The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of its first all-inclusive resort - The Westin Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal in Costa Rica. The property formerly known as the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort...

Hundreds of business owners and marketing professionals around the world attended a digital marketing webinar last week hosted by WSI, the world's #1 Internet franchise. Entitled "Social Media Marketing: The Art of Conversational Sales," the webinar...

Continuing to solidify its spot as the leader in the visual communications industry, FASTSIGNS®, the world's premier business-to-business marketing solution franchise with more than 530 locations, announces the signing of a franchise agreement...

The Zoom Room®, the world's first dog agility training franchise and the only brick-and-mortar dog training franchise in America, announced today it has signed three separate franchise agreements that will bring new locations to Denver, CO;...

On Nov. 29, 2010, Pet Corner International launched its official National advertising campaign on DirecTV, reaching over 78 million viewers. Then on February 14th, 2011, PCI expanded it's National Television campaign on DISH Network, total reach is...

With the number of smartphone users growing exponentially, ActionCOACH Master Licensee Peter Williamson wants small business owners to take advantage of the customer base of over 60 million users that accompanies this trend. But with social...

With the number of smartphone users growing exponentially, ActionCOACH Master Licensee Peter Williamson wants small business owners to take advantage of the customer base of over 60 million users that accompanies this trend. But with social...

For guests looking for more choices, Culver's introduces a new right-size option for its irresistible Concrete Mixer®: the Mini Mixer. Guests can choose from popular flavors such as Crazy for Cookie Dough or Brownie Batter or create their own...

With an increasing number of agents, home buyers and sellers across the country complaining too many appraisals are coming in low and scuttling deals, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system, is suggesting that the...

Realogy Corporation today announced that it is calling on federal regulators for an extension of the comment period for the Risk Retention and Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has completed the sale of W Chicago - City Center to Chesapeake Lodging Trust for $128.8 million, or approximately $350,000 per key. Starwood has entered into a 40-year...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced that it is bringing top customers and hotels from around the world together at the kick-off of its Global Rendezvous meeting in New York City, which runs from today through...

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today named David Parsley Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that six of its premier brands have earned top rankings in the first ever L2 Digital IQ Index(R): Travel, which measured the digital competence of 89 selected travel brands...

Pizza Pizza, Canada's largest pizza chain, has announced the launch of a new store design that responds to the needs of the current marketplace in Quebec. The new design will not only improve the company's ability to better serve its customers, but...

As the world's number one business coaching firm, ActionCOACH has recently been recognized for a number of outstanding achievements, including three new awards by the 2011 Hermes Creative Awards.

Marble Slab Creamery is "Shaking Up Summer" beginning May 27, by introducing a new signature shake each week for 16 weeks throughout summer. Marble Slab Creamery is managed by GFG Management, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Franchise Group.

With more than 16,000 restaurants in 57 countries around the world, Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced the appointment of industry executive, Neal Yanofsky, to the newly created...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, announced today that based on the success of its recent $6 billion revitalization effort, 230 of its hotels and resorts ratings have been...

Mrs. Fields Australia has been named in the Top 10 franchises in Australia for the third year straight in the latest Topfranchise survey. It is the only food operator to be listed in the Top 10.

Frank and Susan Lawrence have launched their Fresh Coat Painters franchise to serve residential and business clients in Lee's Summit, Mo., and other communities southeast of Kansas City.

Cool de Sac, the unique family entertainment and dining experience with currently two locations in South Florida announces its first franchise in Mexico. With plans to expand across the US and in international markets, Cool de Sac will kick off its...

Red Robin International, Inc. ("RRI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB), today announced that it has closed on a new amended and restated credit agreement. The transaction was arranged by Wells Fargo...

For more than 16 years, Gary Hughes, a distinguished ColorTyme franchisee, and his wife, Jutta, have been influential members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lewis Clark Valley. Recently, the couple was recognized at the fourth annual Breakfast...

Forza Coffee Company is excited to introduce gluten-free, allergy friendly, vegan products in many of its stores starting February 1st 2011.

After Forza Coffee Company's Director of Coffee, Phil Beattie, came back from his second Cup of Excellence (CoE) judging in May 2007, the fast growing Northwest coffee house franchise founder Brad Carpenter was introduced to CoE and given the...

Togo's Sandwiches, a West Coast Original since 1971 serving big, made to order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, announced six agreements with single and multi-unit developers for a total of eleven new locations in California. The...

CruiseOne, the nation's leading cruise travel retail network as part of World Travel Holdings, today announced their new partnership with Shore Excursions Group. Known as the experts in delivering exceptional travel experiences to cruise passengers...

CruiseOne, the nation's leading cruise travel retail network as part of World Travel Holdings, is starting the year off on a positive note with year-over-year upward movement in some of the world's top franchise lists, as well as adding one new...

It's an exciting time when a company is growing fast -- but it's also a risky time. If you move too fast, execution can suffer.

At Smashburger, the nation's fastest growing "better burger" fast casual restaurant concept, National Burger Month is off to a smashing start. Smashburger is celebrating National Burger Month, renamed National Smashburger Month at its 100...

