Inc. recently published their top ten list of promising franchises for the year. It includes several that have not previously been on other lists that we have referenced.

Inc.’s Promising Franchises for 2011

1.       Energy Kitchen – This healthy food restaurant has seen a growth rate of 59% over the past three years and expects sales to increase even more. Energy Kitchen’s founder Randy Schechter has recently said that the company plans to increase their current 10 locations into 1,000 over the next 10 years. The restaurant boasts a menu where nothing is over 500 calories – that’s a pretty impressive feat considering the menu lists burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and smoothies. The franchise fee for each unit is $30,000 though there is a three unit minimum commitment. A minimum financial net worth of $1.5 million is required with $500,000 in liquid assets.

2.       Red Mango – This all natural frozen yogurt company got its start in South Korea but relocated to Texas in 2007. With more than 130 current locations, the company hopes to reach 550 locations by 2015. According to their website, Red Mango is the fastest-growing retailer of all-natural nonfat frozen yogurt in the U.S. Shop locations are offered in two formats: Self-serve and traditional. The estimated initial investment is between $258,100 and $441,600 for a traditional store and a little higher for a self-serve. The franchise fee is $35,000.

3.       Smashburger – The “better burger” franchise has big plans for expansion with hopes to double their current number of locations (100) in the next year. The Denver-based company started a little over three years ago and has quickly found success with their $5 100% Certified Angus Beef burgers and Häagen-Daz shakes. Smashburger is looking for franchisees in some of the country’s largest metropolitan areas and requires a minimum net worth of $2.5 million and $1 million in liquidity.

4.       Kumon – As the largest after-school education company in the U.S., Kumon operates almost 1,7500 franchises in North America. There are plans to expand by 100 more centers this year alone. Kumon estimates their initial investment to be $67,763 to $145,320 per location.

5.       Planet Beach – The spa industry is growing at an amazing rate with millions of Americans looking for a way to relax. Planet Beach, a spa offering services like massages, facials, spray tan and teeth whitening, operates 340 franchise units in nine countries, and according the company they “expect 2011 to be a promising year.” The initial franchise fee for Planet Beach is $10,000 with a total investment of between $118,200 and $221,900.

6.       Edible Arrangements – In the 10 years since they first launched their hand-sculpted fresh-fruit arrangement concept, Edible Arrangements has opened over 1000 locations. Their presence includes many international locations in countries such as Italy, Saudi Arabia, and India. The initial franchise fee ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 with a total investment of up to $285,218.

7.       BrightStar Care – The in-home care franchise has plans to open as many as 400 locations this year alone as the need for elderly care rises. The CEO and co-founder was recently quoted as saying that BrightStar is “planning to launch seven new brands over the next 10 years, approximately one every 12-24 months, to allow for current owners to expand their service offerings, as well as allow for new owners to come into our system.” Start-up costs range from $95,067 to $162,158.

8.       Stratus Building Solutions – A provider of integrated facilities maintenance services (cleaning services), Stratus Building Solutions serves commercial buildings, retail properties, medical facilities, and schools. In three years (2007-2010) the company grew by almost 3,000 franchises. Total investment of a Stratus Building Solutions franchise is fairly low with a maximum of $57,750.

9.       Junk King – They get rid of your junk and do so in a green way. Sixty percent of all the junk they collect is recycled. The company was founded in 2005 and offers single and multi unit franchise opportunities in all 50 states. Junk King requires a minimum capital of $87,500.

10.   Planet Fitness – The “Judgement Free Zone” (sic) gym franchise has experienced a 326% growth rate over the past three years. They host a monthly pizza night where they serve more than four million slices a year. The total liquid assets required to open a single franchise is $400,000 or $800,000 for a multi-unit franchise.