Recreation Franchise Industry News & Announcements

Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc. is thrilled to announce that its recent Young Earth Human Alliance ("YEHA" ) Camp was an incredible success. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 24, 2012 - There is a unique Dahn Yoga workshop that includes a special mind body program for young people called the Young Earth Human Alliance (YEHA). The YEHA Camp, developed by the national leader in health and wellness, took place at Honors Haven in upstate New York in late March and recently at Sedona Mago Retreat Center, near Sedona, Arizona. The event welcomed a number of notable young people to get in shape and find ways to truly understand their dreams and ambitions. The event featured nature walks and meditation techniques. The event allowed scores of young individuals to build self-confidence and engage in exercises to explore their true hopes and dreams...

May 24, 2012 // Franchising.com // Velocity Sports Performance, specializing in advanced sports performance training for athletes of all ages and skill levels, is an Official Sponsor of the 51st Annual Athletic Awards Breakfast in Newport Beach. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce on May 31, the local community event honors the achievements of the top 30 athletes from Corona del Mar and Newport Harbor high schools during the 2011-12 school year.
"We're excited to be involved in the Athletic Awards Breakfast in support of our local high school sports community," said Linda Archer, owner of the Newport-Mesa sports performance center, which opened in December. "These young athletes and their families are no doubt very proud that many years of hard work and dedication are being recognized among their peers and neighbors before they go off to college...

Student Bands from Elementary through High School Showcase Talent & Compete to Win in Semi-Annual Event
BETHESDA, Md., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Bach to Rock (B2R), America's music school for students of all ages, announced today that the B2R Battle of the Bands X will kick-off at the Fillmore Silver Spring on June 10, 2012, before heading back to the 9:30 Club on June 23-24, 2012, for a jam band showdown. Hundreds of local students will showcase their incredible talent, performing a mix of original music and popular hits, for a chance to win professional studio recording time.
"Bach to Rock's 'Battle of The Bands' continues to grow in popularity thanks to our dedicated students and faculty," said Brian Gross, president of Bach to Rock...

First of its Kind Wellness System Improves Muscular Strength And Bone Health in Just Five Minutes a Week
May 23, 2012 // Franchising.com // HOUSTON, TX – For a maturing baby boomer population, aging well has become a top priority. As people age, lowered bone density, loss of muscle strength, and the aches and pains of growing older are factors that greatly reduce the quality of life.
In addition, Osteoporosis is reaching epidemic proportions with over 10 million Americans already diagnosed with the condition and another 34 million having low bone mass. Bones naturally become thinner as we age because existing bone is broken down more quickly than new bone is produced. This eventually can lead to painful and limiting osteoporosis...

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce record revenues and profits for the quarter ending March 31, 2012. The Company generated revenues of $802,227 with a pre-tax profit of $221,211. CEO Brian Pappas attributes the quarterly results to a substantial increase in lead flow from franchise seekers and higher closing rates as well as to the performance of the Company’s franchisees. Pappas stated, “You don’t sell franchises in any franchise system unless the franchisees are doing well. We focus tremendous energy on our franchisees through our support system and are constantly seeking ways to assist them in their local businesses...

Fitness Franchise Offers Opportunity for Retired Veterans, Military, Police and Fire Personnel Who Want to Own Their Own Businesses
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest-growing health fitness franchises, will open its first cardio kickboxing gym in California on June 1 at 7094 Miramar Road, Suites 115 and 116 in San Diego, to provide high-quality cross training in a friendly, comfortable home-like setting in the Mira Mesa area.
Grand Opening festivities are in the works for Saturday, June 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to CKO Kickboxing of San Diego owners Trisha Virga and Joe Virga.
"You can work up a sweat and burn calories without worrying about getting a black eye or breaking a bone with cardio kickboxing," Virga said of the cardio kickboxing gym that will serve residents of San Diego, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch and UTC...

CHICAGO, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicagoland-based Charter Fitness is opening its newest club in Mokena, IL. Charter Fitness of Mokena is located at 19816 La Grange Rd, Next to Brookhaven Marketplace, and is scheduled to open late summer of 2012. The new location boasts 13,000 square feet of updated, spacious interior, over 75 pieces of cardio equipment, more strength machines, a private personal training studio, expanded free weight area, bigger and nicer locker rooms, and more parking.
"We're very happy to be opening Charter Fitness of Mokena and proud to be part of the community. Charter Fitness of Mokena is going to be a great place to get fit and healthy. We invite everyone to come check us out," said Dan Collins, Charter Fitness' Director of Sales...

Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc,. a national leader of health and wellness, is thrilled to announce its Brooklyn Heights studio as the Center of the Month for May. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 18, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, is proud to highlight the accomplishments of its Brooklyn Heights, New York, Dahn Yoga studio. Located in one of the most diverse boroughs of the Empire State, the center features a number of creative, high-energy participants. Students at this diverse Dahn Yoga location have been actively fostering a sense of togetherness while balancing their bodies and minds.
Center manager, Amy Long decided to become a Dahn Yoga master after attending a Young Earth Human Alliance (YEHA) camp...

G.I. Jobs Magazine Names Flip Flop Shops to Its Prestigious 2012 List of Military Friendly Franchises®; North America’s Leading Flip Flop and Sandal Retailer Ranks in the Top 10 Percent of All Franchises Nationwide
May 17, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – Flip Flop Shops, North America’s first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals, has been named a top Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs magazine for 2012.
The magazine’s prestigious Military Friendly Franchises® list identifies franchises that demonstrate the best practices in recruiting military members as franchisees. This honor ranks Flip Flop Shops in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide...

HOBOKEN, N.J., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - CKO Kickboxing announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2012 Military Friendly Franchise® by G.I. Jobs Magazine.
The health fitness franchise company honors military veterans all year round by offering service members a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee, allowing veterans to use their training and operational skills in a new civilian career.
"I have been involved with the CKO Kickboxing family for over 10 awesome years as a trainer and as a franchise owner for over 3 years," said Salvatore A. Ferrara, who served two tours of duty in Iraq, and now owns CKO Kickboxing franchises in Lodi, Teterboro and Wallington, N.J.
"One of the best things about CKO Kickboxing is that I get to help people of all different fitness levels get into great shape...

North America’s Leading Flip Flop and Sandal Retailer Allows Consumers to Free Their Toes® with Their Own Artwork, Photos, or Designs; Becomes Exclusive Brick and Mortar Retail Partner of Sandalista
May 14, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – Flip Flop Shops will now let consumers Free Their Toes® with one-of-a-kind flip flops, created from their own artwork, photos, or designs, as part of a new “Custom Flip Flop Program.”
North America’s first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals will now utilize Sandalista’s patent-pending technology to have any digital image printed on the foot bed of a rubber flip flop. Through Flip Flop Shops’ exclusive partnership with Sandalista, consumers can visit their local Flip Flop Shops to customize a pair of Sandalista flip flops with their own photos and artwork or choose from selected designs and images...

Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios (FADS) announced this week the opening of their Beirut, Lebanon dance studio.
LONGMEADOW, MA, May 05, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studios (FADS), headquartered in Longmeadow, Massachusetts (USA) announced this week the opening of their Beirut, Lebanon dance studio. For more information on location, hours and lessons visit: www.fredastairelebanon.com or call +961 71 941472.
CEO and President Jack Rothweiler said the opening "marks an important milestone for both the company and Beirut." As the capitol and cultural center of Lebanon, the city has a thriving night life and a vibrant social and ballroom dance scene (as evidenced by the numerous independent ballroom dance studios) which the fastest-growing dance studio franchise would like to tap into...

Dahn Yoga believes mothers are people who are so special they deserve their own month! To celebrate, all mothers will receive 20% off new memberships this May.
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 10, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, celebrates May as “Mother’s Month.” Mothers will have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of Dahn Yoga exercises with this Special Offer.
Dahn Yoga believes mothers are people who are so special they deserve their own month! To celebrate, all mothers will receive 20% off new memberships this May. Dahn Yoga exercises are good for everyone and can especially help mothers nurture themselves.
Dahn Yoga benefits are not limited to time spent on the mat, but extend to other aspects of a practitioners life...

Fitness Franchise Offers Opportunity for Retired Vets, Military, Police and Fire Personnel Who Want to Own Their Own Businesses
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CKO Kickboxing, one of the fastest-growing health fitness franchises, recently opened a cardio kickboxing gym in Tottenville, Staten Island at 236 Richmond Valley Road. The high-quality, cross-training gym provides a family-friendly setting to south Staten Island residents who are looking for an alternative to Pilates, yoga, martial arts and spinning classes.
"We're excited to offer cardio boxing classes in Staten Island," said Jimmy Selleck, a former New York City Police Department lieutenant who co-owns the health fitness franchise with Nick Orlando and Mark Radu, who also own the CKO Kickboxing franchise in Great Kills, Staten Island...

