Franchise Industry News & Announcements

AlignLife Chiropractor takes the ancient art and discipline of Tae Kwon Do and applies it to chiropractic.
Lafayette, In (PRWEB) March 10, 2014 - She started practicing Tae Kwon Do when she was 5-years-old because her father wanted to be sure that she could protect herself. Then it became a means for her to earn a living. Along the way, she saw how the art and discipline of this ancient profession helped kids deal with issues.
"I love to see the children’s personalities change," Dr. Mijin (MJ) Kim said. "Some kids were lying all the time or crying all the time, or they were shy or didn’t play well with others and I helped change their lives through the art and discipline of Tae Kwon Do." Kim taught all ages at the American Air Force base in Korea for 5 years...

Levittown, NY (PRWEB) March 09, 2014 - Timed perfectly for Spring Break, European Wax Center Levittown launched a phenomenal deal for smart students to save on hair removal – the Student Wax Pass! This is the latest discount from European Wax Center and generously gives all students a free fourth waxing in Levittown, Bethpage, New York after buying 3 full price waxing services.
For those Long Island students looking to travel over Spring Break, the Student Wax Pass from European Wax Center saves guests from having to shave and risk exposing prickly legs on the beach. Smooth skin, and bold Brazilian waxing in Hicksville, Levittown, Nassau County, NY, is something every student can afford with the dazzling discount at European Wax Center...

March 10, 2014 // Franchising.com // InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies has announced the signing of two more hotels in Germany under two existing multiple development agreements (MDA's) in place with long standing partners.
Holiday Inn Express® Siegen will be a newly constructed 120-room hotel operating under a franchise agreement with existing MDA partner Tristar Hotel & Management GmbH. The property will be the first IHG hotel to open in Siegen, a popular university town in Germany with a population in excess of 100,000. Due to open towards the end of 2015, the hotel is centrally located on an intersection in the heart of the city; and within walking distance of the main rail station...

March 6, 2014, Canada – Tony Roma's in Canada embraces the long tradition of Canada's Maple Syrup Season by offering many maple-flavored items on a number of Tony's signature dishes. The new seasonal menu is a limited time offer, all day ever day, beginning March 10th. The items will be available at the Tony's locations in Edmonton, Red Deer, Lloydminister, Grand Prairie, Saskatoon and Regina.
Maple Festival Menu includes the following:




TR's Original Baby Back Ribs with Bourbon Maple BBQ Sauce


Tender, lean pork loin basted with a special BBQ sauce, prepared with bourbon and Canadian maple syrup




Maple Pecan Ruby Trout


Fillet of Ruby Trout, garlic butter basted and grilled to perfection, topped with our special blend of pecans, onion, and Canadian maple glaze




Maple Veal Rib Chop


Seasoned centre cut veal rib cop, grilled to your liking with maple red wine sauce made from Cabernet Sauvignon and maple syrup




Maple Pecan Cheesecake


Cheesecake made with Canadian maple syrup and pecans on a graham cracker crust...

Asian Cashew Chicken Salad and BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad Bring Exciting New Flavors to Wendy's Menu
March 10, 2014 // Franchising.com // DUBLIN, Ohio – Wendy's is keeping it fresh with today's debut of two new permanent menu items to its premium salad line – the Asian Cashew Chicken Salad and BBQ Ranch Chicken Salad.
With chef-inspired flavors and cutting edge ingredients, Wendy's is providing salad consumers with fresh new tastes they would typically find in casual dining restaurants, but with the speed, convenience and price of a quick service restaurant.
"Wendy's is a leader in the salad business and we are very excited to raise the bar even higher," said Craig Bahner, Wendy's Chief Marketing Officer. "Our latest premium salad innovations feature unique fusions of flavor, made with high quality, contemporary ingredients...

Deerfields Townsquare Location Proves an Ideal Fit for Brand's All-American Food & Fun
(Aliso Viejo, Calif.) Feb. 24 – The 1,744-square-foot Johnny Rockets at the new Deerfields Townsquare is now open in Al Bahia. It marks the third location in Abu Dhabi and 12th restaurant in the Middle East for long-time franchise partners Al Fares Restaurant Group, LLC, operated by Wael and Zaher Samman.
The new location offers the same fresh, never frozen, made-to-order hamburgers, American fries served with a ketchup smiley face, hand-spun shakes and classic sandwiches that the Samman brothers debuted with their first Johnny Rockets in the United Arab Emirates in July 1996. Dancing servers, lively music and an open kitchen add to the brand's interactive, Modern Americana atmosphere of relaxed, casual fun...

