The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

The Fuzzy Peach, based out of Wilmington, NC, has begun their national expansion, signing franchise agreements for their frozen dessert stores in South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and West Virginia.

It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s a giant, seven-story tall hot-air balloon on my kid’s elementary school playground!

RadioShack will premiere a new TV spot today that pays homage to the recently released music video for recording sensation Robin Thicke 's hit single "Blurred Lines" and the Beats by Dr. Dre Pill portable Bluetooth speaker.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), approximately 3 million people have Celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disease which damages the small intestine and prompts intolerance to gluten.

Premium Franchise Brands LLC, a holding company of Jan-Pro Franchising International, Inc. (Jan-Pro), and Maid Right Franchising LLC, announced today the official launch of their new Maid Right Professional Grade Home Cleaning Franchise.

Hurricane Grill & Wings, an island-inspired, full-service restaurant franchise announced two new additions to the executive team.

Tint World®’s Franchise Conversion Store Program provides independent automotive businesses an opportunity to convert their existing store into a Tint World® Auto Styling Center.

Yogurt Mountain, LLC, today announced that America's Favorite Yogurt Store™, Yogurt Mountain®, is offering mom a free treat to honor her on Mother’s Day.

Massage Envy, in conjunction with the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, announced today the results of a new study that concludes moderate pressure massage therapy can decrease pain for rheumatoid arthritis.

Hickory River Smokehouse, a casual-style Texas Barbecue restaurant chain with locations in Illinois and Ohio, has launched a comprehensive new website as part of its new branding initiatives.

Woof Gang Bakery, a leader in the pet industry, has grown to 33 locations, with the newest store in Wilmington, North Carolina.

In September 2012 Learning Express Toys introduced the Skill Building Toy Guide, an online magalog featuring expert-approved developmental toys in eight categories, helpful articles, and insight from parents of kids with special needs.

For a limited time only, fans of Beef 'O' Brady's can enjoy six mouth-watering new Angus burgers, each of which are cleverly inspired by a different U.S. city.

Cruise Holidays showed off a new look for its consumer-facing marketing materials, updated franchise owners on the success of their recent Facebook sweepstakes.

Franchise Source Brands International™ (FSBI) announced today that two members of the brand’s executive team received their Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., (NYSE: CHH) today reported the following highlights for the first quarter 2013.

Smashburger and QSR International LDC today announced a new partnership agreement with Diqueos Tagaropulos and his company, Inversiones Platinum Brands S.A., to build five new Smashburger restaurants in the Republic of Panama.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today announced that the Company will present at two investor conferences.

More than 100 people attended the grand opening celebration of Roosters Men's Grooming Center (MGC) in Powell.

Rainbow International is pleased to announce the awarding of 14 new franchise contacts in the first quarter of 2013. Rainbow International is an industry leader in water, fire, and smoke damage restoration, with approximately 320 locations across...

Eric Galvin has recently joined Keller Williams Realty as a licensed real estate salesperson. Galvin is based in the Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs office, located at 38 High Rock Ave in Saratoga Springs.

Express Employment Professionals saw record growth in the first quarter of 2013, awarding 24 new franchises and reselling six existing locations for an all-time high of 629 locations nationwide.

Quinn, a 10-year-old girl with polycystic kidney disease, wished to go on a cruise and when the Maggiano's Little Italy® restaurant at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta learned they would be hosting her send-off party, the teammates threw an...

As a 16-year-old teenager, Jerry Cowley embarked on his first job – painting houses as a summer gig. He’s now come full circle, as the new owner of his Fresh Coat Painters of Hudson, OH franchise.

European Wax Center Durham-Southpoint has extended its Spring Fling promotion until the end of the month. The promotion, which gives guests an opportunity to save on all waxing in Durham, NC, is the center’s second promotion of 2013.

The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world’s premier fondue restaurant franchise, is honoring moms this Mother’s Day by giving them the opportunity to enter to win four trips to visit The Melting Pot locations.

Just in time for salads season, Wendy's is sponsoring SELF Magazine's Workout in the Park events to delight consumers with the freshest deals in town.

A mid-winter escape is up for grabs for two lucky domestic travellers with Choice Hotels New Zealand launching their new loyalty campaign in New Zealand today.

Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc., today announced that Pitch has been selected to be the company's Advertising Agency of Record.

Barb Delabbio and her husband Chris both know and understand the importance of healthy living with four kids and two of them currently attending high schools where junk food vending has now been eliminated.

European Wax Center Houston-Meyerland announced its second promotion of 2013 in March – the Spring Fling special. Spring Fling gives guests a $5 discount for any hair removal service with the purchase of a full-priced product.

Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced the availability of two franchise territories in Scotland.

Today, the brand that lives by the motto, “Where Great Food Rocks,” announced an aggressive franchising strategy. Details on the planned growth come after 18 months of strategic preparation for this moment.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian franchisee just hit a home run as he slides into Constellation Field in Sugarland, Texas.

