The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ GS: 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 first four-week period (March 28, 2011 - April 24,...

In 2010, Al Coelho didn't know that his mission to run the Boston Marathon would soon become an annual tradition and enormous fundraising event for Children's Hospital Boston, but that's exactly what happened. This past April, with the help of...

This week only, FETCH! Pet Care is offering 70 percent off their entire stock of online merchandise, from water bottles to women's shirts, to pet food bowls.

Tossed®, home of garden fresh salads, crepe wraps and sandwiches, today announced its Fourth Annual National Salad Contest, giving Tossed customers the opportunity to add their talents to the incredible array of salads on Tossed menus...

This franchise location will be operated by Beau Labrecque. "We are very pleased that Beau has joined the Blenz family as the franchise partner and operator of the new Blenz Coffee store in Kamloops," commented David McDougall, the master franchisor...

As the old saying goes "A son is a son 'til he takes him a wife. A daughter is a daughter all of her life." A new national survey shows mothers may indeed believe that saying, counting on their daughters all their lives. Just in time for Mother's...

Critter Control recognizes the twenty-five year anniversaries of Mike Dwyer, Vanetta

Charley's Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has been named one of the five finalists in the restaurant category of the Webby Awards, a competition often referred to as "The Oscars of the Internet."

Starting April 18th, Pizza Patrón, the nation's number one Latin pizza brand, launched a media campaign that reflects recent shifts in its core customer base. For more than a year, the company has been crafting its new marketing strategies to...

While kids were cleaning off bikes, moms were preparing flower beds and dads were sprucing up the yard, Fazoli's was busy getting its five Omaha-area restaurants ready for spring with an all-new look and expanded service.

Friendly's introduces the Friendly's Girl Scouts Thin MintsTM Cookies Ice Cream Cake. Under a new license agreement with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), the ice cream experts at Friendly's have created a frozen confection that incorporates the...

Mountain Mudd® Espresso drive-thru specialty coffee, a brand of CHS, is expanding into the state of Connecticut through a long-term contract with PJP Coffee Enterprises, Inc. "I'm thrilled to represent the Mountain Mudd brand and bring...

In celebration of Arbor Day (April 29) Labor Finders International, Inc., will send thousands of trees to their customers with the assistance of the Arbor Day Foundation (www.ArborDay.org). In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation will oversee the...

Gyms hope to double last year's $213,000 donation to the BCRF [h2]WHO:[/h2] Planet Fitness, a leader in the health club industry.

Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is teaming up with Orlando International Airport to open a new store in mid-May. Of the more than 400 operating locations around the world, this will...

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers and Fries, a Maryland-based fast casual chain with development deals signed for Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, and Virginia, bringing expansion plans to total more than 200...

Franchising can be a catalyst for local job growth as many out-of-work Americans and early retirees shop employment options that allow them more control of their own destinies. The International Franchise Association reports on its website...

In recognition of Celiac Awareness Month in May, The Melting Pot fondue restaurants (http://www.meltingpot.com) are helping to raise awareness about gluten intolerance with its second annual Chef to Plate program in a partnership with the Gluten...

Extreme Pita today announced the launch of six new menu items that meet the nutrient criteria of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health Check program.

Massage Envy Franchising, LLC -- the pioneer and national leader of affordable and convenient massage and spa services -- announced today a healthy start to the new year. Since January 2011, the company has sold 38 franchises and opened 18 centers....

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that certain of its subsidiaries intend to refinance their outstanding securitization debt with a new securitization debt facility.

An undeniably tasty match is now available in two satisfying sweet treats - the new Krispy Kreme Cookies & Kreme™ Doughnut and Chiller, both made with real OREO® Cookie pieces.

In celebration of Arbor Day (April 29) Labor Finders International, Inc., will send thousands of trees to their customers with the assistance of the Arbor Day Foundation (www.ArborDay.org). In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation will oversee the...

