A new report released last week by independent market research firm Franchise Business Review found that food franchise operators are experiencing increased profitability and higher satisfaction than they have in a while. In fact, average profitability among franchisees is up 5.8% year-over-year, and average profitability among the organization’s top 40 picks, which are identified in the report, is up even further at 15% higher than the rest of the sector.

Additionally, Franchise Business Review found marked improvement among franchisees when it comes to their overall satisfaction. The leading indicator? More than 70% of the more than 4,000 franchisees across 84 brands that were surveyed said they would recommend their brand to other franchisee candidates.

Although access to capital remains a concern for many franchisees, they and their franchisors report that the economic recession has also yielded some key benefits. Everything from available real estate and lower equipment costs to the availability of employees has enabled many of them to thrive despite the challenging economic climate.

To read the full report, go to Franchise Business Review’s Special Report: Top 40 Food Franchises Franchisee Satisfaction Study now!