Sandwich franchise chain Subway has been ranked third in the first India Franchise Rankings 2010, an awards program to encourage the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Indian franchisors.

Judging factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. Also considered are the number of years a company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, start-up costs, percentage of terminations, and whether the company provides financing.

Subway Systems India Pvt Ltd opened its first restaurant in 2001 in New Delhi and has grown its operations to 145 operating restaurants in 26 cities across India.

Although it is a global brand with a menu that is similar around the world, the restaurant franchise respects local traditions and food preferences and has earned a reputation for offering a healthier alternative to traditionally fatty and greasy fast food. In India the franchise business serves no beef or pork products and has an expanded selection of vegetarian choices.

Australian franchise Helen O’Grady Drama Academy was listed at sixth place in the India Franchise Rankings. The business caters for children aged three to 14 and in India has been franchising since 2004. There are 30 area developers.

Fellow Aussie brand Cartridge World, founded in South Australia in 1997, works on the concept of ‘recharging’ printer cartridges and demand for the product is on the rise in India. There are more than 85 franchisees signed up across India with 65 stores operational. The franchise network was ranked 29th.

Other international names featured in the inaugural listing include Snap Fitness, numbered at 37, and Texas Chicken (rebranded from its US name, Church’s Chicken) at number 42.

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