Franchise Industry General

New EcoPower motor oil now available at all four Lee County Grease Monkey locations PLANO, Texas, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Grease Monkey, a leading Fast Lube franchise, is "going green" with EcoPower, a new high-quality motor oil that is environmentally friendly and comparably priced with standard motor oils. EcoPower is now available in all four Lee County Grease Monkey locations.

"EcoPower uses much less energy to produce than oil refined from crude," said Grease Monkey franchisee Anthony Zimbicki. "We're excited about offering EcoPower because it conserves resources and reduces dependence on foreign crude."

EcoPower is premium-quality oil produced by re-refining used motor oil and it is certified to meet or exceed the quality standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Society of Automotive Engineers for new motor oil...

DENHAM, England, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announces that its in-house sustainability system Green Engage* has been awarded with a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). IHG has become the first hotel company to receive this award for an existing hotels programme, further cementing its place as an industry leader in the field of sustainability.

A LEED designation is earned by the most sustainable buildings and gives an independent, internationally recognized rating against standards including energy savings, water conservation, and sustainable construction materials...

Leading IT Services Franchise Ranks in Top Third of Growth Category among All Franchises January 24, 2011 // Franchising.com // AUSTIN, Texas – AllBusiness has named CMIT Solutions to its third annual "AllStar Franchise" rankings. The comprehensive listing spotlights the nation's top 300 franchise companies. In its second appearance on the list, CMIT Solutions rose from No. 224 to No. 154.

Dun & Bradstreet's 2011 AllBusiness "AllStar Franchise" rankings assessed the strengths of franchising companies based upon criteria such as franchise unit growth rate, financial strength, system size, availability of financing, and Web (brand) visibility. The company's team of editors researched, compiled, and analyzed more than 800 franchise systems to compile the AllBusiness "AllStar Franchise" list, which draws upon the in-depth financial analysis of its parent company, Dun and Bradstreet...

National Chain of Family Sports Pubs Looking for Local Franchise Partners January 24, 2011 // Franchising.com // TAMPA, FL. – It's game time in Perry, Fla.! Beef 'O' Brady's, the national chain of family sports pubs with more than 200 locations throughout the United States, has announced plans to spread its "wings" in Perry, Fla. Best known for its Buffalo-style chicken wings, Beef's is the place where game time meets family time. Customers are neighbors, friends and teammates. With a fresh perspective on restaurant expansion the Tampa-based chain is the perfect complement to the ongoing development and revitalization efforts in Taylor County.

"Having successfully crafted a community-based model that allows each Beef's fran chisee the opportunity to enjoy personal and professional rewards, we are looking for partners who are firmly rooted in this vibrant and growing community," said James Walker, chief development officer at Beef 'O' Brady's...

Offers Gym Owners an Opportunity to Convert Clubs to Rapidly Expanding National Brand January 24, 2011 // Franchising.com // COLTS NECK, N.J. – RetroFitness, a national gym concept known for providing great value at a low retro-price, is rescuing independent club operators. As part of its national growth strategy, RetroFitness is offering to support gym owners struggling in today's tough economy or who want the benefit of being part of a growing brand and the proven RetroFitness business model.

During the past six months, RetroFitness has converted gyms in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., and Glen Cove, N.J. A third independent club operator is in the process of converting to a RetroFitness branded location in New Rochelle, N.Y. Additional agreements are currently under negotiation...

Simple Pleasures, Like Great Craft Brews, Fresh Coffee, and Free Bottled Water, Have Made Four Points a Hit with Travelers Worldwide www.fourpoints.com WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Comfort, style, and value are the latest arrivals at Houston's Hobby Airport.

Four Points by Sheraton, the fast-growing hotel brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), today announced the opening of a third hotel in Houston with a 79-room property just steps from Hobby. Four Points "simple pleasures" philosophy has made the brand a massive hit with travelers everywhere by giving guests everything they need, plus the extras they love - all with superior service and modern style.

Boasting an unbeatable location at 8720 Gulf Freeway - near downtown, with easy access to Interstate 45 - the brand-new Four Points Houston Hobby Airport situates guests near major corporate headquarters, attractions, and arenas...

