Painting with a Twist Tops Paint and Sip Category in Entrepreneur Magazine's 39th Annual Franchise 500® for Fifth Consecutive Year

MANDEVILLE, La., Jan. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- America's original and largest paint and sip franchise, Painting with a Twist®, ranks the No. 1 Paint and Sip Studio in Entrepreneur magazine's 39^th Annual Franchise 500® edition. Earning this prestigious position for the fifth year in a row cements the brand as the nation's premier paint and sip franchise in the industry.

Each year, the Franchise 500 acknowledges top companies for outstanding performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the franchise system. The highly coveted list is seen as a gold standard in the franchise industry and dominant competitive measure for franchisors. Additionally, individuals seeking established franchise concepts with proven systems and results use the Franchise 500 as a primary comparative research tool. This year, Painting with a Twist was ranked No. 1 in its category and the Fastest Growing franchise.

"We're honored and humbled to be named the No. 1 brand in our category in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 ranking. Since developing the concept 10 years ago, Painting with a Twist has grown to become so much more than Renee and I even imagined and it's due to our experienced home office team, diverse and knowledgeable franchisees, ambitious artists and passionate guests," said Cathy Deano, co-founder of Painting with a Twist. "We're in the midst of milestone growth and fresh innovations to further stake our place as the nation's top paint and sip studio – a recognition we plan on maintaining."

In 2017, Painting with a Twist pioneered new states including Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico and Wisconsin, expanding the brand's presence to 39 states across the U.S. The concept also further developed the west coast, increasing its footprint by 38 percent in California alone. This growth is part of Painting with a Twist's overarching strategy to exceed 400 studios in 2018.

"We are constantly evolving our business to broaden our reach and appeal by keeping our experience relevant, fun, and fresh. In the process we've discovered that Painting with a Twist is more than just an art studio – it's also a social hub – that means many things to many people," said Michael Powers, managing director of Painting with a Twist. "There are very few businesses that can compete with the level of fun and satisfaction involved with running a Painting with a Twist studio. It's also incredibly satisfying to see the positive impact that our studios are having on our guests and in the communities that we serve. Being recognized as the #1 Paint & Sip Studio by Entrepreneur magazine for the fifth straight year is quite an honor and a testament to our diverse customer-centric company culture that continues to fuel our growth."

As a company that was founded with a spirit to give back after Hurricane Katrina, 2017 proved to be a year that franchisees epitomized that philosophy. After the destruction of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, dozens of Painting with a Twist franchisees and artists in Texas and Florida experienced homes and businesses damaged by the storms. The system quickly came together to host fundraising events to assist through the company's charitable arm, Painting with a Purpose. More than 100 studios in at least 28 states aided relief efforts and collectively raised nearly $60,000 which was donated directly to members of the Painting with a Twist family impacted by the hurricanes.

Painting with a Purpose raises money for local charities through monthly events at all locations. To date, more than $4 million has been raised. That core value came full circle when Painting with a Twist launched its own nonprofit organization, The Painting with a Purpose Foundation, dedicated to giving back to Painting with a Twist artists to further their education and cover expenses due to illnesses, family crises or other emergency situations.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Painting with a Twist, visit www.paintingwithatwistfranchise.com.

About Painting with a Twist®
Painting with a Twist, based in Mandeville, Louisiana is the leading paint-and-sip franchise with more than 350 studios in 39 states. Founded in 2007, by Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney, Painting with a Twist began franchising in 2009, and provides customers with paint, a canvas and brushes that lead to a fun evening with friends and a finished piece of art. The company maintains a strong focus on giving back to the local community, and was recently recognized by the International Franchise Association's Franchise Education & Research Foundation's Franchising Gives Back Awards. To date, Painting with a Twist has donated more than $4 million through their charity arm, Painting with a Purpose. As the fastest-growing franchise in the industry, *Painting with a Twist has been ranked the No. 1 Paint and Sip franchise as part of Entrepreneur magazine's annual Franchise 500 edition for the past five years. For more information about Painting with a Twist's franchise opportunity, visit www.paintingwithatwistfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Bre Whalen, Fishman PR, (847) 945-1300 or [email protected]  

SOURCE Painting with a Twist