Franchise Zone

Franchise of the Year
Subway grabs the No. 1 spot, but this year's Franchise 500® is a big one for sandwiches across the board.
A Room at the Top
How Hampton Inn broke into the Top 10 during one of the hotel industry's toughest years.
Where to Go When You Can't Find the Dough
Where to find financing in the no-loan era. First hint: Start with your franchisor.
The Outlook for 2010
The worst is over, analysts say. But the best companies emerged very different from what they were before.
The Next Big Thing or Next Big Flop?
New franchisors are risky propositions, and there are more of them than ever. Here's how to put them to the test.

Franchises That Went Boom or Bust
A look back at the wacky concepts that exploded (and imploded) in an instant.

Twittering with the Top 10
Can your franchise benefit from social media? Find out how the best franchises used this medium to their advantage.

How I Did It
5 franchisees share their stories of perseverance and innovation.

When Every Office is the Home Office
Our list of the top 101 homebased franchises has something for every (home)body.

Making Green a Go
Nicole Goldman believes environmentally conscious design materials shouldn't be so hard to find--or install.

Matching Franchisors With Investors
Dan Shifrin couldn't get money to buy a franchise, so now he connects potential franchisees with investors.

How to Franchise Your Business
Is franchising the right expansion strategy for you? We'll help you ask the right questions--and find the answers.

Finance Your Franchise With Retirement Funds
If you're having trouble getting franchise financing from the traditional sources, consider this alternative.

The Truth About Franchise Earnings
Why franchises play it so close to the vest when it comes to money--and what it means to you

Thanking Veterans Is Great for Business
Franchises are finding that veterans make fantastic business owners.

License to Thrive
Medical franchises are just the latest in a long line of franchise opportunities that recruit licensed professionals as franchisees.

Taking the Next Step
Making the leap from employee to franchise entrepreneur

They're No. 1
Best burger? Best business coach? Best pet store?

Recession? What Recession?
How three companies beat the odds and made 2009 a very good year

Big Shot
Meet the entrepreneurial nurse who found opportunity on the end of a needle.

The Executive, Retooled
Andy Carlson left a cushy corporate life to open an Ace hardware--then transformed the store into a magnet for hip urbanites.

Franchises & Biz Opps: What's the Difference?
Tips for deciding which route is right for you

Sizzle! Pop!
The top restaurant franchises of 2010--and some of the dishes that got them there

A Tall Order
How Subway landed a franchise atop the steel frame of Manhattan's Freedom Tower

No Ordinary Hero
Capriotti's sandwiches have a cult following--and an ambitious new CEO who plans 500 sub shops in five years.

The Big Bounce
Never underestimate the value of getting your ya-yas out.

First Bite
The Chocolate Martini Bar was a hit in Buffalo--but how would it play in Cleveland? The high drama of being a first franchisee

Franchise Ownership in the New Economy
Before investing in a franchise, consider how the franchisor has reacted to the recession.