Meet This Year's Fastest Growing Franchises We release our annual list.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

This story appears in the March 2017 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

Getty Images

Every year we at Entrepreneur publish our fastest growing franchises ranking. You might expect to see a bunch of new and trendy brands on such a list, but as it turns out, most of the fastest-growing franchises aren't flashes in the pan; they're companies that have learned how to sustain their growth over years and even decades. In fact, the average company on the list has been franchising for 24 years. And this year's number one, Dunkin' Donuts, has been going strong for 62 years, with no signs of slowing down.

Related: The 9 Advantages of Franchising

Altogether, these companies added a total of 8,695 franchises in North America between July 2015 and July 2016. They are ranked based on their numerical growth during that time frame, with ties broken based on percentage growth. In this package, you'll find the rankings as well as a few franchisors' thoughts on how they did it, and a look into one company's record-setting day.

Keep in mind as you look over this ranking that it is not intended as an endorsement of any particular company. Growth is one good indicator of a strong franchise system, but it's essential you do your homework to find the right opportunity for you. Always read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant and talk to current and former franchisees before you invest.

Check out this year's list and learn more about successful franchising:

Entrepreneur's 2017 List of the Fastest Growing Franchises

Patience Was Key to This Franchise's Slow Growth Strategy

15 Secrets of the Fastest-Growing Franchises

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Innovation

4 Ways to Bring Your Team Back From the Brink of Innovation Extinction

Innovation often seems constrained by not enough time and resources — but really, it's a lack of playfulness that prevents our best ideas from emerging.

Leadership

Want Employees Back in the Office? What Leaders Are (Still!) Getting Wrong About This Ask

For leaders facing the tricky task of getting employees back to the office, here are four communications strategies to soften the blow.

Business News

Megyn Kelly Is Returning to Primetime Television

The controversial correspondent will moderate the fourth and final Republican primary debate on Wednesday.

Business News

McCormick's Prediction for 2024's Flavor of the Year Just Dropped, But It May Be Unfamiliar to Some

The spice brand has released a yearly report for Flavor of the Year since 2000.

Leadership

If You Want People to Follow You, Stop Being a Boss — 8 Steps to Truly Effective Leadership

Understand the key differences and embark on the journey from boss to leader with these eight vital steps. This article unveils how to inspire and lead teams with passion and purpose.