This Business Is Now #1 CT-Based Franchise Company: Report

Wallingford-based fresh fruit arrangements company Edible Arrangements is Connecticut's top franchise business with its headquarters in the state, according to the 2018 Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500.

The company, which was founded in 1999, is ranked #53 overall, and it leapfroged Milford-based Subway as the top franchisor based in Connecticut, reports the Connecticut Post. Subway is ranked #105.

"Edible Arrangements began franchising in 2001," writes Entrepreneur Magazine. "In addition to the company's signature fresh fruit arrangements, the product line has expanded to include chocolate-dipped fresh fruit, fruit salads, fruit sundaes, beverages and other 'grab and go' products."

To come up with its ranking, Entrepreneur studies the following factors under its proprietary "Five Pillars of the Franchise 500®":

COSTS & FEES

• Franchise fee
• Total investment
• Royalty fees

SIZE & GROWTH

• Open & operating units
• Growth rate
• Closures

SUPPORT

• Training times
• Marketing support
• Operational support
• Franchisor infrastructure
• Financing availability
• Litigation

BRAND STRENGTH

• Social media
• System size
• Years in business
• Years franchising

FINANCIAL STRENGTH & STABILITY

• Franchisor's audited financial statements

"To be eligible to rank, a franchisor must be seeking new franchisees in the U.S. or Canada and must have had a minimum of 10 units open and operating as of July 31, 2017, with at least one franchise located in North America," writes Entrepreneur.

The investment to own an Edible Arrangements franchise is between $195,000 and $328,000, while the entry cost of owning a Subway franchise is between $147,000 and $321,000.

The nation's top overall franchisor is McDonald's (headquarters located in Oak Brook, IL), followed by 7-Eleven (Dallas, TX), Dunkin' Donuts (Canton, MA), The UPS Store (San Diego, CA) and RE/MAX LLC (Denver, CO).

To view the complete 2018 Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500, click here.

Image via Edible Arrangements Facebook page

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