Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs is the first in the state to feature the brand's latest design concept, Design Option III
March 06, 2015 // Franchising.com // SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY and McLEAN, Va. – Embassy Suites Hotels, the Hilton Worldwide brand of upscale all-suite hotels, announced today the opening of the new 149 suite Embassy Suites in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. The full-service hotel, located within walking distance to shopping, museums, casinos, parks, restaurants, entertainment, and more, is the first Embassy Suites in the state to feature the brand's latest design concept, Design Option III. Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs is owned by DCG Development and managed by Veeder Hospitality Management LLC.
“We’re excited to continue our expansion in this popular leisure market with the new Embassy Suites Saratoga Springs,” said John Rogers, global head, Embassy Suites Hotels...

National Staffing Franchisor Tops List for Client Service and Talent for the Third Year in a Row
March 06, 2015 // Franchising.com // KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the third consecutive year, @Work Group, a leading national multi-specialty staffing franchisor, has been named one of Inavero’s 2015 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Award winners. Inavero partners with CareerBuilder to present this award to the companies and industries that have proven track records of exceptional performance and client satisfaction.
Inavero’s "Best of Staffing" is a list of staffing agencies that are recognized for exceptional quality of service. Agencies were nominated by individuals, colleagues and other industry sources that have experience working with these agencies, and are proven staffing service industry leaders...

To Penetrate Residential Market, 3M will Supply Window Genie with Envision™ Line of Residential Window Film
March 06, 2015 // Franchising.com // Cincinnati - Window Genie has reached an agreement with 3M Company to provide a residential window film solution as part of the company’s lauded Envision™ line of films. The partnership will provide Window Genie, a franchise chain with over 200 units that provides window cleaning and window tinting to homes in more than 24 states, an opportunity to service over 125,000 residential customers with window film that reduces fading, heat and glare and can help lower utility bills.
Beginning April 1, Window Genie franchisees will offer the residential Envision™ film options that include clear view, glare control, sun block and shade offerings...

All White-Meat Chicken Strips Available A La Carte or as a Dinner
OKLAHOMA CITY - March 5, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) is bringing a little kick with a lot of attitude to its menu lineup with the introduction of the new Spicy Super Crunch Chicken Strips. These all white-meat chicken strips offer an addictive thrill of spice with each crispy bite for a mouthwatering snack or meal any time of day at the drive-in, on the go, or at home.
"Our Super Crunch Chicken Strips are a popular choice among our many chicken menu offerings, and we're seeing a growing interest in spicy flavor profiles, so adding spice was the right tweak to appeal to our adventurous foodie guests," said Chef Claes Petersson, vice president of product innovation for SONIC...

Southern Barbecue Franchise Company Opens its Newest Location in Murfreesboro, With More to Follow
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // Jacksonville, Florida – It’s only fitting that a 35 year old Southern barbecue franchise would want to have a presence in a state that is home to the “BBQ Capital of the World.” That’s why Florida-based Woody’s Bar-B-Q® is proud to announce the opening of its newest restaurant in Murfreesboro, Tennessee – marking the national chain’s one and only restaurant in the Volunteer State. After opening to rave reviews from patrons on February 2, proud new operators Lea Keisling and Neil Johnston are excited about the promise that their new restaurant holds.
“I love to cook and have always wanted to own a restaurant,” explains Mufreesboro resident, Keisling...

March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // WASHINGTON D.C. – FirstLight HomeCare’s Director of Franchise Services, Devin Bevis, was recognized recently as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives.
Mr. Bevis completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the institute, which is the academic branch of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Educational Foundation. IFA is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide and honored this year’s designees last month during its annual convention in Las Vegas.
Candidates are required to complete a rigorous course of study to earn the CFE designation, which includes attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops...

Guests Welcomed to Enjoy Newly Upgraded In-Room Features
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // San Juan, PUERTO RICO - Embassy Suites hotels in Puerto Rico announce the completion of the first phase of a renovation campaign at Embassy Suites San Juan Hotel & Casino and Embassy Suites Dorado del Mar Beach Resort, including a full renovation of all suites at the San Juan hotel and bathroom upgrades in all suites at the Dorado resort.
“We are thrilled to welcome travelers to our newly renovated properties,” said Marisol Colon, cluster general manager, Embassy Suites Hotels, Puerto Rico. “As part of our effort to continuously offer best in class service and a superior upscale product, both the Embassy Suites hotel in San Juan and the resort in Dorado are positioned to ensure our guests continue to enjoy a memorable experience when visiting the island...

