Franchise Industry News & Announcements

San Bernardino County European Wax Center unveils a special holiday promotion.
Fontana, CA (PRWEB) December 05, 2013 - California residents now have one more way to save big on body waxing in Fontana, California. With the shiny new Winter Wonder Smooth Special from European wax Center, guests that purchase 9 of the same waxing service receive 3 more absolutely free.
This holiday season, guests looking to give loved ones the gift ofhair removal in Fontana, CA should also consider gifting a year’s membership to European Wax Center – especially as anyone who buys 12 months receives 1 month extra free. With European Wax Center locations nationwide, there is a convenient waxing spa for all, whether they live in San Francisco or the Sunshine State...

SAN FRANCISCO - December 05, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that November 2013 net sales increased 8 percent compared with last year. Net sales for the four-week period ended November 30, 2013 were $1.63 billion compared with net sales of $1.52 billion for the four-week period ended November 24, 2012.
Gap Inc.’s comparable sales for November 2013 were up 2 percent versus a 3 percent increase for November 2012. Due to the 53rd week in fiscal year 2012, comparable sales for November 2013 are compared to the four-week period ended December 1, 2012.
"We are pleased with how we competed and delivered in November, providing a seamless experience for our customers whether they shopped in stores, online or on their mobile devices," said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - Dec. 5, 2013) - Giant Tiger will be donating gift cards to 13 shelters across the city of Ottawa. The Giant Tiger gift cards will help shelters purchase much-needed supplies for their residents this holiday season.
Giant Tiger has been providing support to area shelters for many years and is proud to continue to do so.
"During the busy holiday season, it is sometimes easy to forget that some people don't even have the basic necessities," says Greg Farrell, President and Chief Operating Officer, Giant Tiger Stores Limited. "We are happy to once again help these centres and to make a difference in the lives of members of our community."
Giant Tiger Stores Limited has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities we call home...

Seasoned Executive Brings more than 20 Years of Franchise Development and Expansion Experience to the Johnny Rockets Team
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - All-American restaurant franchisor, Johnny Rockets, announces the appointment of James Walker as Chief Development Officer (CDO). With more than twenty years experience, Walker brings advanced knowledge and expertise in franchise development to the Johnny Rockets team.
Previously, Walker served as the CDO for the Tampa Florida based Beef 'O' Brady's and The Brass Tap concepts. Prior to this, Walker served as CDO of Fresh Brands, the parent company of Baja Fresh, Sweet Factory, La Salsa and Canyon's Burger. Walker also served as National Director of Operations for AFC Enterprises/Cinnabon, Inc...

145-room Hyatt Place Hotel Located in the Heart of Chesterfield, Missouri
CHICAGO - December 05, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Drury Hotels Company today announce the opening of Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield, the first Hyatt Place hotel in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
"We are excited to bring Hyatt Place to Greater St. Louis with the opening of Hyatt Place St. Louis/Chesterfield," said Elliott Rhoad, general manager. "Whether we are catering to business or leisure travelers, we know that our guests will appreciate the comfortable and functional amenities offered at Hyatt Place, such as free Wi-Fi, made-to-order fresh food around the clock and the StayFit Gym."
Nestled in the heart of Chesterfield, the new Hyatt Place hotel is adjacent to Chesterfield Mall and just minutes from two new premium outlet malls, area attractions and more than 100 restaurants...

December 06, 2013 // Franchising.com // Rockville, Md. – Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel companies, announced the addition of The Equus to its upscale Ascend Hotel Collection, a network of more than 116 unique, boutique or historic independent hotels that offer guests a distinctive, one-of-a-kind local experience.
Located in the fashionable upperwest side of Waikiki in Honolulu at 1696 Ala Moana Boulevard, The Equus is just steps from Ala Moana Shopping Center, Oahu's largest shopping mall, as well as a wide range of restaurants and lounges. This attractive hotel is also within easy access to Hawai'i attractions such as Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo.
"The addition of The Equus represents a major milestone in bringing the Ascend Hotel Collection experience to new travelers in key destination markets," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of upscale brands for Choice Hotels International...

December 06, 2013 // Franchising.com // DENVER - Office Evolution, a full-service virtual office and executive suites provider, celebrates the opening of a new location in Cherry Creek, Colo. this week.
Office Evolution is an affordable option for local entrepreneurs to launch their business ideas and grow their companies. This marks Office Evolution’s first franchised location, owned by local commercial real estate professional, Matt Edgar.
Office Evolution provides small business owners with resources including office spaces, meeting rooms, telephone answering service, fax and administrative assistance. With easy access to downtown, 19 executive suites and multiple conference rooms, the Cherry Creek facility’s prime location offers local business-minded individuals plenty of professional spaces, convenient parking and a multitude of client entertainment options...

