Art Franchise Industry News & Announcements

FY13 On-Pace to be a Record Year for Franchise Activity for Marketing and Print Industry Leader 
May 21, 2013 // Franchising.com // SALT LAKE CITY – AlphaGraphics, Inc., a global leader in marketing and print communications solutions, announced today the addition of three franchisees located in New York, New Mexico and Rhode Island to its global network.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, AlphaGraphics plans, produces and manages visual communications for businesses at nearly 300 owner-operated, locally based business centers worldwide.
Steven Service spent 20 years with the Xerox Corporation, and is utilizing his knowledge of the print industry to open a new AlphaGraphics business center in the upstate New York area...

Largest Sign Franchise Ranked #31 in efforts to help veterans.
West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 21, 2013 - SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign company, announced today that its “Salute Our Veterans” program has been recognized by Military Times with a ranking of 31st on its list of Best for Vets: Franchises survey rankings. SIGNARAMA is the only sign franchise recognized in the ranking.
The 2013 edition of the survey is a definitive list based on results of a rigorous survey regarding accommodations for service members and veterans and includes consideration of a company’s culture, franchise unit performance, franchise costs, and the support offered to current and former service members.
“SIGNARAMA is taking the lead in providing opportunities to service members who typically enjoy the freedom of working for themselves, as well as the support and training of being able to rely on the established SIGNARAMA brand and business practices, said “JT” Jim Tatem, President of SIGNARAMA...

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // Jackson, MI - KidzArt/Art Innovators, an international provider of art enrichment for all ages, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
KidzArt/Art Innovators honors military veterans by waiving the franchise fee for qualified service members. Their Veteran's program also offers a protected territory, a Web page, a $500 online class registration system, $1000 off all start up marketing services, complete business and art training and on-going franchise support.
"KidzArt/Art Innovators is proud of this Military Friendly designation and of the fact that we allow veterans to use their background and training to launch a new civilian career with us," according to KidzArt CEO Sue Bartman...

Mesa, Arizona (PRWEB) May 14, 2013 - AlphaGraphics Mesa is one of the three AlphaGraphics centers owned by Steve Adams. Earlier this year, Steve’s other two centers have been honored by both the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. AlphaGraphics Tempe on Elliot Rd. received the Tempe Chamber’s Business Excellence Award and Steve Adams, representing AlphaGraphics Phoenix – Northwest Valley won the Glendale Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award.
On Friday evening, April 26, 2013, AlphaGraphics Mesa on Baseline Road won the prestigious Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award. AlphaGraphics Mesa is one of the three AlphaGraphics centers owned by Steve Adams...

Leading Marketing & Print Franchise Signs Four Multi-Unit Agreements 
May 08, 2013 // Franchising.com // SALT LAKE CITY – AlphaGraphics, Inc., a global leader in marketing and print communications solutions, announced today the introduction of an innovative enterprise-level franchise option for new and existing franchisees.
Since introducing the enterprise investment opportunity late last year, AlphaGraphics has signed four new multi-unit franchise agreements, bringing the hub and spokes model to Ohio, Tennessee, New Mexico and Texas.
“AlphaGraphics welcomes these new multi-unit franchisees to our growing system, and we look forward to working collaboratively to open the first AG Studio,” said Dave Buzza, vice president of global development...

The United Franchise Group announces a new SIGNARAMA franchise opening in Cumming, GA., under the ownership of Buford resident Frederick Turner.
Cumming, GA, May 05, 2013 - (PR.com) - SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest sign franchise, announces a new store at 2920 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Suite 105, under the ownership of Frederick Turner, who lives in nearby Buford.
Before becoming a SIGNARAMA franchisee, Turner worked for well - known retail and restaurant brands such as Target, Checkers, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.
“SIGNARAMA is really the right fit for me because it is a family-oriented business that allows me the opportunity to grow and the freedom of working for myself,” says Turner. “I'm excited about servicing the businesses in the Forsyth County and North Georgia areas...

Largest Sign Franchise Named One of World’s Top Franchise Opportunities.
West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) May 01, 2013 - SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest full-service sign business, announced today that it has been ranked 53rd on Franchise Direct’s Top 100 Global Franchises. This is the company's third consecutive year on the listing, which is a definitive and exclusive list detailing the franchises which are performing best on an international level. The full list is available on Franchise Direct’s website. Of all the sign stores combined internationally, SAR makes up 80 percent of the sign franchise market.
“SIGNARAMA has always had a strong focus on growing our brand internationally and today we have locations in more than 50 countries...

