In 2004, FRANdata identified and started tracking 219 new concepts that have recently entered the franchising world. In the 1st Quarter 2005 New Concept Report, we added another 85, which is the fastest quarterly pace that we have ever observed. Clearly, the franchising business model is attracting interest.

• Altogether, the food industries – Baked Goods, Fast Food, Frozen Deserts, Restaurants and Retail Food -- saw 32 new concepts in the 1st quarter, 25 of which are completely new brands and 7 variations on existing systems


• Beauty, Health and Fitness are still growing with, among others, 2 children's hair care concepts, 3 cosmetics brands and 5 fitness centers

To learn more about the newest franchise concepts, click here.

As you may already know, for the second year, we did a study of fast growth companies, published in the March issue of Franchise Times magazine. We presented our findings about the business models of the companies on the Fast 55 list at the Franchise Finance Conference and have been gratified by the excellent conversations that have ensued. (A copy of the presentation can be found here.) Some of our findings include:

• 75% encourage multi-unit franchisees, either through reductions in the initial fee for additional units or by formal multi-unit, area development, or master franchisee agreements


• 15 use franchise brokers and another 3 use area representatives; 13 provide financing assistance; 25 are on the SBA Franchise Registry


• 75% of the CEOs of these systems had direct industry experience, 39% have previous franchising experience


• 71% had affiliated brands or complementary businesses

If the fastest growing young franchise systems are your target audience, the FAST55 Targeted Marketing Report provides you with company profiles and contact lists to reach them. Request a free sample Targeted Marketing Report!

Which franchise system was ranked in the number 1 position on the Fast 55 list? Email Me your response quickly and be entered to win a free FAST55 Targeted Marketing Report.

Mr. Burke is Managing Director and founder of Trinity Capital. Trinity is a boutique investment banking firm providing a wide range of financial advisory services to middle-market businesses, including mergers and acquisitions, distressed advisory and restructuring, valuations and fairness opinions and private placements of debt and equity.