2026 Top 100 Franchises Report

For over 15 years, Franchise Direct has published its Top 100 Global Franchises Ranking, one of the most well-known franchise rankings in the industry.

The ranking and report offer a snapshot look at some notable franchise operations. While you’ll see some long-standing icons of the industry, you’ll also see quite a few emerging and fast-growing franchise brands. Please note that the ranking is not exhaustive. It is also not meant to be taken as an endorsement of any of the franchise brands mentioned therein.

Factors in the ranking include franchise longevity, system size and initial investment amount, among other data points. To review the methodology please click here.

For additional information about any franchise, please click through to that franchise’s profile via the Top 100 Franchises Ranking page. For many of the franchises, you will have the option to hit the “Request Information” button to directly contact that franchise for even more details on franchise ownership of that brand.

A record-breaking number of new locations opened in 2025 helps boost PIRTEK to the top spot this year after ranking No. 3 last year. By the end of 2025, the industrial franchise’s U.S. footprint expanded to 35 states plus Puerto Rico.

Said Kim Gubera, President & CEO of PIRTEK USA and PIRTEK Canada, “2025 was a defining year for PIRTEK. The record number of openings and the caliber of franchisees joining our system reflect the strength of our franchise model, the dedication of our team, and the growing demand for essential, B2B service businesses that perform in any economic environment.”

“Our focus in 2026 is straightforward: support our franchisees, grow strategically, and continue strengthening PIRTEK's position as the national leader in hydraulic and industrial hose services," she added.

Narrowly missing out on the top spot for a second consecutive year is The UPS Store. In addition to a unit increase of over 2.5%, multi-unit ownership also grew over the last year with nearly one-third of franchisees owning multiple units. Additionally, the company continue to expand self-serve kiosks in locations nationwide.

Coming in at No. 3 is Stratus Building Solutions, verified by FranData as the fastest growing franchise (in all franchise segments) in North America for the past three years in a row (as measured by unit franchise growth). According to the company, it has also nearly doubled the company revenues over the past four years.

Visiting Angels (No. 4) and SERVPRO (No. 5) complete the top five with specialty retail franchise Wild Birds Unlimited at No.6.

Dream Vacations (No. 7) recently expanded its library of destination certifications to include Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawaii certifications. The franchise uses its Foundation and Masterclass Series to support advisors from their first booking through advanced business growth.

Over the past five years, No. 8 Ace Hardware has opened more than 930 new stores as well as been named one of the nation's top brands for customer service per the Forbes Best Customer Service list.

In 2025, No. 9 PuroClean introduced PuroLaunch, a business ownership training and acceleration program designed to help new franchise owners reach breakeven faster. The restoration franchise is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Rounding out the top ten is Budget Blinds, Entrepreneur 500’s No. 1 window coverings franchise.

Shipley Do-Nuts (No. 13) experienced a record-breaking year with 35 new shop openings. The company also hit 18 consecutive quarters of positive same store sales.

Named the Best Window Treatment Franchise by Vision Magazine for 2025, Made in the Shade (No. 18) was also named by Entrepreneur magazine named as a top franchise under $100K.

No.39 Woof Gang Bakery recently announced the opening of its 300th location. The opening follows Woof Gang’s announcement of record-breaking results for 2025, reaching $150m in system wide sales, a 25% YoY increase. The company has doubled its size in the last three years and now operates in 33 states and Canada.

Top 100 newcomer Exit Factor (No. 50) enters the ranking on the heels of a year in which it saw 58 new territories be sold and international expansion begin with a master partnership in the United Kingdom.

Lightspeed Restoration(No. 69) ranks on the Entrepreneur 500 as its No. 32 “top new & emerging” franchise.

On the charity front, No.72 Sport Clips is celebrating ten straight years of million dollar-plus donations to the VFW Foundation.

Inevitably in ranking only 100 franchises, there are great concepts that don't make the cut.

Here are some more noteworthy franchises in an incredibly diverse and ever-expanding industry.