Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Conference Call with Investors Scheduled August 5
July 25, 2014 // Franchising.com // MEMPHIS, Tenn. - ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SERV), a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services, today announced it will release its preliminary unaudited second-quarter 2014 financial results on Tuesday, August 5. Additionally, the company will hold a conference call to discuss its financial and operating results Tuesday, August 5 at 8:00 a.m. central time.
The company invites all interested parties to join Chief Executive Officer Rob Gillette and Chief Financial Officer Alan Haughie as they provide an update on the company’s operating results and a second-half and full-year 2014 financial outlook. Participants may join this conference call by dialing 800...

Texas-based Youth Financial Education Organization Announces Franchise Opportunities Available throughout U.S.
Austin, TX (PRWEB) July 28, 2014 - Moolah U, an educational organization working to provide young people with knowledge about how money works and how to be financially responsible, announced that it is now offering franchise opportunities across the country. The Austin, Texas-based company offers a variety of camps, after-school clubs, and in-class curricula that help students develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and integrity, and establish habits to build a lifetime of financial stability and independence.
"Parents want their children to learn how to be responsible with money from an early age, and young people are eager to understand how money works," said Gayle Reaume, founder and CEO of Moolah U...

South Beach Tanning brings their brand to New York's Long Island.
Orlando, Florida (PRWEB) July 28, 2014 - This fall, the sun of Miami Beach will be shining on Long Island, New York. South Beach Tanning Company will open their first franchise in the state of New York in a newly renovated shopping center in Port Jefferson at 1108 Route 112, ideally situated close to two major roads: Route 112 and Route 347.
Drawn to the décor and vibrant colors of South Beach's salons, this family-owned franchise found that they were even more impressed with the South Beach Tanning team and its founders, Brian and Heather Hibbard. "We felt like we instantly clicked with them," said Jennifer Travlos, who, along with her sister, Alyssa Atkins, will be running this new endeavor...

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) July 28, 2014 - Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate, resellers of gently used clothing and accessories, help parents save money when shopping for back-to-school.
According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 will spend $669.28 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics for back to school. This figure would represent a 5 percent increase from last year's spending average of $634.78 per family. With the rising cost of back-to-school shopping, families can save money by shopping for gently used clothes at Kid to Kid and Uptown Cheapskate.
Kid to Kid is a national children's resale franchise that specializes in stylish, screened for quality fashions for kids up to size 14...

Lawrenceville, GA (PRWEB) July 28, 2014 - Pak Mail Centers of America, Inc. announced the Pak Mail Center located at 1032 Old Peachtree Road, Lawrenceville, GA at Huntcrest is under new ownership. Long-time residents Mr. and Mrs. Virgil and Lori Snow purchased the packaging and shipping franchise in June of this year.
The Pak Mail Center in Lawrenceville opened in August of 2003 and has been servicing residents’ packing, shipping, and crating needs for over a decade. The Snows are excited to continue to serve their community as the new owners of the local Pak Mail Center.
"We are excited to be taking over the Pak Mail store at Huntcrest in Lawrenceville, GA." Lori said. "Virgil and I have been living in the community for 30 years and are pleased to have our son, Nicholas Snow join us as our Store Manager...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - (Marketwired - July 28, 2014) - As a proud community partner, Giant Tiger Stores Limited is pleased to present the Giant Tiger Fun Zone this year the Halifax International Busker Festival!
The Giant Tiger Fun Zone will be a free unique and friendly area offering free product sampling and coupons, the Tiger Taste Challenge, the interactive Giant tiger photo booth, a sandcastle station, a bubble station and lots of fun décor for the whole family! Giant Tiger will also be providing a cool down area with a free refillable water station.
Take part in this roaring good time from Wednesday, July 30th until Monday, August 4th!
Be sure to follow Giant Tiger on Twitter @gtboutique for updates during the Halifax Busker Festival...

Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-Murray is the Fourth in the Salt Lake City Area
July 28, 2014 // Franchising.com // SALT LAKE CITY and MCLEAN, Va. – Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s award-winning mid-tier, all-suite hotel brand designed for modern business travelers and extended stay guests, today announced the opening of its 35th hotel, Home2 Suites by Hilton Salt Lake City-Murray. This is the fourth property for the brand in Utah.
"The opening of the fourth Home2 Suites in Utah is impressive, and we are thrilled to announce that it is right outside of the Salt Lake City area," said Bill Duncan, global head, Home2 Suites and Homewood Suites. "The local economy proves to be an area of opportunity for the brand to offer its unique approach to the mid-scale, extended stay hotel market...