Franchise Hosts Fish Fry at Kosair Children's Hospital to Thank Caregivers on First Friday of Lent, Previews New Crispy Breaded Fish
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (PRWEB) March 07, 2014 - Long John Silver's, the world's largest quick service seafood company, recognized the first Friday of Lent by giving more than $300,000 to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals). The company also hosted a fish fry at Kosair Children's Hospital, the local CMN Hospital in Louisville, Ky. where Long John Silver's is headquartered.
Long John Silver's CEO Mike Kern presented Jeff Bronkowski, director of corporate partnerships at CMN Hospitals, with a check for $304,245 in a ceremony prior to Friday's fish fry. The funds given were raised by Long John Silver's employees, franchisees, and customers in October 2013 through special in-store offers, including a special promotion on National Dessert Day (October 14) when every customer who gave $1 or more to CMN Hospitals received a free slice of pie...

Go here [http://www.abraauto.com/wilburn-auto-body-abra-company/] to see where the new locations are!
March 10, 2014 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS, MN – ABRA Auto Body & Glass, a leading national damaged vehicle repair company and one of the country's top multi shop repair operators, announced the purchase of all 13 Wilburn Auto Body repair centers in the Charlotte, North Carolina metro area. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
With today's transaction, ABRA's portfolio now includes 145 company-owned locations and 48 independently-owned franchises for a total of 193 collision repair centers in 17 states.
"We are bringing two companies together that have demonstrated innovation and leadership in the collision repair industry for decades," said Duane Rouse, ABRA's president and chief executive officer...

Feb. 21, 2014 - Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel put out the request for children around the country to help him create a Rainbow Loom suit. Learning Express Toys of Mt. Lebanon, PA, responded with a comical video of boys and girls toiling over looms, crafting the tie for Kimmel's suit.
Wednesday night, on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel featured the video in a two-minute segment about Learning Express Toys, Rainbow Loom, and his custom suit. "This past weekend, while we were walking the aisles of Toy Fair in New York City, our employees were conducting a Rainbow Loom workshop with the goal of making a tie for Jimmy Kimmel," says David Bahm, owner of the Mt. Lebanon location. "The event was covered by the local television station, professionally produced, and sent to Jimmy Kimmel Live...

First-Rate Education System Opens Its Doors for the First Time in Nevada
Reno, Nev. (PRWEB) March 09, 2014 - Best in Class Education Center (Best in Class), a top-of-the-line education enrichment program that focuses on math and English, is excited to announce its newest opening in Reno, Nevada. Spearheaded by local resident Priya Shanmugam, and her husband Mani Karuppuswamy, the center, situated at 748 S Meadows Pkwy, Ste. A3, will open to the public on March 8, 2014 with a Grand Opening celebration.
Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., parents and children can visit Best in Class for opening festivities. Snacks and drinks will be provided while parents can meet Best in Class staff and take advantage of a free academic assessment and two free classes for their children...

The Global Hotel Icon will open 35 Hotels, Putting it on Track to Reach its 500th Hotel Milestone in 2016
Building on its 'First in Market' Legacy, Sheraton is Set to Debut in Samoa, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan and Return to Iraq
SEATTLE - March 10, 2014 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced from the Sheraton Hotels General Manager Summit in Seattle that its largest and most global brand is poised for record-breaking growth over the next 12 months with 35 new hotels expected to open. Nearly half of the new Sheraton hotels will open in China, widening Starwood's lead as the largest upper-upscale global hotel operator in Asia Pacific. Enhancing its reputation as a global powerhouse, Sheraton will also enter numerous new markets including Samoa, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, and return to Iraq...

Miami's Iconic Island-inspired Chicken Restaurant Opens first Texas Location in Addison in March
MIAMI - March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Pollo Tropical, Florida's beloved fast-casual concept known for its citrus-marinated, flame-grilled chicken and array of authentic sauces and sides, launches its expansion into Texas on March 28 with the opening of its first location in the state at 5290 Belt Line Road in Addison.
Pollo Tropical, founded in 1988 in Miami, has a rich history rooted in serving fresh, handcrafted food with the distinct flavors of the Caribbean at affordable prices. Pollo Tropical's menu is based on the islands' melting pot of culinary cultures featuring bold and tangy flavors using savory island spices, mixed herbs and citrus...

National (PRWEB) March 08, 2014 - The AlignLife doctors are on a mission, a mission to educate the public on natural health care. Dr. Esposito, co-founder of AlignLife, believes one of the first steps to natural health care is knowing what is being eaten, stating that many companies are creative with their labeling and sometimes when people think they are eating well they indeed are eating more chemicals than food. Dr. Esposito and all the doctors and staff of the AlignLife clinics are donating time to create educational webinars that are free to the public. The doctors say there is no such thing as a quick trip to a grocery store. Grocery stores stock the items shoppers buy most often at the back of the store, forcing them to travel through other tempting aisles to pick up the essentials...