Home Maintenance Experts Offer Advice to Optimize Space
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - March 05, 2015  - (BUSINESS WIRE) - With spring around the corner, it’s time to cut the clutter and focus on making the most of garage space. Mr. Handyman, the nation’s leading home repair and maintenance franchise, offers useful tips for homeowners to optimize garage space:

Store Seasonal Items – Take advantage of exposed rafters. Lay a piece of plywood across the beams to create a makeshift shelving unit. The extra space can be used to store seasonal items.
Corral in Containers – Store items like nuts, bolts and nails in small containers. Large plastic containers can be used for messy items such as motor oil, carwash supplies and paint cans...

ATLANTA - March 05, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Church’s Chicken® announced that it has entered into a ten-unit franchise development agreement with Road Ranger®, the leading Truck Stop, Gas Station, Convenience Store and Travel Center chain in the Midwest spanning Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and Texas. The terms of the deal, while not disclosed, focus on developing non-traditional locations co-located in the Road Ranger® travel plazas. The transaction marks a new emphasis on growing the Church’s® footprint along major travel corridors throughout the US.
“Expanding into travel plazas allows our brand to meet the need for convenience for our guests while they are most in need of a great meal — when they have been on the road for hours at a time...

Luxury Lifestyle Hotel on North Michigan Avenue to Join Expanding Global Collection in Spring 2016
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide today announced the addition of LondonHouse to Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global brand of distinctive upper upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences. LondonHouse will be located in Chicago’s historic London Guarantee Building and new 22-story architecturally synchronized Modernist glass tower.
Built on the site of historic Fort Dearborn in 1923 at the corner of North Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, the historic London Guarantee & Accident Building was home to the renowned jazz club "London House," which hosted jazz luminaries including Oscar Peterson, Ramsey Lewis, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland, Nancy Wilson and Barbara Carroll before closing in the 1970s...

New hotel will be IHG’s third property in Belem
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // MIAMI – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of a new-build Holiday Inn Express® hotel in Belem, Brazil. Slated to open mid-2016, the 128-room property will be located between the Nazaré and Umazairal neighborhoods, in a very well-known area near downtown Belem. The new property will be IHG’s third property in the city, joining the Crowne Plaza® Belem hotel and Holiday Inn Express® Belem Ananindeua hotel. IHG has 17 hotels open and nine hotels in the development pipeline in Brazil.
The Holiday Inn Express Belem Nazaré hotel is in close proximity to two shopping malls and the city’s best restaurants, bars and nightclubs...

Over $40 million Committed from PWP Growth Equity and Existing Shareholders to Support National Expansion
SEATTLE - March 05, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - MOD Pizza (“MOD”), the pioneer of the fast casual pizza segment, today announced a significant milestone – the first closing on a financing that is expected to exceed $40 million. PWP Growth Equity, a private equity fund managed by Perella Weinberg Partners that invests in growth-oriented, lower middle market companies, was the lead investor, supported by existing MOD shareholders. This brings the total equity raised by MOD to more than $70 million, establishing the company as one of the most well-capitalized emerging fast casual concepts in the country.
“MOD has always focused on building for the long-term, and this infusion of capital will allow us to invest significantly in strengthening our business as we accelerate the opening of company-owned stores across the country”
“MOD has always focused on building for the long-term, and this infusion of capital will allow us to invest significantly in strengthening our business as we accelerate the opening of company-owned stores across the country,” stated Scott Svenson, co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MOD...

Commitment to colleagues and strong familial culture help earn Hyatt esteemed workplace accolade.
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that its U.S. subsidiary, Hyatt Corporation, has been named to the 2015 FORTUNE “100 Best Companies to Work For®” list in America, an annual ranking of companies with outstanding workplace cultures. Ranked 78th this year, Hyatt’s position on the list rose by 17 places from 2014.
Hyatt’s second consecutive appearance on the list underscores its corporate culture of deep care for colleagues and guests alike, one that encourages associates to be their authentic selves at work.
“The Hyatt culture is built around exceptional people, and there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that our colleagues feel deeply connected to the Hyatt family on an emotional level,” said Pete Sears, group president – Americas for Hyatt...

