These Are the Top Franchises in 152 Different Industries If you're looking to buy a franchise, these are the "best of the best."

By Tracy Stapp Herold Edited by Frances Dodds

This story appears in the July 2023 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

We call them our "Best of the Best" — the franchises that don't just rank in our annual Franchise 500, but rank

No. 1 in their respective industry categories. In categories as diverse as pizza and pet care, tutoring and tanning, these are the brands that rose above the competition in 2023 — and because more than 1,300 companies applied for this year's ranking, that competition was fierce.

Related: Franchise Ownership Made Easy: Best Practices for Managing and Growing Your Business

Some brands on this list have been on top for years — even decades — while others are just starting to make their mark in the franchise world. All of them are on this list because of how they ranked in the 2023 Franchise 500. That ranking, based on data gathered as of July 2022, evaluated each franchise company based on 150-plus data points in the areas of costs and fees, system size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Only the 500 top-scoring companies made it into the Franchise 500 — and only 152 ranked No. 1 in category, qualifying them to be called "best of the best."

This list is not intended as a recommendation of any particular brand. If you're interested in buying a franchise in a specific industry, it's important to consider all the franchise opportunities available within that industry and do your research to find which one will be No. 1 for you. Before investing in any franchise, make sure you read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to current and former franchisees.

See the "Best of the Best" franchises list here.

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.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Fundraising

4 Trends In Fundraising That Will Impact the Future of Philanthropy

Increasing the success of your nonprofit requires you to adapt to changes.

Social Media

How To Start a Youtube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

YouTube can be a valuable way to grow your audience. If you're ready to create content, read more about starting a business YouTube Channel.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Money & Finance

Founders Obsess Over Cash Flow — But There's a Threat That's Even More Dangerous

There's a silent business risk every entrepreneur underestimates, and it can shut you down faster than a cash crunch.

Innovation

It's Time to Rethink Research and Development. Here's What Must Change.

R&D can't live in a lab anymore. Today's leaders fuse science, strategy, sustainability and people to turn discovery into real-world value.

Growing a Business

Don't Rely on Instinct to Make Hiring Decisions — Use This Smart Strategy Instead

Here's the data-driven hiring playbook every business owner needs.