March 10, 2014 // Franchising.com // Davie, Florida – Dental Fix is picking up right where it left off. Fresh off of awarding a record 40 franchises in 2013, Dental Fix has already awarded its 12th franchise of 2014, to Frank Griffith of Birmingham, Alabama.
The signed agreement, the first in Alabama, is part of an aggressive national expansion plan calling for 500 new vans in the next five years. With 80 territories currently operating throughout the US and Canada, Dental Fix is well on its way.
"It's gonna be another tremendous year for us as we build on our brand's success and continue to grow throughout the United States and Canada," said David Lopez, CEO of Dental Fix. "We are excited about Frank joining our franchise family and look forward to helping him grow...

HOUSTON, TX – March 7, 2014 – Luby's, Inc. (NYSE: LUB) announced today that it will release 2014 fiscal second quarter financial results on Monday, March 24, 2014 before the market opens. In conjunction with the release, Luby's has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet, on March 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Central time.
What: Luby's Fiscal 2014 Second Quarter Earnings Conference Call
When: Monday, March 24, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time
How: Live via phone -- By dialing 480-629-9692 and asking for the Luby's conference call at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, or Live over the Internet -- By logging onto the web at the address below
Where: http://www.lubysinc...

No Shareholder Action Required at this Time
ATLANTA, March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today confirmed that Vintage Capital Management, LLC ("Vintage") and Starboard Value LP ("Starboard") have each submitted to the Company notices of nomination of five candidates and four candidates, respectively, for election to the Aaron's Board of Directors at the Company's 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of Aaron's Board will review the nominations as part of its normal process and the Board will present its recommendation in due course...

Casual Dining Brand Launches Five New Chicken Wing Flavors; Challenges Consumers to 'Find Their Wingman'
DALLAS - March 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Just in time for March Madness, Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar (Boston's), a casual-plus dining concept that combines a family-friendly restaurant and separate sports bar under one roof, will begin offering guests a lineup of game-time munchies that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
The main addition to Boston's already extensive menu of fan favorites will be its new chicken wing flavors, which have been added in response to both the growing popularity of the chicken wing and a successful test run of the new flavors. Recent stats from the National Chicken Council show that Americans will consume a staggering 27 billion chicken wings in 2014 alone, so Boston's is stepping up its game to help satisfy consumer's intense craving for this meaty treat...

Citizens of Asuncion now Able to Enjoy the Domino's Pizza Delivery Experience
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - March 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Domino's Pizza continues its global momentum as the recognized world leader in pizza delivery by opening its first store in Paraguay.
Grupo Vierci, the Master Franchisee for Domino's Pizza Paraguay, is on a mission to establish more choice and competition within Asuncion - an area with fairly limited pizza delivery options to this point. It plans to have three Asuncion-area stores active by the end of May.
"We are eager to deliver Domino's to the people of Paraguay, so that they can experience the delicious, quality pizza that is so loved around the world," said Paz Vierci, Grupo Vierci managing director...

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) March 08, 2014 - Perfectly timed for Spring Break, European Wax Center Chandler-Ahwatukee has brought a wonderful way for thrifty students to save on their body hair removal– the Student Wax Pass! This latest deal from European Wax Center gives students a free fourth waxing in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Arizona after purchasing three hair removal services at full price.
For adventurous Phoenix students looking to make Spring Break super special, there is no excuse for prickly legs or bristly underarms with the super saver Student Wax Pass from European Wax Center. With the dazzling discount including every service from brow waxing to Brazilian waxing in Mesa, Phoenix, AZ, this will be the smoothest Spring Break without breaking the bank...

Greenwood Village, Colo. (PRWEB) March 08, 2014 - Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a dual beverage concept specializing in premium Hawaiian coffee and fresh fruit smoothies, has signed an Empire Agreement to bring another 10 Maui Wowi operating units to the Northeast. Behind the new deal are freshly minted franchisees, Chris and Erica Bruno from Felton, Delaware.
The enthusiastic couple has long awaited the opportunity to start their own business. Chris has seen every side of the restaurant industry during a 15 year career in everything from catering to management, while Erica has spent an equal amount of time becoming an experienced paralegal. Finally, the timing was right and all signs pointed to Maui Wowi.
"We looked into Maui Wowi and really haven't looked back," said Erica...