Top Fastest-Growing Franchises for 2015

Franchising is all about growth. It’s the goal of every company and a clear measure of success. That’s why we’ve put together this ranking of the 2015 Franchise 500®. The ranking is based on the increase in the number of open and operating U.S. and Canadian franchise units from July 31, 2013, to July 31, 2014. (Ties are listed alphabetically.) At that time, the 104 businesses on this list added 8,757 units in North America. Our list indicates that food still equals fast growth in the franchise world. A whopping 28 quick-service companies made the ranking, with sandwiches and frozen yogurt at the top, represented by six companies each. Fitness franchises are also showing muscle, with eight companies making the ranking (three of them focused on boxing and kickboxing). Indispensable maintenance services like commercial cleaning and disaster restoration are also well-represented. Keep in mind that inclusion in this ranking is not intended as a recommendation of any particular company. Growth, while a good sign, is only one of many factors to look at when seeking a franchise opportunity. Always do your own research—read the company’s legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to franchisees—before you invest.

1. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #3

   Subs, salads
   subway.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 42,227/0
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +532

2. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #11
   Coffee, doughnuts, baked goods
   dunkinfranchising.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 10,993/0
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +373
3. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #22
   Travel agency
   cruiseplannersfranchise.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,757/1
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +302
4. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #6
   Gourmet sandwiches
   jimmyjohns.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 2,043/38
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +288
5. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #26
   Commercial cleaning
   vanguardcleaning.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 2,946/0
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +250
6. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #37
   Hair salon
   greatclipsfranchise.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 3,518/2
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +231
7. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #19
   Mexican food
   tacobellfranchise.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 5,157/896
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +227
8. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #102
   Lego-engineering classes, camps, parties
   bricks4kidz.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 606/2
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +181
9. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #14
   Burgers, chicken, salads, beverages
   aboutmcdonalds.com
   Total franchises/co.-owned: 28,994/6,689
   U.S./Canada franchise growth: +164
10. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #36
    Men’s sports-themed hair salon
    sportclipsfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,269/31
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +16211.
11. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #61
    Subs
    firehousesubs.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 771/31
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +159
12. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #87
    Shaved-ice truck
    kona-ice.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 559/15
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +150
13. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #64
    Subs
    jerseymikes.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 815/30
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +148
14. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #67
    Fitness club
    planetfitness.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 773/54
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +146
15. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #12
    Commercial cleaning
    jan-pro.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 11,676/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +144
16. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #95
    Pizza, subs, wings, cheese bread
    marcosfranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 523/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +144
17. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #77
    Automotive tools and equipment
    mactools.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 617/5
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +143
18. Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels
    2015 Franchise 500 rank: #34
    Soft pretzels
    auntieannes.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,598/17
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +134
19. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #127
    Home buying, repair, and selling
    homevestors.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 477/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +133
20. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #2
    Fitness center
    anytimefitness.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 2,463/36
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +120
21. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #355
    Self-serve frozen yogurt
    sweetfrog.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 204/68
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +120
22. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #29
    Hardware and home-improvement store
    myace.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 4,802/85
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +108
23. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #51
    Therapeutic massage and facial services
    massageenvy.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,032/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +105
24. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #65
    Cinnamon rolls, baked goods, coffee
    cinnabon.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,215/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +104
25. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #99
    Commercial cleaning
    buildingstars.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 532/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +101
26. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #74
    Hotels
    choicehotelsfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 6,372/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +100
27. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #111
    Self-serve frozen yogurt
    menchies.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 456/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +97
28. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #5
    Hair salon
    regisfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,287/1,140
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +97
29. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #45
    Commercial cleaning
    cleannetusa.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 2,951/14
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +94
30. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #106
    Rent-to-own furniture, electronics, computers, appliances
    rentacenterfranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 94/2,963
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +94
31. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #211
    Fitness classes and apparel
    purebarre.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 255/15
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +93
32. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #182
    Chiropractic services
    thejoint.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 222/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +86
33. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #159
    Tanning
    palmbeachtan.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 232/174
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +86
34. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #288
    Kickboxing fitness programs
    9round.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 167/3
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +84
35. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #4
    Burgers
    jackinthebox.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,786/465
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +83
36. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #70
    Chicken wings
    wingstop.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 645/19
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +81
37. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #86
    Math tutoring
    mathnasium.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 557/10
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +80
38. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #126
    Home care, medical staffing
    rightathomefranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 404/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +78
39. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #23
    Vitamins and nutrition products
    gncfranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 3,188/3,419
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +77
40. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #462
    Group personal training
    otffranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 108/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +72
41. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #91
    Lawn care
    weedmanfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 547/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +71
42. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #361
    Healthful-food distribution
    healthyvending.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 145/10
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +69
43. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #157
    Appliances, hardware
    ownasearsstore.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 218/115
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +69
44. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #33
    Mechanics’ tools and equipment
    gomatco.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,493/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +68
45. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #75
    Real estate
    remax.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 6,552/21
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +66
46. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #272
    Assisted-living referral and placement
    carepatrol.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 127/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +63
47. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #42
    Convenience stores
    circlek.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 5,093/3,184
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +62
48. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #125
    Wood floor and cabinet refinishing
    nhancefranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 347/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +60
49. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #50
    Window coverings, window film, rugs, accessories
    budget-blinds-franchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 934/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +58
50. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #72
    Batteries, light bulbs, related products
    batteriesplus.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 586/42
