The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Kumon North America, the world

Craters & Freighters, the national leader in specialty shipping with 67 locations nationwide, has named Rick Robinson as Chief Operating Officer.

Massage Envy Waldorf recently celebrated its two-year anniversary, providing the highest quality massage in Waldorf, Charles County, MD to the local community for the past two years.

Central California is home to a new business: national cleaning company COIT has awarded a franchise that covers the communities of Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara.

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) announced today the appointment of Mirian M. Graddick-Weir, 56, to its Board of Directors.

DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the conversion and official opening of the 465-room DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Green Tree in Pittsburgh, Pa., now the largest Pittsburgh-area hotel currently available to travelers within the Hilton...

Continuing the tradition of giving shoppers a jump start on their holiday shopping, Gap Inc. today updated its list of Thanksgiving and Black Friday promotions for its five brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta, as well as...

Domino's, the pizza delivery expert, has launched two new tasty deals for Foursquare and Facebook Places fans.

UFood Restaurant Group, Inc. (OTCBB: UFFC) announced that the company is offering $5.00 coupons to customers purchasing holiday gift cards valued at $20.00 or more.

Despite unseasonably rough weather that hit local businesses and neighborhoods in early November, Roosters Men's Grooming Center (MGC) successfully opened its doors for business.

October home sales activity in the metropolitan Chicago real estate market continued the upward trend evident during the third quarter of 2011.

Two of the most successful Coldwell Banker franchises in North Carolina have joined forces, creating the state's third-largest residential real estate brokerage company.

Racing Limos America, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Technology Group (OTC:ATYG.PK), announces that its Racing Limos America franchise in Kennewick, WA has been voted 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year in the Tri-Cities region.

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands (the ″Company″) announced today that it has launched a series of transactions (the ″Refinancing″) designed to reposition its capital structure, improve access to additional funding and accelerate...

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nations largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, welcomed the preliminary results of the November 17, 2011.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced that the Company has chosen to allow its shareholder rights plan (the ″Rights Plan″) to expire in accordance with its terms on November 19, 2011, which corresponds to the...

Pretzelmaker announced today that it has created a new combination highlighting Pretzel Bites: the brand's signature bite-sized salted pretzel snack.

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN; BNHNA), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced that the Special Meeting for stockholders to vote on the Company's reclassification proposal (the...

On November 17, 2011, Texas Roadhouse, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: TXRH) Board of Directors authorized the payment of a cash dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock.

SONIC Drive-In franchise owners, Jess and Andrea Wetsel, continued their commitment to renewable energy production with the announcement today of two additional solar powered, canopy-mounted systems at their Tigard and Hillsboro restaurants.

Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that its franchisee for the Birmingham area has expanded his area by purchasing the neighbouring territory of Burton and Rugeley.

SUBWAY(R) Sandwich ArtistTM Sara Manchipp wears her uniform with pride, and she can now add an impressive accessory to her green polo shirt, a Miss Wales sash and crown!

The United Franchise Group (UFG), the global leader for entrepreneurs, today announced that after the recent success of its franchisee lending program with Franchise Finance, it has now been increased from $5 Million to $10 million.

Bryan Guentner, broker, CRS, CIPS, CLS, is proud to announce the opening of Re/Max Platinum Realty on Venice Avenue in downtown Venice on Oct. 1. Guentner also owns offices in Sarasota, Osprey and St. Armands Circle.

Villa Enterprises Management Ltd., Inc., the global multi-concept restaurant franchisor, announces its Villa Holiday Giftaway, a Black Friday holiday shopping season giveaway with free prizes that include iPod Nanos, iPod Touches, gift cards for...

Gap Inc. (NYSE:GPS) today announced that its Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program, effective immediately.

Priority Club(R) Rewards, the world's fastest-growing and most flexible hotel loyalty program, from IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has put thousands* of merchandise items and retail gift cards on sale just in time for the 2011 holiday season.

The day is here; Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Reno is having its grand opening celebration today, November 17.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) announced today that two New Mexico hotels, the Red Lion Hotel Farmington and the Red Lion Hotel Gallup, have successfully transferred to the brand.

Athletic Republic, a leader in high performance sports training, has announced the introduction of a new sports training product from Nike SPARQ Sensory Performance.

