Rising Stars: The Top 100 New Franchises to Keep Your Eyes On These companies may be new to the scene, but they are already giving the big guys a run for their money with innovative models, marketing methods and menus.

By Tracy Stapp Herold

This story appears in the April 2018 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

aluxum | Getty Images

For many, buying a franchise means being part of an already sizable system that's been around for decades. But it can also mean getting in on the ground floor of the next big thing and growing your business for decades. And now you've got more options than ever. Of the 1,023 companies that applied for Entrepreneur's 2018 Franchise 500 ranking, 225 have been franchising for five years or less (since 2013). We've gathered the top 100 of those new franchises. They may be new to the scene, but these companies are already giving the big guys a run for their money with innovative models, marketing methods and menus.

Related: 5 Affordable Franchises You Can Start for Less Than $10,000

The top 100 new franchises are ranked based on our Franchise 500 formula, which scores companies based on a comprehensive evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength and financial strength and stability. The ranking is not intended as an endorsement of any particular franchise, though. No matter how long a company has been franchising, it's essential that you do your due diligence before investing. Read the company's legal documents, consult with an attorney and an accountant, and talk to franchisees to find out if the opportunity is right for you.

Click here to see our ranking of the top 100 newest franchises.

Tracy Stapp Herold

Entrepreneur Staff

Tracy Stapp Herold is the special projects editor at Entrepreneur magazine. She works on franchise and business opportunity stories and listings, including the annual Franchise 500.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Zillow Predicts These 10 Places Will Have the Hottest Housing Markets in 2025

Zillow predicted that the hottest housing market of 2025 will be Buffalo, New York. Here's why.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Service, Not Just Sales — Here's How to Build a Customer-First Business

A customer-first business strategy that prioritizes exceptional service, empowers employees and leverages feedback can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates, driving sustainable, long-term growth.

Business Culture

It's Time to Rewrite Your Company's Values — Here's How

Most companies' values are forgotten or disconnected from daily operations. By rethinking and co-creating values with your team, you can transform them into actionable tools that align behavior, build trust and drive performance.

Business Solutions

Say Hello to the PDF Multi-Tool You Didn't Know You Needed

Get lifetime access to UPDF for just $47.99—the best price online right now.

Business News

Macy's Just Released the List of 66 Stores Closing This Year — Here's Where

Around 150 underproductive stores are set to close over the next three years.