The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Hyatt has been named one of the ″Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality″ for its eighth consecutive year as a result of the 100 percent rating it earned on the 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI)

Marble Slab Creamery will celebrate National Cupcake Day on Thursday, December 15, 2011 by giving customers one free ice cream cupcake from 4 to 7pm.

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

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) announced today that its Board of Directors has increased the annual cash dividend on the company's common shares by 33 percent to $0.80 cents per share from $0.60 per share.

Burger lovers in Mansfield have had to travel to get their MOOYAH fix, but now that the newest restaurant is officially open in Mansfield, the drive is a quick one.

Weight Watchers, ranked the #1 commercial weight management service provider by US News and World Report, today introduced PointsPlus 2012, an enhanced version of the revolutionary program that broke ground last year.

McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) today announced global comparable sales growth of 7.4% in November. Performance by segment was as follows...

Volvo Rents announces the acquisition of Richardson Equipment Company, LLC (R-Quip Equipment Rentals), a two-location construction equipment rental company based in Kansas, with stores in Wichita and Pittsburg.

Extreme Brandz, franchisor of Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito and Purblendz, received the 2011 Pinnacle Award for Company of the Year during a luncheon Friday December 2nd in Toronto.

U-Swirl, Inc. (OTCQB: SWRL), parent to U-SWIRL International, Inc., the owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt(R) cafes, announced today that it has launched a new ″smart phone″ application.

Red Mango, the #1 Zagat-rated frozen yogurt and smoothies chain in America, is recreating fond winter memories with its first-ever hot beverage, new Artisan Hot Chocolate in four delicious flavors debuting at locations nationwide today.

This amount will be allocated on behalf of Giant Tiger customers among three (3) national charitable organizations - The Childrens Wish Foundation, The Canadian Red Cross and Friends of the Earth Canada.

ServiceMaster DAK meets the stringent demands of the ServiceMaster Clean brand and is recognized as a leader in performance, service, and quality.

The Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions Franchise has selected businessman Charles Coffey to open up a new service location in Denver, CO and its surrounding areas.

Today, Gap Inc. announced the opening of its first Banana Republic store in France.

NMFI recognizes franchise organizations with exceptional minority participation. Over 450 franchise companies responded to the survey, and Anago was one of the top 50 selected.

RED Development, is pleased to announce the addition of Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers to The Restaurant and Bar Collection on High Street.

FOCUS Brands announced today that it has named Lauren Fernandez Staley as Vice President of Legal.

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) will hold its investor conference today in New York City. The company's senior leaders will outline its growth strategies and outlook for fiscal 2012 and beyond.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced today it has rebranded the Red Lion Hotel Grants in New Mexico, making this the third hotel to join the brand in New Mexico in the last few weeks.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers is proud to announce their newest opening in the Ballantyne Village, in Charlotte, N.C., on Monday, December 12th.

After more than 30 years of smoking and serving up generous portions of Southern Bar-B-Q to a growing fan base, the masterminds behind Florida-based Woody's Bar-B-Q(R) envision a full-flavored future as one of the hottest fast casual concepts to hit...

Massage Envy Spa, East Market at Fair Lakes is pleased to accommodate guest preferences and meet individual health needs by offering introductory custom massages in Fairfax, Virginia to new members at a low price of $49.

U.S. Lawns, the country's fastest-growing landscape management franchise, today announced plans to stimulate small-business growth nationally with a special no-money-down franchising offer.

Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers will be opening a second location in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on December 12th, at 2318 Lifestyle Way.

With drowning as the leading cause of death among children under five years old, British Swim School has spent the past 30 years putting a unique twist on traditional swimming classes.

Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin, will reopen its doors on Dec. 15, 2011.

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C. announced today that partner, Arthur ″Jerry″ Kremer, has been named a 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Advancement for Commerce Industry and Technology (ACIT).

The holiday season is here, and family entertainment leader Chuck E. Cheese's is celebrating the joyous season by inviting organizations to wrap up the year with group parties.

'Tis the season to enjoy ice cream whether it's by reliving a moment in history with Bobsled Brownie, a flavor that was inspired by the 2002 women's bobsled victory in Salt Lake City, or by giving the gift of ice cream and purchasing a...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced the debut of The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa.

Just Between Friends Franchise Systems Inc., is pleased to announce that 32 franchises were named Top Achievers for 2011.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian will be warming things up in the Northeast with their newest Franchisees, Linda and Barry Williams, of Leominster, Massachusetts.

Put yourself in the mind of a child who has just suffered severe burns. You are taken to the emergency department where nothing is familiar and every face is strange. You are anxious, fearful and, of course, in pain.

