Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Locations to Open in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point, NC
July 22, 2014 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – Made to Order, LLC has signed a deal to open three Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint locations in North Carolina. The restaurants will be operated by industry veteran and Made to Order part-owner Bronce McClain. The first restaurant is set to open in High Point, NC at the High Point Palladium Shopping Center in fourth quarter of this year.
McClain has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 25 years with 23 of those years spent with one of the largest Pizza Hut franchises. He started working for Pizza Hut when he was 17-years-old and helped open the first Pizza Hut in New Jersey almost 40 years ago. McClain went on to work for the restaurant franchise in Maine, Illinois, Delaware and Winston-Salem, NC, where he now lives...

July 22, 2014 // Franchising.com // Weston, FL - Tint World® Franchise, the nation's leading Automotive Styling Center™, will be hosting a public grand opening event on July 26th 2014, from 10AM to 1PM at its newest franchise location in Kingston, Ontario. The new location is easily accessible, located on 4-631 Fortune Crescent Road, Kingston, ON, K7P 0L5, just south of the 410 next to the Invista Centre in Empire Court.
After months of development, the newest Tint World® store is now fully equipped and operational. New storeowners Sue and Trevor Dwyer encourage the Kingston community to join them in attending their grand opening event. While Tint World® boasts locations all over the US, the Kingston, Ontario location is the pioneering store in the Canadian market...

PITTSBURGH - July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire - Unique Pizza and Subs Corporation (OTC Markets Groups Inc.: OTC Pink: UPZS) today announced it has engaged Dr. M. (Mali) S. Reddy, world class dairy industry scientist, executive, and three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee to advise the Company on global business development strategy and implementation.
Dr. Reddy is founder and president of Denver-based American Dairy and Food Consulting Laboratories and International Media and Cultures (IMAC Inc.) which has ten manufacturing plants selling, products throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, India and Latin America. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, 2013 and 2014. He holds over 150 U.S. and international patents and has published over 70 scientific articles on dairy starter cultures, probiotics, pharmaceuticals, and complementary alternative medicines pertaining to Probiotics and has authored several books...

Renowned Dietician Ashley Koff Joins Westin Well-Being Council
More than Half of Travelers Crave Healthy Food Options while traveling and 41% are Afraid of Putting on the Pounds, Inspiring Starwood's Wellness Brand to Partner with SuperChefs and The Juicery
STAMFORD, Conn. - July 22, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Today, Westin Hotels & Resorts unveiled the next stage of its year-long Westin Well-Being Movement with the announcement of two new nutrition-focused partnerships with SuperChefs™ and The Juicery and the newest member of the brand's Well-Being Council, dietician Ashley Koff RD.
As an advocate for wellness and healthy eating, Westin teamed up with SuperChefs, a group of doctors, dentists, dieticians, chefs and other experts dedicated to educating kids on the importance and the fun of eating smart, to create The Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids...

TeamLogic IT Technology Franchise Heads List for Third Year in a Row
MISSION VIEJO, CA - (Marketwired - Jul 22, 2014) - TeamLogic IT has been named the top technology franchise by Franchise Business Review for the third straight year. TeamLogic IT also made the magazine's overall list of the Top 50 franchise opportunities.
Franchise Business Review rates franchise systems based on franchisee satisfaction, and it studies training and support, operations, financial opportunity and franchisor/franchisee relations.
As Franchise Business Review explains on its site, "for the prospective franchise buyer, investing in a franchise is one of the most significant investments and life-changing events they will ever experience. There are many factors to consider before buying a franchise, and chief among those factors is satisfaction levels of current franchisees...

July 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), today announced organizational changes designed to support Hyatt's strategy of driving preference by providing distinctive brand experiences. The changes include the integration of the global operations structure, the formation of an integrated team to lead the Company's select service business and the creation of a new global franchising strategy function.
Chuck Floyd has been selected as Global President of Operations, effective August 1, 2014. In this newly created role, Floyd will continue to lead and develop the Company's Global Operations Center (GOC), Hyatt's shared operation services organization, and will assume responsibility for the operation of Hyatt's hotels globally...

Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers three tips to save every homeowner money on by avoiding costly repairs.
Waco, TX (PRWEB) July 21, 2014 - Torrential summer rain, ubiquitous family barbecues, and an influx of weekend visitors can have unforeseen effects on a home’s pipes. Plumbing systems do a lot of extra work during the summer, so Mr. Rooter offers these three tips to help keep a home’s plumbing system in tip-top shape.
Check Washing Machine Hoses
The warm weather and longer days equal more time spent outside and more dirty clothes. This excess use can put a strain on washing machine hoses, so taking the time to ensure that everything is working correctly could save a homeowner both time and money down the road. Inspect hoses for bulges, kinks, or cracks that could result in a burst...

