Number of franchises/co.: 53,027
Cost to open a franchise: $37,200-$1.6 million
Why it's hot: The international convenience store chain is well known and simple. Customers know what to expect when shopping at 7-Eleven, and that business model has always worked for the store. It also has a unique sales method that attracts investors. "Most franchise systems require royalty payments based on a percentage of sales. With the 7-Eleven system, you pay royalties based upon the store’s gross profit, that is, net sales receipts less the wholesale cost of the merchandise you sell," according to 7-Eleven.