Franchise Industry News & Announcements

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the largest international hotel group in Saudi Arabia both by number of rooms and number of hotels, has signed an agreement with Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC to open a 200-key Staybridge Suites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This will be the first Staybridge Suites property, offering an extended stay experience, in Saudi Arabia.
Staybridge Suites Hira Street will be located in central Jeddah just 7km from Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport. It will be developed on a 14,700sqm plot and will form part of Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC’s mixed-used development including retail outlets, healthcare facilities and a multi-purpose hall.
Mohammed BaGabas, Dyafah Al Mutahida LLC added: “With the major expansion to Jeddah’s airport and the boom in real estate construction, Jeddah is becoming an increasingly important commercial hub...

Kickboxing Fitness Chain Fights its Way into Contention with 30-minute Training Regimen; Continues National Growth with One-of-a-Kind Franchise Opportunity
May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // GREENVILLE, SC – Not since Jane Fonda helped trigger the aerobics explosion in the 1980s has any form of cardiovascular fitness captivated the country so convincingly as boxing and kickboxing. And as more and more health enthusiasts are donning boxing gloves and kicking up a storm, 9Round is bringing them boxing and kickboxing fitness training in a 30-minute, full body circuit format.
With 48 centers currently open and operating in 19 states – including an additional 30 locations in various stages of development – 9Round is seeking to have a total of 100 centers by the end of 2013...

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // Gastonia, N.C. - The Gastonia-area Bojangles’ located at 3638 South New Hope Road has won first place in the company’s coveted ShowBo Awards, after undergoing a meticulous evaluation process based on customer satisfaction, food quality and overall experience.
The assessment for this year’s awards included two rounds of unannounced inspections conducted by a team of two judges at both the lunch and dinner hours. Each judge awarded points to restaurants based on a rigorous set of operating standards, and results for each team were combined for overall scores.
For earning first place honors in the ShowBo Awards, Kim Midgett, unit director of the Bojangles’ located on South New Hope Road, was awarded $10,000...

Consumers urged to ignore fear-based campaigns and think twice before paying hefty agent fees.
MONCTON, NB - May 8, 2013 /CNW/ - PropertyGuys.com, Canada's largest private sale franchise network and a modern alternative to traditional real estate agents, has launched a national campaign to urge consumers to take a rational look at the hefty fees agents collect.
"The stranglehold that the large brokerage brands have on the market is based on fear and it is a disservice to consumers," says Ken LeBlanc, President and CEO of PropertyGuys.com. "Consumers want an alternative to the outrageous fees agents charge but they have been misinformed on their viability. They want a solution that best combines technology and access to expertise...

Arizona-Based Company Attracts Rochester Regional Developer to Introduce Innovative Active Aging Centers Concept to Improve Overall Health and Function for Older Adults
May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHANDLER, Ariz. – ActiveRx, a Chandler, Ariz.-based company that is redefining aging by facilitating meaningful lifestyle changes that can improve the overall health and function for millions of older adults, has announced the finalization of a new regional development agreement for western New York and Pennsylvania.
The announcement was made by Matt Essex, founder and chief executive officer of the rapidly expanding company that currently has ActiveRx Active Aging Centers open or under development in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, South Carolina and Texas...

First 100 customers to receive free French toast during grand opening celebration on May 27.
Gilbert, AZ - May 19, 2013 - (PR.com) - Residents of Gilbert, Ariz., are about to wake to the smell, warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread. Kneaders Bakery & Cafe, a full-service restaurant and retail shop, will open its newest location at 5155 E. Baseline Road at 7a.m. on Monday, May 27. The first 100 customers will receive free French toast as part of the grand opening festivities. Regular hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Kneaders is a Utah-based restaurant franchise specializing in European hearth breads, made from scratch on site daily, as well as gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries and breakfast items...

An Aurora waxing location is giving students new ways to save on hair removal.
Aurora, CO (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - European Wax Center, the recognized leader in healthy, comfortable waxing recently named the #1 Fastest Growing Franchise in Inc. 500 Magazine, has announced a new loyalty program for students, making body waxing in Aurora, Colorado not only smoother, but much more affordable.
The new Student Wax Pass allows students with a valid student ID to save 25 percent by purchasing three waxing services and receiving the fourth one for free. The Student Wax Pass is accepted at European Wax Center Aurora-Parker and Arapahoe Roads any time for a single service, such as bikini waxing in Aurora.
European Wax Center Aurora-Parker and Arapahoe Roads offers the very latest in hair removal in Aurora, Colorado in an upscale environment at an affordable rate...