Celebrate Schlotzsky's Grand Re-opening on December 14 with Opportunity to Win Free Schlotzsky's for a Year
December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // IRVING, TEXAS – Schlotzsky's®, home of The Original® round-toasted sandwich and famous Fresh-from-Scratch® buns, today announces the grand re-opening of its Irving, Texas Lotz Better® location at 7530 N. MacArthur Blvd which now features a completely redesigned look.
Schlotzsky's will kick-off its grand re-opening on December 14 at 10am with a day of fun-filled events including games, a prize wheel, Schlotzsky's eClub giveaways and more. Plus, Schlotzsky's will reward the first 100 customers who purchase a CinnaPack™ of six Cinnabon® Classic rolls with one free The Original (small) sandwich a week for a year...

December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // West Palm Beach, FL – You give gifts to your friends and family members every year, and if you run a business, you should be giving them out to your employees, customers and partners, too. Not only do corporate gifts show gratitude to the people who have made an impact on business throughout the year, they are excellent tools to foster strong working relationships and encourage repeat business. Gifts to employees show that they are valued and appreciated as individuals and recognizes their performance and achievements.
With a myriad of customized promotional products available, EmbroidMe gives businesses the unique ability to offer a gift that will be remembered long after the special occasions are over...

Jim Yaeger recently opened Fresh Coat Painters of New Bern, North Carolina.
New Bern, NC (PRWEB) December 05, 2013 - Jim Yaeger is excited to announce the opening of his new business, Fresh Coat Painters of New Bern, North Carolina.
Fresh Coat Painters offersresidential and commercial painting services including interior and exterior painting, wood staining and finishing, and other services for nearly every protective coating application. They use quality, environmentally safe materials and offer a 24/7 customer service center, online scheduling and detailed quotes.
"I worked for many years in heavy construction. I knew I wanted something that had a track record with a team concept. I heard a commercial for Fresh Coat Painters, so I researched the franchise for more information and I liked what I saw," Yaeger said...

Tampa area Maui Wowi Franchisee plans to donate a percentage of sales from the event as he continues his efforts to help charities and local organizations.
Greenwood Village, Colo. (PRWEB) December 05, 2013 - Maui Wowi franchisee gives back at Miles for Hope event in Tampa, Florida. Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a premium coffee and smoothie franchise company, continues to empower its franchisees and employees to take part in community events and support great causes. Local Tampa franchisee, Matt Attal, says events like Miles for Hope are a focus from which he builds his business around.
The 5k run and survivor walk has been hosted by cities all across the country in an effort to raise money and bring more awareness to those who have been affected by the fight against brain tumors...

December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // TACOMA, WA. – Menchie’s, the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile, has opened its newest location in Tacoma Mall at 4502 S. Steele St. Suite 1505, Tacoma, WA 98409. On Thursday, Dec. 5, Menchie’s will offer high quality, delicious self-serve frozen yogurt for the grand opening from 7 to 9 p.m.
To celebrate the opening, Menchie’s will spread smiles with a seven-day grand opening celebration from Sunday, Dec. 8 to Saturday, Dec. 14, packed with free giveaways including t-shirts, Menchie’s merchandise, family-friendly activities and free servings of its best-in-class frozen yogurt.
"Opening a Menchie’s in Tacoma allows me to make a positive impact in people’s lives and my main goal is to sell smiles," said franchisee, Cameron Garner...

December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // SAN ANTONIO, TX – Caring Senior Service, a national company offering in-home care for the elderly, opened its most recent location in Fremont, NE. The office services Dodge County as well as parts of Douglas, Washington and Saunders counties, providing seniors with Caring Senior Service’s signature GreatCare® method, ensuring the aging population in Fremont remains Happy, Healthy and Home.
Fremont franchisees, Jason McDermott and Brandon Hoy, have owned and operated a home medical supply business since 2011, making it a natural fit to expand their services with in-home care. Having a strong knowledge of elderly needs through their experience in the medical equipment market, they chose to join the Caring Senior Service franchise system for their structural policies and the high quality of in-home care including personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, medication reminders, and everything else a senior needs to remain at home...

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, creator of the world's first all-trampoline, walled playing court, announces its newest franchise in Charleston, S.C. Located at 411 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, S.C., Sky Zone Charleston will open its doors in 2014. The 15,000 square foot facility will include an Open Jump Court, Ultimate Dodgeball courts, a SkySlam Basketball court and a Foam Zone.
Sky Zone’s newest park will offer Charleston residents the ultimate 3-D play experience. 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 including Open Jump, allowing guests to leap and jump and Ultimate Dodgeball, a friendly and healthy dodgeball competition...

