To some degree, the success of a new franchise depends on the success of the franchising company. A red-hot franchisor greatly increases your chance of success in the first year and beyond.

Here are five of the hottest franchise opportunities from Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, each of which has the potential to get your franchise experience off and running:

• Subway Franchises --Started in 1965, Subway sandwich stores have capitalized on the demand for good food on the go. In recent years, Subway has also benefited from a marketing campaign touting the company’s offerings for health-conscious consumers. Subway currently has more than 18,000 franchises in the U.S. They are currently offering franchise opportunities domestically and abroad in traditional stores as well as non-traditional venues such as airports and street-side locations.
• Curves Franchises -- Started by a pre-med student, Curves has carved a successful market niche in the fitness industry. Realizing the potential of fitness centers for an exclusively female client base, Curves started franchising in 1995. They currently have more than 7,800 franchises in the U.S. and in recent years, have started to expand to Canadian and other international markets. Given the rising popularity of services targeting women’s health, this franchise shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
• Quiznos Subs Franchises -- Like Subway, Quiznos has capitalized on the trend toward high-quality deli sandwiches at a decent price. Started by an Italian restaurant owner, Quiznos has also been able to maintain its Italian flavor throughout their wide variety of menu items. Over the last twenty years, Quiznos has expanded its franchise territory beyond the U.S. to include operations in Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.K. Japan, and Australia. They currently have almost 3,00o stores in the U.S. and several hundred more abroad.
• Jackson Hewitt Tax Service -- No one knows more about the public’s aversion to doing their income tax returns than Jackson Hewitt. Launched in 1960, Jackson Hewitt provides taxpayers with year-round federal and state tax reporting services. The recent popularity of e-filing has provided a boost to Jackson Hewitt’s business with many people taking advantage of their services to receive instant refunds. At the present time they have over 4,300 franchises in the U.S. with exclusive territories available for qualified applicants.
• The UPS Store -- With the acquisition of Mail Boxes Etc. in 1980, the big brown truck has expanded its services to provide customers with an alternative to the traditional U.S. Postal system. In addition to providing shipping service and mailboxes, the UPS Store also offers its customers printing services and computer time. They presently have approximately 4,200 franchises in the U.S. and almost 1,500 more internationally. Exclusive territories are available for franchisees in both the U.S. and abroad.

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