TGA Premier Youth Tennis will enrich the lives of youth and impact schools and community based organizations.
May 09, 2012 // Franchising.com // West Wake County, NC – It has been one year since Paul Maskill left the corporate world to launch his after-school sports program, TGA Premier Junior Golf, in West Wake County. It was so successful that he is now expanding his entrepreneurial dream and adding tennis to his offerings.
Maskill, a University of Michigan graduate, has expanded his fast growing business by acquiring one of the new TGA Premier Youth Tennis franchises to complement his golf program. A passionate tennis player himself, he will now be offering youngsters two unique after-school sports programs.
TGA Premier Youth Tennis of West Wake County will introduce children to tennis at elementary and middle schools, child care centers and community based organizations through a multi-level teaching program...

Music-Minded Entrepreneurs to Open A Chain of New Locations in New York and Connecticut
BETHESDA, Md., May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bach to Rock, America's music school for students of all ages, announced today that it has signed its first-ever franchise agreement with Amplified Capital Partners, LLC to open a chain of Bach to Rock schools in Nassau County, NY, Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. The first location is slated to open in the fall of 2012.
"At Bach to Rock, we've experienced tremendous success serving the greater Washington D.C. area, and we are excited to expand our footprint in Connecticut and New York," said Brian Gross, president of Bach to Rock. "With interest in playing music at an all-time high, we are confident that a musical hotbed like the New York metropolitan area will embrace the teaching methodology and philosophy of Bach to Rock, which is learning to play music while having fun...

CHICAGO, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- 22-year-old, 5-foot-tall Marc Isabel is quite a celebrity at Charter Fitness of Sycamore. In fact, he is an inspiration to people to test their own limit.
Marc, who has Down Syndrome, plays in a Special Olympics soccer team called "The Ice Cubes" which represents DeKalb County in competitions across Illinois. His soccer coach, Mary Forest, works as the general manager of Charter Fitness of Sycamore where Marc and his mother have been members since 2007.
"Three days a week, Marc comes in and does his routine of cardio and a variety of weights, while his mom, Jeanne, trains in our personal-training program," said Mary.
Marc works very hard to be an athlete. He is extremely strong, and impresses everyone with how much weight he is able to lift...

Dahn Yoga is proud to announce the continued success of one of its primary workshops. The YoungGaMuDo retreat introduces individuals to simple and effective meditation techniques. 
Gilbert, Arizona (PRWEB) May 02, 2012 - Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, is proud to announce the continued success of one of its primary workshops. The YoungGaMuDo retreat represents a significant advance in the fifteen year Dahn Yoga history of helping individuals balance their bodies and minds. Uniquely aiding in the development of self-awareness, attendees can go on to make the most of Dahn Yoga practice.
For Dahn Yoga, meditation has played a key role in classes and programs for 2012. Recently held at the Honor's Haven Resort and Spa, in New York's Catskills region, the YoungGaMuDo retreat introduces individuals to simple and effective meditation techniques...

North America’s Leading Flip Flop and Sandal Retailer Announces 15-Shop Expansion Plan; Hires Leading Commercial Real Estate Firm CBRE to Support Growth
May 03, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – North America’s first retail chain exclusive to the hottest brands and latest styles of flip flops and sandals, Flip Flop Shops today announced its expansion plan to open 15 additional locations throughout the Caribbean in the next five years. As part of this strategy, Flip Flop Shops has hired CBRE Group, Inc. (CBRE) to bring the retailer into 500-900 square foot, high-profile retail locations.
Flip Flop Shops is already operating in St. Maarten and St. Thomas and has two franchise locations planned to open within the next two years in San Juan, Puerto Rico...

Exclusive Launch of Cobian’s "Archy" Line Gives Consumers Opportunity to Snag the Brand’s Latest Footwear Only at North America’s Leading Flip Flop and Sandal Retailer
May 02, 2012 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA – With beach season upon us, Flip Flop Shops is celebrating the longer days and warmer tides with the launch of the new “Archy” footwear line from Cobian, exclusively available at the leading lifestyle retailer’s shops throughout the United States, Canada, Guam, and the Caribbean.
Cobian’s newest line will only be available at Flip Flop Shops. Consumers eager to Free Their Toes® can drop by any local Flip Flop Shops to snag the new line throughout the month of May and receive a free Josh Garrel CD with their purchase, while supplies last...