Industry experts in senior relocation are taking note of the ongoing growth and expansion of Caring Transitions territories and its growing network of professional affiliations – most recently partnering with Tag Sell It, Pak Mail and...

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) ("Hertz") of its offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Dollar...

Alert your taste buds! Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) is just weeks away from bringing even more craveable gourmet burgers to Illinois with the opening of their newest Red Robin located at 6420 Grand Ave. in Gurnee next to Chase Bank at...

Mother's Day should be a happy time for all moms. Unfortunately, many moms are forced to spend this holiday living in community shelters, the victims of domestic abuse or homelessness. For these women, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has initiated Movers...

Edible Arrangements®, the leading purveyor of artistically designed fresh fruit arrangements announces the launch of Random Acts of Happiness®, a new non-profit campaign benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters, a national mentoring organization...

In years past, Americans have faced off in cola wars and burger battles, but few would have guessed that chicken salad could stir up a similar passion. Summer 2011 is poised to be the season of this sumptuous salad, and Arby's is confident that its...

Tag Sell It, Inc., an online marketing site that uses the latest technology to connect buyers and sellers, has joined forces with relocation experts Caring Transitions, a national franchise specializing in assisting clients, often seniors, with the...

In an effort to streamline the moving process for people everywhere, Pak Mail Centers of America, a leader in the packing and shipping industry, has partnered with relocation experts Caring Transitions, a national franchise specializing in assisting...

Krispy Kreme invites greater Columbia, S.C., and surrounding communities to celebrate the opening of its first Neighborhood Shop in Columbia located at 6614 Garners Ferry Road in the Landmark Square Shopping Center. Grand opening activities are...

Just in time for summer, T.G.I. Friday's® is bringing out the best seasonal flavors by introducing a new line of menu items inspired by and prepared with beer and featuring other bold, fresh ingredients. The new menu combines innovative dishes...

As more than 75 million Americans will reach age 65 in the next two decades, the need for in-home senior care continues to soar. With the dismal housing market making it even more difficult to sell and get a good return on investment, more seniors...

Gold's Gym International, the world's leading authority on health and fitness, today announced it has partnered with AAA, North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, to offer members a special discount to Gold's Gym through...

Farmer Boys® Restaurant is celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year, on Saturday, May 7th, 2011, in style and with a special mission in mind. According to the Franchise's owner, Jimmy Philippou, "This first annual event is to promote and bring more...

1-800-GOT-JUNK? confirms once again its exceptional customer service as it is chosen as the official junk removal service for relocation experts Caring Transitions, a national franchise specializing in assisting clients through all the steps...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest quick-serve barbecue chain in the country, continues to grow as the initial plans begin to open a franchise in Miami.

When we think of mothers, we reflect on the great love, care and compassion they bestow upon their families. They nurture and protect, guide and comfort. Every year on Mother's Day, we are reminded of how hard moms work to care for their families....

Cartridge World, the world leader in printer cartridge refilling, has named Hal Hott as the Vice President of North America Operations. Hott will oversee all field operations of the North American Cartridge World franchise system.

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation announced today that Georgetowne Ventures, LLC of Freehold, New Jersey has become a franchisee of Friendly's restaurants. The company plans to build and operate two Friendly's Ice Cream Shops and two full-service...

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 host a conference call to...

Bringing a new wave of innovation to caregiving and helping families all around the world, BrightStar Care® announces the launch of a new caregiver support technology.

Midas International Corporation, the auto service provider, is sponsoring a benefit concert by award-winning actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band on Friday, May 6, at Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., in Chicago.

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ: CPKI), home of the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, announced today the nationwide...

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) plans to release its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2012 on Monday, May 23, 2011, shortly before the market opens. The Company plans to host a conference call to review the results at...

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc., the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced that it has filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a proposed initial public offering of $400 million...

Holy Cow becomes Holy Roller! Sure Ben & Jerry's, the progressive ice cream company that has built its notoriety on superpremium quality ice cream containing big swirls and chunks, with a solid foundation of activism at its core, is bringing...

Continuing its high-powered global expansion, fast-growing Four Points by Sheraton will debut in the Dominican Republic next winter, parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today.

SUBWAY restaurants has announced that the Buffalo market will host a job fair on Friday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a SUBWAY store located at 4307 Transit Road, Transit Towne Plaza, in Williamsville,...

Twin Peaks Restaurants has hired Rick Akam, the man who led Hooters of America Inc. as it emerged as one of the most popular sports restaurants of its kind, as Chief Operating Officer of Twin Peaks Restaurants.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City South - Midvale, the newest and most modern hotel in the Salt Lake...

Industry experts in senior relocation are taking note of the ongoing growth and expansion of Caring Transitions territories and its growing network of professional affiliations – most recently partnering with Tag Sell It, Pak Mail and...

The eighth annual Maggiano's Little Italy® "Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish®" campaign begins today in restaurants nationwide. The program runs through June 29, giving guests several delicious ways to support a great cause. The campaign benefits...