Franchise Industry Personnel Changes

Company Initiates Search for Successor
LAKEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2012-- Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BAGL), a leader in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry operating under the Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels®, and Manhattan Bagel® brands, today announced that James P. O’Reilly, who led Corporate Marketing and Branding for the past three years, has resigned to pursue another business opportunity. His departure will become effective on February 17, 2012, and a search for his replacement is underway.
Jeffrey O’Neill, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “On behalf of the entire Einstein Noah team, I want to thank James for all of his contributions to our Company and wish him well...

Salt Lake City, UT (Grassroots Newswire) February 02, 2012 – Blackstreet Capital Partners II, an affiliate of a Maryland-based private equity fund, has announced its promotion of AlphaGraphics, Inc.’s Senior V.P. of Global Development, Art Coley to President of the franchise organization with nearly 300 centers worldwide. This appointment is effective immediately and follows the departure of Kevin Cushing as Chief Executive Officer of the company.
“We are very excited to have someone with Art Coley’s franchising knowledge and industry experience to lead AlphaGraphics,” said Blackstreet Capital Managing Director Lawrence Berger. “AlphaGraphics, and the printing industry in general, is at a critical inflection point and we are looking for renewed leadership to further implement the organizations’ strategy and achieve its goal of becoming the leading provider of business and marketing communications services to small- and medium-sized businesses...

Addition of Alissa Ramsay and Continuing Education Readies Concept for 2012 Growth
January 26, 2012 - Appleton Learning, a private education organization and franchise that provides individualized tutoring, test preparation, academic testing and assessments for students of all ages, announces that Alissa Ramsay has been named director of franchise development for the company’s emerging franchise division. In this position, Ramsay will work closely with Tra Williams, vice president of development, to recruit potential franchise partners, provide support to Appleton franchisees through training and management and expand the concept’s franchise presence, with focus particularly in the Southeast.
”We are thrilled to announce Alissa as Appleton’s director of franchise development,” says Glenn Clayton, CEO of Appleton Learning...

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced the appointment of Stephen P. Joyce to the Company’s board of directors, effective immediately. The Board of Directors increased its size from 10 to 11 members, and Mr. Joyce was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the increase. He is an independent director who will serve as a Class III director with a term expiring at the Company’s 2012 annual meeting of stockholders.
“We are excited to add the exceptional talents and proven experience of Steve Joyce to DineEquity’s board of directors”
“We are excited to add the exceptional talents and proven experience of Steve Joyce to DineEquity’s board of directors,” said chairman and chief executive officer Julia Stewart...

Chicago, IL, February 01, 2012 --(PR.com)-- RE/MAX Countryside at 1634 W. Algonquin Road, Hoffman Estates, Ill., is now under new ownership. Enrique Aguilar and Sergio Cardoso, who have been affiliated with the office as agents, purchased the successful RE/MAX franchise in December from former owners, Pete Simatos, Anton Simatos and David and Karen Hudachko.
“One of my goals has always been to own a company, and this is now a dream come true,” said Aguilar. “This profession requires lots of hard work, and it also provides great satisfaction knowing you are helping families achieve the dream of owning a home. I could not have done this without the unconditional support of my family.”
Between them, Cardoso and Aguilar have more than two decades of experience in real estate brokerage...

Camp Hill, PA, January 31, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Jennifer Hollister Group this week announced the addition of 2 experienced sales professionals to expand service to the south central Pennsylvania real estate market.
Russ Dugan, a committed, highly reputable new homes sales professional, has been serving Central Pa for over 25 years. His background ranges from sales, consultation and design to the oversight of home construction through completion. His career spans all types of construction from site development, additions and remodeling to townhomes and multi-million dollar homes. Utilizing this knowledge and extensive background, Russ has made an exciting transition by opening the door to selling both new homes and resale homes. Russ extends an invitation for all of his friends, past clients and new business contacts to call him at 717-554-4413...

James Greco, formerly with Bruegger’s Enterprises, Joins as President and CEO of Leading Italian Quick Service Restaurant Company; J. David Karam, formerly President of Wendy’s International, Named Chairman of the Board.
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Sbarro, Inc., a leading Italian quick service restaurant company, today announced that James Greco, 54, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Greco was the former CEO of Bruegger’s Enterprises and credited by industry experts with the strong performance and growth of the 28-year-old national bagel bakery chain. Nicky McGrane, who has been serving as Sbarro’s interim President and CEO will be leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities...

