Perkins lands No. 10 in Entrepreneur’s inaugural full-service franchise ranking

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery was named one of Entrepreneur’s top 10 franchise brands in full-service restaurants, taking No. 10 in the publication’s first 2026 ranking across industries. The recognition comes as the 65-year-old brand prepares to launch a new fast-casual format in New Jersey this October.

Why it matters: - The ranking gives Perkins another outside signal of franchise strength in a family dining segment facing pressure from shifting consumer preferences. - The honor may help Perkins attract franchise partners looking for an established brand with national recognition and a broad menu. - The recognition arrives as Perkins works to expand beyond its traditional full-service footprint.

What happened: - Entrepreneur named Perkins Restaurant and Bakery one of the top 10 franchise brands in the full-service restaurant category in its inaugural 2026 Top 10 Franchises in Every Industry ranking. - Perkins earned the No. 10 spot among full-service restaurant franchises. - The ranking was published for the first time this year as part of Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500. - Perkins is preparing to launch its Flagship Griddle and Go format in New Jersey in October 2026.

The details: - Perkins is a 65-year-old concept with more than 65 years in family dining. - The brand says the recognition reflects its strength as a franchise opportunity, consumer sentiment advantage and ongoing innovation. - Black Box Intelligence says Perkins outperforms Denny's, IHOP and Cracker Barrel on consumer net sentiment. - Black Box Intelligence’s measure includes service, environment, value, food, beverage, intent to return, hospitality and Google ratings. - Perkins recently completed a brand refresh that modernized visual identity and customer experience across the system. - The upcoming Griddle and Go format is designed for fast-casual dayparts and real estate where a traditional full-service restaurant may not fit. - Perkins says the new format gives franchisees another development path while preserving the brand identity. - Perkins continues to seek franchise partners focused on hospitality, quality and community. - More information is available on Perkins franchising.

Between the lines: - The Entrepreneur ranking is a credibility boost for a legacy brand trying to stay relevant in a category where newer concepts often draw more attention. - The Black Box Intelligence comparison suggests Perkins is competing on consumer trust, not just nostalgia. - The brand refresh and new format point to a broader strategy: keep the core identity, but adapt the model to different markets and development constraints.

What's next: - Perkins plans to open its Griddle and Go format in New Jersey in October 2026. - The company is expected to keep courting franchisees as it looks to grow its footprint. - Future expansion will likely lean on the brand’s established name, updated look and flexible format options.

The bottom line: - Perkins is using recognition, data and format innovation to position a legacy family-dining brand for the next phase of franchise growth.