42 Applebee’s Neighborhood 89 Whataburger 713 137 CARSTAR 400
Grill & Bar 1,997 90 Proforma 700 138 Moe’s Southwest Grill 399
43 Holiday Inn Express 1,932 91 Keller Williams Realty 690 139 Culver’s Frozen Custard
44 Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen 1,922 92 CiCi’s Pizza 641 & Butterburgers 394
45 Hardee’s 1,908 93 A&W Restaurants 627 140 Boston Pizza Restaurants 386
46 Days Inn 1,880 94 TAF/The Athlete’s Foot 609 141 Krystal 383
n 20 Franchise Times October 2009
21. Top 200 Franchise Chains by Units
142 Sleep Inn and Sleep Inn & Suites 383 170 SpringHill Suites 208 198 1-800-Flowers 110
143 Red Roof Inns 381 171 Uno Chicago Grill 207 199 Houlihan’s 103
144 Five Guys Burger & Fries 377 172 Jason’s Deli 204 200 G.J.Gardner Homes 98
145 Schlotzsky’s 372 173 Candlewood Suites 204 201 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts 82
146 Mr. Rooter 360 174 Embassy Suites Hotels 200
147 Play It Again Sports 356 175 Primrose Schools 199
148 Batteries Plus 348 176 Valpak Direct Marketing 189
FT 200 by Industry
149 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts 342 177 Tony Roma’s 189
150 Goddard School (The) 330 178 Petland 187
151 Pollo Campero 317 179 Four Seasons Sunrooms 183
Auto/Truck Rental
152 Microtel Inns & Suites Franchising 308 180 Famous Dave’s 170
Automotice Services
153 Stanley Steemer Carpet Cleaner 302 181 On The Border Mexican Education
154 Unishippers 298 Grill & Cantina 165 Elder Care
182 ProSource Wholesale Floorcoverings 164 Employment
155 Sizzler Restaurants 282
Financial Services
156 Clarion Hotels 281 183 Wingate by Wyndham 164 Hair salons
157 McAlister’s Deli 280 184 TownePlace Suites 163 Health/Fitness
185 Volvo Rents 163 Home Services
158 Johnny Rockets 280
Lodging
159 Homewood Suites by Hilton 276 186 Westin 162 Mailing
160 Clarion Inn and Clarion Suites 275 187 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 159 Commercial Maintenance
161 AlphaGraphics 259 188 Staybridge Suites 152 Medicine/Pharmacy
Pets
162 Labor Finders 256 189 Linc Network 148 Printing/Graphics
163 One Hour Heating 190 Renaissance Hotels 141 Real Estate
& Air Conditioning 250 191 The Melting Pot 140 Retail-Convenience Stores
Retail-Hardware
164 Fazoli’s 247 192 Four Points By Sheraton 134 Retail-Rental
165 Fuddruckers 234 193 Marie Callendar’s 133 Retail-Sporting Goods
166 Village Inn Restaurants 226 194 J.D. Byrider 132 Retail-Electronics/Video
Sales
167 Pet Supplies “Plus” 225 195 Ruth’s Chris Steak House 130
Signs
168 Doubletree Hotels 217 196 El Chico Cafe 114 Travel
169 Paul Davis Restoration 217 197 Slumberland Furniture 113
0 10 20 30 40 50
October 2009 Franchise Times 21 n
22. Informed franchIsees
make the best brand
partners
To find out how
you can arm your
prospective franchi-
sees with the informa-
tion they need to make
an informed decision
to join your system,
call 800-528-3296.
Julie Bennett
has been writing
about franchis-
ing for a number
of publications, including
Franchise Times and The Wall
Street Journal. Franchise Times
is the publication both franchi-
sees and franchisors turn to for
insights and information on
business-format franchising
and the success stories of the
high-power people who make
up the franchise community.
www.franchisetimes.com