Franchise Industry Media Coverage

KNOXVILLE, TN--(Marketwire - Apr 16, 2012) - If you recall trips to an old fashioned barbershop with lots of camaraderie and familiar faces, a visit to the new Roosters Men's Grooming Center (MGC) at Turkey Creek will likely bring back lots of memories.
During the store's official ribbon cutting, Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill and representatives of the Farragut Chamber of Commerce extended a warm welcome to Roosters' franchise owner Clarence Hrabinsky, his family and staff.
"We have a great team of barbers and stylists who are committed to providing superior service and getting involved in this beautiful community," said Hrabinsky.
Zach Takle, Hrabinksy's brother-in-law, is general manager of the Knoxville location, and Adrian Jackson is store manager...

A company that started as a one-women storefront has grown into an international taste sensation.
Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) April 16, 2012 - Mrs. Fields is celebrating something sweet this year, and it’s not just their signature chocolate chip cookies. What began as a one-woman storefront in Palo Alto, California in 1977 has grown into a world-renowned franchise that is celebrating 35 years of successful business.
“Our founder Debbi Fields was quoted saying; ‘I am not in the business of selling cookies, but instead in the business of selling smiles,’” said the director of marketing at Mrs. Fields, Cassie Alvey. “Our brand holds onto that iconic phrase today.”
When Debbi Fields opened the first Mrs...

Men In Kilts window cleaning of Seattle, WA are celebrating their one year anniversary the month of April.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) April 16, 2012 - Men In Kilts Window Cleaning in Seattle, WA are celebrating their one year anniversary the month of April. "We've reached and surpassed all our initial milestones. It's very rewarding to reflect on the number of achievements made within the past year," said Nick Wood, Co-Owner of Men In Kilts Seattle. "We're thrilled with the success we've had among both residential and commercial window cleaning customers."
"This is an important milestone for Men In Kilts," said Rob Watson, Co-Owner of Men In Kilts Seattle. "Since we launched just a year ago, we've exceeded all of our targets. Our focus will be to continue to grow and deliver an exceptional service experience for all our customers...

"There are gaps in the program, particularly that it continues to allow antibiotic use for prevention of disease."
DENVER, Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) applauds the Food and Drug Administration's attention to the overuse of antibiotics in livestock farming, but urges the agency and the industrial animal agriculture sector to do more. While Chipotle sees FDA's voluntary plan as a good first step, the company believes more intervention is needed to stop the abuse of antibiotics in farming.
"We are pleased that the FDA is paying attention to the overuse of antibiotics in farm animals, and are glad to see them taking this first step," said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Chipotle. "But there are gaps in the program, particularly that it continues to allow antibiotic use for prevention of disease, and compliance is voluntary...

April 16, 2012 // Franchising.com // ORANGE, Calif. - As winter is edged out by spring many homeowners are eager to refresh their homes while being mindful of their budgets. The good news is homeowners don’t need to break the bank to spruce up the place.
“There are many budget-conscious things homeowners can do to polish the look of their homes for summer,” said Tracy Christman, vice president of Budget Blinds' Vendor Alliance.
Budget Blinds offers these suggestions to brighten your rooms for spring:

While paint color can change the mood of a room, window coverings can change the way light reacts with that color. Cellular shades, plantation shutters, and blinds can also prevent heat gain, which reduces energy use and costs...

Maid Brigade Shares Six Natural Cleaning Substitutes to Combat Allergy Season
April 16, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA—Spring is finally here! This means warmer weather, blooming flowers, and . . . ahhh those pesky allergies. Not only has this year’s mild winter caused allergy season to begin about three to four weeks early, but over the past 10 years allergy season has started to last longer!
One of the best ways to minimize the onslaught of allergies is to avoid using common household cleaning products that contain bleach, ammonia, alcohol, formaldehyde, or fragrance. The toxic fumes of these chemicals are known to ignite allergy symptoms by causing irritation of the eyes and respiratory system – not to mention being linked to many other serious health concerns...

Inaccuracies Could Lead to Refund Delays or Correspondence From IRS
KANSAS CITY, MO, Apr 13, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --One in 5 tax filers may be feeling the tax time crunch with a few days remaining until the April 17 filing deadline. Last year, between April 9 and 29, the IRS received more than 32 million returns.
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) reminds taxpayers feeling pressured to hurry that while meeting the deadline is important, making sure they file an accurate tax return can save them time and money, and spare them an IRS tax audit.
"Making errors while rushing to make the tax filing deadline can be minimized if taxpayers understand how changes in their lives over the past year impact the tax breaks they are entitled," said Elaine Smith, master tax advisor and enrolled agent at H&R Block...

