RANKINGS · 6 LISTS · REAL FILINGS ONLY
Franchise rankings, from the filings
Every list below is computed from verified FDD extractions — Items 5–7 for costs, Item 19 for earnings disclosure, Item 20 for openings and exits. No surveys, no pay-to-rank, no sample data. Each list states its inclusion rules and links every row to the brand's sourced profile.
Which franchises have the lowest royalties?
Ranked by ongoing royalty — the cut of gross sales you pay the franchisor forever — lowest first, from Item 6 of each brand's latest FDD.
TOP 50 →
Which franchises don't disclose earnings in Item 19?
Franchises that make no financial performance representation in Item 19 of their latest FDD — meaning the franchisor publishes no earnings claim at all. Legal and common, but it moves the burden of proof onto you.
TOP 50 →
What are the fastest-growing franchises?
Ranked by annualized opening rate — new franchised outlets opened divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year — from each brand's latest FDD Item 20. Minimum 50 franchised units to qualify.
TOP 50 →
Which franchises are losing the most units?
Ranked by annualized exit rate — terminations, non-renewals, and "ceased operations — other reasons" divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year — from each brand's latest FDD Item 20. The measurable floor of franchisee failure.
TOP 50 →
What are the largest franchises in the U.S.?
Ranked by franchised outlets at the latest fiscal year end, from Table 1 of each brand's latest FDD Item 20 — system size as the franchisor itself discloses it.
TOP 50 →
What are the cheapest franchises to open?
Ranked by the low end of the total initial investment range in Item 7 of each brand's latest FDD — the smallest all-in figure the franchisor itself will put on paper.
TOP 50 →
SOURCE: LATEST REAL FDD FILING PER BRAND, STATE REGULATOR PORTALS · SEE EACH LIST'S METHODOLOGY NOTE