Leading Coffee and Bakery Chain Seeks Franchisee Candidates Throughout the State
May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // CANTON, Mass. - Dunkin' Donuts, America's all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, announced today that the company is recruiting franchisees in North Carolina markets, including Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Currently, there are 44 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants located throughout the state.
Dunkin' Donuts' development in North Carolina is part of the company's long-term goal to more than double its current footprint of more than 7,000 restaurants in the United States. To help fuel growth in North Carolina markets, special development incentives are available, which include reduced royalty fees for three years and up to an extra $10,000 in local store marketing for stores that open on time...

Largest Franchised System of Massage Clinics in Industry Recognized for its Focus on Veterans
May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // Scottsdale, Ariz. – Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, has been recognized among the top 10 percent of franchise companies named to the 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list. Compiled by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, the list highlights those companies that provide veterans with the best financial incentives and training, and which have the highest number of veteran franchisees.
“I am proud to be a part of a company that values veterans and the qualities that we bring to business ownership," said James “Ollie” Oliver, a 21-year Air Force veteran with a Top Secret security clearance and more than three decades of management experience, who is now a new owner of a Massage Envy clinic planned for Virginia...

Starwood to install nearly 3 megawatts of solar power in partnership with NRG in first phase of the program.
STAMFORD, Conn. & PRINCETON, N.J. - May 20, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - From the Caribbean Summit of Political and Business Leaders that took place in the British Virgin Islands last week, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) on Friday announced a new global alliance to expand the use of renewable energy systems at Starwood properties.
The alliance will begin with three properties, including the installation of a 1.3 megawatt (MW) solar array at the Westin St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands where NRG will build, own and operate the project. This array will provide clean, efficient power to the resort helping to reduce local air emissions and the impact of shipping on the fragile Caribbean ecosystem by directly reducing demand for diesel fuel imports...

VIP treatment for Very Important Residents, made-to-order breakfast omelets and Hyatt Has It - Borrows program help guests keep routines rolling on the road.
CHICAGO - May 20, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - As HYATT house® continues to expand across the country, the brand is rolling out the welcome mat even further to extended stay guests with the debut of the Very Important Resident (VIR) program. Providing guests staying 30 or more nights with a personal touch, the program offers a variety of new services to help guests keep their routines rolling on the road. In an effort to make the transition from home to hotel even easier, VIRs will enjoy unique benefits, including complimentary food and laundry credits and the option to arrive with a refrigerator fully stocked with groceries of their choice...

Fastest Growing Barbecue Franchise Is Veteran Friendly, Says G.I. Jobs Magazine
DALLAS - May 20, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Dickey’s Barbecue is pleased to announce it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs, for the second year in a row.
“Our veterans provide a tremendous service to our country and Dickey’s is honored to help make the dream of owning their own restaurant business a reality,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. president of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “My grandfather, Travis Dickey, Sr., opened our first barbecue restaurant in 1941 after his service in World War I and we continue our commitment to veterans today...

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry, SC Hotel has been selected as a 2012 Torchbearer Award winner. This accolade honors the highest level of excellence in all aspects of being a great hotel within the IHG system. 
NORCROSS, GA - May 20, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ - The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry Hotel, the #1 Holiday Inn Express & Suites in the state of South Carolina, is honored to be named a winner of InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG) 2012 Torchbearer Award. Distinguished as the highest accolade in the IHG system, the Torchbearer Award goes to the top 3% of all IHG properties in North America. It is measured by their guest satisfaction scores.
Selected out of approximately 4,400 IHG hotels, which is the world's largest hotel group in number of rooms, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Newberry hotel is excited to be recognized for their commitment to service excellence...

