Franchise Industry News & Announcements

May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG; NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] announces that David Webster will retire on 31 December 2012. He has been Chairman of the Group since January 2004 and a member of the Board since April 2003. Patrick Cescau will become Chairman upon David’s retirement.
Patrick was Group Chief Executive of Unilever from 2005 to 2008 and previously held other senior positions with the company, including Finance Director and CEO of the Foods Division. He will join the Board of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as Chairman on 1 January 2013.
David Webster said:
"My time with IHG has truly been a career highlight for me and I leave with a feeling of achievement for all that has been done since demerger in 2003...

Latest hotel addition marks dual strategic milestones as Hilton Worldwide’s tenth property and first DoubleTree by Hilton-branded hotel in Japan.
May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // LIMA, Peru and MCLEAN, VA - Hilton Worldwide today opened the DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha in Okinawa, Japan - the tenth Hilton Worldwide hotel in Japan and the first in the fast-growing, upscale DoubleTree by Hilton brand portfolio. Located in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa, the 227-room hotel is directly opposite the Okinawa Monorail station in Asahibashi, 11 minutes away from Naha Airport by monorail and 500 meters away from the local ferry terminal.
"DoubleTree by Hilton is delighted to continue the expansion of our Asia Pacific presence by introducing another rewarding hotel experience with the DoubleTree by Hilton, Naha...

CHANDLER, Ariz., May 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Anytime Fitness, the world's largest and fastest growing 24-hour co-ed fitness franchise, will soon be opening a new location at Chandler Plaza, at 1072 W Chandler Blvd in Chandler AZ.
The location picked by the franchisees is almost exactly in the center in Chandler, AZ, where traffic counts are the highest in town - at the intersection of W Candler Blvd and N Alma School Rd. Anytime Fitness will develop a 5,100-square-foot pad building into a state-of-the-art exercise facility, which will include cardiovascular equipment, personal training, strength training, and functional training in a highly professional and friendly atmosphere.
At Anytime Fitness, members can work out at any time during the day or night, 365 days a year, and access the club with a security-access key when it is not staffed...

The First and Only Franchisor of LED Lighting in North America Celebrates Strong Growth, Prepares For Future at Company Conference
May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // Orlando, FL - LED Source® franchisees from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered together last week for the company’s 2012 Training Conference, held May 17-19 in Orlando. More than 40 LED Source franchise owners, vendors and corporate staff members attended the first-ever training conference led by president and CEO Marcel Fairbairn. The event presented an opportunity for franchisees to network, share ideas and get equipped with the necessary tools to improve business operations and boost sales.
“In the LED business, we are one of the few companies to have cracked the code on successfully offering retrofit solutions, and the goal of the conference was to pass that insight to our franchisees and their employees,” Fairbairn said...

Mark Wahlberg to Appear in New Graduate to Go Ad to Support National Fundraising Campaign in Taco Bell Restaurants
May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // Irvine, CA – The Taco Bell Foundation for Teens’ Graduate to Go initiative is inviting Americans to like, share or tweet to help at-risk teens graduate high school. In return, Taco Bell will give up to $1 million to Graduate to Go to support teen-serving organizations. The $1 million gift represents the more than 1 million students that drop out of high school each year.
The Graduate to Go social media effort is part of a two-week campaign including a TV ad with Mark Wahlberg and national fundraiser in participating Taco Bell restaurants. From May 24 to June 7, Taco Bell will donate $5 for each of the following actions taken (maximum total donation $1 million):

“Like” the custom-designed graduation caps created by Boys & Girls Club teens that will be posted on the Taco Bell Facebook page
Tweet or Retweet using the hashtag #GraduatetoGo
Share Graduate to Go’s new TV ad featuring Mark Wahlberg and teen, Mona Dixon...

May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // Rüsselsheim/Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. Opel, one of Europe's largest car makers and Europcar, the leading car rental company in Europe, announced today that 30 Opel Ampera, the award-winning range extended electric car, are available to hire on short term rental. The Opel Ampera is available for rent since early March in Amsterdam (Netherlands), from now on in Frankfurt (Germany) and in Brussels (Belgium).
To support this joint effort in the promotion of electric mobility, Opel and Europcar plan a joint communication campaign in Germany with airport visibility, online and social media activities, and point of sale supports in all Europcar rental stations.
"We are very happy to be able to provide our customers with the Opel Ampera and help facilitating the expansion of electric cars...