Foot Solutions of Estero, a Fort Myers running and specialty shoe store, is a collection drop-off point for shoes to be donated to local charities providing shoes for SWFL children and families in need. To encourage people to participate, Foot Solutions of Estero will offer a discount for purchases made that day to those who donate shoes. Fort Myers, FL, January 20, 2011 --(PR.com)-- When people think of Southwest Florida, the images that often come to mind include beautiful beaches, sunshine, golf, shopping, and dining. There are many affluent communities that are home to those who have worked hard to retire in this little piece of paradise. However, there are other images of Southwest Florida which are not quite so sunny. A number of families in Southwest Florida are struggling each day to ensure that their children have suitable clothes and shoes to wear...

Baby Boot Camp is launching a 3 month fitness challenge to find America's Fittest Mom. Campbell, CA, January 20, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Baby Boot Camp's 2011 "Mother Love Fitness Challenge" Starts Jan. 31.

Baby Boot Camp is searching for America's fittest mom. By signing up for Baby Boot Camp's 2011 "Mother Love Fitness Challenge," local moms will commit to three months of regular exercise as they engage in friendly competition with each other while working towards reaching their New Year's fitness goals. Moms will be rewarded with monthly prizes for challenges such as most push-ups, most inches lost, and fastest 1/2 mile time pushing 1 child in a stroller (or 2 if they have them).

"New Year's resolutions to get fit often fail because we don't have the motivation to keep us inspired and accountable –and moms have the added challenge of balancing family, work and personal time," says August Patterson, the South Bay's franchise owner and certified fitness instructor for Baby Boot Camp, the nation's premier stroller-fitness program...

Top affiliates changing daily as voting competition nears end MEMPHIS, Tenn., Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The three Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) affiliates receiving awards in the American Home Shield® Challenge for Change(SM) (AHS Challenge) will likely be decided by the last few votes cast on January 31.

With less than a week remaining in the online voting competition, the battle for the top position and grand prize of $25,000 has become intense between Habitat affiliates in Greater Columbus (OH) and Pierce County/Tacoma (WA). Both have received more than 45,000 online votes, and totals continue to grow by the hundreds each day.

And while Habitat Maumee Valley (OH) and Habitat Seattle/South King County (WA) appear to be front runners for the third place prize of $10,000, a last minute rally could push any of the remaining Habitat affiliates into prize contention, including Greater Memphis (TN), Almost Heaven (WV), Chicago South Suburbs (IL), Genesee County (MI), Indian River (FL), Lake County (IL), Morris County (NJ), Detroit (MI), Kansas City (MO), Washington, D...

SATURDAY, January 22nd Noon-4 p.m. CANTON, Mass., Jan. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

WHO: The entire Lathrop, CA community is invited to come see the new look of the Baskin-Robbins store. Baskin-Robbins, local community members and local business owners, as well as friends and family, are invited to join in the festivities.

WHAT: Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, announces its newest store in Lathrop, CA located at 15108 S. Harlan Rd. The ice cream icon has recently remodeled this location and welcomes the community to celebrate the look and feel of the new store.

To celebrate, the franchise owners, Kamal Dhami, are hosting a Grand Opening event.

Saturday, January 22nd from Noon – 4 p...

The Country's Fastest Growing Barbecue Chain Signs Franchise Agreement in Evergreen State FEDERAL WAY, Wash., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest and fastest growing barbecue chain in the country, adds a new state to their national expansion this week as they take on a franchisee in Washington State.

"We have been eying Washington State for some time," Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Development Director Richard Phillips said. "This is a huge win for us and for the future of Dickey's on the west coast. We have a very strong presence in California, but we needed to begin targeting farther north on the coastline."

The new Dickey's location will be built in Federal Way, Washington, just south of Seattle...

The Country's Largest Growing Barbecue Chain Opens New Locations In Seekonk SEEKONK, Mass., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest, fastest growing barbecue chain in the country, well-known for their hot, pit-smoked meats, free ice cream, and big yellow cups —has now opened its first Massachusetts location.

The Dickey's franchise location in Massachusetts is owned by Douglas Comolli.

"Barbecue is an underserved niche in Massachusetts, and there is a lot of excitement about bringing Dickey's here," Franchise Owner Douglas Comolli said.

The store is located at 20 Commerce Way in Seekonk.

General Manager LA Fagioli said food has always been her passion and being a part of Dickey's in Seekonk has been a very rewarding experience so far...

Lancaster-based business coaching firm wins the Firm of the Year award at ActionCOACH's Americas Conference this year in Las Vegas, Nevada. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ActionCOACH, the world's number one business and executive coaching firm, hosted its 2011 Americas Regional Conference at the Aliante Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and named its Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based business coaching firm as its "Firm of the Year."

