Entrepreneur 2012 Franchise 500^®

How Hampton Hotels Stays on Top

Hampton Hotels continues to dominate the U.S. franchising landscape, holding the No. 1 spot on this year's Franchise 500 List. The chain aims to bring value -- and a hot breakfast -- to travelers worldwide.

How Pizza Hut Made a Comeback

Lower prices and a new restaurant design propel Pizza Hut back into the top 10 on this year's Franchise 500 List.

What's Hot (or Not) for Franchises in 2012

Burgers, hotels, frozen treats -- it's all looking (and tasting) great. Fancy hams and tanning salons? Outlook not so good.

How to Find a Franchise Loan in 2012

SBA franchise loans are on the rise, but you still need seed money and a carefully honed business plan. The SBA's Steve Smits provides advice.

How a Franchise Can Play the Real Estate Market

For some franchises, the depressed real estate market is an opportunity to renegotiate leases and focus on newly available sites.

Three Survival Stories From the Franchise World

Fires, credit problems, medical emergencies--there's no end to the obstacles overcome by intrepid franchisees. Here's how three spirited entrepreneurs found success in the face of adversity.

For Restaurant Chains, A Homespun Challenge

Many restaurant franchises begin as small-town favorites. But when regional expansion calls, keeping that local flavor is difficult. How three chains have managed it.

Tasti D-Lite Takes Social Media Lead

A look at how the frozen dessert franchise, in business since 1987, has become the poster child for online engagement in the franchise world.

How to Read a Franchise Disclosure Document

Let's face it: A Franchise Disclosure Document, with its piles of legalese, can be daunting. We help you read between the lines.

Breathing Life Into Caskets

A Kansas businessman takes on the staid funeral industry and creates a new franchise sector in the process.