New Design Complements TacoTime Branding and Reinforces Loyalty to Customers
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - TacoTime® (www.tacotime.com) is best known for serving top quality Mexican food that is fresh, delicious and affordable. The brand's messaging, "Made Fresh Since 1960," reflects the commitment to excellence and branding that makes TacoTime unique; and now, they are bringing a fresh new look to stores and reintroducing some popular food items to the menu.
Over 30% of the stores will be updated with a new color scheme using warm, bold colors, and all packaging will be updated to mirror the new store image and the "Made Fresh Since 1960" message.
"Over the course of the year, customers will notice a new interior and exterior design scheme with vibrant colors that make for a happy dining experience," said Chanel McFarlane, director of marketing for TacoTime...

KENOSHA, Wis. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - July 22, 2014 - Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) today announced that its board of directors has appointed Ruth Ann M. Gillis as a director, effective July 18, 2014.
Ms. Gillis, age 59, retired as executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Exelon Corporation ("Exelon"), a utility services holding company engaged in the energy generation and delivery business, in July 2014 after serving in such roles since 2005. She was also president of Exelon Business Services Company, a subsidiary of Exelon. Previous roles include executive vice president of ComEd, an Exelon subsidiary, and chief financial officer of Exelon. Ms. Gillis also serves as a director of KeyCorp, a bank holding company, and its subsidiary, KeyBank National Association...

Ontario Brokers Join Franchise as Weichert, Realtors® - H & A Associates
Long-established southern California real estate brokers Homa Javadi and Arturo Rubio, owners of H & A Realty in Ontario, California, have taken a step up in their partnership, announcing they are now the independent owners and operators of a franchise with Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA).
Ontario, California (PRWEB) July 22, 2014 - Homa Javadi and Arturo Rubio, owners of H & A Realty in Ontario, California, have taken a step up in their longtime partnership, announcing they are now the independent owners and operators of a franchise with Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. (WREA). WEICHERT, REALTORS® - H & A Associates raised the banner in the Inland Empire for the expanding national brand on July 14...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - July 21, 2014) - Here we grow again! Giant Tiger is excited to announce the opening of an additional store in Sarnia, Ontario.
The new Giant Tiger will be located at 1249 London Road, Sarnia, ON, in the London Road Shopping Centre. This location will have an area of approximately 27,700 square feet and will feature the full Giant Tiger assortment of product and services.
"We are very excited to be expanding in Sarnia," says Greg Farrell, President and COO of Giant Tiger Stores Limited. "The second location will be a great complement to the existing Giant Tiger store."
Customers at Giant Tiger Sarnia can look forward to our familiar bright and fun décor, groceries, outstanding merchandise selection and, of course, the friendly customer service for which Giant Tiger is known...

MacDonald Recognized as One of Maryland's Most Inspiring Leaders for Strategic Direction and Innovation at Medifast
OWINGS MILLS, Md. - July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Medifast, Inc. (NYSE: MED), a leading United States manufacturer and provider of clinically proven, portion-controlled weight-loss products and programs, is proud to announce that Michael MacDonald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was named as The Daily Record's Most Admired CEOs.
The Daily Record award recognizes talented business CEOs and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland for their leadership and professionalism. The winners are selected based on their leadership, vision, competitiveness, innovation, community service, financial performance, board service and nonprofit involvement...

"West Coast Original" Celebrates its 24 Millionth #24 Turkey & Avocado Sandwich Sold
SAN JOSE, Calif. - July 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Togo's Eateries, Inc., a "West Coast Original" since 1971, is giving away 10,000 #24 Turkey & Avocado sandwiches to celebrate 24 million #24s being sold, making the #24 one of Togo's best sellers. To get a coupon for a Free regular #24, sandwich lovers must "like" Togo's Facebook page and enter their email address. The coupon will be valid on July 24, 2014 only.
A Togo's classic for over 40 years, the Big, Fresh & Meaty #24 Turkey & Avocado is a favorite among west coast sandwich lovers. The #24 exemplifies everything that sets Togo's apart from other sandwich shops: premium ingredients piled high, artisan bread, slow-roasted hand sliced Turkey and freshly-scooped Haas avocados...

