Entertainment Franchise Industry News & Announcements

BounceU locations across the country host "Big, Big Bounce" event on May 22.
May 21, 2013 // Franchising.com // TEMPE, Ariz. – BounceU, a popular franchise that fulfills the birthday wishes of children around the country with its lively, whimsical parties, brings its campaign with Make-A-Wish to a close with a national fundraising event.
On the heels of their April 29 campaign launch, BounceU announces the culmination of their fundraising efforts with a system-wide “Big, Big BounceSM” event. BounceU locations nationwide will join together on Wednesday, May 22 offering families across the country an opportunity to help turn their goal of raising $50,000 into reality.
“BounceU sought a partnership with Make-A-Wish because we believe our core mission and values are in alignment,” said BounceU CEO Lee Knowlton...

PARSIPPANY, NJ - (Marketwired - May 21, 2013) - Looking to get a little something extra out of this year's summer vacation? Take a ZOOcation! Stay two consecutive nights at your favorite Travelodge® hotel and in addition to great rates and a comfy room, you'll receive two complimentary children's tickets good at more than 135 participating zoos across the country.
Created through an association between Travelodge, National Geographic and The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Travelodge ZOOcation promotion runs through September 30, 2013 and is only available at Travelodge.com. Free children's tickets are awarded in the form of a voucher and are redeemable when combined with the purchase of an equal number of adult admissions at a participating AZA-accredited zoo...

78-room property brings Hamptonality to Texas
May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // PORT ARANSAS, Texas - Hampton Hotels, the global brand of over 1,900 mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton hotels worldwide, today announced the official opening of its newest property, the 78-room Hampton Inn & Suites Port Aransas located at 2208 Highway 361.
"Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice in the marketplace today," said Ravi Patel, general manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites Port Aransas. "Quality accommodations and amenities combined with proactive, friendly service from our team members - all backed by the 100% Hampton® Guarantee - make us highly competitive in the Port Aransas area...

Martin Tardif will oversee all support staff, with worldwide responsibilities for store operational and financial analytics, as well as franchise support.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - Charles Beaupre, CEO of Play N Trade brings in a senior level executive, Martin Tardif. Tardif immediately increased the support system for Play N Trade by adding two senior support specialists. Jean Frederick Benoit and Mauricio Flores joined the team in April 2013. Franchisees are already seeing an increase in support worldwide.
Tardif has implemented a process he developed for Play N Trade called Franchise Business Improvement Plan (FBIP), a unique process which includes store analytics and benchmarking for each franchise owner. This is a system wide outreach program involving conference calls to franchisees, insight into all reporting, corporate staff being utilized for marketing services, an overview of projected profits, with the continued support of stores through every stage of their business cycle...

TapSnap has arrived in northern New Jersey (just a hop, skip and jump across the Hudson from New York City) and it's taking the wedding photo booth trend to an entirely different level. 
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - May 17, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - TapSnap has arrived in northern New Jersey (just a hop, skip and jump across the Hudson from New York City) and it's taking the wedding photo booth trend to an entirely different level.
"Every wedding I went to in the last year had a photo booth," said 32-year-old Milton Guerrero, a Cedar Knolls, N.J. resident who is the local owner of the newly minted TapSnap franchise. "But TapSnap breaks the mold of the traditional photo booth. Because that giant screen is out there in the open, it draws a lot of attention and brings the crowd together...

Craft Beer Tavern Celebrates American Craft Beer Week With Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
TAMPA, Fla. - May 9, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - World of Beer (WOB), a thriving beer-centric tavern boasting an extensive collection of brews from around the globe, is excited to announce a partnership with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery during American Craft Beer Week. World of Beer locations throughout the country will be tapping multiple Dogfish Head brews on the same day, with over 400 Dogfish Head beers on tap on Thursday, May 16.
Kicking off this exclusive event will be a virtual appearance by Dogfish Founder and President, Sam Calagione, on Thursday, May 16. Following this appearance will be a nationwide toast. This is the first time that World of Beer has participated in a multi-unit tap takeover like this...

Refueled is a program benefiting the Play N Trade system by initiating a sell back option on all consumer electronics.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) May 13, 2013 - Play N Trade has launched a premier program that allows franchisees to trade in their consumer electronics to corporate for credit toward royalties. Refueled is a cost effective way for a franchise owner to save on royalties and to increase cash flow. Consumer electronics include all cell phones “dead or alive,” tablets, and portable media players. It also provides an internal market of consumer electronics for owners that need to purchase items.
This program is effective immediately and available to all stores. Since its introduction many franchise owners have participated and have capitalized on this initiative...