Manhattan's legendary Grand Hyatt New York announces the completion of its $130 million, multi-phased renovation in November 2011, culminating with the installation of famed artist Jaume Plensa's three-dimensional Awilda and Chloe sculptures.

Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsboro hotel is currently offering big saving for weekend travelers.

Consumers on Cyber Monday weren't just buying Christmas gifts online - they were buying a lot of pizza.

ERA Real Estate, a leading global real estate franchisor, today announced the affiliation of Legacy Real Estate & Associates in Fremont, Calif., under its ERA Powered(SM) brand offering.

Marking an aggressive international expansion push, Bennigan's Franchising Co. has inked a master franchise agreement with the Al Aroud Group of companies to open 10 new Bennigan's in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey.

The Rock, Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits, an award winning local gourmet pizza restaurant with a rock 'n' roll vibe, is sending the year out in style with the opening of its first urban location on December 30, 2011 in Seattle

The BURGER KING

A seasoned franchisee with more than 20 years in the restaurant industry has signed on to bring Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, a popular restaurant and lounge that's developed a cult-following throughout New England, to the Philadelphia area.

According to recent studies, accidents at home rank among the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. For those over 60, the risk of injury becomes greater. With 89 percent of aging homeowners preferring to stay in the comfort of...

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Sandy Springs, GA offers convenient accommodations to collegiate football fans attending the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Georgia Dome.

Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning(R), one of the nation

Unexpected visitors seem to increase during the holiday season, and it never fails to happen when you have dishes in the sink, a project spread out across the living room, and laundry hanging in the bathroom. Such little surprises don't need to...

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, LLC (the ″Company″) announces today that, pursuant to the Exchange Offer for its Notes, as of 9:00 a.m. EST, on December 5, 2011, the Company received valid tenders from holders of $59,539,755 aggregate...

Dickey's Barbecue Pit will open its doors in High Point today and will begin serving delicious barbecue to the surrounding community.

Hooters of America, LLC has named Sam Rothschild as Chief Operating Officer to lead focus on operations excellence, and food and beverage development.

Donuts in the bakery case,coffee brewing at the hot beverage bar, breakfast sandwiches ready to heat, orange juice in the vault and now a new breakfast item rolls into 7-Eleven(R) stores this month.

The Joint Corp., a leading franchisor of chiropractic clinics, has been named one of the Hot Trends to Own in Franchising for 2012 by Entrepreneur Magazine.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire 49.8% of the shares of Design Hotels AG from Arabella Hospitality SE, one of Starwood's longtime partners in Germany.

The heart of Bangkok beats a little faster today with the official opening of Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11.

Huntington Learning Center, a leader in tutoring and supplemental learning services, recently announced it is making franchise opportunities available in the New York Metro market.

First graph, first sentence of release should read: Of all the first names in the U.S. today, Jim is by far the most abundant, with more than 5 million people sharing Jim, James, Jimmy or some variation of the moniker.

Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation, the national automotive repair chain known for creating a ″positive culture shock″ in the automotive segment, announced today the launch of a $12,500 financial discount to help military veterans...

Franchise Services, Inc. (FSI), announces the availability of a new online design and print service available through participating Sir Speedy, PIP and Signal Graphics printing and marketing services locations.

The ServiceMaster Company, one of the world's largest residential and commercial service networks, announced today key executive appointments at TruGreen and Terminix, its two largest business units.

The International Franchise Association has received the Peace Through Commerce Award from the International Trade Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce, recognizing IFA's work to help U.S. franchisors expand their brands to foreign...

Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATH) today announced that it will commence mailing to its stockholders on or about December 8, 2011 a modified Dutch Auction tender offer to purchase for cash up to 500,000 shares of its common stock.

Liberty Tax is alerting taxpayers about the latest online phishing scam involving deceptive e-mails that appear to be sent from the IRS. This one's titled

Hurricane Grill & Wings(R), a casual restaurant serving-winning food with amazing flavor, opens the doors to its newest location in Hauppauge, NY.

Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group, will appear on CBS's hit reality show ″Undercover Boss,″ on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. CT.

Maggiano's Little Italy(R) is making it easier this holiday season for guests to enjoy their authentic Italian-American favorites through a variety of gift card offers, an opportunity to take home Maggiano's made-from-scratch sauces, plus a...

Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (Nasdaq:DAVE) announces the opening of the Company's third Missouri restaurant in Springfield.

Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, is celebrating its worldwide presence by throwing a global pizza party.

Pro Fleet Care franchising, announces the addition of Sonia and Andrew Holder of Mississauga, Ontario, to their ever growing family of rust control franchisees.