Nixon Peabody LLP is pleased to announce that David M. Schraver, a partner in the firm’s Rochester office, has been named president-elect designee of the 77,000-member New York State Bar Association.
January 31, 2012 // Franchising.com // Rochester, NY. - The House of Delegates, the State Bar’s governing body, elected Mr. Schraver during the 135th Annual Meeting in New York City. He will begin a one-year term as president-elect on June 1, 2012, and a one-year term as president on June 1, 2013.
Mr. Schraver is a commercial litigation partner and concentrates his practice in complex civil and commercial litigation, with a special emphasis on Indian law and gaming, energy and utilities litigation, contract litigation, and fiduciary and professional liability...

FORT WORTH, Texas, Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH), a leading national retailer of innovative mobile and technology products, services and accessories, today announced preliminary, unaudited results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011.
Total net sales and operating revenues from continuing operations for the 2011 fourth quarter increased approximately 6% to $1.39 billion compared to $1.31 billion for the fourth quarter last year. Comparable store sales for company-operated stores increased approximately 2% during the 2011 fourth quarter. Consolidated gross profit as a percent of net sales in the 2011 fourth quarter is expected to be approximately 35%, compared to 41% in the 2010 fourth quarter. Diluted earnings per share for the 2011 fourth quarter are expected to be in the range of $0...

DALLAS, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireman's Contractors, Inc. (OTCBB: FRCN) (OTCQB: FRCN) today announced the addition of Gary Cochran to its board of directors. Mr. Cochran has served 30 years in the fire service industry, initially as a firefighter and then as a Certified Fire Investigator, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator, Fire Consultant, and Certified Police Officer. During his tenure in the fire service field, he also owned and operated a successful parking lot maintenance and paving business for seven years. His extensive knowledge of the paving and parking lot maintenance industry, coupled with his core firefighter value system, make him a perfect board representative to assist in the growth of Fireman's Contractors. Mr...

January 27, 2012 // Franchising.com // VIENNA, Va. – Recently ranked among the franchise elite in Entrepreneur magazine’s prominent “Franchise 500,” BookKeeping Express, the nation’s only franchise focused solely on offering certified bookkeeping services, announced today the appointment of Rocco Rinaldi as National Franchise Advisor, a newly created position designed to further increase support and accelerate growth of its rapidly expanding franchise system.
Before joining BookKeeping Express, Rinaldi held various regional and district management positions where he led territory growth, drove top-line sales revenues and implemented extensive marketing initiatives. Rinaldi oversaw one of the top performing districts at H&R Block and was responsible for advising and coaching franchisees towards increased market share, higher revenues and more efficient operations...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit Brings Excellent Customer Service and Delicious Barbecue to North Carolina
GREENVILLE, N.C., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Greenville is now locally owned and operated by the award-winning management of Jerry Brooks.
"I want to let the community of Greenville know that my main focuses are serving great quality barbecue and excellent customer service," said Brooks. "I want customers coming back because of our delicious food, but I also want them to visit our friendly employees."
Brooks is no stranger to Dickey's Barbecue. He successfully owns and operates the Dickey's in Knightdale. Brooks will bring his skill set and passion to the Greenville location and will not except anything but the best for his newest store...

Rising Brand Continues To Grow, Adds Andy Anderson And Glenn Gordon
January 26, 2012 // Franchising.com // Wichita, Kan. – Value Place, the largest economy extended stay lodging franchise in the United States, announces the addition of two key members to its franchise development team. Andy Anderson and Glenn Gordon are appointed Vice Presidents of Franchise Development to continue driving Value Place’s rapid advancement in the short-term residential industry.
Anderson is a native of Scottsdale, AZ and is responsible for franchise development in the western half of the United States. In this role, he will leverage more than 15 years of business development and legal experience in the hospitality industry. Most recently, Anderson served as the Interim General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Business Development for Infinity Capital Alliance...

