Eggs Up Grill rises 129 spots year over year following sustained same-store sales growth and expanding multi-unit ownership

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (Feb. 2, 2026) – Eggs Up Grill, a neighborhood favorite daytime café and the fastest-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise in the country, was recognized as one of the top 500 franchises in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 47 years, the Franchise 500® has been recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, and placement in the ranking has been a highly sought-after honor within the franchise industry.

In the 2026 Franchise 500®, Eggs Up Grill ranked No. 225, a significant rise from No. 354 the previous year, propelling the brand into the top half of this year’s list. Eggs Up Grill earned its ranking for outstanding performance in key areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, operational and marketing support and brand power.

“Earning a place in the Franchise 500® reflects the strength of our franchise system and the incredible dedication of our franchise partners,” said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. “Their commitment to running great restaurants, staying deeply connected to their communities and living our promise to do ‘everything to make you smile’ continues to fuel our growth. By staying focused on franchisee returns and operational support, we’re attracting seasoned multi-unit operators, expanding into new markets and delivering a friendly, high-quality dining breakfast experience that inspires guest loyalty.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to better understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 47-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve. Each franchise is thoroughly evaluated and given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points across the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores earn placement in the Franchise 500® ranking.

Over its 47 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for prospective franchisees. Eggs Up Grill’s rise in the 2026 ranking underscores the brand’s momentum and strength as a franchise opportunity.

“For 47 years, the Franchise 500 has been the gold standard for identifying franchise excellence. This year’s ranking proves that the best brands don’t just survive changing markets; they thrive in them,” said Jason Feifer, Entrepreneur magazine’s editor in chief. “These 500 companies represent some of the most reliable pathways to business ownership in America, each one vetted through our rigorous analysis of what actually drives franchisee success.”

To view Eggs Up Grill in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 13th.

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About Eggs Up Grill

Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill has been serving smiles for more than 25 years. From the first sip of freshly brewed coffee to the last bite of a hearty breakfast or lunch, our welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make every visit feel like coming home. As “neighbors serving neighbors,” we proudly serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a full menu throughout our hours of operation.

Eggs Up Grill’s business model is designed to create smiles not just for guests but for our Franchise Partners as well. Ranked as a Most Profitable Franchise by Franchise Business Review, Eggs Up Grill is experiencing record growth and actively seeking both seasoned and first-time franchise partners. With more than 100 locations currently in operation and more than 90 under development or committed to open, the brand is poised for continued success.

Media Contact:

Loren Thum, Thunderly

(817) 913-0194 | Lthum@thunderlymarketing.com

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