The new RNR Wheels and Tire Express store in Daytona has seen a lot of excitement since opening in March of this year, but on Wednesday, April 24th, at about 6:30 PM, things got more exciting than anyone ever wanted or expected.

Sports Image®, a leader in the high school and youth sports marketing industry, has just awarded their 1st Wisconsin Sports Marketing Franchise to Mrs. Christina Williams of Sun Prairie, WI.

Kathleen Cunningham, a respected corporate leader, with more than 30 years of top level executive experience at several successful enterprises, is the newest member of the RE/MAX, LLC Board of Managers.

BounceU announced an alliance today with Make-A-Wish to help the organization fulfill the wishes of more children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Hotel Indigo®, IHG’s (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] upscale boutique brand, is continuing its expansion in major U.S. cities with plans for its third hotel in the Chicago market.

Pie Five Pizza Co. announced the opening of its very first franchise location today in the Salt Lake City area.

El Pollo Loco, the nation’s fire-grilled chicken chain, announced today the introduction of three new Baja Shrimp entrees. Featured in the Grande Taco, Tostada Salad and Stuffed Quesadilla, the Baja Shrimp offering will be available at El...

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) (the "Company"), a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, today reported its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Good Earth Coffeehouse and Bakery, is pleased to announce the winner for their Favourite Barista contest.

Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: BKW) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.

The Gymboree Corporation (the "Company") today reported consolidated financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 ("fiscal 2012").

Texas Miracle-Ear franchise owner, Pat Curry, and the Miracle-Ear Foundation partner to provide hearing solutions to those affected by the tragic fertilizer explosion, north of Waco, Texas.

Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN) owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz® is pleased to announce that the Company reached its 300th franchise on April 25th, a milestone that was not projected to be achieved until the end of October, 2013.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, today announced revenues and earnings for the three months ended March...

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB), the world's largest consumer tax services provider, today released its U.S. tax return volume through April 18. Total U.S. returns decreased 0.9(1) percent compared to the prior year to 22.0 million.

The Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) board of directors declared today a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.38 per share payable June 10, 2013 to shareholders of record on May 20, 2013.

Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ) announces the following webcast events.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest international hotel company, was again awarded the “International Hospitality Excellence Award 2013” at the China Hotel Investment Conference (CHIC).

Dahn Yoga & Health Centers, Inc., a national leader in health and wellness, spotlights the Body + Brain Franchise in the Village of Lynbrook, Long Island, New York as the Dahn Yoga Community's Center of the Month in the April issue of the...

Mellow Mushroom in Greenville, North Carolina, celebrates their 1 year anniversary the week of April 29th – May 4th and welcomes everyone to join in on the exciting anniversary celebration. This event kicks off Tuesday night at 2020 Charles...

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that it has completed the sale of W® New Orleans to Chesapeake Lodging Trust (NYSE: CHSP) for $65 million.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced it has sold for $11.6 million the Kalispell Center Mall in Montana to WSPGB Mall, LLC, an affiliate of Woodbury Strategic Partners and Goodale & Barbieri Company.

European Wax Center Largo will be offering its special Spring Promotion, Spring Fling, until the end of April.

IFM Investments Limited (NYSE: CTC) ("Century 21 China Real Estate" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Gold's Gym, the world's leading authority in health and fitness, and top fitness publication Men's Health announced today that "Machinehead" by Bush was voted as the Ultimate Workout Song for 2013 in this year's March Music Madness competition.

The Alternative Board President and CEO Jason Zickerman will appear on an expert panel at America's Small Business Summit, Small Business Big Impact, on April 30 in Washington, D.C.

Service Master Restoration by Wills has been in business for over 25, and has been recognized by ServiceMaster Clean as one of the leading franchises in the business.

This May, learn “the Secrets of Cinco” with Salsarita’s. The Fresh Mexican Cantina is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a five-day celebration full of food and special offers from Thursday, May 2 through Monday, May 6 at...

Decorating Den Interiors announced the selection of five new franchise owners.

As longtime residents of the Midwest can attest, flooding in the United States is one of the most common and hazardous natural disasters that can hit a community.

For Molly Maid, the nation's largest home cleaning service provider, Mother's Day is one of the best, and busiest, times of the year.

Although the economy is slowly picking up, bank lending is still hard to come by, especially for business owners. As a result, franchised companies are looking for creative new financing options to meet their needs.

Sublime Doughnuts, Atlanta’s award-winning doughnut shop, announces plans to open franchise opportunities for interested investors. Sublime Doughnuts is owned by Culinary Institute of America graduate Kamal Grant.

A six-city tour of ‘Regional Owners Connections’ hosted by Hilton Worldwide ended in Toronto last week, the latest continuing education and networking event for executive Team Members, management company representatives and ownership...