Handyman Connection, America’s premier home improvement franchise for professional and reliable handyman services, is announcing its No. 482 ranking in the 2022 Top 500 by Franchise Times. The Franchise Times Top 500 is an exclusive annual ranking of the 500 largest U.S.-based franchise systems by global systemwide sales. The project is the result of a five-month research and reporting effort each year that results in the most credible and objective franchise ranking available.

“Our 2022 Franchise Times Top 500 listing proves that our brand is not only making waves within the home-improvement industry, but in the much larger franchise industry as well,” said Jeff Wall. “We extend a giant thank you to the Franchise Times team, for providing its readers this type of insight and to everyone who plays a role in our Handyman Connection family, for making this accomplishment happen.”

Top 500 sales grew 20.5 percent in 2021, to $769 billion, as many franchise brands made a notable comeback following a year marked by pandemic shutdowns and radical consumer spending changes. In 2022, the TOP 500 represented over $16 billion in remodeling sales volume and nearly two million jobs. Annual sales at the 500 largest U.S.-based franchisors increased by more than $130 billion, or 20.5 percent last year, to $769 billion.

The 10 largest franchised brands gained $45.4 billion in sales in 2021, a 14 percent increase over the prior year. The top 10 now account for more than $368 billion in annual sales. No. 1 McDonald’s put more room between itself and No. 2 7-Eleven, growing sales by more than $19 billion to $112.5 billion. That marked the best dollar amount sales growth across the Top 500 franchises last year.

The collection of systemwide sales data also provides useful insight into the franchise industry’s performance coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every segment gained ground in 2021, with some getting back to or even surpassing 2019 sales, while others still have work to do.

“Combined overall growth of 20.5 percent for the Top 500 resulted in a record sales total of $769 billion, as major restaurant brands such as McDonalds, KFC and Burger King all rebounded in 2021 and then some after, posting declines of as much as 12.6 percent in 2020,” said Franchise Times Editor-in-Chief, Laura Michaels. “Restaurants collectively grew sales 18.8 percent last year, with Subway also among the standouts. The sandwich chain posted $17.5 billion in system sales in 2021, a 27.7 percent increase and a much-needed turnaround for the seventh-largest chain on this year’s Top 500.”

“Recovery didn’t treat all brands equally, however. In the fitness segment, system sales at Orangetheory Fitness declined 12.5 percent, a drop of more than $140 million,” continued Michaels. “Franchises in the red will have some explaining to do, especially if competitors in their category turned in standout performances.”

Among the four exclusive interviews included in this year’s ranking, Sonic Drive-In President Claudia San Pedro shares how menu innovation and technology enhancements have helped fuel two years of impressive sales gains. Executives from Top 500 newcomer, Tous les Jours, retailer, Plato’s Closet and dog daycare concept, Dogtopia also share how they’ve accelerated sales.

Franchise Times Fastest-Growing Industry Sectors:

1. Hotels & Hospitality +49.1%

2. Personal Services +32.6%

3. Real Estate +30.9%

4. Business Services +25.6%

5. Health & Medical +23.4%

About Handyman Connection

Ranked as the #1 Handyman Company by Qualified Remodeler for the past 11 years, Handyman Connection operates in more than 60 locations throughout 25 states and Canada. Since 1991, the brand has offered homeowners across North America a complete resource for professional craftsmanship and exemplary customer service. Handyman Connection provides over 430+ different services ranging from traditional home repairs and painting to remodeling, plumbing, electrical work, and more. Each local office is supported by a team of qualified craftspeople and is always seeking talented professionals to join them in helping customers improve their homes. For more information, please go to https://handymanconnection.com.

About the Franchise Times TOP 500

The Franchise Times Top 500 is the only ranking by systemwide sales and units of the largest 500 U.S.-based franchise brands. Published in the October issue and available in a searchable database online, the Franchise Times Top 500 also analyzes industry sectors based on percentage change in sales growth, reports the 10 fastest-growing franchises by four different measures, and includes exclusive news stories about the biggest names in franchising. The rankings and full report, and the searchable online database, are available at www.franchisetimes.com/top-500- 2022.