ATLANTA -- Two convenience-store chains joined the ranks of quick-service restaurants, hotels and insurance companies in the 2015 Top 100 Global Franchises as determined by Franchise Direct,
The list is led by QSRs Subway, McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King, but the c-store industry’s own 7-Eleven maintains the No. 5 position for a second year, while Alimentation Couche-Tard’s Circle K fell to the No. 29 spot.
No. 5: 7-Eleven
7-Eleven is in the fifth spot for a second year.
About 7-Eleven, Franchise Direct wrote: “7-Eleven stores are extended-hour retail convenience stores that emphasize convenience to the guest and provide a broad array of products, including many not traditionally available in convenience stores, to meet the changing needs of guests. These products include an assortment of high-quality fresh food, hot food and proprietary beverage offerings, and private brand items. 7-Eleven stores are generally open every day of the year, with the vast majority open 24 hours a day, and are located in neighborhood areas, on main thoroughfares, in shopping centers, or on other sites where they are easily accessible and have parking facilities for quick in-and-out shopping.”
Noting that 7-Eleven makes its stores available individually and in groups through its Business Conversion Program, the report added: “The 7-Eleven franchise is a business system that includes: a license to use the service mark ‘7-Eleven’; training; continuing advice and assistance on operating a store; bookkeeping services; store inventory auditing; financing; merchandising assistance; advertising; and other services as described in the disclosure document.
No. 29: Circle K
Circle K slipped from No. 14 in 2014 to No. 29 this year.
“TMC Franchise Corporation is the franchisor,” Franchise Direct notes about Circle K. “The franchisor operates a retail convenience store under the ‘Circle K’ trade name and service marks and the Circle K business system. Circle K Stores Inc. is the parent company, the owner of all the franchisor’s common stock, and the owner of the Circle K trademarks.
“The franchisor offers the franchisee the right to operate a single Circle K convenience store business. The franchisor may also enter into agreements with existing convenience-store operators, existing dealers or existing marketers. Area development agreements are also granted to qualified franchisees, for the right to develop multiple Circle K Stores in a specific geographical area.”
Atlanta-based Franchise Direct’s goal is to provide a reliable, authoritative platform where entrepreneurs can connect with franchisors seeking investors. In support of this objective, the company’s mission is to be the leading online resource for franchise opportunities and the knowledge center of choice for anyone seeking information on the franchise industry.
Top 100 Global Franchises were ranked using objective and measurable criteria, which includes:
- System size based on numbers of units
- Revenue for the system
- Stability and growth
- Number of years in operation
- Market expansion
The ranking is also based on:
- Best practices in the areas of franchisee support and training
- Environmental policy
- Social responsibility
Click here to view the complete list.
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