About the Fastest-Growing Franchises

Like everything else in business, deciding whether to cast your lot with a franchise system that's content with a slower, measured expansion or with a franchise system determined to grow quickly is a personal decision. If you're one of those who likes things to move fast, who wants a new challenge all of the time, then maybe a fast-growing franchise is for you. We've culled the fastest-growing franchises from our annual Entrepreneur Franchise 50® and compiled a list to get you started--fast.

The fastest-growing rankings are based on the number of new franchise units added in the United States and Canada from 2007 to 2008, as verified by Entrepreneur magazine. The rankings prior to 2005 were based on the number of new franchise units added in the U.S. and Canada, plus other foreign. All ties are listed alphabetically

Each ranking is based on data from two years previous. The 2008 ranking was based on growth from 2006 to 2007; the 2007 ranking was based on growth from 2005 to 2006; and so on.

This ranking is not intended to endorse any particular franchise, but rather to provide a starting point for your research. Due diligence includes thoroughly reading a company's literature and its Franchise Disclosure Document, calling and visiting the existing franchisees, and consulting with an attorney and an accountant. Here's where slowing down makes sense: You should only buy a fast-growing franchise after you've taken the time to conduct a careful investigation.