As we wrap up 2016, a look at some fun facts about franchises that celebrated major milestone anniversaries this year.
Nathan’s Famous (100)
Founded in 1916, Nathan’s Famous quite possibly does produce the world’s most popular hot dog. The company started franchising in 1975, and currently boasts 259 franchise units operating in 21 states and 11 foreign countries – not to mention its retail distribution.
Carl’s Jr. (75)
Carl’s Jr. actually has quite a bit in common with Nathan’s. The origins of Carl’s Jr. can be traced to hot dogs after Carl and Margaret Karcher borrowed $311 for a hot dog cart in Los Angeles. Within 5 years, the founder eventually added burgers, and by 1956 the current format of Carl’s Jr. came into being. Nowadays, Carl’s Jr. operates with Hardee’s as “one brand under two names” in 36 countries.
Jack in the Box (65)
Southern California-based hamburger chain Jack in the Box operates in 21 states as well as Guam. Parent company Jack in the Box Inc. also owns Mexican fast casual restaurant Qdoba. When Jack in the Box first opened in 1951, the cost of one hamburger: 18 cents.
Jersey Mike’s (60)
Jersey Mike’s, originally Mike’s Subs, was founded in the ocean-side town of Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The name changed in 1987 when the company began franchising. The Jersey Shore sub shop now has over 1,500 locations open or under development in the United States.
Sbarro (60)
Emerging from a 2014 bankruptcy filing, Sbarro is under new management and still has about 800 locations in 33 countries. Originally an Italian salumeria (a deli specializing in salami), the franchise was founded by the Sbarro family who emigrated from Naples, Italy to the U.S.
Jason’s Deli (40)
Jason’s Deli has around 260 outlets in 29 states. Part of the Texas-based company’s 40th anniversary celebration included bringing back a sandwich inspired by one served at founder Joe Tortorice Jr.’s father’s restaurant: the Deli Cowboy.
Quiznos (35)
Toasting its sandwiches has been the Quiznos hallmark since it opened in 1981. The franchise, which is undergoing realignment after a number of challenging years, has approximately 1,000 locations in 35 countries.
Five Guys (30)
The five guys behind Five Guys are Jerry Murrell and his four sons. Since it began franchising in 2003, the chain has been red-hot in expansion, currently with 1,000 locations open and over 1,500 in development. The made-to-order burger chain, which prides itself on freshness, says there are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at its restaurant.
Saladworks (30)
Franchising for half its current existence, Saladworks has grown to over 100 locations in 15 states. The company opened its first international franchise in 2013.
Wayback Burgers (25)
Begun as Jake’s Hamburgers, Wayback Burgers is in its 10th year of franchise expansion. Currently, the franchise, which also had a brief run as Jake’s Wayback Burgers, has over 130 locations in 27 states and 4 additional countries, and another 375 locations under contract.
Bonus: VetFran (25)
It’s not a food franchise, but it has helped many military veterans achieve their franchising dreams. The VetFran program was started by franchise business holding company The Dwyer Group’s late founder Don Dwyer Sr. as a “pathway to business ownership and civilian life for military veterans.” The program now boasts over 650 participating franchisors across the country that have helped more than 6,000 military veterans acquire a franchise business.
