Franchise Industry Media Coverage

Interstate Batteries® Offers Cold Weather Battery Care Tips
DALLAS (Jan. 11, 2012) — As Old Man Winter begins to grip the nation, Interstate Batteries encourages motorists to protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on most each day. Cold weather can influence a vehicle engine to put twice as much stress on the battery.
"Basic battery maintenance can prevent freezing and battery damage from severe winter weather," said Gale Kimbrough, Interstate Batteries technical service manager. "Preventative measures — such as keeping vehicles in garages, purchasing a battery heater and choosing the right type of battery for specific regions of the country — are always helpful in conserving your battery's life...

PARSIPPANY, NJ--(Marketwire - Feb 3, 2012) - Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest real estate sales organization, today unveiled its first ever Super Bowl commercial on century21.com.
CENTURY 21® has also made available three other commercials that will be played in 16 different time-slots throughout the day. These commercials and behind-the-scenes footage are now available on its website, as well as its customized application, "Big Game Ad" for Facebook, and its enhanced YouTube brand channel.
The in-game 30-second commercial will air during the third quarter of Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012. In addition, CENTURY 21 is a broadcast sponsor of the 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. block of the pre-game show on NBC...

Hugh Stiel Brought Chain to the Region
80 More Outlets to Open in Next Three Years
February 03, 2012 // Franchising.com // Milford, Conn. -  SUBWAY(R) Development Agent, Hugh Stiel of Metairie, Louisiana, is celebrating 25 years of entrepreneurial success with the world’s largest restaurant chain during a team meeting this week at the Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi.
A true pioneer, Stiel opened the SUBWAY(R) chain’s first restaurant in Louisiana in 1986.
“The economy along the Gulf Coast was going through a difficult time, I had just turned 30 and was looking for a career,” says Stiel. “I stopped in a Subway restaurant in Florida and really enjoyed the product. There were franchise opportunities in the New Orleans area and always wanting to be a business owner, I opened the first Subway in Metairie...

THE MAIDS offers 10 tips to tackle post-party cleanup.
OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- They are excited, they are rowdy and they are hungry. They're coming over to watch the big game, and they're leaving behind stains and crumbs for you to clear away. Keeps your home in working order before and after a game-day party using these simple and effective tips from The Maids. 

Make space for coats in a closet or in a bedroom. Put out an extra rug or two in the entryway in case of wet shoes.
If using paper products, put plenty of trash containers around the house with extra trash bags in the bottom. When you pull out a full trash bag, another bag is then within an arm's reach.
If you have a dishwasher, make sure it is cleaned out before guests arrive so you can stash dirty dishes inside to stay ahead of the game...

Arthur Murray started teaching dance in 1912. This year, the nation's second-oldest franchise organization celebrates 100 years of teaching the world to dance.
Coral Gables, Florida (PRWEB) February 02, 2012 - 2012 marks 100 years since a shy young man named Arthur Murray stepped onto the dance floor and into the history of American pop culture. Known best for the iconic Arthur Murray Dance Studios, Arthur Murray was a brilliant marketer and innovator, starting his dance teaching career in 1912.
“Most people remember Arthur as an older gentleman smiling in grainy dance photo poses from the 1950s, many times accompanied by his wife Kathryn, a television celebrity in her own right. But Arthur was a visionary,” said John Kimmins, President of Arthur Murray International...

NFL Stars Peyton Manning and Jerome Bettis Join Millions of Fans Enrolled in Papa Rewards Ready to Flip Over Free Pizza if Coin Toss Lands on Heads
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Papa John's, the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, today announced that America has called "heads" in Papa John's Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience. With America's call, the millions of fans enrolled in the company's Papa Rewards customer loyalty program will receive a free large one-topping pizza and 2-liter Pepsi MAX if the coin toss in Super Bowl XLVI lands on "heads."
America chose which side of the coin based on popular vote the past 10 days at www.papajohns.com. "Heads" prevailed with 60 percent of the vote.
But making the call is just part of Papa John's Super Bowl XLVI Coin Toss Experience...

Freight and Logistics Concept Emphasizes Unique Corporate Culture with Continued Support of MMA Fighters
February 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa’s BlueGrace Logistics’ involvement in sponsoring MMA fighters for Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC) bouts continues with sponsorships of four contenders in matchups this weekend. BlueGrace is supporting main event fighters Carlos “Natural Born Killer” Condit and Roy “Big Country” Nelson as well as preliminary card event contenders Max Holloway and Michael Kuiper. The packed-card event will take place Saturday, February 4 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Carlos Condit will take on Nick Diaz in a much anticipated interim welterweight championship bout after Diaz’s original opponent, Georges St...

