Franchises

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It's that time of year again. It's time for the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500®. For 31 years, Entrepreneur has brought you lists of the top franchises, and here we take a look at the top 20 overall. While the top two are the same as last year's, the rest of the top 10 are all different this year. If you're looking to start your own franchise, read ahead to see who's on top this year.

fastwrap.com

While it's been long established that numerous types of businesses can be franchised, from sign making to decorating homes for the holidays, there's no denying that Mike Enos' business is one of the more unique franchises in existence. His company, Fast Wrap, literally shrink wraps boats, cars, trucks, airport towers, half-finished buildings ... you name it.

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How the restaurant chain manages its cult of popularity to encourage newbies and keep longtime customers coming back.

AP

What's on the menu at Burger King these days? A lawsuit. Burger King's own franchisees have a beef with Burger King. Specifically, they're upset about the $1 double cheeseburger promotion. The complaint from the National Franchise Association, an organization that represents more than 80% of Burger King's American franchise owners, is that the $1 promotion forces restaurant owners to sell the quarter-pound burger with at least a 10-cent loss.

Chris Davis, Memphis Flyer

A number of Burger King franchises go out and a limb and declare that "Global Warming is Baloney" on restaurant signs. Bruce Watson tries to make sense of the move.

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Up and coming franchise Five Guys got a big boost recently with members of the first family stopping by for their famous burgers and fries. Jason Cochran of AOL Small Business talks to founder Jerry Murrell, the next burger king.

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Even the most popular chains like McDonald's started out with just one location. Which chain will people go to next? We asked our readers that exact question and got hundreds of responses. Find out which businesses you are most excited about and think could be the next hot chain.

Entrepreneur Magazine's list of Top New Franchises is your road-map to choosing the franchise that will help you achieve success. Stay on course with one of these top franchises, and you just might get to where you want to be.