July 25, 2014 // Franchising.com // Devens, MA - Annually, LE Toys franchisees gather at the end of June to order toys for the holidays. Along with announcing long-term charitable partnerships at the Convention, LE Toys also partners with local organizations in need of toys. The Convention location changes annually, and this year LE Toys is pleased to support the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center (Rancho Mirage, CA), along with Shelter from the Storm (Palm Desert, CA), and Olive Crest (Palm Desert, CA). Toy vendors dismantled the booths at the end of the Convention and gave more than $10,000 worth of toys to these charities.
"Since our founding, we have helped more than 20,000 children," says John Thoresen, executive officer of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center...

Eight award-winning dance crews to battle it out at New York City's biggest breakdance competition of the year.
July 21, 2014 // Franchising.com // Iselin, NJ – McDonald's New York Tri-State has announced the all-star lineup for its first annual McDonald's B-Boy Royale, New York City's largest breakdance competition of the year. Held on August 16 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, the event will feature eight award-winning Asian American breakdance crews from across the nation battling it out in a head-to-head tournament for the chance to win a grand prize of $3,000. The competition will be hosted by Korean American rapper and YouTube sensation Dumbfoundead, who will also perform tracks from his latest album...

Owners Celebrate With Free Sub Fundraiser
July 23, 2014 // Franchising.com // Virginia Beach, VA - Jersey Mike's Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, opened in Virginia Beach on July 16. Franchise owners Martin Anderson and Clark Stallings, along with restaurant operator Daniel Hoggard, held a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, July 16 to Sunday, July 20 to support Young Life.
The new restaurant, located at 1909 Landstown Centre Way, circulated 10,000 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution to Young Life.
"I've had the opportunity to be a part of the Jersey Mike's brand for nearly four years now," said Hoggard. "Growing along with the company and overseeing several shops has been a great experience and I'm looking forward to this new location in Virginia Beach...

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - July 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:BAGR) ("DRH" or the "Company"), the creator, developer and operator of the unique, full-service, ultra-casual restaurant and bar Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern® ("Bagger Dave's") and one of the largest franchisees for Buffalo Wild Wings® ("BWW"), announced today that it will release its second quarter 2014 financial results before the opening of financial markets on Friday, August 8, 2014.
The Company will host a conference call and webcast to review its financial and operating results and discuss its corporate strategies and outlook. A question-and-answer session will follow.
Second Quarter 2014 Conference Call and Webcast
Friday, August 8, 2014
10:00 a...

Amos Lee and O.A.R. to Headline; Lakewood Brewing Company to Craft Exclusive Ale
DALLAS - July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today the celebrity chef and music line-up for Cultivate Dallas-Ft. Worth, which is making its southern debut on Saturday, October 18 in nearby Irving, Texas at Lake Carolyn. The one-day festival includes cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, local food artisans, regional beer and wines, a special Chipotle festival menu, a Kids' Zone with games and other activities that emphasize fresh and affordable food made with sustainable ingredients. Admission is free.
Celebrity chefs lined up for the event include Matt McCallister (FT33 in Dallas); Omar Flores (Casa Rubia in Dallas); Kent Rathbun (Abacus in Dallas and Jasper's in Plano, Houston and Austin); Paul Qui (Qui and East Side King in Austin); Sean Brock (Husk in Charleston and Nashville, and McCrady's in Charleston) and Amanda Freitag (Empire Diner in New York)...

HOUSTON, TX - (Marketwired - July 25, 2014) - Link Staffing Services, a national provider of temporary staffing and productivity solutions, celebrates Hank Baldridge and his 20 years of commitment as a Link Staffing Franchise Owner in Oklahoma City. Hank began his career with Link Staffing in 1994 and has since been partnering with local companies to fill their needs for skilled crafts and trades, light industrial, general labor, and clerical employees.
Vice President of Franchise Operations, Michelle Bearden, said, "Hank consistently operates with the highest standards of quality service to Link's clients and safety for Link's employees. Meeting or exceeding client expectations and treating people with respect and dignity is what it is about for Hank...

July 25, 2014 // Franchising.com // Devens, MA – Annually in various locations, Learning Express Toys hosts a franchise-wide Convention. The entire Learning Express Toys family, including store owners, store managers, home office employees, and vendors, gathered in Palm Springs, CA, last month. While there, LE Toys presented its top vendors with awards.
"Learning Express Toys is fortunate to work with wonderful vendors who understand our business and are interested in being true partners," says Lisa Visco, Vice President of Merchandising at Learning Express Toys. "The Awards Banquet is one of our favorite events of the year and allows us to showcase and recognize all that our vendors do to help make Learning Express Toys a special and fun place for our customers...