Chain looks to energize brand with three new Hispanic campaigns.
DALLAS – February 1, 2012 – Five years after weathering the media firestorm that erupted when Pizza Patrón advertised its Pizza por Pesos® promotion, the company announced today that it is planning three new campaigns for 2012 designed to celebrate the brand’s Latino roots.
In January 2007, Pizza Patrón launched Pizza por Pesos® announcing that it would accept Mexican pesos at all of its U.S. locations. When company executives received threats over the program, Pizza Patrón was catapulted into the international news spotlight. Today, every Pizza Patrón location across the U.S. continues to gladly accept Mexican pesos (bills only) as a method of payment...

North America's Largest Pet Care Franchise Seeks "Bad to the Bone" Dogs for Behavioral Makeovers.
NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Camp Bow Wow, North America's largest and fastest growing pet care franchise, an INC 5000 company, announces the launch of its "Bad to the Bone" contest, a nationwide hunt for the worst behaved dog in North America. Beginning February 1st and continuing through May 18th, Camp Bow Wow will be accepting entries on its corporate Facebook Page from dogs of all breeds and sizes, for the chance to receive a complete behavioral makeover from Camp Bow Wow's Behavior Buddies certified dog trainers.
Whether the owners are at work, in another room, or even present, some of the cutest pooches can have the worst manners and as such, Camp Bow Wow is seeking to fix badly behaved dogs across the country and turn them into "perfect pups...

RE/MAX Celebrates Anniversary and 2011 Successes
DENVER, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a slowly recovering housing market, RE/MAX LLC is marking its 39th year recognizing numerous recent successes. In spite of a struggling economy, RE/MAX continues to be the industry leader in key categories, and is also leading the way in international growth, adding 8 countries in 2011. The company that Dave and Gail Liniger founded in 1973 has become a global success story.
"Times may change, but the RE/MAX business model does not, because it's proven to be successful in all kinds of markets and in different cultures and countries," saidDave Liniger, Chairman and CoFounder. "At a time when consumers seek the advice of a trusted advisor, they're turning to a RE/MAX professional more than anyone else...

New Starwood Preferred Guest Survey of Global Travelers Reveals Loyalty Beyond Reason
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 1, 2012-- It may no longer be a stretch to say travelers are married to their frequent traveler programs. In fact, 73% of travelers would choose loyalty-program benefits over a spouse if they could take just one on the road, according to an eye-opening survey of nearly 10,000 globetrotters released today by Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).
Relationships with hotel loyalty programs may even outlive marital unions, the survey said. Seventy-six percent of respondents revealed they felt their status in a hotel loyalty program would last longer than their marriage or current job. And, in a travel emergency, 70 percent of respondents said that their elite status in a hotel loyalty rewards program would be handier than their smartphone, tablet or even their personal assistant...

Harrisburg, PA, February 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Coldwell Banker Select Professionals offered a “Building for Success in 2012” breakfast seminar last week to bring new construction partners together at the Park Inn Harrisburg West, to deliberate over 2012 market conditions, priorities and idea sharing.
Over three dozen builder clients from Reading to Carlisle were in attendance, in addition to another three dozen Coldwell Banker agents specializing in new homes throughout the eight-county footprint of Coldwell Banker here.
The two-hour event featured the expertise of Mike Greene of the Homestead Group, reviewing the state of the real estate marketing in central PA and focusing on new construction market intelligence. Other presenters from Fulton Mortgage Company & Central Penn Appraisals brought the crowd up to date on the latest trends in mortgages and appraisals throughout central PA...

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, raised more than $2.4 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the 2011 St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign. This year's campaign brings Domino's total amount raised for St. Jude to over $12 million since the partnership was announced in 2004.
"Domino's Pizza stores across the country rallied around this year's campaign to raise an incredible amount," said J. Patrick Doyle, Domino's Pizza president and chief executive officer. "I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone - especially our customers, team members and franchisees - who contributed during the campaign. Together we were able to raise much needed dollars to support the lifesaving work of St...

January 31, 2012 // Franchising.com // Orlando, FL  - This month, January 2012, Flippers Pizzeria, an Orlando pizza restaurant with eleven locations and a central commissary that supports the growth of the pizza franchise, celebrates its twenty‐fifth year in Central Florida.
When Flippers Pizzeria opened its first location in 1987 near Sea World, business owners had a specific goal in mind for the new pizzeria—creating delicious pizzas from the freshest ingredients possible and treating every guest with five‐star customer service.
Eleven locations, a commissary, and a wholesale division later, Flippers Pizzeria’s mission remains the same since 1987, but owners say that after 25 years, it’s still just the “opening inning” for the flourishing pizza maker...