Fastest-Growing Paint and Sip Franchise Earns Top Industry Recognitions
HOUSTON - April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, has kicked off 2013 by earning several commendations for its continued growth and success.
In March 2013, Pinot's Palette became the only Paint and Sip franchise included on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top New Franchises list. All companies included on the list were ranked according to financial strength, growth rate, and size, as well as other factors such as startup costs and percentage of terminations.
Company President Charles Willis notes that this is not the first time the company has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine...

Leading Marketing and Print Franchise Also Highlights 22 Additional Franchise Veterans 
April 16, 2013 // Franchising.com // SALT LAKE CITY – AlphaGraphics, Inc., a global leader in marketing and print communications solutions, announced today that eight franchise centers are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. In addition to the eight, another 22 franchisees have been in business with AlphaGraphics for more than 20 years.

Larry Winzeler, Provo and Lehi, Utah
Frank and Barbara Kohout, Wheaton, Illinois
David Orpin, Nashua, New Hampshire
Connie Levinson and David Goodare, Concord, Massachusetts
Mike Sparaco, Tempe, Arizona
David Boone, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Cash Bestor, Scottsdale, Arizona
Tom Hopkins, Hillsborough, New Jersey

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our franchisees reach this milestone anniversary,” said Art Coley, president of AlphaGraphics...

Sign & Graphics Franchise Receives Top Ratings from Franchisees, Earns Multiple Accolades
CARROLLTON, Texas (April 15, 2013) – FASTSIGNS®, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries that has consistently received high accolades in the United States for achieving high levels of franchisee satisfaction, has duplicated that success in Canada.
The franchisor was recently recognized as the Gold winner of the 2013 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Award of Excellence in Franchising in the Traditional – Mature Category. FASTSIGNS was also honored as a recipient of the Franchisees’ Choice designation for the second time. Both awards were presented on April 8, 2013 during a Gala Awards Presentation at the 22nd annual CFA National Convention in Montréal, Québec...

Local Business Owner Helps Community Go Stress-Free by Making the Extra Trip across Town
April 15, 2013 // Franchising.com // If it wasn’t for the AIM Mail Center in the Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center, those in Dana Point who couldn’t make it to the local post office by 5:30 p.m. on Tax Day, Monday April 15th, 2013 would have to drive to the U.S. Post Office on Fairview Road in Costa Mesa to mail their taxes.
Luckily, store owner Mike Lee is willing to do the legwork again this year. Mike first made the extra run 8 years ago and decided to offer the convenience annually. He will transport all mail that is brought into his store before 10 p.m. to the main post office in Costa Mesa.
“I thought this would be a great way to save a lot of people the stress and time of driving 30 minutes up to Costa Mesa to meet the deadline,” said Lee “Over the past eight years, I’ve had people drive as far as 20 miles so they could get their last minute tax mailing done...

FASTSIGNS® Continually Earns High Marks from Franchisees; Receives Validation by Third Party
April 09, 2013 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – FASTSIGNS, the worldwide franchisor for the more than 540 FASTSIGNS sign, graphic and visual communications centers in eight countries, continually proves that open, transparent communication and thorough, ongoing training and support lead to satisfied franchise partners.
As a result of ongoing initiatives to maintain and continually improve franchisee satisfaction, FASTSIGNS was among a select group of companies to be certified as a 2013 World-Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute. This marks FASTSIGNS second straight year to earn the recognition for high franchisee satisfaction ratings...

Decor&You Provides Tips for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Oasis
SOUTHBURY, CT - (Marketwire - Apr 8, 2013) - Spring is in the air, which means it's time to get your exterior living spaces ready for outdoor entertaining. Although this process can be enjoyable for some, many homeowners become overwhelmed with the amount of work that needs to be done. Decor&You®, one of America's leading, full-service interior decorating franchises, shares secrets for getting started and key tips to keep in mind when refreshing your home's exterior.
"The best part about summer is enjoying your outdoor space," said Decor&You Founder and CEO Karen Powell, who added that April is the perfect time to start preparing the exterior of your home for summer entertaining...

