Press Release Headlines

Despite Economy, Franchise Owner Satisfaction Remains High for Some

Fourth Annual Study of Franchisee Satisfaction Identifies 115 Top Franchise Opportunities That Have Above Average Owner Satisfaction

KITTERY, Maine, March 5, 2009 — Franchise Business Review, a national franchise market research firm, has announced the winners of its 2009 Franchisee Satisfaction Awards. Despite the challenging economic environment that has affected nearly every business small and large, 115 elite franchise companies were identified as having very strong franchisee satisfaction.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Franchise Business Review has conducted this study, researching over 400 of today's leading franchise brands representing over 75,000 franchisees across North America. The award-winning companies identified include Church's Chicken, FastSigns, Heaven's Best Carpet Cleaning, Home Instead Senior Care, Interstate All Battery Centers, Jenny Craig, Nathan's Famous, Proforma, Sotheby's Realty and Value Place Hotels.

"With all the doom and gloom news about the economy lately, it's great to see that the very best franchise systems are still performing well for their franchise owners," says Eric Stites, President and CEO of Franchise Business Review. "It is still a good time to buy a franchise business, assuming you choose the right one. This year's 115 award-winners have a proven record of success and are clearly some of the top investment opportunities in the marketplace today."

Franchise Business Review surveys thousands of franchisees each year to measure satisfaction levels related to their franchise ownership experience. Survey questions cover everything from training and support, system quality issues, franchisor relationship, financial opportunity to overall satisfaction. Additionally, franchisees complete demographic and lifestyle questions to give a 360-degree view of their franchise ownership experience.

"We are truly honored to receive this award," stated Harsha V. Agadi, Chief Executive Officer at Church's Chicken. "This means so much because it reflects the positive ratings and feedback from our franchisees. The entire Church's team works hard to assure the success of our franchisees and it's fantastic to be recognized as a top franchise system."

Franchise Business Review publishes reports throughout the year on the top-rated companies and industry segments within the franchise marketplace. Many of the franchise companies that are researched use Franchise Business Review's Franchisee Satisfaction Index (FSI)(TM) to benchmark their annual performance. Franchise Business Review consults with these franchise systems to assist them in improving their operational and franchisee performance by sharing industry best-practices.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. The firm's services include commissioned franchise research projects, as well as industry-wide studies of franchisee satisfaction. Franchise Business Review is headquartered in Kittery, ME and can be reached at 207-439-1622. For more information about the company, visit http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com and for a full list of this year's award-winning franchise companies, go to http://www.FBR50.com.

Media Contact: Michelle Rowan, 207-439-1622 or Email

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