H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) today announced that William C. Cobb has been appointed president and CEO, effective May 16. Cobb will replace Alan Bennett, who was appointed CEO in July 2010. Bennett will remain on the company's board of directors...

"More client face time for my dime," is a phrase that captures the results of Embassy Suites Hotels' Third Annual nationwide Business Travel Survey*. The survey offers an insightful look into the state of business travel, revealing perceptions on...

Accor North America (ANA), one of the largest hotel chain owner and operators in North America, announces changes to its leadership structure. Olivier Poirot, CEO of Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio6, will assume responsibility for the...

Holiday Inn Express, one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the world, will soon make its debut in Bali, Indonesia. Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed as the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers, focusing on the...

Hilton Worldwide has signed a franchise development deal with GS Consorcio Hotelero S.A. de C.V. for the DoubleTree by Hilton Querétaro. The four-story, new-build property, scheduled to open in Q2 2011, is anticipated to be the first...

Franchise Services, Inc., parent company of the Sir Speedy and PIP Printing and Marketing Services franchises, recognized several Sir Speedy and PIP salespeople with sales achievement awards at the company's annual Sales Forum. The sales training...

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (Nasdaq:DAVE) announced today that Famous Dave Anderson, BBQ legend and founder of Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, along with Charlie Torgerson, Directory of Culinary, will be featured in Food Network's Best In Smoke...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced its global powerhouse, Sheraton Hotels, and its owners have invested more than $100 million into upgrading 120 Club Lounges around the world, including flagship properties...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to introduce its fast-growing Four Points brand to Peoria, Illinois. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Peoria opens in July of 2011 near leading businesses and Peoria's...

Saladworks, the nation's first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, proudly announces that the guest relations website, SaladworksListens.com, has been advanced to include immediate customer feedback. The Saladworks guest relations team...

Friendly Ice Cream Corporation recently announced that its company-wide 'Cones for Kids' campaign raised more than $675,000 for Easter Seals Camp Friendly's, funding life-changing camp opportunities for children with disabilities. Friendly's has...

YUM! Brands (NYSE: YUM) today announced that it has submitted a preliminary proposal to Little Sheep Group Limited under which YUM! Brands would offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Little Sheep, other than a minority interest to be held by...

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BAGL) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2011 financial results after the market close on Thursday, May 5, 2011. A conference call will follow at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time (5:00 p.m....

This year, National Small Business Week, May 16-20, will again shine the spotlight on entrepreneurs and independent business owners and the unique contribution they make to the economic strength of America. SERVPRO hopes that the week's focus on the...

The Melting Pot of Raleigh (http://www.meltingpot.com/raleigh), a fondue restaurant located at 3800 Wake Forest Road, has announced that it will offer an all-inclusive prom package that includes a three course fondue dinner and a prom photo keepsake...

It's hard to imagine how 6 years ago College Hunks Hauling Junk began with a beat-up cargo van in Washington DC, hauling unwanted items from local residents and businesses. Now a multi-million dollar franchise hauling junk in over 34 markets...

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that the company will present at the Barclays Capital 2011 Retail and Restaurants Conference on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 in New York City. The presentation is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:15...

Mister Sparky Answers Last Minute Call from TV Show to Help Build a New Home for a Deserving Family in Virginia Beach…episode to air Easter Evening

First Watch, the Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch concept based in Bradenton, Florida, opened its first Milwaukee restaurant on Monday, April 24 at 17550 West Bluemound Road in the Brownstones Shopping Center at Bluemound and Calhoun Roads. The...

Today, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) will roll out the red carpet for its new Red Royalty guest frequency and reward card program that goes unmatched against its casual-dining competition by providing guests with more than just...

Wilmington's newest restaurant will open next week. Skyline Chili will officially open its doors at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26. The restaurant, located at 2799 Rombach Ave., will offer its customers special deals throughout the day, including...

Anthony Salem is joining forces with his father, to open the first Ohio location for Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest barbecue chain in the country, in Akron.