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will pay a visit at Charles Gates Dawes Elementary School, 3810 W. 81st Pl., in the Ashburn neighborhood of Chicago.
CHICAGO (PRWEB) April 12, 2012 - The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will pay a visit at Charles Gates Dawes Elementary School, 3810 W. 81st Pl., in the Ashburn neighborhood of Chicago, on April 17 when the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX metro Chicago real estate network.
Students at Dawes School will learn about various aspects of ballooning, including its history and the scientific principles involved, and they will see a demonstration on how the balloon functions.
The program will be presented four times starting at 9 a...

Not Filing on Time Can Add Penalties and Interest That Exceed 25 Percent of Balance Due
KANSAS CITY, MO, Apr 11, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) advises the more than 20 percent of taxpayers who owe taxes to be sure to file a tax return or extension to file by April 17 to limit penalties assessed. The penalty for not paying in full is 0.5 percent of the unpaid balance per month, whereas the monthly penalty for not filing a tax return is 10 times that amount (5 percent). Interest also accrues on the unpaid tax and the penalties assessed.
"With less than a week remaining to file a 2011 tax return or an extension, the best option for taxpayers short on cash is clear: file," said Elaine Smith, enrolled agent and master tax advisor for H&R Block...

Children's Fitness Experts Say National Awareness Campaign and Recent Study Results Highlight the Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Kids
SHERMAN OAKS, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 11, 2012) - May is National Physical Education and Sports Month and My Gym Children's Fitness Centers, a franchise network with more than 200 locations worldwide, encourages families to take advantage of spring's longer days and extra hours of sunlight by finding ways to incorporate regular physical activity into their children's days.
According to Matthew Hendison, chief marketing and entertainment officer for My Gym Enterprises, the benefits of physical activity go way beyond meeting simple fitness goals. Recent research done by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) in partnership with Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NPHS) showed that physically active and fit students in the study performed significantly better in both mathematics and reading...

Freight and Logistics Concept Emphasizes Unique Corporate Culture with Continued Support of MMA Fighters
April 11, 2012 // Franchising.com // TAMPA, Fla.  – Tampa’s BlueGrace® Logistics continues its involvement in sponsoring MMA fighters with ongoing support of XFC fighter Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig in her bout against Patricia Vidonic at XFC 17: Apocalypse in Jackson, Tenn. at the Oman Arena on Friday, April 13. The freight and logistics company will also be supporting DaMarques “Darkness” Johnson in his bout against John Maguire at UFC on FUEL TV 2 taking place April 14 from the Ericsson Glove Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.
Herrig is an American Kickboxer, Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist...

Experts at The Maids say tidying up just one way to ensure satisfaction.
OMAHA, Neb., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A friend once confided that a service couldn't clean her home well because it was too "dirty." The service wasn't talking about removing dirt, grease or pet hair; it was pointing out the difficulties of deep cleaning because of the surface clutter.
There are many ways to ensure that you'll get the most from professional cleaners. Experts at The Maids (www.maids.com), the only franchised residential cleaning service to clean for health using environmentally preferable products, offer these ideas to prepare your home for a visit from pros.
Clutter, clutter everywhere
Cleaning specialists focus on eliminating dirt, contaminants and allergens; they are not in the business of organizing...

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will visit Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, 522 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, Ill., on April 18 when the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) April 11, 2012 - The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will visit Andrew Cooke Magnet Elementary School, 522 Belvidere Road, Waukegan, Ill., on April 18 when the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.
In the audience will be the 500 students at Cooke Magnet, who will learn about various aspects of ballooning, including its history and the scientific principles involved...