More Than Half of U.S. Taxpayers Will Opt for Licensed, Knowledgeable Tax Preparers to File Their 2011 Returns.
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 60 percent of taxpayers will opt to use paid, professional tax preparers to file their 2011 income tax returns. With 75 percent of all taxpayers receiving a refund, finding the right tax professional can help you claim all of the deductions and credits for which you are eligible, so that you receive the best outcome possible. While the task of finding the right preparer may seem daunting, it does not have to be. The key is knowing what to look for and asking the right questions.
"Taxpayers are responsible for what is reported on their tax returns, so it is important to choose an individual that is qualified, knowledgeable and has your best interest in mind," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc...

January 31, 2012 // Franchising.com // LARGO, FL – While opinions vary on the pace of economic recovery, 55% of small and medium size businesses surveyed reported their business had either already recovered from the recession or they expected to recover within the next 6 months.
And those numbers are even more encouraging for businesses with 20-99 employees, as 62% reported recovery now or within six months according to a recent Valpak survey conducted by Research Now, an independent market research firm.
Business is picking up on Main Street. In response, businesses are thinking about what tactics to use to grow their business – advertising, promotions, staffing and more.

31% said they planned to hire additional staff (a 5% increase over 2010)
15% said they planned to hire temporary help
37% said they planned to expand their product/service offerings

An overwhelming number of businesses said they planned to increase their business marketing/advertising activities to grow their business...

Company remains committed to future, poised for further growth and innovation.
Plainfield, IL (PRWEB) January 31, 2012 - When Spring-Green Lawn Care was founded in 1977, the lawn care industry was in its infancy. Today, Spring-Green is a leading company in a $45 billion industry. Over the last 35 years, Spring-Green has seen growth of all kinds, which is a testament to the franchise model and the high level of customer service provided by each locally owned and operated franchise. Spring-Green is committed to continuing this growth for the next 35 years and beyond, and their strategic partners (franchise owners) are a big reason for their success. Maybe that attitude is the secret formula to their success and why in a recent independent survey 90 percent of franchise owners said: “My franchisor and I are committed to a positive, long-term relationship...

January 31, 2012 // Franchising.com // National kitchen and bath remodeling franchise, Kitchen Tune-Up, recently held their 24th Annual National Reunion, a three-day training conference for franchise owners from across the country. Scott Hanson of Chicago, IL Kitchen Tune-Up attended the specialized training conference held January 19-21 in Nashville, Tennessee.
As part of the conference, owners participated in learning sessions on bath remodeling, commercial and residential sales, kitchen trends and product training. Participation in the annual training has shown to both motivate and hone the skills of the owner as they return to their local communities. “We really enjoy the yearly chance to get together with our fellow Kitchen Tune-Up owners,” stated Scott...

New Contest Inspires Baking Fans to Submit Original Recipes
January 30, 2012 // Franchising.com // LANCASTER, Pa. - Ladies and gentlemen – start your ovens! Auntie Anne's, the iconic brand known for its fresh hand-rolled treats, is encouraging its fans’ inner bakers to shine this winter through its newly-introduced Baking Kit Recipe Challenge. Now through March 31, 2012, individuals have the opportunity to develop original recipes for appetizers, entrees and desserts using the Auntie Anne’s At-Home™ Baking Kit for a chance to win $1,000.
As part of Auntie Anne’s first-ever recipe challenge, contestants must use the dough and yeast from the official At-Home™ Baking Kit as the main ingredients...

Connecticut Franchisee Takes Honor for 2011
January 30, 2012 // Franchising.com // Shelton, CT - Panchero’s Mexican Grill has given a Franchisee of the Year award for the first time. Lou Kathrakis, owner of the Panchero’s located at 704 Bridgeport Ave. in Shelton, Conn., received the honor. Kathrakis, 30, opened the restaurant in 2007.
“I feel honored to be the first recipient of the award and look forward to getting it again hopefully,” Kathrakis said. “Things are going very well and I am looking to expand in 2012.”
While this is the first time Panchero’s has bestowed a Franchisee of the Year honor, the company plans to make it an annual award.
“We have many great franchise owners so we thought it was time to start recognizing their achievements,” said Barry Nelson, vice president of operations for Panchero’s...