The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

RE/MAX organized a couple of events recently in Western India to educate real estate agents, investors, and those looking for small business ideas or franchise opportunities in real estate in Mumbai, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Chicago home staging company, Showhomes Naperville, announces the hiring of Marie Tilton as the company's new General Manager.

The Wendy's Company (NYSE: WEN) today announced it will transfer its stock listing to The NASDAQ Stock Market.

Vanguard Cleaning Systems, Inc., a leading commercial cleaning franchisor, has added Vancouver, British Columbia to its growing presence in Canada.

Soles4Souls(R), the international shoe charity, announced a new partnership with 1-800-GOT-JUNK? to offer North Americans a unique opportunity to redistribute shoes from their closets.

Fresh Healthy Vending, a company specializing in healthy vending machines, announces a list of their top-selling brands for 2011.

Pie Five Pizza Co. is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location today at 6370 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth.

Franchise Business Review, the premier market research firm for the franchise industry, announced today that FocalPoint Business Coaching has become a business partner and content expert for Frantopia, FBR's social networking and business resources...

Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, has expanded its international presence to China with the opening of its first store in Beijing.

HomeVestors of America, the professional homebuying franchise network that is the number one buyer of houses in the United States, has announced the purchase of their 50,000th house.

This holiday season, five former educators have more to celebrate than ever before. CruiseOne, the nation's leading cruise retailer, today announced the winners of its 2011 ″Second Chance at Success″ contest

Massage Envy Campbell at Preston now offers first time guests an introductory one hour-massage session for just $49. For guests who prefer a longer treatment, an hour and a half massage session for first time guests are just $74.

he Keg Royalties Income Fund today announced that its December 2011 distribution of $0.08 cents per unit has been declared and is payable to unitholders of record as at December 21, 2011.

The nation's job market will continue to struggle in 2012, opening more opportunities for former corporate executives and managers to reinvent their careers as franchise owners, say the franchise experts at FranNet.

Realogy Corporation, a leading provider of real estate and relocation services, today announced that CEO Richard A. Smith has been appointed to serve on the Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) newly formed Housing Commission.

A decision made by the city of Foley, Minn., a community of nearly 3,000 residents, is causing shockwaves throughout the state

PROSHRED(R) is pleased to announce that it has awarded the

The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the premier fondue restaurant franchise, introduces Signature Chocolate-Covered Strawberries as a new retail offering in time for the holiday gift-giving season.

The Cambria Suites hotel of Oklahoma City, owned by Suenos Hospitality, was recently named the 2011 Full Service Hotel of the Year by the Latino Hotel Association as part of the organization's annual Estrella Awards.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. today introduced National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer and current ″NBA on TNT″ studio analyst Charles Barkley as the ambassador of its new Weight Watchers for Men campaign.

Don't miss out on the slow smoked meats now being served at the newest Dickey's Barbecue Pit location in San Antonio.

Home Care Assistance, North America's premier provider of in-home senior care, is excited to announce its newest book, The Handbook of Live-in Care.

Family sports pub restaurant, Beef ″O″ Brady's, always makes a huge deal about the big game, whether it's sponsoring youth sports teams or broadcasting an abundant amount of games on its big-screen TVs.

Available as a Limited Time Offer (LTO) menu item, Firehouse Subs(R) announces the addition of the King's Hawaiian(R) Pork & Slaw sandwich at all Firehouse Subs locations in the greater Jacksonville, Fla., Greenville/Spartanburg, S.C., and Phoenix,...

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of Midwest Aerials and Equipment, Inc., a four-location construction equipment rental company with stores in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, Mo. as well as one location in Bloomington, Ill.

Armed with a refreshed menu and new prototype design, Tampa-based Beef 'O' Brady's, the 213-unit franchise of family sports pubs & restaurants best known for great food and the ties it builds with its communities, has identified Highland Village as...

BrightStar Group Holdings, Inc. announces the addition of Brian Schnell as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer, and Kevin Pignone as Vice President of Field Support.

FirstLight HomeCare, a provider of professional, non-medical in-home care services, is pleased to announce the addition of Shirley Weber and Dan Roberts to its corporate team as directors of business development and team support.

Beef 'O' Brady's, the family friendly sports pub franchise renowned in more than 20 states, announced today the hiring of industry veteran Gene Savage as its new Director of Franchise Sales and Development to help guide the brand as it ventures into...

Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the premium convenience restaurant company, today announced the appointment of Carin L. Stutz as the company's new Chief Executive Officer and President beginning January 1. She also will join the Cosi Board of Directors.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced Carin Stutz, President of Global Business Development, has resigned her position to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI).

In honor of its third-year anniversary, Pizza Fusion (http://www.pizzafusion.com/ridgewood) is passing down savings to its customers.

VYCO Ltd., a corporation of which Mr. Donald K. Johnson is President, and which is controlled by a family trust of which Mr. Johnson is a discretionary beneficiary, announced today that it has acquired 952,417 common shares (″Common...

