The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Wiggin and Dana appointed Partner Patti Melick to the firm's Executive Committee for a four year term.

LED Source(R), a leading supplier of LED lighting, will attend this year's Live Design International (LDI) tradeshow and conference being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. from Oct. 24 thru Oct. 30.

Holiday Inn Club Vacations(R) today announced that it has added the seventh location to its portfolio of vacation resorts, a 36 unit resort located on the Rio waterway in the

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today sent a letter to stockholders.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) today announced it has extended its agreement with Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: OWW) to distribute its Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental brands through the Orbitz family of sites until the...

Matco Tools showed off its newest power tool, the Matco Tools Prepaid MasterCard(R) by LiveWalletTM, this past weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.

Cousins Subs(R) today announced that its store at 1220 Crossing Meadows Drive in Onalaska will hold a coupon campaign benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse to celebrate the store's one-year anniversary.

Hyatt 48 Lex, a boutique hotel property on Lexington Avenue opened recently, offering sophisticated pied a terre studios and suites with a distinctively welcoming atmosphere.

Cousins Subs(R) today announced it will continue a successful tradition of community involvement by partnering with area nonprofits for donation days and other charity events at four stores.

Glenn Parker, owner of L&W Investigations Georgia franchise and Polk County, Florida since 2005 has recently acquired the Orlando, Florida territory and surrounding area. Margaret Shumel, owner of the L&W Investigations territories of Westchester...

Yogurtland, the pioneers of the self-serve frozen yogurt category, has announced a partnership with the Avon Foundation for Women, the largest global corporate affiliated philanthropic organization dedicated to women's causes, to support breast...

Johnny Rockets opened its third Guadalajara restaurant in the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) on September 21, 2011.

Caribou Coffee today announced the company is initiating a wave of new store openings and existing store revamps within the Chicago market, part of a larger campaign to reintroduce the unique brand to residents, with a customized, Chicago centric...

Saladworks, the nation's number one fresh salad franchise, will open its first Annapolis area store in Annapolis Towne Centre at 1901 Towne Centre Blvd. on Tuesday, October 18.

Looking for a Waffle House restaurant? We

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (OTCQB: SPKL) (PINKSHEETS: SPKL), the Denver based fast casual franchising company, announced today that it has entered into a binding letter of intent with a new franchisee and developer for seven new Spicy...

Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, today announced the release of the CENTURY 21(R) App on Facebook.

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXRH) announced today that it will release third quarter 2011 financial results on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 after the market close.

Dawn Mucci, Founder and President of Lice Squad Canada (www.licesquad.com) today announced it has expanded its management team to take advantage of the company's recent growth.

Popeyes(R) Louisiana Kitchen, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), announced today the launch of an aggressive growth plan to increase its presence in Southern California.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) will release its results for the third quarter 2011 after the NYSE closes on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.

Farmer Boys, famous for its award-winning burgers and fresh, flavorful home-cooked meals, will recognize an important milestone on Saturday, October 15 when it celebrates 30 years of serving up its own special style of homegrown goodness.

Build A Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive, entertainment-based retailer of customized stuffed animals, will report results for its fiscal 2011 third quarter ended October 1, 2011, on October 27, 2011 prior to the opening of trading on...

Just in time for the holidays, the Wyndham Rewards(R) loyalty program has great news for Canadian members: it has expanded the breadth of its Redemption Catalog to now feature over 4,000 pieces of brand-name merchandise in categories such as...

SNR Denton announced today that Heather Sibbison has joined the firm as a partner, Suzanne (Susi) Schaeffer and George Skibine have joined as counsel and Joshua Clause has joined as an associate, all in both the firm's Indian Law and Tribal...

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. announced today that it has hosted a successful and well received seminar focused on Industrial Development Agency (IDA) transactions.

For the second year in a row, Nurse Next Door, Canada's fastest growing home care franchise system, has been named a Regional Winner of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in the Best Emerging Organization

What do Santa Claus, the Mayor of Galveston and Queen Victoria all have in common? They will all be attending the City of Galveston's Holiday Lighting Celebration at Hotel Galvez & Spa, A Wyndham Grand(R) Hotel, on Friday, Nov. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Cindy and Tony Banks are optimistic about the metro Chicago real estate market. It's why the husband and wife team recently purchased RE/MAX Cornerstone, a busy brokerage located at 480 E. Roosevelt Road in West Chicago, Ill.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation announced today that it has signed a new development agreement with its franchisee in the United Kingdom, Krispy Kreme UK, Ltd., under which the franchisee has agreed to open an additional 35 locations in the UK...

Beef'O'Brady's, the restaurant chain made famous for its Buffalo-style chicken wings and community involvement, announced today that one lucky school will receive $1000 to benefit education programs.