PITTSBURGH - July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - The Board of Directors of GNC Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") authorized and declared the quarterly cash dividend for the third quarter of 2014 of $0.16 per share of the Company's common stock. The dividend will be paid on or about September 26, 2014 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 12, 2014.
About GNC Holdings, Inc.
GNC Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplement products, sports nutrition products and diet products, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GNC."
The Company – which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well – has a diversified, multi-channel business model and derives revenue from product sales through company-owned retail stores, domestic and international franchise activities, third party contract manufacturing, e-commerce and corporate partnerships...

- Acquired Progressive Finance, Leading Virtual Lease-To-Own Company
- Total Revenues of $672.5 Million
- Net Earnings of $8.5 Million; Diluted EPS of $.12
- Non-GAAP Diluted EPS of $.37
- $50 Million in Potential Annual Cost Savings Identified
- Progressive Continues to Exceed Expectations
ATLANTA - July 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced revenues and earnings for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2014.
For the second quarter of 2014, revenues increased 22% to $672.5 million compared to $550.5 million for the second quarter of 2013...

Award-Winning Chicken Wing Franchise Offers Buy Six, Get Six Wings Promotion 
WINSTON-SALEM, NC - July 25, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ - In honor of the 37th annual National Chicken Wing Day on Tuesday, July 29, the upscale, award-winning chicken wing franchise, East Coast Wings & Grill, will be celebrating by offering a buy six wings, get six wings free promotion for dine-in customers, at all participating locations. Customers will have the option to purchase bone-in or boneless wings.
"With chicken wings being a staple of our brand, we are excited to celebrate National Chicken Wing Day with our customers," said Sam Ballas, CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill. "2014 marks the 50 year anniversary since the conception of the first chicken wing and East Coast Wings & Grill is proud to be part of the growing industry...

Fresh To Order Introduces Bison Burgers to Its Cool Burger Menu and Offers Up New Seasonal Salad Fruit Toppings and Desserts for a Limited Time at Fresh To Order
Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) July 25, 2014 - With the summer heat comes burger season, which oftentimes conflicts with keeping in shape for swimsuit season. For Fresh To Order (f2o) guests, enjoying the new bison burger is the best of both worlds. Once a limited time offer, the bison burger will be a tasty option for summertime and beyond for only $10.90, served with a salad and fresh toppings.
Made with fresh ground bison, dried cherries and a few trade secrets; served with baby field greens, horseradish aioli and caramelized onions, the burger clocks in at fewer than 600 calories...

Connecticut Governor Dannell Malloy & Chairman of the Tribal Council Kevin Brown Join Arooga's President and Co-Founder Gary Huether, Jr., Co-Founder Mike Murphy and Franchise Sales Head Keith Swade
July 25, 2014 // Franchising.com // Mohegan Tribal Nation – Arooga's Franchising, LLC and The Mohegan Tribe, who announced a franchise agreement in May, broke ground in Uncasville, Connecticut yesterday on the first of 15 planned Arooga's Grille House and Sports Bar restaurants in New England.
President and Co-Founder of Arooga's Gary Huether, Jr., Arooga's Co-Founder Mike Murphy, head of Arooga's Franchise Development Keith Swade and other Arooga's team members joined Kevin Brown "Red Eagle," Chairman of the Tribal Council, as they welcomed Governor Dannell Malloy and other state and local officials to the future site of the restaurant which will be located on the Norwich-New London Turnpike, adjacent to Mohegan Sun...

July 25, 2014 // Franchising.com // Birmingham, AL - Chester's International started the summer with a splash opening thirteen new restaurants in June. Chester's partnered with local retailers in Arkansas, California, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and the Island of Saint Kitts.
"The tremendous growth Chester's experienced this past June is very exciting," stated Brian Simmons, Regional Operations Manager for Chester's International. "The continued expansion of the Chester's brand is a true testament to the strength of the Chester's program offering. I know that each one of these new restaurants has the tools need to be a huge success in their respective market."
Fans of Chester's delicious fried chicken can now satisfy their chicken cravings at the following new Chester's restaurants:

Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores in Dodge City, KS
Lucky J Travel Center in Teague, TX
Riverside Express in Augusta, ME
Corning Quick Stop in Corning, AR
Brothers Market in Denver, IA 
Port Orchard Chevron in Port Orchard, WA
Doe Valley Food Mart in Mountain City, TN
The Depot in Victorville, CA
Caribbean Cinemas in Basseterre, St...