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System®, a leading franchisor of commercial cleaning businesses, has appointed Laura J. Hendricks as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Hendricks has more than 25 years of leadership experience in operations and management, including executive positions with prominent franchise organizations.
Hendricks believes in a "hands-on" approach to leadership, a key to maintaining a keen understanding of how business works at all levels. Before taking the top position at Coverall, Hendricks worked with the ServiceMaster Company as President of Merry Maids L.L.C.; as Vice President of Distribution and Production Planning for Cintas; and as Managing Director of Operations for FedEx...

Groton, MA, January 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Andrew Armata and Stacey Alcorn, Broker/Owners of RE/MAX Prestige in Groton, are pleased to announce that Cathy Clark has joined the real estate office as a sales associate.
With 26 years of real estate experience, Clark provides real estate services to Middlesex and Worcester Counties specializing in residential, multi-family and corporate relocations.
"RE/MAX represents the top of our profession and it provides excellent services to agents and clients," Clark said. "I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization."
“My first responsibility is to help my buyers and sellers," said Clark. "And my move to RE/MAX will be a significant benefit to my clients, because RE/MAX has the most powerful name brand in real estate...

Westford, MA, January 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Gary St. Martin, a twenty five year veteran real estate agent doing business throughout the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire, has joined RE/MAX Prestige. The St. Martin Team, including Team Leader, Gary St. Martin, his partner, Colleen Murphy, as well as Eileen Barrett, Bette Galligan and Angie Jordon sold more homes in the Westford market than any other agents in 2010 and 2011. As well, they have significant market share in Chelmsford, Tyngsboro, Groton, Pepperell and surrounding towns. What’s interesting about Gary St. Martin’s move is that Gary originally brought the RE/MAX real estate system and name to Westford and Chelmsford twenty years ago. He sold his business many years ago and joined DeWolfe Real Estate which eventually sold to Coldwell Banker...

Board of Directors Initiates Search for CEO
Board Strengthens Policies on Executive Compensation and Retains Towers Watson as Executive Compensation Consultant
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regis Corporation (NYSE:RGS), the global leader in the $160 billion haircare industry, today announced that Randy L. Pearce has informed the Company of his intention to retire as President and as a member of the Board of Directors effective June 30, 2012, the end of the Company’s current fiscal year.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at Regis, I thank Randy for his leadership and his 27 years of dedication to Regis, our shareholders and all of our employees”
As previously announced, Paul D. Finkelstein will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Regis in February 2012...

Northborough, MA, January 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Malissa Butterfield has joined RE/MAX Prestige as the newest member of this dynamic sales team. Butterfield brings to the office 7+ years of experience as a residential appraiser and more recently as a sales agent. Malissa is a proud member of The Foley Team.
“My first responsibility is to help my buyers and sellers," said Butterfield. "And my move to RE/MAX will be a significant benefit to my clients, because RE/MAX has the most powerful name brand in real estate. With nearly 90,000 Sales Associates in more than 80 countries, when I list a property here in Northborough, it's exposed to a huge audience. That exposure is driven by the RE/MAX website, www.remax.com, the most visited real estate franchise site, which helps my clients get the best possible price for their home in the least amount of time...

Morse brings 35 years of hospitality experience and strong track record to IHG.
January 25, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] today announces that Robert “Bob” Morse has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer for the Americas region, succeeding Angela Brav who is now president of IHG’s Europe region. In his new role with IHG, he will lead the operations activities for franchised and managed hotels across all of IHG’s brands in the Americas region.
“Bob is a tremendous addition to our leadership team in the Americas region,” said Kirk Kinsell, president, the Americas, IHG. “He has had a significant presence in our industry for 35 years and his operations, franchise and management expertise covers all aspects of running a successful hotel and brings an owner’s perspective to this position...

LAKEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2012-- Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BAGL), a leader in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry operating under the Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels®, and Manhattan Bagel® brands, last week named Edna Morris to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Her appointment follows the Board’s decision to increase its composition from six to seven members.
Ms. Morris has over 30 years of business leadership within the restaurant industry, with a diverse background that includes public companies, start-ups, not-for-profit organizations and Board positions. Currently, Ms. Morris is one of the Managing Directors for Axum Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on education services and restaurants, where she leads the restaurant strategy practice...