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +57
51. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #21
    Postal, business and communications services
    theupsstore.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 4,793/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +54
52. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #339
    Insurance restoration
    pauldavis.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 260/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +53
53. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #460
    Paint-and-sip studio
    pinotspalette.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 88/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +53
54. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #31
    Commercial/residential cleaning, disaster restoration
    servicemasterfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 4,983/6
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +53
55. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #96
    Mobile security, biometrics, locksmithing, related services
    popalock.com/franchising.php
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 432/3
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +52
56. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #9
    Pizza, pasta, wings
    pizzahutfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 12,956/2,011
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +51
57. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #40
    Sculpted fresh fruit bouquets
    ediblearrangements.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,148/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +50
58. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #380
    Massage and spa services
    handandstone.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 159/2
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +50
59. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #109
    Home inspections
    pillartopost.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 439/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +50
60. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #7
    Insurance/disaster restoration and cleaning
    servpro.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,664/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +50
61. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #59
    Buffalo wings, sandwiches
    buffalowildwings.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 581/448
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +49
62. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #377
    Insurance/disaster restoration
    dkiservices.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 347/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +49
63. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #357
    Snack and beverage vending machines
    freshvending.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 185/35
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +49
64. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #32
    take-and-bake pizza
    papamurphys.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,356/76
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +49
65. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #372
    Environmentally friendly mold cleaning, pest control, and odor elimination
    greenhomesolutions.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 102/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +48
66. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #150
    Travel agency
    cruiseonefranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 990/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +47
67. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #162
    Sandwiches
    whichwich.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 293/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +47
68. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #216
    Landscape maintenance
    groundsguysfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 193/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +46
69. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #78
    Southwestern food
    moes.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 550/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +45
70. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #63
    Carpet, drapery and upholstery cleaning; tile and stone care
    chemdryfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 3,565/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +43
71. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #195
    Travel agency
    travelleaders.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 381/14
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +41
72. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #408
    Smoothies, wraps, salads, sandwiches, flatbreads
    tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 384/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +41
73. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #71
    Signs
    discoversignarama.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 949/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +40
74. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #447
    Electronics repairs
    ubreakifix.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 58/19
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +40
75. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #123
    Pita sandwiches
    pitapitusa.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 489/14
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +39
76. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #219
    Business brokerage; franchise consulting
    discover.tworld.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 174/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +39
77. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #170
    Nonmedical home care
    synergyhomecare.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 280/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +38
78. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #409
    Math, science, technology and engineering activities
    engineeringforkids.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 106/2
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +37
79. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #367
    Home organization products and services
    tailoredliving.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 162/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +36
80. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #85
    Frozen custard, specialty burgers
    culvers.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 511/8
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +35
81. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #132
    Frozen yogurt
    orangeleafyogurt.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 312/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +35
82. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #431
    Salon suites
    phenixsalonsuites.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 77/6
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +35
83. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #168
    Self-serve frozen yogurt
    franchise.yogurt-land.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 277/19
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +35
84. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #256
    Chicken fingers, Buffalo wings, sandwiches, salads
    zaxbysfranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 518/104
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +35
85. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #187
    Environmental services
    advantacleanfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 169/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +34
86. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #205
    Music education
    schoolofrock.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 135/14
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +34
87. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #208
    Therapeutic massage services
    elementsmassage.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 179/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +33
88. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #122
    Liquor inventory-control services
    sculpturehospitality.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 372/2
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +33
89. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #429
    Threading, eyelash extensions, waxing, spa services, and products
    sevabeautyfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 78/4
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +33
90. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #66
    Staffing, HR solutions
    expressfranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 665/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
91. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #1
    Midprice hotels
    hiltonworldwide.com/development
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,963/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
92. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #260
    Paint-and-sip studio
    paintingwithatwist.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 114/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
93. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #108
    Teen- and young-adult-clothing resale store
    platoscloset.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 408/0
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
94. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #486
    Commercial and residential property management
    propertymanagementinc.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 80/2
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
95. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #230
    Boxing and kickboxing fitness classes, personal training, apparel
    titlefranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 135/2
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
96. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #295
    Fitness, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA classes
    ufcgym.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 105/18
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +32
97. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #142
    Economy hotels
    redrooffranchising.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 238/136
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +31
98. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #15
    Furniture, electronics, computer, and appliance leasing and sales
    aaronsfranchise.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 793/1,346
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +30
99. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #188
    Swimming-pool maintenance, repairs, renovations
    asppoolco.com
    Total franchises/co.-owned: 159/1
    U.S./Canada franchise growth: +30
100. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #38
     Residential cleaning
     maids.com
     Total franchises/co.-owned: 1,115/35
     U.S./Canada franchise growth: +30
101. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #371
     Trampoline playing court
     skyzone.com
     Total franchises/co.-owned: 70/2
     U.S./Canada franchise growth: +30
102. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #175
     Electronics repairs and sales
     cellphonerepair.com
     Total franchises/co.-owned: 169/3
     U.S./Canada franchise growth: +29
103. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #129
     Pizza, subs, wings, salads
     jetspizza.com
     Total franchises/co.-owned: 310/26
     U.S./Canada franchise growth: +29
104. 2015 Franchise 500 rank: #79
     Smoothies, health products
     smoothiekingfranchise.com
     Total franchises/co.-owned: 666/17
     U.S./Canada franchise growth: +29