The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

The world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning company, Star Chem-Dry, wants all consumers to have a happy and stress-free holiday season.

The ServiceMaster Company today announced preliminary unaudited third-quarter 2013 results, including operating revenue of $929 million, an increase of approximately 3 percent compared to the same period in 2012.

Leading franchised used car and finance company J.D. Byrider recognized winners of the company’s annual awards at its November convention in New Orleans, LA.

As the owner of two Discovery Point childcare centers in Cumming and Suwanee, Ga., he has taken a personal interest in staffing his centers with highly skilled and qualified teachers.

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that its Board of Directors authorized a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share payable on or after January 29, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 8, 2014.

One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, recently updated its website design. Customers can now receive faster service and take advantage of specials more easily than ever before.

LF Staffing, a division of Labor Finders International the oldest and largest privately held industrial labor staffing company in the United States earned an outstanding Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 76.5%.

Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the global interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today the continuation of its relationship with McDonald’s USA through the McDonald’s Happy Meal program.

Tutor Doctor, a worldwide tutoring franchise that provides individualized home-based instruction to learners of all ages, recently announced the opening of its first franchise location in North Africa.

Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz® is pleased to announce that BFK Franchise Company, LLC has recently sold Master Franchises in Thailand and Indonesia.

Abrakadoodle Remarkable Art Education, which in 2013 surpassed one-million students in its creative art programs, is expanding its reach to children with the addition of its newest franchise unit in Bowie, Maryland.

The Award-Winning casual-dining concept Quaker Steak & Lube® known for its Best Wings USA and over 25 sauce varieties will bring a new restaurant to Mechanicsburg, PA.

Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN) today announced the recipients of their most prestigious annual awards which were recently presented to deserving franchise groups on October 30.

Così Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the fast casual restaurant chain with more than 120 restaurants in 16 states, the District of Columbia, Costa Rica and the United Arab Emirates, is testing a new menu in three Philadelphia locations.

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today mourns the passing of John F. Bard, a member of the Company's Board of Directors and Chairman of its Audit Committee.

Home Care Assistance of Greater Vancouver, North America’s leading provider of in-home care, is dedicating the next webinar in its widely acclaimed Healthy Longevity Series to Family Caregivers Month.

Franchisee growth for HomeVestors is up for the third straight quarter this year, breaking last quarter's record as the highest ever class enrollment of new franchisees.

The renovations are nearing completion and it's down to the finishing touches. This Saturday, November 16, Giant Tiger unveils a fully renovated store located at 547 Grand Road, Campbellford, Ontario.

From the mountains to the prairies, to the oceans wide with hope, European Wax Center is paying tribute to all past and present members of the military and their spouses.

Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), today announced that Tanya Reu was named among HousingWire magazine’s "2013 Women of Influence in Housing."

The Beef Jerky Outlet Franchise has announced the introduction of Bacon Jerky to their product line.

Mama Fu’s Asian House is feeding the demand in Houston for freshly prepared Asian cuisine with 18 openings in the next 10 years, the first of which will open on November 20th at 1574 W. Gray Street in Houston.

Wingstop opens a new restaurant location in Independence, MO., where wing enthusiasts in the Kansas City-area now have an additional location to get their wing fix.

Noble Roman's, Inc. (OTC/BB: NROM), announced today that Paul Mobley, chairman and chief executive officer, will present at the LD MICRO Sixth Annual Conference.

The biennial Interstate All Battery Center convention convened Nov. 8 - 10 at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas with more than 350 attendees.

Learning Express Toys, the nation’s largest educational toy retailer, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest franchise in Niagara Falls, NY.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian, a Hawaiian-inspired coffee and fresh fruit smoothie franchise, hires Cassie Robinson and Katie Hillenbrand as managers in the accounting and franchise development departments.

Einstein Bros.® Bagels and Noah's New York Bagels® are pleased to sweeten up this holiday season for guests with the addition of new seasonal menu items that feature flavors of warm cinnamon and spices.

Roetzel is pleased to announce its inclusion in the Best Law Firms list for 2013-2014, published by U.S. News & World Report in conjunction with Best Lawyers®.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups today announced the signing of the first Park Inn® by Radisson in Colombia. The hotel will be located at Cra 18 No 93-97 in Bogota.

Express Employment Professionals, the nation’s largest privately held staffing firm, today released a report on the average hourly wages for jobs in September 2013.

Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced the appointment of Dr. Wolfgang Link as President, Toys"R"Us, Europe and a member of the company’s Global Executive Committee.

Sixt, the largest car rental company in Austria, is to welcome more than 900 managers to the Sixt Annual Global Convention, a four-day event being held in the Austrian capital from November 13 to 16.

Ram Jack today announces they have received general approval for technical modifications of home and commercial foundations using proprietary helical pile and hydraulically driven steel piling foundation systems.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP has been ranked first in a new analysis of the best Cincinnati retirement plans by BrightScope®, a San Diego-based research company that rates 50,000 plans nationwide.

