Business Ownership Is on the Menu
If you're hungry to start your own business, why not consider a restaurant franchise? From old-fashioned classics to exciting new favorites, there is no shortage of food franchises to choose from.

Here's our list of the 10 restaurant franchises that scored the highest in our 2010 AllBusiness AllStar franchise rankings.
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1. Subway
Subway is poised to become the world's largest franchise system. The company's flexibility, with locations in a variety of places and formats, has helped spur expansion, as has its positioning as a healthful, affordable fast-food alternative. Having founder and longtime franchisor Fred Deluca still actively involved in the business as CEO doesn't hurt, either.

Check out the full Subway franchise profile.

2. Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops
Despite the recession's impact on the restaurant industry, Jimmy John's has thrived during hard times. The company's irreverent image and cult-like fan following makes it a natural for social media, and online marketing methods including a Facebook presence have boosted its profile.

Check out the full Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shops franchise profile.

3. Jack in the Box
Our highest-ranked fast-food restaurant, Jack in the Box has embarked on a refranchising program that contributed to its high growth. Jack in the Box was named one of the top 50 franchises for minorities in 2009 by the National Minority Franchising Initiative.

Check out the full Jack in the Box franchise profile.

4. Smoothie King
Despite a down economy and a dismal year for food-service franchising, Smoothie King expanded in 2009. Still run by the original founders, Smoothie King continues to boast strong financial health and is growing internationally, with new stores planned in Turkey, Egypt, and Japan.

Check out the full Smoothie King franchise profile.

5. McDonald's
McDonald's is the company people think of when they think of franchises. Although consumers are cutting back on dining out, McDonald's was still able to grow profits in 2009. The company's value meals helped boost sales at its franchises, as did innovative new menu items like the Angus burger.

Check out the full McDonald's franchise profile.

6. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar
Buffalo Wild Wings' steady growth has helped it maintain its spot near the top of our AllStar list. The company and CEO Sally J. Smith have won many awards, including the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Gold Plate Award for outstanding and innovative talent in food service.

Check out the full Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar franchise profile.

7. Hardee's
Hardee's is going after big burger chains like McDonald's, and a recent survey by consumer research firm BrandIndex showed the company's brand health score rose steadily from 2008 to 2009. Hardee's recently launched a new Big Hardee premium burger to compete with premium offerings from other quick-serve hamburger franchises.

Check out the full Hardee's franchise profile.

8. Denny's
This year, Denny's is actively pursuing families who still want to eat out despite the recession. In June 2009, the company introduced its healthy "Better for You" kids' menu, and it is focused on developing new menu items and enhancing profitability.

Check out the full Denny's franchise profile.

9. Pizza Hut
Despite the challenges this industry faces, Pizza Hut franchisees still benefit from the pizza restaurant's strong brand recognition. Parent company Yum brands is actively seeking ways to boost the franchise and is making a strong push into China, growing rapidly there.

Check out the full Pizza Hut franchise profile.

10. Dunkin' Donuts
Dunkin' has been gunning for Starbucks and McDonald's in the coffee business; this year, coffee accounted for more than 60 percent of its business. Brandweek named Dunkin' Donuts 2009 Marketer of the Year, and for the third year in a row it ranked first in customer loyalty in the coffee category in the Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index.

Check out the full Dunkin' Donuts franchise profile.