Local Retailer Offers Top Brand Home Appliances, Lawn and Garden Equipment, Tools, and More at Guaranteed Lowest Price
VIROQUA, Wis. - March 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:SHOS) opened its newest Wisconsin Sears Hometown Store today within the Nuzum Building Supply and Design Center at 1220 N. Main Street in Viroqua.
The Viroqua location marks the 10th opening of a new Sears Hometown Store this year and the 12th opening of a new store across all of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores formats. Unlike most retail concepts, Sears Hometown Stores combine the value, selection and services associated with larger retail stores but are owned and operated by a member of the local community.
"We're proud to be able to offer a great Sears customer service team to assist the community in finding the nation's top appliance brands at the lowest possible price by adding Sears Hometown to our existing business," said Jon Zahm, owner of the new Sears Hometown Store...

Opening Marks Fourth Staybridge Suites Hotel in the Country
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // CHIHUAHUA, Chih. – InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of the new Staybridge Suites® Chihuahua hotel in the city of Chihuahua, Mexico, following an investment of more than US $11 million by ownership. This opening represents IHG’s fourth Staybridge Suites property in Mexico, with other hotels located in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Queretaro. There are an additional four Staybridge Suites locations in the pipeline in Mexico.
“The hotel will be located near General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport, making it a convenient choice for U...

IHG’s MDA Strategy Fuels Further Growth in Germany
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of its latest multiple development agreement (MDA) to develop 10 hotels in Germany by 2019 with first time franchisee for the company, Interstar. IHG’s growth strategy continues to gain momentum in Germany with over 85 hotels currently either open or planned under MDA agreements.
The agreement enables Interstar to develop hotels across two of IHG’s brands – Holiday Inn® and Holiday Inn Express®. The 10 hotels will add approximately 1,700 rooms when signed to Germany’s current development pipeline of close to 4,000 rooms*...

Presentation Time is 11:30 AM PDT
ROTH Conference 2015
GOLDEN, Colo. - March 05, 2015 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Good Times Restaurants Inc. (NASDAQ: GTIM), operator of Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard, a regional quick service restaurant chain focused on fresh, high quality, all natural products and a licensee of Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, a full service, upscale concept, today announced that it will present at the 27th Annual ROTH conference to be held at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, CA on Monday, March 9, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. (Pacific Time). The presentation will be available until March 31, 2015 under the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.goodtimesburgers.com.
About Good Times Restaurants Inc...

Le Méridien New Orleans Unlocks the Crescent City’s Distinct Flavours and Rich Culture through Unique Programming for both Guests and Locals
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // NEW ORLEANS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the debut of Le Méridien New Orleans, following a comprehensive $29 million conversion of the former W Hotel. The renovation touched all aspects of the hotel, including a redesign of all 410 guestrooms, the debut of three new food and beverage outlets, the addition of the signature Le Méridien Hub (the brand’s reinterpretation of the traditional lobby), and the modernization of the porte-cochere valet entrance. The multimillion dollar renovation added 1,600 square feet of new, flexible meeting space (for a total of 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space) as well as a new landscaped palm garden incorporating large-scale artwork and outdoor seating for guests, with the ability to host private events...

March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA and MCLEAN, Va. – Jennifer Geiger has been appointed general manager of Embassy Suites Atlanta – Perimeter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, according to Ted Ratcliff, Hilton Worldwide senior vice president of operations for Eastern U.S., effective March 9, 2015. Geiger will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of this 241 all-suite hotel located near Dunwoody, Georgia and two blocks from Perimeter Mall.
Boasting the best location in Atlanta's Perimeter Center/Dunwoody-Sandy Springs area, Embassy Suites Atlanta - Perimeter Center is foot steps away from shopping, dining and offers complimentary shuttle service that operates within three miles of the hotel.
Geiger began her hospitality career with Hilton Worldwide at Embassy Suites Old Town Alexandria holding several positions from 1991 to 2003 including front office manager, senior sales manager and assistant general manager...

No Passports Needed for this French Voyage
March 05, 2015 // Franchising.com // DALLAS – Symbolic of the comforting and flavorful foods found in markets and cafés along the streets of France, la Madeleine is channeling its unmistakable distinction as it invites guests to savor the Country French Trio. Continuing the tradition of made-from-scratch, country French recipes filled with fresh ingredients, the Trio showcases la Madeleine’s roots in a variety of delicious options for its guests.
Available in la Madeleine’s 70-plus cafés nationwide, guests can customize their Country French Trio with two halves of la Madeleine’s French specialties alongside a cup of soupe or petite salade.
“Our French specialties are some of our most cherished items on the menu...