Largest Fondue Franchise in the World Rewards New Club Fondue Sign-ups with 24-Hour Drive
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Melting Pot fondue restaurant franchise (http://www.meltingpot.com) is offering free cheese fondue (no purchase necessary) to the first 25,000 people who sign up for Club Fondue TODAY only (from April 11 at 4 a.m. EDT to April 12 at 3:59 a.m. EDT) in celebration of National Cheese Fondue Day (http://www.nationalcheesefondueday.com).
“We are known for our cheese fondues and just want to share that decadence with America as we leverage a nationally recognized day (April 11) to grow our email program’s database, introduce our brand to new guests and share the unique dining experience we offer."
“We are known for our cheese fondues and just want to share that decadence with America as we leverage a nationally recognized day (April 11) to grow our email program’s database, introduce our brand to new guests and share the unique dining experience we offer,” said Cindy Haynes, senior vice president of marketing for Front Burner Brands (restaurant management company for The Melting Pot)...

WOBURN, MA--(Marketwire - Apr 10, 2012) - Spring is the season of re-birth and re-growth, where beautiful colors of nature come out of their winter hibernation, and homeowners start to ready their houses for springtime projects and renovations. As the days start to heat up and the sun coaxes people out into their gardens, College Pro Painters reminds homeowners that spring is a great time to think about painting or repainting the exterior of your home.
Spring-cleaning can refer to the outside of your home as well as the inside. Cleaning up your home's exterior painting job can increase the beauty and value of your home. Spring is the optimal season for house painting because the weather is often favorable enough to complete the job quickly and with fewer interruptions...

Annual Event Will Feature Early Kickoff For First Time In A Decade
April 11, 2012 // Franchising.com // King Of Prussia, PA – ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN, and the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas have announced that the 2012 game will be played Saturday, Dec. 22, at 12:30 p.m. PT (3:30 p.m. ET) at Sam Boyd Stadium. The 21st MAACO Bowl Las Vegas will be televised nationally on ESPN, featuring the top choice from the Mountain West against the fifth pick from the Pac-12 Conference.
This will mark the sixth Saturday kickoff in MAACO Bowl Las Vegas history and first since 2008. It will also be the sixth day game in the event’s history but the first since UCLA downed New Mexico 27-13 on Christmas Day 2002.
“Every year we study possible dates that make the most sense for the fans and teams as well as providing the most economic impact for Las Vegas,” said Tina Kunzer-Murphy, MAACO Bowl Las Vegas executive director...

How local families put the brakes on elderly driving
April 11, 2012 // Franchising.com // A rash of recent, fatal car crashes with senior citizens driving has brought attention to a graying population packing our roadways. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 or older and at least 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. That’s why Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home senior care companies with offices in your city, wants to raise awareness during April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month – by giving families a Senior Helpers Safe Driving Checklist.
“When elders can no longer drive, they may start to feel trapped and out of control of their lives,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers...

ProTect Painters Offers Businesses Some "Spring Cleaning" Color Ideas
ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Spring cleaning" is not just a time for homeowners to re-evaluate their physical space. Business owners could use this time of year to re-evaluate their office and/or retail color schemes to boost foot traffic and to increase employee morale. ProTect Painters, a national franchise specializing in interior and exterior home and commercial painting projects has specific color recommendations to help make those goals a reality.
"The research on color and mood has been well-established over the past 30 years. However, many business owners are unaware that they have the power to drive sales and increase employee retention just with a strategic use of paint...

Millions of Taxpayers Expected to File Returns in Last Week of Season
PARSIPPANY, N.J., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Time is running out for taxpayers who have yet to file their 2011 income tax returns, as the April 17 deadline is now just one week away. To assist late filers with their returns, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® today announced that many of its offices and Walmart kiosks across the country will offer extended hours through Tax Day.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), millions of taxpayers will file their returns during the final week of the season (with roughly 20 to 25 percent of all taxpayers filing over the final 14 days of the tax season). For those who have yet to file and are now feeling hurried, the key is to be prepared and focused to ensure that the last minute rush does not result in mistakes, penalties or delays on their return...

World Champion to be Named During Finale Event in New York City
ATLANTA, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken wing expert, Hooters of America, LLC, announced that it has engaged Major League Eating (MLE) to sanction and produce a circuit of wing-eating contests across the United States that will conclude at the Hooters Wing-Eating World Championship in New York City. The finale will take place in late July as part of a weekend celebration of National Chicken Wing Day.
"For nearly 30 years Hooters has been known for our original, world-famous hot wings and it's only natural that we establish this inaugural coast-to-coast wing-eating competition," said David Henninger, chief marketing officer, Hooters of America, LLC. "At Hooters, we're all about great food, great fun and this competition exemplifies that spirit...