Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Earned Top 10 Ranking
The restaurant brand secured the tenth spot in Entrepreneur's 2026 Top 10 Franchises list.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Dining Out
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Perkins Restaurant and Bakery has been ranked 10th in Entrepreneur's 2026 Top 10 Franchises report. This recognition highlights the brand's performance after 65 years of continuous operations.
Why it matters
The ranking reflects the success of the company's franchise model, its recent system-wide visual brand refresh, and high customer sentiment scores compared to competitors like IHOP and Denny's.
Perkins holds the number 10 spot in the 2026 industry report after 65 years of operations. Black Box Intelligence data confirms the brand currently leads industry rivals IHOP, Denny's, and Cracker Barrel in net sentiment.
The players
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
This restaurant chain has been in operation for 65 years and specializes in breakfast and bakery items.
Entrepreneur
This media company publishes the annual Franchise 500 roster and industry rankings.
Black Box Intelligence
This firm provides analytics and data regarding customer sentiment and performance in the restaurant industry.
The details
The company recently completed a system-wide update to its visual layouts and guest experience standards. Looking ahead, Perkins is preparing to launch a new Griddle and Go prototype in New Jersey to target smaller real estate footprints and fast-casual dayparts.
Timeline
Perkins earned its spot on the inaugural Top 10 list in 2026.
The brand will debut its Griddle and Go prototype in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This success marks a departure from traditional, larger-format dining models as established brands look toward the Franchise 500 roster for growth strategies. Perkins is pivoting toward more efficient, smaller layouts that mirror the industry trend toward fast-casual flexibility.
Customers can expect to see updated visual layouts and modern service experiences at locations nationwide. The future introduction of the Griddle and Go model aims to increase access to the brand in smaller community real estate footprints.
The takeaway
Perkins' rise in industry rankings highlights the importance of adapting brand aesthetics and service models to maintain customer favor. The upcoming prototype launch suggests that established chains are increasingly prioritizing smaller, more agile footprints to drive future growth.
What happens next
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery is scheduled to debut its new Griddle and Go prototype in New Jersey in October 2026.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts, explore our guide to Dining Out.
More information
Review the full Perkins franchise opportunities and information on the company's official site.
Live Poll
Do you generally prefer dining at long-established restaurant chains over newer, trend-driven dining concepts?