Gives Credit to Dedicated Team, Supportive Franchise Partners and Return to Core Values
CHATTANOOGA, TN - (Marketwired - May 10, 2013) - As Krystal marks its first year under the ownership of Argonne Capital Group, President and CEO Doug Pendergast shared significant milestones and changes that will pave the way for the iconic brand's future success.
Pendergast noted that in just the nine months of 2012 following the purchase by Argonne Capital, both sales and transactions have grown. Further, the company's profitability is up, providing store level employees with a share of the increased profits via a richer bonus program.
Pendergast stated that in addition to the increases in sales and profits, the company also paid down a significant portion of its debt...

Nearly 150 Brand Leaders, VIPs Gather for ‘Hamptonality United’ Event Unveiling New-Build Hampton Inn Manhattan/United Nations and Honoring Hampton’s Global Diversity, Strength
May 09, 2013 // Franchising.com // McLean, Va. – Phil Cordell, global head, focused service and Hampton brand management at Hilton Worldwide and Jim Holthouser, executive vice president, global brands at Hilton Worldwide welcomed nearly 150 hospitality industry leaders and New York City VIPs for the grand opening of Hampton Hotels’ 1,900th property, the Hampton Inn Manhattan/United Nations, yesterday evening, May 8. In addition to marking the 1,900 milestone, the evening celebrated the overall growth of Hampton Hotels, the international brand of mid-priced Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and Hampton by Hilton properties...

First Mid-Year Conference in New York City Wraps Up on the Breakaway Cruise Ship
May 09, 2013 // Franchising.com // CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – More than 400 Cruise Planners travel advisors convened in New York City this week for the company's first mid-year conference where they released new, exclusive technology and announced overall sales are up with record-breaking wave season purchases.
"Cruise purchases are up 25 percent over this period last year," said CFO Tom Kruszewski. "The 2013 wave season purchases are off the chart. The luxury segment is trending high with a 60 percent growth on average and river cruising continues to show the most demand with sales up 75 percent. The overall purchase mix is expanding with land tours continuing to increase our piece of the pie...

The revolutionary new TapSnap phototainment system has arrived in Houston, Texas, and parties and corporate events will never be the same again. 
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - May 08, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - The revolutionary new TapSnap phototainment system has arrived in Houston, Texas, and parties and corporate events will never be the same again.
"The photo booth has been around forever," said Gene Haddock, the TapSnap franchisee for Houston. "Until now, it's never adapted to the new technology. TapSnap is breaking new ground by capitalizing on the latest technology available and social media. It has taken photo entertainment to an entirely different level. And there's no booth so everyone can join in the fun."
Launch at over two dozen U...

May 08, 2013 // Franchising.com // LOS ANGELES - Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, creator of the world's first wall-to-wall trampoline playing court, announces the location of its first Richmond park. The innovative company has signed a lease and will be opening at 1345 Carmia Way, Richmond, VA 23235 in late 2013. The 37,500 square foot facility will be home to one of the largest trampoline parks in the country.
Sky Zone will defy gravity with its newest park, offering Richmond area residents the ultimate 3-D play experience. The all-trampoline walled courts are designed for optimal air time with popular activities such as Open Jump, offering a court of connecting trampolines where the sky is the limit, 3-D Dodgeball, for a fresh new take on that favorite childhood pastime and SkyRobics, an innovative fitness class that tones, strengthens and trains those looking to get a jump start on their fitness routine! Freestyle flyers can also practice their moves as they soar into the Foam Pit...

Comparable Store Sales Increase 1.6%
Declares Dividend and Authorizes Additional Share Repurchases
IRVING, Texas - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 2, 2013 - CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced its financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2013. Total revenues for the first quarter of 2013 increased 3.4%, or $8.5 million, to $255.3 million from $246.8 million for the first quarter of 2012. The increase primarily related to a 1.6% increase in comparable store sales, as well as additional revenue from six net new stores opened since the first quarter of 2012.
Net income for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 increased to $33.3 million compared to $32.3 million for the first quarter of 2012. Diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2013 was $1...

May 02, 2013 // Franchising.com // LOS ANGELES - Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, creator of the world's first all-trampoline, walled playing court, is getting ready to open its newest franchise in Westlake, OH in June, 2013. The brand new 29,000 square foot facility will include three 3-D Dodgeball courts, a SkySlam Basketball court, Foam Zone and huge Open Jump court. Sky Zone will hire 70 employees over the coming months in preparation for the opening.
Sky Zone will defy gravity with its newest park, offering Cleveland residents the ultimate 3-D play experience. The all-trampoline walled courts are designed for optimal air time with popular activities such as Open Jump, offering a court of connecting trampolines where the sky is the limit, 3-D Dodgeball, for a fresh new take on that favorite childhood pastime and SkyRobics, an innovative fitness class that tones, strengthens and trains those looking to get a jump start on their fitness routine! Freestyle flyers can also practice their moves as they soar into the Foam Pit...