We've all heard how people love to buy shoes. Well, now there's an opportunity for New Jersey residents to feel better about their addiction.

October home sales were 9.0% above sales in October last year, according to The RE/MAX Monthly Housing Report, a survey of housing data from 53 metropolitan areas.

Liberty Tax Service, an Oakland tax preparation specialist company, urges good recordkeeping practices for moving expenses that may be tax deductible on the next Federal tax return.

Franchise owner Farrokh Hormazdi has found a place where his Dickey's Barbecue Pit will reside. He has signed a lease and is ready to begin transforming the former hot dog joint into a Dickey's Barbecue Pit.

Motel 6, known for providing guests with a clean, comfortable room and great service for the lowest price of any national chain, will help bring comfort to children experiencing stressful or traumatic situations with the fourth annual Great Teddy...

Auntie Anne's, the franchisor of the world

The International Franchise Association today hailed Rep. Tim Griffin (R-Ark.) for introducing new federal legislation, the Franchise Education for Veterans Act (H.R. 3351), to allow veterans interested in purchasing a franchise business to use up...

Burger King Holdings, Inc. today reported results for the third quarter of 2011.

As any homeowner can attest, there's always something that needs to be fixed, improved or polished up.

Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System(R), a leading franchisor of commercial cleaning businesses, announced today that it has been named one of the ″50 Top Franchises for Minorities″ by the National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI).

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Americans will soon be indulging in the traditional turkey day fare, all 3,000 calories of it, according to leading nutritional experts.

Blockbuster L.L.C. is kicking off the holiday season with lower prices, more convenience and greater value than ever before through its Blockbuster Open House Weekend on Nov. 19-20.

The regional law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP announced today that it will strengthen its client service capacities in Columbus by merging with Chester Willcox & Saxbe, LLP at the start of the year. The firms will operate under the Taft name.

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced that it has published Green Your Home, a book for green-conscious home buyers and homeowners.

Racing Limos AmericaTM, Inc., a subsidiary of Atlas Technology Group (OTC:ATYG.PK), announces its new marketing effort for 2012.

Lice Squad Canada announced today the expansion of the business into the greater Calgary, Winnipeg and Kingston areas.

Wyndham Rewards(R) members looking to get a little something for themselves this holiday season are in luck thanks to ″Gift Me,″ a new promotion that lets North American members unwrap 6,500 bonus Wyndham Rewards points, enough for a...

It seems like the same story every holiday. What does an older loved one who seems to have everything want for Christmas? Consider that a senior could be missing something that may be difficult to put a bow on: companionship.

Creative Learning Corporation (OTC BB: BTWO), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz(R), the highly popular children's education and enrichment program, is pleased to announce that the Company has finalized the purchase of 3 additional territories by...

GET A GRIP, Inc., a family-owned, national franchise company with headquarters in Albuquerque, is pleased to announce accolades from three national publications.

The meeting was attended by the OFFICE 1 Master Franchisees of Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia and the OFFICE 1 International Team headed by Mr. Mark Baccash, CEO of the company.

Stratus Building Solutions releases updated franchising website to enable a more streamlined, user-friendly experience, the facility services franchisor said Wednesday.

The Gymboree Corporation today announced it will hold a conference call and webcast to review third fiscal quarter 2011 financial results. The call will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET.

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced the offering by certain of its stockholders of 22 million shares of its common stock at a price of $25.62 per share.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) plans to release its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2012 on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, shortly after the market closes.

Franchise Payments Network (FPN), the only credit card processing company that focuses entirely on the franchise industry, has announced its most successful rewards program to date with Menchie's, the nation's fastest growing self-serve frozen...

Edible Arrangements, the pioneer and leader in hand-sculpted, fresh-fruit arrangements, announced today that it has opened its first store in Mumbai, India located at Shop No5 and 6 Marine End CHS, Juhu Tara Road, Mumbai 49, Mumbai, MAH.

Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN) today announced that the Company will be presenting at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Leveraged Finance Conference at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando on Thursday, December 1, 2011.

Looking to spread season's greetings across America, Denny's has partnered with Aardman and Sony Pictures' upcoming family comedy ″Arthur Christmas″.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT), and Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) announce today an unprecedented global partnership, bringing two New York icons together to concept and create a series of...