Fastest-Growing Paint and Sip Franchise Announces 5 New Studios, Including New Markets
HOUSTON - April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Pinot's Palette, a national Paint and Sip franchise known for providing guests with an entertaining evening of art and wine, announced five new franchise agreements this week. The fast-growing brand will expand its presence in Illinois with a new location in Naperville, and in Texas with a new franchise in College Station. This latest expansion will also include the company's first locations in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina.
Company President Charles Willis says the latest expansion marks an exciting time for Pinot's Palette, which is now the fastest-growing Paint and Sip brand in the country.
"Last year, the brand awarded twenty-two new franchises, including our first studios in the Northeast, with locations in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut," Willis says...

Children's art and creativity programs set to get underway in Northwest Arkansas this spring.
March 29, 2013 // Franchising.com // Reston, VA - Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education is expanding its reach to children with the addition of its first franchise unit in Arkansas. The mother/daughter duo Cora J. and Joy Davis of Fayetteville will be providing a wide range of art programs to include visual arts classes, camps, workshops, as well as in-school field trips, special events and arty parties at schools, community centers, faith-based locations and other sites that serve children throughout Northwest Arkansas to include Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale.
"We are delighted to welcome Joy and Cora to our award-winning Abrakadoodle franchise system," said Rosemarie Hartnett, CFE, President and Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle, Inc...

FASTSIGNS® to Discuss International Franchise Opportunities and Franchise Co-branding and Conversion Initiatives
March 27, 2013 // Franchising.com // CARROLLTON, Texas – FASTSIGNS International Inc., the worldwide franchisor of FASTSIGNS® visual communications, signage and graphics centers, will be exhibiting at the 2013 ISA International Sign Expo to speak with independent business owners about all of its franchise programs and opportunities for international franchise agreements.
The show, which will be held April 4-6 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, is the largest show in the world serving the on-premise sign industry, with the largest array of sign industry and digital imaging products available, valuable educational programs and invaluable networking opportunities...

New System-Wide Charitable Program Will Benefit Local Charities
March 25, 2013 // Franchising.com // Chicago, Ill. - This spring, art and wine party franchise Bottle & Bottega is giving back to the community through its new “Creating for a Cause” program. Starting on April 22, Bottle & Bottega locations throughout the country will kick off the new charitable program with special Earth Day themed parties, where guests will paint murals, onesies, baby bibs and burp cloths to donate to local charities. As part of its mission, all Bottle & Bottega studios will continue to host “Creating for a Cause” parties to benefit a variety of community organizations throughout the year, marked by the “Creating for a Cause” logo on studios’ event calendars...

Franchisee Satisfaction Helps Digital Printing Franchise PostNet Stand Out, Market Research Site Says
DENVER, CO - (Marketwire - Mar 19, 2013) - Digital printing and business solutions franchise PostNet has been named one of the Top 50 franchises by Franchise Business Review. The market research company rates franchise systems based on franchisee satisfaction, and studies training and support, operations, the financial opportunity and franchisor/franchisee relations.
As Franchise Business Review explains on its site, "for the prospective franchise buyer, investing in a franchise is one of the most significant investments and life-changing events they will ever experience. There are many factors to consider before buying a franchise and chief among those factors is satisfaction levels of current franchisees...

March 08, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHARLOTTE, N.C. – SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest sign franchise, announces a new store at 8506 South Tryon Street in the Whitehall Corners office park, under the ownership of local resident Mark Martins.
Before becoming a SIGNARAMA franchisee, Martins spent 13 years in the hospitality industry. Prior to that, he spent several years in the retail industry working for a local jeweler in his native country, Trinidad, as a consultant and branch manager. Martins is currently the owner and CEO of MTM Concepts Inc., a consulting, training and convention management firm specializing in human development, communications and brand differentiation for the hotel and retail industries.
“SIGNARAMA was the clear choice to expand my business sphere for a number of reasons, including the reputation and size of the franchise system, extensive product menu, and wealth of resources and support available to franchisees,” says Martins...

Gives back to community through annual Signs of Support program. Deadline is March 30.
Edmonton, Canada, March 07, 2013 - (PR.com) - Edmonton SIGNARAMA achieved the highest number of online sales among North American SIGNARAMAs in 2012. They received 127 online orders in 2012, averaging ten orders per month.
Colin Reid, owner of Edmonton SIGNARAMA, credits improvements to their website’s search engine optimization and organic search rankings in the past year and a half. Reid also used sandwich boards outside his store, word of mouth at events and trade shows, and he hosted a barbeque in the store parking lot to meet local clients.
“Not only did the public awareness about our website raise our online sales, it helped our in-store sales grow, too,” said Reid...