The Family Entertainment Leader Gives Away Daily and Weekly Prizes with Facebook Sweepstakes
DALLAS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 2, 2013 - Recently, America’s favorite mouse went high tech with the introduction of Chuck E. Cheese’s first-ever downloadable app. Now, the family entertainment leader is extending the fun and prizes seen in its stores to its Facebook community and even more social audiences with Chuck E.’s Say “Cheese” to Win Photo Contest on Facebook.
Available for free download now, Chuck E.’s Say Cheese! App makes trips to Chuck E. Cheese’s even more fun for kids of all ages. Using augmented reality, the app allows parents and kids to take fun photos with an animated version of Chuck E...

Local resident Kelly Craig has brought the joy of TapSnap phototainment to the Toledo region. 
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - May 01, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - Local resident Kelly Craig has brought the joy of TapSnap phototainment to the Toledo region. Launched this April at various locations across North America, TapSnap is the special event photo booth reinvented as an open-concept, high-tech phototainment system that is instantly connected to social media.
"The technology is so amazing -- what you can do! I love TapSnap's ability to upload instantly to Facebook and other social media at an event. People are so into social media right now, TapSnap almost sells itself. And to be able to see photos from an event as they are taken in real-time is a huge benefit," said Craig, 29, who lives in Fremont, Ohio...

Play N Trade and FraggedNation partner to provide an epic gaming experience for all to enjoy.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) May 01, 2013 - In a world encapsulated by competition, Play N Trade and FraggedNation agree to a partnership that will increase awareness in the competitive gaming industry. Play N Trade will be promoted through FraggedNation’s social, competitive gaming website, and their 120,000 member base, as well as many other visitors to the site. In return, Play N Trade will support the FraggedNation community by providing gifts and prize packages for their competitors.
This event will provide an opportunity for gamers of all levels to dive into gaming’s competitive nature. This partnership will be hosting a Black Ops: COD tournament on August 17, 2013 and August 24th for international...

FORT WAYNE, IN - Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park opens first ever location in Fort Wayne, IN to offer a thrilling 3-D experience for the whole family atop a court of connecting trampolines. Specializing in Active Fun, the creator of the world’s first indoor trampoline park has a variety of gravity defying activities that will get people of all ages jumping for joy. Beginning today, Fort Wayne residents are welcomed to hop into Sky Zone to check out the wildly popular activity that has the whole country bouncing off the walls!
Sky Zone’s wall-to-wall trampoline courts are designed as a fun and fit outing for all ages, shapes and sizes. The innovative trampoline park offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, from Open Jump, allowing guests to leap, bound and soar to their hearts’ content to 3-D Dodgeball for those who enjoy a friendly competition...

Minneapolis, MN (April 17, 2013) - Cruise Holidays showed off a new look for its consumer-facing marketing materials, updated franchise owners on the success of their recent Facebook sweepstakes, and rolled out or announced the expansion of several programs designed to attract and retain clients, all during Cruise Holidays’ 2013 Mid-Year Meeting, April 12-14, 2013.
Updated Website & Marketing Materials
Cruise Holidays’ website, www.cruiseholidays.com, is receiving a substantial makeover, along with the franchise network’s consumer-facing email communications and printed brochures. Changes to the website, phasing in over the next three months, include a redesigned home page and interior pages. Equally as important, Cruise Holidays is adding new written content areas – including professionally-written cruise reviews – designed to attract and retain site visitors’ attention...

Fundraising Effort Starts April 29, on 33rd birthday of Make-A-Wish, Culminating on May 22 with “Big, Big Bounce”
April 26, 2013 // Franchising.com // TEMPE, Ariz. – BounceU, a popular franchise that fulfills the birthday wishes of children around the country with its lively, whimsical parties, announced an alliance today with Make-A-Wish to help the organization fulfill the wishes of more children with life-threatening medical conditions. Starting April 29, 2013 and culminating on May 22 with a “Big, Big BounceSM” system-wide event, BounceU’s 51 locations in 19 states have set a goal to raise at least $50,000 for Make-A-Wish as the charitable organization celebrates its 33rd birthday – officially known as “World Wish Day”
“Supporting an organization like Make-A-Wish that truly aligns with our own mission and values is extremely gratifying for us,” said Lee Knowlton, CEO of BounceU...