Well known for its values-led sourcing, Ben & Jerry's has talked with its fans about the company's use of cage-free eggs, no added hormones in its dairy, and Fair Trade Certified ingredients. But did you know that the paper pint container itself...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that eight of its premier hotels and resorts have earned spots on this year's Condé Nast Traveler HOT List, more than any other hotel group. Flying the flags of...

Motel 6 announces the appointment of Lance Miceli as Chief Marketing Officer for Motel 6/Studio 6. In this role, Miceli will lead all aspects of marketing, branding, sales, distribution, quality and public relations for Motel 6/Studio 6 in the U.S.,...

CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:CEC) today announced that it will host a conference call with investors on Thursday, May 5, 2011, to discuss financial results for the first quarter ended April 3, 2011. The conference call will begin at 3:30 pm Central...

Alert your taste buds! Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (Red Robin) is just weeks away from bringing craveable gourmet burgers to Long Island, with the opening of a Red Robin restaurant located in Nassau County in Carle Place at 125 Old Country Road...

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (Nasdaq: TXRH) announced today that it will release first quarter 2011 financial results on Monday, May 2, 2011 after the market close. A conference call will follow at 5:00 PM ET and will be webcast live from the investor...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and Clean the World, a social enterprise committed to saving lives and protecting our planet, today announced a corporate agreement to collect and recycle hotel soaps, shampoos, conditioners,...

For nearly 20 years, ActionCOACH Business Coaches have been teaching businesses how to be profitable and business owners how to find more time in their lives. There have been many studies showing that the coaching process works and the most recent...

Though some might question whether jeggings or Europeanstyle swim trunks are hot or cheesy, there's no question that the new Bourbon BBQ Steak Grilled Sandwich at Jack in the Box® restaurants is … both!

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) announced today that it has scheduled a conference call and webcast to report its first quarter 2011 financial results on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 10:00 am EDT. During the call, discussions may include material...

Proving that the comforting, cheerful concept of Americana is alive and well, around the world, Johnny Rockets has opened its fourteenth restaurant, in Mexico - its first in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. The international all-American...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the largest barbecue chain in the country continues to grow as Eric Davis signs on to open a Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Raleigh, North Carolina.

ActionCOACH, the world's leading business and executive coaching company, is launching Free Franchise for the Forces, a program that will award $7.6 million in franchises to 100 eligible Veterans from the U.S. Armed Forces in select U.S. states.

Liberty Tax Service has demonstrated the ability to respond to a plethora of industry challenges and regulations during its most recent tax season and reports solid growth in both tax returns and revenue for the just-completed tax season. Throughout...

Red Mango, the fastest-growing retailer of yogurt and smoothies in the country, recently hosted its first annual National Conference at the Bellagio Resort and Casino in Las Vegas where franchisees and team members were honored for their...

Villa Enterprises Management Ltd., Inc. (and its affiliates, Villa Enterprises), the global multi-concept restaurant franchisor, announced today its Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen locations across the country will celebrate Mother's Day with a Mom Eats...

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPKI) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2011 results after the market closes on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The Company will host an investor conference call that same day at 4:30 PM Eastern...

Pizza Inn, Inc. (NASDAQ:PZZI) recently hosted its 2011 National Franchise Convention in Tunica, Miss., where franchisees and team members were honored for their contributions to the company.

With Red Robin's new Customizer iPhone app, menu items and nutritional information that are at the top of consumers' minds are now available in the palms of their hands. Red Robin just launched a mobile meal customizer and nutritional information...

H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) today announced that Robert A. Gerard has been elected chairman of the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Gerard replaces Richard Breeden, who stepped down April 18.

Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of affordable and convenient massage and spa services, announced today it has signed an agreement for a franchisee lending program with Franchise America Finance™(FAF) and The Bancorp Bank, a...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the fastest-growing barbecue chain, is modifying their menu for the first time in 50 years by adding a new permanent signature meat— Spicy Cheddar Sausage. Texas-based Dickey's Barbecue Pit hears the message loud and...