If you're weighing a sandwich franchise, you want proof that a brand is growing before you invest. Mr. Pickle's awards now include a No. 99 spot on Nation's Restaurant News' (NRN) 2026 100 Under 100, a list of fast-growing emerging chains. It's fresh energy for a legacy brand built on 30 years of fan loyalty and crave-worthy Dutch Crunch Rolls.
That ranking extends a pattern of NRN recognition since 2023, which gives you a trend to study. Below, you'll learn what the list measures and how to check it against the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the legal disclosure a franchisor gives you.
Key Takeaways
- Mr. Pickle's ranked No. 99 on NRN's 2026 100 Under 100, a ranking of emerging growth chains by percentage unit-count growth.
- NRN ranks the list by percentage unit-count growth between 2024 and 2025, so it shows how fast a brand is adding shops.
- The 2026 spot returns Mr. Pickle's to NRN's list after appearances in 2023 and 2024, building a pattern of growth recognition.
- Before you invest, check Item 19 of Mr. Pickle's 2025 FDD, which reports gross sales for franchised shops open all of 2024.
What Is Mr. Pickle's 2026 NRN Ranking?
Mr. Pickle's ranked No. 99 on NRN's 2026 100 Under 100, returning to the list after appearances in 2023 and 2024. The brand placed at a reported No. 70 in 2023, per 2023 100 Under 100 coverage. It returned in 2024, which the NRN 100 Under 100 announcement called its "second consecutive year on the list."
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2023 | No. 70 (reported) |
| 2024 | Second consecutive year (reported) |
| 2026 | No. 99 |
Restaurant Business ranked Mr. Pickle's No. 31 on its 2024 Future 50, per its Restaurant Business Future 50 profile. Fast Casual also named it to its 2024 Top 100 Movers & Shakers at a reported No. 66, per 2024 Fast Casual Top 100 coverage.
What the 100 Under 100 Measures
NRN's 2026 100 Under 100 ranks "the 100 growth chains with the highest percentage unit-count growth between 2024 and 2025." NRN partnered with Technomic on the list.
Percentage growth rewards speed of expansion. A ranking like this shows a brand is opening shops at a quick pace, yet it says nothing about profit per shop. That makes the list a smart first filter, and the FDD is where you judge how individual shops perform.
What's Behind the Momentum
Per NRN, a team led by CEO Michael Nelson bought Mr. Pickle's from founders Frank and Michele Fagundes. Dutch Crunch Rolls still anchor the menu, and Nelson told NRN the crackly roll goes out on about 65% of sandwiches. The team also upgraded the tech stack, improving online ordering and the loyalty program.
Those upgrades connect to sales. Average unit volume (AUV) is the average yearly sales per shop. In NRN's Mr. Pickle's profile, the brand reported an AUV rise "from $625,000 to more than $1 million over the past four years." But that success is only part of it. For the full history since 1995, read Mr. Pickle's brand story.
What the Ranking Means for Franchise Buyers
A growth ranking tells you where to look, but the FDD tells you what you'll find. Item 19 is the FDD section where a franchisor may share financial performance figures. According to Item 19 of Mr. Pickle's 2025 FDD, 52 franchised shops open all of 2024 averaged $1,014,318 in gross sales (median $961,757).
Gross sales are revenue before rent, labor, food costs and royalties, so they do not show profit. According to Item 7 of Mr. Pickle's 2025 FDD, total initial investment runs $360,700 to $834,607, including a $35,000 franchise fee.
The FTC guide to buying a franchise says you must get the FDD "at least 14 days before you are asked to sign any contract." Use that window to call the owners listed in Item 20, the FDD section on current and former franchisees. For a broader checklist on choosing the right brand, see our guide on how to choose a sandwich franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NRN's 100 Under 100?
It's Nation's Restaurant News' ranking of emerging growth chains, sorted by percentage unit-count growth. The 2026 edition measures growth between 2024 and 2025.
How many locations does Mr. Pickle's have?
According to Item 20 of Mr. Pickle's 2025 FDD, the brand had 63 franchised and licensed shops as of December 31, 2024.
Do awards always guarantee franchise success?
No. Rankings measure growth, so verify any award against the FDD and your conversations with current owners.
Grow With an Award-Winning Sandwich Brand
Mr. Pickle's awards, capped by No. 99 on NRN's 2026 list, show a 30-year sandwich brand with fresh growth. Pair that momentum with the numbers in the 2025 FDD and the stories of current owners. Then explore the Mr. Pickle's franchise opportunity to see the steps to ownership.
