The Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) is an annual ranking of the top 100 franchise brands, taking into account their size, growth, ambitions and contributions to the communities in which they operate.
Food brands, despite being placed under immense pressure throughout the pandemic, have remained well established and feature heavily in the rankings of the EF100.
The pandemic caused issues for food brands more than most industries. With hospitality venues forced to close their doors, the operations of such businesses were stopped. This was clearly reflected in hospitality numbers from 2020, which saw 10,000 sites close for good. A shocking statistic when compared to the year prior, ultimately representing a net 175% increase in closures1. Despite this, food franchise brands affirmed their strength even in difficult times, and since the last ranking in December of 2020, still occupy nine places on the EF100 list.
SUBWAY® is one such brand that continues to demonstrate their resilience. The sandwich franchise has been in the top 10 of the EF100 since it began five years ago. According to the latest bfa NatWest Franchise Survey, SUBWAY’s expansion has been vast – increasing their network by 700 stores (from 1,500 to 2,200) in 10 years. And even in the face of adversity, SUBWAY has continued to improve and develop, which is certainly reflected in the current ranking. Having moved up the ranks to break into the top five for the first time during COVID, SUBWAY’s market prominence is clear. Naturally, the desire to continue this strong form in the upcoming 2022 raking is a firm goal for the company.
Nigel Doughty, Country Director UK & Ireland Subway, says: “At SUBWAY® we were delighted to be featured in the HSBC Elite Franchise TOP 100 (UK) 2021 rankings, which further establishes and recognises renowned brands in the QSR sector, such as our own. After a challenging year for the whole hospitality industry, this recognition importantly demonstrates the hard work of our franchisees and their teams. At SUBWAY® we are continually focused on looking forward and have some exciting innovations and developments in place to delight our guests and provide a strong brand and business opportunity for all our franchisees in 2022.”
As well as SUBWAY, Pepe’s Piri Piri’s ranking in the EF100 last year showed that even debutants were able to celebrate their successes and establish themselves as a top food brand. Even as a newcomer, they were ranked at 32. Through targeted campaigns reflecting the commitment to the communities in which they operate, Pepe’s Piri Piri were able to navigate through the pandemic, and today have been able to open their doors in the US, as well as having nearly 50 established locations in the UK.
Scott English is the Brand Director of EF100 added, “The EF100 showcases franchises who have continued to provide exemplary services, even during unpredictable, difficult times. Food brands have been excellent examples of how to adapt and handle unprecedented situations such as the pandemic.”
For more information about the EF100, visit: http:/elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk/ef-100