May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // New Haven – Wiggin and Dana lawyers, staff, family and friends participated in the 36th Annual Greater New Haven Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, May 6, 2012, starting at East Rock Park in New Haven.
With over 50 walkers and two dogs, the Wiggin and Dana team was one of the largest teams to participate. Thanks to the support of the firm and individuals across offices, the team raised over $3,000 - the most funds out of any team.
Wiggin and Dana has a long-standing relationship with Connecticut Food Bank. Corporate Partner Mark Kaduboski is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Litigation Partner Jack Dunham is an Honorary Board Member, and Corporate Partner Peter Gruen previously served on the Board of Directors...

Award Recognizes Franchisee for Operational Excellence and Dedication to the Brand’s Core Values
San Antonio, TX - (May 23, 2012) - Massage Heights, an international premium franchise membership massage company that makes regular massage therapy affordable and convenient to the masses announced today that Houston, Texas franchisees Larry and Debbie Weatherford are the recipients of the inaugural Massage Heights Founders Cup Award.
“We are honored to be the inaugural recipients of this award. Being a part of the Massage Heights system has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience for us the past five years and we are very grateful for the support we have received from the entire Massage Heights community”, said the Weatherfords who are franchisees of the Voss and Sugar Land Retreat locations in Houston, Texas...

European Wax Center Marlboro Extends its First-Fime Free Wax Offer to All Guests
Marlboro, NJ (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 - European Wax Center Marlboro is offering a Free Wax promotion to all first time guests. For any new guest that comes in to get waxing in Freehold, Marlboro, NJ for the first time, there are several different types of waxes offered completely free at European Wax Center Marlboro.
Women coming for hair removal in Morganville, Marlboro, New Jersey for the first time can enjoy a free bikini line, eyebrow, or underarm wax at European Wax Center Marlboro. On the other hand, men can enjoy a nose, ear or eyebrow waxing in Manalapan, Marlboro, NJ.
European Wax Center Marlboro provides convenient, affordable, and professional leg waxing in Marlboro, NJ...

Episode of Hit CBS Reality Series, to Rebroadcast Friday, June 1
GURNEE, Ill., May 24, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CBS Television Network is rebroadcasting the episode of the Emmy-nominated reality television series UNDERCOVER BOSS that features BrightStar Care CEO and Co-Founder Shelly Sun, Friday, June 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).
BrightStar Care, one of the fastest growing home healthcare and staffing providers in the country has more than 250 locations across North America. BrightStar Care is one of the few full-service healthcare agencies to offer both medical and non-medical homecare to clients of all ages within their homes, as well as supplemental healthcare staffing to corporate clients such as hospitals and nursing homes...

Diane Duggan, office manager at RE/MAX 1st Choice in Ottawa, Ill., recently was named Administrative Professional of the Year for 2011 by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network. 
CHICAGO, (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 - Diane Duggan, office manager at RE/MAX 1st Choice in Ottawa, Ill., recently was named Administrative Professional of the Year for 2011 by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estatenetwork. The real estate agents who work with her in the Ottawa office thought no one was more deserving of the honor.
Duggan received her award in late April at the 35th Annual RE/MAX Northern Illinois Awards Ceremony, which honors important achievements by RE/MAX associates.
As office manager of RE/MAX 1st Choice, Duggan is the glue that keeps this new RE/MAX office running efficiently...

New Home Care Assistance partnership assists NJ Veterans, who incur medically-related expenses, in predetermining eligibility for the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension.
Monroe, NJ (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 - When a family arrives at a point where they need to secure in-home care services for an aging loved one, one of their biggest concerns is how they will pay for these necessary services. While some individuals do have long-term care insurance and others qualify for Medicaid, the majority of recipients receiving in-home care services pay privately. Most veterans and their surviving spouses are not aware of the VA Aid and Attendance Pension, which will provide financial assistance to those who lack the necessary funds to meet their medical needs...

DALLAS (May 25, 2012) - Management of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), will participate in the upcoming Goldman Sachs Lodging, Gaming, Restaurant and Leisure Conference on June 4th at 1:45 p.m. Eastern.
A simulcast of the presentation will be available on the company's Web site - www.brinker.com. An online replay of the presentation will be available until July 3, 2012. To access the live simulcast of the presentation, please go to the company's Web site at least 15 minutes prior to the presentation to download and install any necessary audio software.
Brinker International either owns, operates, franchises, or is involved in the ownership of more than 1,500 restaurants under the names Chili's Grill & Bar® and Maggiano's Little Italy®...

