Ellianos Coffee franchise ranking (United States ): has gained national attention once more as the drive-thru coffee brand was included in Entrepreneur magazine’s 2026 Franchise 500®, one of the most popular franchise rankings worldwide.

Ellianos Coffee, which is based in the Southeast of the United States, has been rising on the list in recent years due to consistent expansion, solid franchisee support, and a distinct focus on long-term success.

Ellianos Coffee Continues Steady Rise in Franchise Rankings

Recognition from a Trusted Franchise Benchmark

The Franchise 500® has been regarded as a crucial standard in the franchising sector for almost fifty years. Based on actual business data, the annual rating aids prospective franchise owners in understanding which companies are doing successfully.

Ellianos Coffee’s continued presence on the list highlights its performance in areas such as:

• Store growth and expansion
• Financial strength and stability
• Training and franchisee support
• Marketing and brand visibility

The company’s gradual climb in the rankings points to a growth strategy built on consistency rather than speed.

Company Leadership Credits Team and Franchisees

Focused Growth Across the Southeast

Lawton Unrau, President of Ellianos Coffee, said the recognition reflects the work of both the corporate team and franchise owners.

It means a lot to us to be listed on the Franchise 500 list once more,” Unrau remarked. “It demonstrates the daily work our team does and the dedication of our franchisees who support their local communities.”

He added that the brand has focused on growing carefully and making sure franchise partners are supported at every stage.

How the Franchise 500® Rankings Are Decided

Data-Driven Evaluation

Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® rankings are based on an analysis of more than 150 factors, including:

• Startup costs and ongoing fees
• Number of locations and growth rate
• Support and training programs
• Brand strength
• Overall financial performance

The ranking system is updated each year to reflect current market conditions, ensuring brands are evaluated fairly in today’s business environment.

Building a Franchise Brand for the Long Term

Over the years, the Franchise 500® has become an important research tool for people considering franchise ownership and a competitive benchmark for franchise companies across the U.S.

Ellianos Coffee’s continued rise in the rankings highlights the strength of its franchise model and its focus on sustainable, long-term growth.

The full list is available on Entrepreneur’s official Franchise 500® platform and in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine.

Reader Question

Q: Do you believe drive-thru coffee brands like Ellianos Coffee will continue to grow in popularity across the U.S.?

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