Food Franchises Shine the Brightest in 2016 Top 100 Global Franchises Ranking by Franchise Direct

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwired - March 03, 2016) - Restaurant franchises again dominate the annual list of 100 Top Global Franchises by Franchise Direct. Representing 32 percent of the list, food franchises comprise the largest industry group in the annual ranking.

Food based franchises are particularly appealing for global entrepreneurs, as success is easily replicated after recipes are verified; however, franchises do have to make allowance for local tastes and cultures.

Tourism is particularly helpful to the expansion of these franchises, as people tend to gravitate toward what they know when traveling.

For the first time since 2010, McDonald's is back in the #1 spot. With the introduction of the all-day breakfast, the burger chain saw same-store sales increase both domestically and internationally. In the #2 spot is Subway who had faced a trying year of legal woes, attacks on product quality, and the passing of one of its co-founders. But with a new chief marketing officer in tow, the global giant is set to resurrect its brand image in the upcoming year.

The top ten includes more American-based fast food offerings with KFC (#3), Burger King (#4), and Pizza Hut (#5). Familiar American favorites such as Domino's (#11), Dunkin' Donuts (#13), Taco Bell (#15), and Baskin Robbins (#18) had strong showings as well. Newcomers Chili's (#71) and Panera (#91) were able to push their way onto the top 100 against fierce competition this year.

100 Montaditos (#52), Pita Pit (#70) and Yogen Fruz (#77) are among the franchises bringing an international flavor to the list.

Franchise Direct is known for using objective methodology to evaluate thousands of global franchises. Criteria considered for ranking includes commercial factors such as revenue, growth, and stability, as well as social and environmental policies. Franchise Direct's first list debuted in 2009 and has been a useful resource for entrepreneurs considering entering the franchising industry.

To view this year's ranking of food industry franchises and read the accompanying report, please visit the Top 100 Global Franchises page.

About Franchise Direct:

Franchise Direct is the world's leading franchise portal, operating 13 platforms across 5 continents. Franchise Direct provides the only credible, research-based ranking of global franchises to reach their goal of providing reliable information for entrepreneurs and investors.