Changingthewaytheworldages.com was launched to provide older adults and their loved ones with practical information to promote a proactive approach to not only living longer, but living happily, healthily and more productively longer.

Dane Ellison, CEO of RE/MAX Regional Services (RRS) today announced that on March 1, 2014, RRS will roll out its own branded mobile app for exclusive use by RE/MAX Brokers and Agents.

Mr. Appliance, one of the seven subsidiaries companies of The Dwyer Group®, was ranked No. 383 on the Next 300 of the Franchise Times Top 500 list of global franchises.

As families and friends gather this Thanksgiving, HoneyBaked will join the tables of millions of Americans for a savory, delicious and hassle-free holiday tradition.

Corner Bakery Cafe announced today the company has signed two new multi-unit franchise agreements to open new restaurants in Arizona and introduce its first restaurants in Wisconsin beginning in 2014.

Pizza Pizza has partnered with Dr. Karyn Gordon, a leading relationship and parenting expert, to help share information, tips and interactive activities surrounding the important topic of bullying in our schools and communities.

Liquid Capital Corp., a Canada-based franchisor specializing in alternative financing, launched Supply Chain Payment Program (SCPay) this month. SCPay helps companies streamline supply chain account management and payment into one standardized step.

'Tis the season to be jolly with holiday cheer, songs, food, shopping and a bonus gift from The Loop Pizza Grill.

Zippy Shell USA, LLC® announced today that their newest franchise location in West Cleveland is officially open for business.

Award-winning SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza has opened a sixth location in its Greater Kansas City home market.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) will report fourth quarter fiscal 2013 operating results after market close on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, and the company will host a conference call to review the results on Thursday, November 21, 2013.

Small business owners are seeking loans at a feverish pace in hopes to seize growth opportunities as the 2013 holiday season kicks off, according to the October Small Business Lending Demand Index released by Direct Capital.

RE/MAX Countryside at 1634 W. Algonquin Road, Hoffman Estates, Ill., will roll out the red carpet for its neighbors with a grand opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 15.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and with it, Black Friday madness. Why not forget the early morning alarm, long lines and crowded stores and instead wait for Wednesday when you can score a Howard Johnson® hotel stay at 50 percent off?

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and White Lodging Services today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Nashville/Downtown, just steps from the Music City Center and the city’s famous Broadway entertainment district.

From innovative power tools and hand tools to the latest in tool storage, lighting solutions and shop and tech equipment, the 2013 Snap-on Holiday Gift Guide is this season’s toy catalog for techs.

he Keg Royalties Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX:KEG.UN) today announced that its November 2013 distribution of $0.08 cents per unit has been declared and is payable to unitholders of record as at November 21, 2013.

Satellite Coffee has introduced its newest coffee, a full bodied, Rain Forest Alliance Verified, Guatemala single origin roast from Finca Vizcaya.

Inspired by the recent super typhoon that devastated the Philippines, the Portland fitness center known as Fit Body Boot Camp announces plans to support ongoing relief effort by hosting a fitness fundraiser.

Mosquito Squad leaders and franchisees attended the Malaria No More International Honors 2013 event held last night in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall celebrating their support of Malaria No More.

Miracle-Ear® of Johnstown, a part of locally owned Frasier Enterprises, partnered with the Miracle-Ear Foundation to provide, Kitty, the gift of sound.

Window Genie is the nationally ranked franchise of home services offering window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and much more.

Wingstop celebrates the grand opening of its newest location in North Miami Beach on Thursday, Nov. 14 with a special offer for every customer that walks in that day.

Ecuador's Master Franchise Partner Santiago Garcia Works with the Growth Coach Franchise USA Team to Help Support and Cultivate Ecuador's Small Businesses and Expand their Middle Class

Terri Harvey and her husband Michael are embarking on a second career in the senior healthcare industry as CarePatrol franchise owners in the San Gabriel Valley in California.

Executives with RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., one of the world's leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, celebrated the company's recent initial public offering (IPO) this morning with a visit to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) floor.

Today European Wax Center Sugar Land is showcasing a brand new way for Houston residents to save –Refer A Friend! All guests who Refer A Friend will receive $5 off their nexthair removal in Sugar Land, Texas.

Home Care Assistance of Douglas County, a leading international provider of non-medical, in-home senior care, is thrilled to serve the Douglas County community with the opening of its newest office.

Fresh Healthy Vending International, Inc. (OTC Markets: VEND), North America's leading healthy vending franchisor, today reported the addition of five new franchisees and 74 newly secured locations in the month of October.

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 20 cents per share, payable January 2, 2014, to shareholders of record as of December 9, 2013.

Fuddruckers introduces the "World's Greatest Hamburgers" and signature "Build Your Own" market fresh produce bar to Williston, ND today.

Wingstop reaches another milestone with the opening of its 600th location in Sterling, Virginia.

RadioShack will open its newest Houston location as a concept store on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. RadioShack has been a part of the Houston community for more than 47 years since its first location opened in 1966.