IRVINE, Calif. -- Aspiring franchise owners would do well to consider 7-Eleven, according to Entrepreneur magazine, which ranked the Dallas-based convenience store chain at No. 4 on its 2013 Franchise 500 list. Other notable c-stores on the list are ampm at No. 22 and Circle K at No. 36.

Franchise partners with c-stores that made the list include Subway at No. 2; Dunkin' Donuts at No. 13; Chester's at No. 95; and Blimpie's Subs & Salads at No. 198.

The annual list seeks to reveal the impact of the newest trends and the industries poised for growth, according to the website. The companies included on this year's list were ranked based on financial and statistical data from July 2010 through July 2012.

Companies must have a minimum of 10 units, with at least one in the United States, and be seeking new franchisees within the United States to be eligible for the Franchise 500. All companies are judged by quantifiable measures of the franchise operation, including financial strength and stability; growth rate; length of time in business; startup costs; and other criteria.