Franchise Times Top 400 Reveals Positive Trends for Charitable Brands

Franchise Times recently released its Top 400 list, ranking the United States’ largest franchises by global systemwide sales. While some major names, like McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ topped the list, understandably, the publication also noted an interesting trend as it relates to other concepts on the list.

Multiple brands that regularly promote charitable efforts saw notable jumps in systemwide revenue reports.

For example, Cheba Hut, a marijuana-themed sandwich shop, contributes to the Last Prisoner Project, an organization focused on criminal justice reform. Guests love to see brands they love contributing to causes they relate to, and cannabis criminal justice reform is likely to resonate widely with Cheba Hut patrons. And the effort paid off.

“The brand is the highest grower in the Top 400 sandwich category, with a 28.3 percent increase in sales last year,” Emilee Wentland wrote. “That makes Cheba Hut the top grower in the sandwich category. The company added nine stores in 2023, to 60 units, a more than 17 percent year-over-year increase.”

Jersey Mike’s, which has an annual day of giving, followed a similar trajectory, noting sales growth of nearly 25%.

As franchise brands continue working to grow, tapping into the passions guests have, both in and beyond the four walls, will be crucial. Charitable contributions, specifically, may seem costly at first glance, but they often create a deeper connection with the guest and position brands well for positive regard.