The Firm of the Year award recognizes excellence across several metrics, including revenue, client growth, profitability, and client success and retention.

ActionCOACH founder and Chairman Brad Sugars presented this award.

"With the ActionCOACH business coaching firm model, it is incredible to see what this synergetic effort can do for a coaching business," Sugars said...

Firm Named One of the 50 Top Franchises for Veterans Second Year in a Row! January 21, 2011 // Franchising.com // Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – The New Miami Subs Grill, originator of the fast/casual restaurant concept, today announced it has been selected as one of the 50 Top Franchises for Veterans by World Franchising Network/./This is the second year in a row the Ft. Lauderdale-based chain has been chosen for this prestigious honor. This national recognition is a direct result of the New Miami Subs Grill's commitment to the recruitment and advancement of veterans within the company and its policy to provide veterans with incentives to acquire a franchise.

The 50 companies included in this honor were selected from hundreds of companies requesting evaluation for inclusion in a Jan...

January 21, 2011 // Franchising.com // DALLAS – Gold's Gym International (GGI), the world's leading authority on health and fitness, today announced the hiring of Tim Keightley to the newly-created position of Vice President of Fitness. Keightley is an industry veteran who has led the personal training, group exercise and sales operations for some of the biggest fitness companies in the space. In his new role at GGI, he will lead the company's personal training and group exercise departments, with a focus on innovation and member experience.

"This move is part of our continued efforts to attract the brightest minds in the industry," said Jim Snow, President of Gold's Gym International. "Tim brings a proven track record of growth and creativity in the areas of personal training and group exercise...

DEERFIELD, IL, Jan 21, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the premium convenience restaurant company, today reported that system-wide comparable restaurant sales for the 2010 fourth quarter as measured for restaurants in operation for more than 15 months recorded an aggregate 4.5% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. The breakdown in comparable sales between Company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants are as follows:

For the 13 weeks ended
December 27, 2010
-----------------------
Company-owned 6.1%
Franchise-operated 1...

Company reopens in the Philippines with a new master franchisee ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, has opened its first store in Bulgaria, with the promise of hot, delicious pizza for the residents of Sofia.

The master franchisee for Bulgaria is Anatron Food Services, who also serves as the master franchisee for Domino's Pizza in Greece and Cyprus.

However, the stores in Bulgaria will be operated by LN Solutions, owned by Lazgin Majid and Nikola Nikolov. The two partners have experience with other fast food franchises, as well as a non-food franchise, and also are involved in other businesses in the country. Their broad business experience in Bulgaria makes them well-positioned to develop Domino's into a leading brand in the country...

Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette Hotel To Open Spring 2011 near Purdue U., Purdue Research Park WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Jan 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to introduce its fast-growing Four Points brand to Indiana's West Lafayette metro area. Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette, adjacent to Purdue Research Park and just one mile from Purdue University, is scheduled to open in late spring 2011.

With extensive renovations to guest rooms and public areas, and smart enhancements throughout the property, the former University Plaza Hotel has undergone a complete overhaul in preparation for its new start as a Four Points. Owned by an affiliate of White Plains, NY-based True North Management Group, and managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group, Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette will offer 171 comfortable and stylish guest rooms and suites, market-leading meeting facilities, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and other amenities that have made Four Points a favorite with travelers worldwide...

DENVER, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Smashburger, a nationally-acclaimed, industry-leading "better burger" restaurant, has appointed four new members to its executive leadership team. The fast-growing chain's new leaders bring experience from some of the world's most successful companies and brands, including McDonald's, Blue Moon, Clorox and Chipotle.

Craig Leonard will serve as Executive Vice President and President International, Julie Reeves will serve as Vice President of Marketing, David Milliken will serve as Vice President of Marketing and Chris Smith with serve as Regional Director of Operations.

"These appointments signify the bright future Smashburger has as it strives to become America's favorite place for burgers," said David Prokupek, CEO & Chairman of Smashburger...

KENOSHA, Wis., Jan 20, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) will release 2010 fourth quarter and full year results prior to the market open on Thursday, February 3, 2011. A conference call to discuss the results will be held at 10:00 am ET on that day. The conference call, with accompanying slides, will be webcast live via the Internet.

To access the call, visit www.snapon.com/sna and click on the link to the webcast. The release can also be accessed on the Snap-on Web site. An archived replay will be available for at least 10 days following the call. About SNA Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users...