Franchise Update Media Honors Top Franchises with 2026 STAR Awards

Franchise Update Media has named the winners of its annual STAR Awards, honoring franchise brands that stand out in lead generation, recruitment, and franchise development best practices.

The winners were presented at the Franchise Leadership & Development Conference held in Atlanta, October 5-8. The awards categories again recognized excellence in franchise recruitment by investment level. The top franchises were honored for their excellence in the following categories: Franchise Development Website and Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up – up to $100,000; $101,000 to $250,000; $251,001 to $500,000; $500,000 to $1 Million; and over $1,000,000 investment level.

There were also awards for Overall Best Franchise Development Website, Overall Best Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up, and Most Responsive Brand.

The event also recognized the winners of the Franchise Innovation Awards for Franchise Development. The four categories were: Most Innovative Lead Generation Program or Platform; Most Innovative On-Boarding Program; Most Innovative PR or Social Media Campaign; Innovation in Support of Franchisee Profitability & Validation.

"The STAR Awards recognize the brands that are finding smarter ways to generate leads, identify the right prospects, and turn those opportunities into growth," said Diane Phibbs, VP, Content & Marketing at Franchise Update Media. "Franchise development is highly competitive, so brands must find ways to stand out and keep prospects engaged throughout the process. By highlighting what this year's winners are doing well, we can share ideas and strategies that other franchise brands can put to work in their own development efforts."

The awards are determined on the results compiled by mystery shoppers, who pose as ideal candidates and contact franchises through the company's website. The mystery shoppers contacted more than 200 brands, with each franchise evaluated according to a list of standard criteria for each category.

Most Responsive Brand

• Wild Birds Unlimited

Overall Best Franchise Development Website

• PJ's Coffee of New Orleans

Overall Best Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up

• FASTSIGNS

Franchise Development Website

• Home Helpers Home Care - Up to $100,000

• Great Clips - $101,000 to $250,000

• (Tie) Smoothie King, Papa Murphy's - $251,001 to $500,000

• Jack in the Box - $500,000 to $1 Million

• (Tie) Goldfish Swim School, Urban Air Adventure Parks - Over $1,000,000

Online Lead Form Submission & Telephone Follow-Up

• Comfort Keepers - Up to $100,000

• Any Lab Test Now - $101,000 to $250,000

• FASTSIGNS - $251,001 to $500,000

• BODYBAR Pilates - $500,000 to $1 Million

• Celebree School - Over $1,000,000

2026 Franchise Innovation Awards for Franchise Development Winners

Most Innovative Lead Generation Program or Platform

• MassageLuXe

Most Innovative On-Boarding Program

• Replay Sports Cards

Most Innovative PR or Social Media Campaign

• Eggs Up Grill

Innovation in Support of Franchisee Profitability & Validation

Franchise Update Media has been a leader in the franchising space for 38 years. Founded in 1988, the company produces online franchise opportunities and educational websites, two quarterly print magazines, digital newsletters, three annual conferences, independent research, and books, 100% focused on franchising. Targeting franchise audiences online, in print, and in person, Franchise Update Media delivers a unique combination of educational and lead-generation sources to help franchisors, multi-unit franchisees, opportunity seekers, and suppliers achieve their growth objectives.

Franchise Update Media (FUM) is the trusted resource for the franchise industry. For 30+ years, FUM has been the leader in providing valuable conferences, print publications and digital properties for Franchisors, Franchisees and Franchise Prospects.