Global Chain Opens Second Corporate-Owned Location in Maryland
ALISO VIEJO, Calif. - Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Dovetailing with the grand opening of the new Tanger Outlets National Harbor, Washington DC, Johnny Rockets introduces its all-American food and fun today to shoppers looking for a tasty respite from the mall's special events and holiday savings. The Maryland restaurant is the first of three corporate-owned restaurants planned for Johnny Rockets over the next year, solidifying its commitment and investment in the brand. The new Metro DC location joins nine other franchise-owned Johnny Rockets restaurants in the area, including Georgetown, Union Station, Inner Harbor and FedEx Field (5).
Evoking the timeless appeal of the first Johnny Rockets that opened on trendy Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles in 1986, along with a modern day touch, the National Harbor location offers hamburgers made with 100% all-natural, fresh, never frozen beef, American Fries served with a ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches...

Culver's Gives Guests the Opportunity to Gift Free Mini Mixers Made With M&M's
PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI - (Marketwired - December 05, 2013) - From now through December 13, Culver's is spreading holiday cheer through Merry Mixers, an online promotion inviting guests to play Secret Santa. Guests have the opportunity to give -- for free -- a Mini Concrete Mixer made with colorful, candy-coated M&M's® swirled into creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Fresh Frozen Custard.
Lucky recipients of the Mini Mixers will receive their free certificate via email. Santas won't remain secret for long -- recipients can visit a Secret Santa reveal page on the restaurant's website to solve the sweet mystery. Culver's will say "thank you for sharing" by randomly selecting one gifter to receive a $1,000 cash prize...

New multi-unit development agreements will bring five cafes in the Northwest, three cafes in northern Baltimore and ten cafes in New York state.
December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // DALLAS – Corner Bakery Cafe announced today the company has signed three additional multi-unit restaurant development agreements with existing franchise partners to introduce the signature bakery cafe to Idaho and eastern Washington state, northern Baltimore, and Westchester and Suffolk counties in New York.
The new development commitments, which will add a total of 18 new cafes, include:

FEAST Foods, LLC of San Diego plans to introduce five restaurants in Idaho and eastern Washington over the next five years. FEAST Foods currently owns and operates two Corner Bakery Cafes in San Diego and Carlsbad, California, and in August signed a multi- unit development agreement to open nine new Corner Bakery Cafes in San Diego...

All day Dec. 9, guests can support the 2013 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign through Chili's nationwide 'Give Back Event'
DALLAS - Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - It is the season of giving, and Chili's® Grill & Bar could not think of a better way to bring joy to less fortunate children this time of year than encouraging guests to 'eat-a-lot for Toys-for-Tots.' On Monday, Dec. 9, more than 1,200 Chili's restaurants across the country kick off the gift giving season with a 'Give Back Event' in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide toys, books and other items to children.
Unlike traditional toy drives, there is no gift required to participate in Chili's Toys for Tots Give Back Event...

In a Competitive Landscape, Red Roof® Sees Success with Loyalty Rewards Program
December 05, 2013 // Franchising.com // Columbus, Ohio – Red Roof has enrolled their one millionth RediCard member, Mr. Princeton Rudert of Madison, WI. The one millionth enrollment signals the popularity and importance of the loyalty program to the brand's guests, as well as how successful RediCard has been compared to similar economy segment loyalty cards. While the lucky registrant earned a wealth of awards and bonuses including 1,000,000 bonus points (equivalent to 166 free room nights) and a party at the Inn where he was registered (complete with a cake, balloons and a celebration), the one millionth registrant for RediCard truly indicates the health and continuous growth of the brand in a tough, competitive market as well as the loyalty of guests who over the years have demonstrated over and over again that value is integral to their lodging choices...

Romeo's Pizza has plans to grow the brand in the Columbus, Ohio DMA.
(PRWEB) December 05, 2013 - Romeo's Pizza is inviting entrepreneurs to explore franchise ownership opportunities with Romeo's Pizza. Romeo's Pizza is ready to fuel growth in the Columbus market and is seeking seasoned restaurant operators, entrepreneurs or investors who have interest in joining this award-winning brand.
"We're looking for franchise partners who are passionate about customer service and who possess a strong desire to provide award-winning pizzas to the members of their community. Romeo's Pizza has a proven business model and many franchise partners have multiple stores because of the success they experienced with their first store," said Rob Gligora, Executive Vice President of Franchise Development...