Canada's number one lawn care franchise, Weed Man, is making it easier for potential candidates to own a franchise with a new financing program.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide and the leading international hotel operator in Russia/CIS announce the Park Inn by Radisson Donestsk.

The North East Florida Builder Association (NEFBA) brings the county fair to Jacksonville for one night only with the Annual NEFBA County Fair Charity Gala. A portion of the proceeds for this year's Gala benefit Builders Care.

Sometimes it takes a big change to make the kind of life you want. Christelle Lauture, the newest ActionCOACH Business Coach in Martinique was lucky enough to find an opportunity to make big changes in her life, while, at the same time, helping...

Baskin-Robbins, the world's largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, announces the introduction of its newest culinary creation, Cake Bites, a new taste extravaganza that combines both ice cream and cake in a single serving.

Contour Energy Systems, Inc., an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, announces successfully closing Series C financing totaling more than $20 million.

Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has acquired the worldwide exclusive development and commercialization rights to PI-2301, an experimental drug for multiple sclerosis.

The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU), a leader in global payments, and 7-Eleven, Inc., the world

For the third year in a row, RE/MAX ranks in front of all competitors in the Franchise Times Top 200 survey.

Eric Barlow, a Warner Robins native, opens the first Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Warner Robins, Georgia, following the franchise agreement with Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) announced today that it has scheduled a conference call and webcast to report its third quarter 2011 financial results on Friday, October 21 at 10:00 am EDT.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) completed its $40 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank making available up to $10 million on a revolving line, in addition to $30 million in term debt obtained in September 2011.

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced that existing Applebee's franchisee, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners, LLC, an affiliate of IHOP's largest franchisee, has...

Based on the observations of over 11,000 businesses since January of 2009, franchise consultants at iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com) have identified four ways in which retailers are adapting to the new economy.

Accor North America (ANA), one of the largest hotel chain owner and operators in North America, was recognized at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Sustainable Materials Management ceremony on September 20 for its environmental stewardship.

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today reported total restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales for the final four-week period (September 12, 2011 - October...

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $30 million worth of common stock through August 31, 2012.

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (Nasdaq:DAVE) will announce its Third Quarter 2011 earnings after market close on October 26, 2011.

Sir Speedy, Inc. is pleased to announce a successful race season for motorcyclist Leslie Porterfield, whom the company sponsored for a second year in 2011.

Allegra Network, LLC and AlphaGraphics, Inc. announced today that the companies will again team up to host a joint Technology Expo, July 19-20, 2012, at the Marriot World Center in Orlando, Fla.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (NASDAQ: RRGB), a casual dining restaurant chain focused on serving an innovative selection of high quality gourmet burgers in a family friendly atmosphere, today announced that it will release results for the...

ColorTyme of Mountain Home recently held a special Grand Re-Opening to celebrate its move to a new and larger location at 270 E. Jackson St.

Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today provided a comprehensive business update, detailing its plans to build upon the momentum of its growth strategy, and addressed product and marketing changes underway in its North America business.

or the fifth straight year, Sport Clips Haircuts is helping make phone calls home possible for deployed and hospitalized U.S. service members through its ″Help a Hero″ campaign, benefitting the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Operation...

Last week marked the official launch of the newest free downloadable song from Choice Hotels Music.

Thirty three owner operators of U.S. Lawns commercial landscape-management franchises reached a significant company milestone by topping the million dollar mark in sales in the latest fiscal year, the company announced today.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC, a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), today announced its continued growth in Florida with the addition of the 319 room Wyndham Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach to the upscale hotel...

Barberitos, an all natural and fresh, Tex-Mex restaurant is proud to help support Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure.

Next week, Auntie Anne's, Inc. will recognize top managers and general managers as part of its 2011 Managers Cruise Incentive Program.

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Apple Investors Group, LLC for the sale of 17 Applebee's...

Taxpayers who filed an extension request in April now face the October 17 (October 31 for taxpayers in designated Hurricane Irene disaster areas) tax filing deadline for 2010 returns.

The Zippy Shell Mobile Self Storage solution is headed to the Blues City; to Memphis Tennessee, to be exact.

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc., (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of two of the world's most recognized brands, Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins, plans to release its third quarter 2011 financial results on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

This October and November Massage Envy Spas in New Jersey will be hosting the Murad Healthy Skin Event across the state.

Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence, the leading national not for profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs, has named Nancy Vinkler of Audubon, PA as one of 44 Pitch Winners selected...

Better Homes and Gardens(R) Real Estate today announced that it has received a 2011 WebAward for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development from the Web Marketing Association.

Realogy Corporation, a leading provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that Richard A. Smith, its president and CEO, was named among the

Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today net income for the quarter ended September 24, 2011 of $3,483,500, or $.66 per share diluted, compared to net income of $2,690,000, or $.51 per share diluted, in 2010.