BP's ampm Recognized as a Top Franchise
CHICAGO -- BP's ampm c-store concept has been ranked 51st in Entrepreneur's 28th annual Franchise 500, billed as the world's most comprehensive ranking of franchises. ampm also ranked #34 in Entrepreneur's list of America's Top Global Franchises.
Companies are judged based on criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate, system size and number of years in business. ampm is the only convenience store franchise owned by an integrated oil and gas company to make the list.
"BP is honored that ampm was selected to be part of the Franchise 500," said Ben Amante, vice president of franchising for BP. "The brand operates successfully in the Western U.S. and internationally, and by introducing an ampm-branded franchise in the Eastern U.S., we're leveraging our significant ampm franchising experience and market recognition. We see great growth potential in the future."
The ampm brand was founded in 1978 in Southern California by ARCO, which was acquired by BP in 2000. ampm currently can be found in the Western U.S. in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington and Oregon, with franchisees owning and/or operating about 1,000 ampm-branded convenience retail stores. Internationally, about 2,000 ampm stores are located in Brazil, Japan and Mexico.
BP also is selling ampm franchises in the Eastern U.S. in South Florida, Chicago, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh marketing areas. While similar, the Eastern and Western U.S. ampm franchise offers are distinct from one another and subject to separate franchise documentation, according to a company news release.
Other convenience store franchises to make Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 are: 7-Eleven Inc., which jumped five places to rank No. 4 this year, and Street Corner, a chain of mall-based newsstands and convenience stores, which appeared at No. 381 on the list.
Companies are judged based on criteria, including financial strength and stability, growth rate, system size and number of years in business. ampm is the only convenience store franchise owned by an integrated oil and gas company to make the list.
"BP is honored that ampm was selected to be part of the Franchise 500," said Ben Amante, vice president of franchising for BP. "The brand operates successfully in the Western U.S. and internationally, and by introducing an ampm-branded franchise in the Eastern U.S., we're leveraging our significant ampm franchising experience and market recognition. We see great growth potential in the future."
The ampm brand was founded in 1978 in Southern California by ARCO, which was acquired by BP in 2000. ampm currently can be found in the Western U.S. in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington and Oregon, with franchisees owning and/or operating about 1,000 ampm-branded convenience retail stores. Internationally, about 2,000 ampm stores are located in Brazil, Japan and Mexico.
BP also is selling ampm franchises in the Eastern U.S. in South Florida, Chicago, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh marketing areas. While similar, the Eastern and Western U.S. ampm franchise offers are distinct from one another and subject to separate franchise documentation, according to a company news release.
Other convenience store franchises to make Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 are: 7-Eleven Inc., which jumped five places to rank No. 4 this year, and Street Corner, a chain of mall-based newsstands and convenience stores, which appeared at No. 381 on the list.