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today announced that the Company will present at an investor conference.

Massage Envy Spa will be opening their doors in Manassas on December 20th for their grand opening where first time guests will be able to receive a massage in Manassas, VA for just $49 for an hour introductory session.

IHG announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn Express San Diego Sea World, Beach Area, which recently underwent a conversion from a Comfort Inn.

Johnny Rockets today signed a franchising agreement to open their brand of high-energy, all-American restaurants in the country of Indonesia.

Pizza Pizza, Canada's leading pizza operator, raised $250,000 for Children's Miracle Network in 2011 thanks to its Slices for Smiles fundraising initiatives, setting a new record for the campaign.

Sandler Training is pleased to announce that the company has been named a 2011 Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun.

CareMinders Home Care announced today its aggressive franchise growth plan: an expansion strategy that reflects a game-changing move for the in-home care industry.

Today H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) announced the launch of its digital tax filing solutions to help taxpayers file their 2011 returns anywhere and anyway they choose.

Wingstop, the national chicken wing chain that has sold over 3 billion wings, will celebrate its 500th restaurant, located at 289 Livingston Street in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Monday, Dec. 19.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is proud to announce its recognition as among the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality by the Human Rights Campaign.

Kumon, the world's largest after-school enrichment program, launched expansion plans to meet the Midwest and Southern U.S. region's growing demand for supplemental education services.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced the appointment of Colin Watts as Senior Vice President, Wellness and Global Innovation, effective January 3, 2012.

ActionCOACH North Carolina congratulations the following entrepreneurs on successfully completing our two day course BusinessRICH. Graduates are poised for great results in 2012.

Australians can enjoy a taste of America's Frozen YogurtTM with the opening of the first international Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt location in Melbourne, Australia.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) announced today that Scott L. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors effective immediately.

Armed with a refreshed menu and new prototype design, Tampa-based Beef 'O' Brady's, the 213-unit franchise of family sports pubs & restaurants best known for great food and the ties it builds with its communities, has identified Goodlettsville as a...

For the third year, HuHot Mongolian Grill is rewarding its Facebook fans with a ″Fire Sale″ gift card deal for the holidays.

America's favorite holiday gift exchange has gone social. Through the month of December, Houlihan's Restaurants, a hip-casual restaurant and bar, will host the first-ever** Facebook fan White Elephant Gift Exchange.

For the third consecutive year, Interstate Battery System of America has been recognized as one of Dallas-Fort Worth's Top 100 Places to Work by The Dallas Morning News.

Tampa's BlueGrace Logistics

As time quickly ticks by and holiday festivities take over our days and weeks, preparing your home for expected and unexpected guests becomes a daunting task for many. Is your home ready for parties, baking and last minute stop-ins from family and...

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) held its investor conference in New York City yesterday. H&R Block's senior leaders outlined the company's growth strategies and outlook for fiscal year 2012 and beyond.

Smashburger, the nation's fastest growing better burger restaurant, will open its fourth Atlanta-area location on Wednesday, November 30, 2011.

With its 2011 donation of more than $124,000, Primrose Schools has donated nearly $1 million since the inception of its six-year partnership with Reach Out and Read, a national non-profit organization that partners with doctors to provide books to...

The Paul Davis Restoration office serving customers in Macomb and St. Clair counties has been awarded the 2011 Crossover Award from the Anchor Bay Chamber of Commerce (ABCC).

Adapting to the rapidly changing technology landscape is an important part of doing business today, especially social media and its ability to grow an audience for a small business.

Hooters is making this holiday shopping season easy on customers by offering an added value when purchasing Hooters Gift Cards. Guests who purchase a $25 or $50 Hooters gift card will receive a $5 or $10 Santa Bonus Card, respectively, for...

Continuing its rapid international growth, Johnny Rockets recently opened its first Colima, Mexico restaurant, Dec. 2, at Zentralia Colima, the city's primary shopping destination.

Good Earth Coffeehouse and Bakery, is proud to announce the opening of the newest and smallest Good Earth in Calgary, Alberta. The 263 sq ft kiosk is located in the food court of the Lancaster Building, downtown Calgary.

Home-Alyze founder Peter Salmon announced today the promotion of Tracy Lonnen to the position of President and CEO effective immediately.

After much anticipation for a Massage Envy Spa closer to home, residents of Sea Girt, New Jersey are excited about the arrival of Massage Envy Spa Sea Girt.

Amongst a sea of guests, Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach today opened the doors of the Pali Tower, the first of two towers being constructed at this property, marking the launch of the first Hyatt Place hotel in the Hawaii market.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced that its Board of Directors declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.175 per share of common stock, which corresponds to an annual dividend rate of $0.70 per share.

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of the Company's Class A common stock, commencing on or about...

RE/MAX Select Properties, a Northern Virginia Real Estate Company, hosted a New Home Builder Expo last week that drew in a variety of members from the local real estate community and gave 16 local builders the opportunity to showcase new communities...