Aloft Leawood/Overland Park is Honored for Excellence Among North American Hotels
Leawood, KS, May 25, 2012 - (PR.com) - Famous for bringing “style at a steal” to Leawood, Kansas, Aloft Leawood/Overland Park has just earned another accolade, winning the Sales Team of the Year Award from parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT).
Aloft Leawood/Overland Park’s triumph came at an annual gathering of associates from Starwood’s Specialty Select Brand group across North America. At the Miami event, Starwood recognized top performers among hundreds of hotels in a range of categories. Starwood’s Specialty Select Brand group includes Aloft, Element, and Four Points by Sheraton hotels...

Dick's Wings Targets Palatka, Florida as Potential New Site for Additional Location
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Restaurant Concepts, Inc. (OTCBB: ANPZ), the owner, operator and franchisor of Dick's Wings & Grill® restaurants, announced the successful expansion of its Starke, Florida restaurant.
"The response to Dick's Wings re-opening in Starke, Florida has been strong beyond our expectations," stated Michael Rosenberger, CEO of American Restaurant Concepts. "The original location opened 24 months ago and has already outgrown its space. We moved the restaurant into a new, larger 3,200-square-foot facility with a full bar a few months ago, which added more than 1,500 square feet. The move produced a 20% increase in business and we are now looking to open a second restaurant in Palatka, Florida once our development department determines an optimal location...

May 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // GURNEE, IL – BrightStar Group Holdings announced today it has promoted Jayson Pearl to the newly created role of Chief Brand Officer. As CBO of BrightStar Care® and emerging new brands, Mr. Pearl will be responsible for the innovation and implementation of fully integrated brand development strategies across all communication channels, such as the incubation and deployment of BrightStar’s future Assisted Living franchise opportunity.
Mr. Pearl joined BrightStar in 2009 as Vice President of Marketing and Franchisee Onboarding where he led the implementation of a system-wide rebranding effort, development of the BrightStart franchisee launch program, and the pilot program leading to Joint Commission Accreditation of all US BrightStar Care® locations...

May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // Tampa, FL -  Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection has been ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs Magazine for the third year in a row.
The home inspection company currently boasts 125 veteran-owned franchises and honors military veterans year round by offering service members a $1,500 discount off the franchise fee and in-house financing, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.
“By giving military veterans this incentive, we are encouraging development of franchise owners who will bring the unique training they received in the service to benefit the clients of Pillar To Post...

Dairy Queen® Brings Newest Treat Concept to the City
May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // MUSKEGON, Mich. - The Dairy Queen® system always has been about sharing smiles and stories. Now the treat category leader and one of the leaders in quick service restaurants (QSRs) has opened its newest, most exciting treat concept, a DQ® Orange Julius® store in Muskegon, the first in Muskegon County. The new restaurant offers all of the amazing Dairy Queen soft-serve treats and cakes as well as Orange Julius products, including an array of fruit beverages and smoothies. In addition, the store also will serve Dairy Queen signature Iron Grilled Sandwiches. Located within the Lakes Mall food court at 5600 Harvey Street, the 700-square-foot restaurant employs a staff of 15...

May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // Atlanta, GA - Welcomemat Services rolled out the welcome mat for more than 23 franchisees and guests at its first annual national conference April 20 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Ga. The three-day event incorporated award ceremonies, panels and roundtable sessions on growing and developing local franchise business ideas. Special presentations from industry experts and guest speakers were also heard.
Founder and CEO Brian Mattingly took the opportunity to bestow top franchisees with prestigious awards. Among them, Westfield, Ind.-based owners Dave and Sheryl Eickman were named Franchise of the Year, based on a series and ranking of Welcomemat key performance indicators. Wilmington, N.C. owners Frank and Shelli Bernardini were runners up for the award...

May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // SHARON, PA – Quaker Steak & Lube® known for their Best Wings USA and over 20 Award-Winning sauce varieties recently concluded a nationwide search for the one who’s sauce would be crowned Boss. Gatesman+Dave of Pittsburgh created the application that housed the contest on the restaurant chain’s Official Facebook. Lube Nation was given the challenge of combining up to three of The Lube®'s Award-Winning sauces and Dry Rubs to create a sauce-a-licious concoction, give it a name, a photo, and submit it via the online application.
“The Lube’s award-winning sauce variety is the most talked about topic on the Official Quaker Steak & Lube® Facebook fan page,” said Beth Choike of Gatesman+Dave...