Martin Tardif will oversee all support staff, with worldwide responsibilities for store operational and financial analytics, as well as franchise support.
San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - Charles Beaupre, CEO of Play N Trade brings in a senior level executive, Martin Tardif. Tardif immediately increased the support system for Play N Trade by adding two senior support specialists. Jean Frederick Benoit and Mauricio Flores joined the team in April 2013. Franchisees are already seeing an increase in support worldwide.
Tardif has implemented a process he developed for Play N Trade called Franchise Business Improvement Plan (FBIP), a unique process which includes store analytics and benchmarking for each franchise owner. This is a system wide outreach program involving conference calls to franchisees, insight into all reporting, corporate staff being utilized for marketing services, an overview of projected profits, with the continued support of stores through every stage of their business cycle...

MaidPro's high employee ratings earn a spot in Boston Business Journal's 2013 "Best Places to Work" awards list for the third consecutive year.
Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 20, 2013 - The Boston Business Journal has named MaidPro (http://www.maidprofranchise.com) – the top-rated maid service for franchisee satisfaction as one of the Best Places to Work in Massachusetts in its eleventh annual regional awards program. The honor recognizes MaidPro’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of employee satisfaction, working conditions and company culture.
MaidPro was one of over 400 companies to qualify for consideration based on a two-stage nomination process and the results of employee-satisfaction surveys taken throughout March & April...

ATLANTA - May 20, 2013 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Church’s Chicken President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Hyatt announced today the appointment of Tony Moralejo as its Chief Development Officer responsible for domestic and international expansion for the globally recognized quick-service chicken chain. His responsibilities also include franchising, reimaging, construction and real estate management. Tony reports directly to Jim Hyatt and is a member of the brand’s executive team.
Moralejo joins Church’s Chicken after more than fifteen years in various high profile senior positions within the Burger King Corporation, including providing leadership in development, franchising, real estate, finance and marketing and was also the brand’s International General Counsel...

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // Jackson, MI - KidzArt/Art Innovators, an international provider of art enrichment for all ages, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs.
KidzArt/Art Innovators honors military veterans by waiving the franchise fee for qualified service members. Their Veteran's program also offers a protected territory, a Web page, a $500 online class registration system, $1000 off all start up marketing services, complete business and art training and on-going franchise support.
"KidzArt/Art Innovators is proud of this Military Friendly designation and of the fact that we allow veterans to use their background and training to launch a new civilian career with us," according to KidzArt CEO Sue Bartman...

May 20, 2013 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – RE/MAX brokers claimed a substantial share of the honors when the Chicago Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) announced its annual awards for sales accomplishments in 2012. The results were revealed a few weeks ago and underscore the outstanding productivity of RE/MAX brokers when it comes to Chicago real estate sales. RE/MAX brokers increased the number of C.A.R awards they took home at the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze levels by 38 percent, compared to awards received a year ago.
Once again, Linda O’Donnell, broker/owner of RE/MAX Signature, 2411 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, and Robert Padron, broker/owner of RE/MAX Cityview, 6430 N. Central Ave., Chicago, are among the 14 brokers honored with the Platinum Level Achiever Award for sales of 165 or more units...

Synergy HomeCare provides free ebook for adult children wanting to talk to parents about home care.
Huntersville, NC - May 19, 2013 - (PR.com) - While Mother’s Day has passed, worries may still linger if you’re one of the growing number of adult children with an aging mother. Perhaps you couldn’t help but notice that Mom wasn’t quite as sharp as she used to be or how her arthritis makes it difficult for her to navigate up and down stairs. She may even be letting her once-immaculate home get cluttered and gather dust.
According to Synergy HomeCare of Greater Charlotte, these are just a few of the telltale signs that it’s time to have "The Conversation" about your aging mother’s home care needs...

Now, first time guests in San Jose, California can receive a complimentary waxing service.
San Jose, California (PRWEB) May 19, 2013 - European Wax Center San Jose-The Plant is happy to announce their latest money saving option for hair removal in San Jose, California. Now, first time guests to European Wax Center can receive a Free Wax Offer in Santa Clara County.
With the fantastic Free Wax Offer men may receive a free ear, nose, or eyebrow wax, while women may receive a free underarm, bikini, or eyebrow waxing in San Jose, CA. This thrifty offer lets smart Louisville guests experience difference between European Wax Center and other waxing facilities for themselves.
At European Wax Center San Jose-The Plant, they only use their patented purple Comfort Wax that was exclusively designed in Paris and only sticks to the hair, not skin, to ensure virtually pain-free waxing in Santa Clara, California...