Leading National Retailer Expands Operations and Services, Stimulates Local Economy
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - July 21, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Revamping and remodeling in Kansas City, Sears Outlet Stores, a subsidiary of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:SHOS), has leased the former Sears location on E Front Street, expanding Outlet Store operations and services, while offering an economic boost with mass job creation.
Originally leased by Sears Holdings Corporation, the facility included warehousing, distribution, repair service and a Sears Outlet retail location. The lease of the 354,000 square foot property was taken over by Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores earlier this year. As Sears Holdings Corporation wound down its operations in this massive location, situated on railroad tracks, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores saw the opportunity to expand and began repurposing and renovating the facilities in the Spring of 2014...

With Convenient Access to Tri-Valley and Bay Area Attractions, Newly-Renovated DoubleTree by Hilton Pleasanton at the Club Offers Small-Town Charms with Big-City Connections
July 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // PLEASANTON, Calif. and MCLEAN, Va – Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Pleasanton at the Club, following a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation. The 292-room hotel, formerly a Hilton Hotels & Resorts-branded property, is located in the Tri-Valley area within the East Bay region of greater San Francisco, at the crossroads of highways 580 and 680, and offers easy access to all of Northern California's best attractions, as well as the cities of Oakland and San Francisco...

July 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // NEW ORLEANS – Planet Beach Franchising Corporation was recently highlighted in the July 2014 issue of Entrepreneur magazine as one of the top 15 evolving franchises in the world for the way it has developed new ways to do business in a business model that traditionally not known for evolving.
Started in 1996, Planet Beach began as a traditional tanning salon that excelled at customer service. Noticing the social and governmental changes headed it’s way in regards to UV-tanning, CEO and Founder Stephen P. Smith came up with the idea of transitioning to an automated spa that gives clients all the services found in a traditional day spa at the push of a button without the need for an attendant...

July 04, 2014 - White Spot is pleased to announce that former Executive Development Chef Danny Markowicz has been promoted to the position of Executive Chef.
Backed by a team of Red Seal-certified chefs, White Spot continues its 86th- year tradition of providing legendary, value-based menu offerings in a family-friendly atmosphere.
"As our top Red Seal chef, Danny's menu creations frequently become guest favourites," said long-time White Spot President Warren Erhart. "Danny has also become a familiar face on television, and has been playing an increasingly high profile role in our organization."
Markowicz was mentored by former Executive Chef Chuck Currie, who helped White Spot successfully transition to a casual dining restaurant...

Gap Brand Set to Launch in Slovenia and Austria
SAN FRANCISCO - July 21, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Continuing to deliver on its global growth plans, Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced that it will introduce the Gap brand to Slovenia and Austria through agreements with new and existing franchise partners. Magistrat International, a new partner, has been selected for the launch of Slovenia and Gottex, which currently manages the Gap franchise business in Israel and Hungary, will launch Austria.
"We are thrilled to be opening in Slovenia and Austria and can't wait to meet customers when we open our doors for the first time in each capital city. One of the best things about opening in a new country is the incredible welcome that Gap receives and the buzz that generates for our teams and our customers alike," said Ismail Seyis, Vice President of Gap Franchise...

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Star Hannah Ferguson Gets Back to her Texas Roots in Star-Studded Ad Campaign
July 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // CARPINTERIA, Calif. - Today Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® salute the great state of Texas' fine tradition of BBQ with their newest meat-on-meat burger creation: the Texas BBQ Thickburger®, now available at participating Hardee's restaurants and at Carl's Jr. restaurants on Wednesday.
The new Texas BBQ Thickburger features tender, smoked beef brisket, spicy mesquite BBQ sauce, crispy jalapeno and onion strips, and melted American cheese, all piled high on a charbroiled 100 percent Black Angus beef Thickburger patty and served on a Fresh Baked Bun. Beginning with the launch of the Texas BBQ Thickburger, Carl's Jr...

Expanding Franchise Group Recognized for Rapid Growth and Unique Model
July 17, 2014 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. and SYDNEY, Australia – United® Real Estate, the rapidly expanding North American franchise network, and CEO Dan Duffy were recently featured in Inman News after finalizing a partnership with Colliers International's Asia-Pacific residential subsidiary, PRDnationwide (PRD) that will see the two groups combine their significant influence and resources.
Operating under the United PRD International brand, the newly formed alliance plans to be highly active on the global residential property landscape, with the first order of business to be an expansion of its coverage in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other select international markets...