Ace Hardware Earns Top Honor on Entrepreneur's 2026 'Best of the Best' List

Ace ranks No. 1 in their category, recognized among the world’s leading franchise opportunities

August 27, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // —Ace Hardware, the world’s largest hardware cooperative, has been recognized on Entrepreneur magazine’s annual ‘Best of the Best’ franchise list, featured in the July/August 2026 issue and on Entrepreneur.com. Ace Hardware earned the No. 1 ranking in the miscellaneous retail category.

“This recognition is a testament to the hardworking entrepreneurs who own and operate Ace stores across the country,” said Andy Schmitt, Vice President of Retail Operations and New Business at Ace Hardware. “Their commitment to serving their neighbors and delivering a helpful, local experience is what makes Ace such a strong and enduring opportunity.”

The ‘Best of the Best’ designation recognizes the highest-ranked franchise in each industry category among Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®. The annual ranking evaluates franchise systems across more than 150 data points, including costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial stability.

The full 2026 ‘Best of the Best’ list is available in the July/August issue of Entrepreneur magazine and online at Entrepreneur.com.

About Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is the largest hardware cooperative in the world, serving more than 8,900 locally owned and operated stores around the globe, while providing the best products, services, and operating methods to almost 5,300 Ace retail stores in the United States. Ace Hardware’s family of brands includes Ace Hardware, Emery Jensen Distribution, and independent retailers worldwide. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace operates an expansive network of U.S. distribution centers, along with international capabilities in Ningbo, China. Since 1924, Ace has been a part of local communities, known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. For more information on owning an Ace Hardware store, visit myace.com/