The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

Westin Hotels & Resorts is tackling the Monday blues head-on with the introduction of a new, dedicated weekend program that gives guests more flexibility and time to make the most out of their weekend getaway.

Things are heating up at Red Robin this spring! The gourmet burger expert will bring back the 5 Alarm Burger® after giving guests a chance to decide which of their most beloved burgers of the past should return to menu through "Bring My Burger...

Mayi De La Vega, CEO of One Sotheby’s International Realty, announced today that The Coto Group, the No. 1 ranked team in sales volume among hundreds of Key Biscayne agents, has joined the firm at the Key Biscayne office.

Togo's, a "West Coast Original" since 1971 serving up big, made-to-order sandwiches stuffed with the freshest ingredients, announced today the debut of its latest multimedia advertising campaign.

Chem-Dry, the world's largest carpet and overall floor cleaning franchise, is expanding its global footprint in 2013 as it seeks business partners to help lead its growth into new global markets.

Calling all barbecue fans! Dickey’s Barbecue in Limerick is celebrating its grand opening on Friday, April 12 at 301 North Lewis Road.

7-Eleven, Inc. has closed on the acquisition of 46 locations from CB Mart, Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that it will host a meeting for the investment community on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at its headquarters in San Francisco.

Cruise Planners – American Express Travel has recently unveiled its first consumer smartphone application, Cruise Planners Mobile™.

Nick and Beth Flerlage of RE/MAX Alliance Group have qualified for the 2012 RE/MAX Platinum Club Award. Only 4 percent of agents in the RE/MAX network achieved this prestigious award in 2012.

Miami-based fitness franchise elements fitness for women announces expanded technology platforms, including mobile website and new “on the go” member and client tools.

For those who abhor deadlines, but also like something free, H&R Block is coming to their aid. Now through the April 15 tax filing deadline, all participating H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) locations and At Home online are offering free tax...

Window Genie announces the grand opening of their newest location, opening in Apopka, FL on Monday, April 8.

Lenny’s Sub Shop, a 150-unit sub sandwich franchise, has rolled out voluntary calorie information for select sandwiches in all of its sub shops nationwide.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced that Roeland Vos, long-time President of Starwood's Europe, Africa, & Middle East ("EAME") region, will step down and be succeeded by Michael Wale.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has announced the lineup for its 2013 Cultivate food, music and ideas festival series, with events planned in San Francisco, Denver, and Chicago.

As a Baltimore real estate agent with over a decade of experience assisting Baltimore real estate buyers and sellers, Nick Gioia brings his expert knowledge to Ron Howard & Associates of REMAX Preferred as a top Baltimore Realtor.

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc., a minority owner in the privately held parent company of the Hooters® brand, has secured Townsville on the northeastern coast of Queensland as the location for a new Australian restaurant.

Rooter-Man, a national plumbing and drain cleaning franchise, has been ranked the #1 Plumbing Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine for the 11th consecutive year (2003-2013).

E/MAX Impact of Lockport, Ill., is among those businesses to join the trend that is reshaping and revitalizing the downtown areas of so many suburbs across the Chicago area.

The newest Zinga Frozen Yogurt store has opened at Northern Virginia’s vibrant Kings Park Shopping Center with Grand Opening events to benefit two local organizations.

A growing sub-section in the senior care franchise industry is Senior Assisted Living Placement services. The oldest senior placement franchise in this sub-section of senior care is CarePatrol Franchise Systems, LLC.

European Wax Center Franklin recently celebrated its Grand Opening, and the Tennessee waxing center is now open for regular business hours, providingbody waxing in Franklin, TN.

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon will visit Ralston Elementary School, 710 Ralston Road, Machesney Park, Ill., on April 12, where the balloon crew will present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX Northern Illinois...

Maui Wowi Hawaiian welcomes the return of the Orchard Peach Smoothie, an all-natural, mouthwatering treat, for a limited time only (LTO) beginning May 1st at participating U.S. fixed retail locations and mobile event carts.

Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC announced that The Mathieu Group in Westborough, Mass., is the newest member of its luxury real estate network and will now operate as Mathieu Newton Sotheby's International Realty.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is thrilled to receive a significant donation from easyhome Ltd. (TSX:EH) to renovate kitchens in Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada.

BAB, Inc. (OTCBB: BABB), announced its financial results for the first quarter ended February 28, 2013.

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG®) is kicking off the 2013 On Tour With SPG: Hear The Music, See The World series.

2013 is looking strong on the job front and Labor Finders International, Inc. the oldest and largest privately held industrial labor staffing franchise company in the United States is pleased to announce the unveiling of their newest slogan just in...

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with SERVPRO officials announced plans to expand the company’s corporate headquarters on Industrial Blvd. in Gallatin, Tenn.

Aimbridge Hospitality and DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide's fastest growing full service brand, today announced the opening of the DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Greenway Plaza in Houston, Texas, which will soon undergo a $15 million dollar...

The Fort Worth Business Press has designated Haynes and Boone, LLP Labor and Employment Partner Karen Denney as a 40 Under 40 Honoree, recognizing her as one of 40 persons under the age of 40 who are making a difference in the Fort Worth community.

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group announces the opening of the new Holiday Inn® NYC - Lower East Side, in the thriving Lower East Side neighborhood close to major businesses, universities and Manhattan attractions.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is pleased to announce that retired Taft attorney Gerald Rapien has been selected to receive the Cincinnati Bar Association’s John P. Kiely Professionalism Award.

Woody's Bar-B-Q Canada President Dan Masters is pleased to announce that during the month of April customers can enter a contest to win prizes including a Broil King BBQ valued at over $900.

Groutsmith, America’s grout and tile cleaning, repair and restoration expert, announces some exciting new developments within the company.

Qualified buyers will have the opportunity to purchase roughly 480 acres of Stratton, Colo., farmland at the price of their choosing.

European Wax Center Aurora–Parker & Arapahoe Roads believes in guest loyalty and is proud to show their appreciation by offering a new promotion to make waxing in Aurora, Colorado easier and more affordable.

Saturday, April 13th from 2p.m. until 10 p.m., will mark the 2nd Annual Shroomstock Springfest at the Mellow Mushroom in Orlando, located at 11680 East Colonial Drive.

Building on the basketball fever of the NCAA tournament, Hampton Hotels is bringing its Hands-On Hamptonality community relations program to the youth of Atlanta.

Get set for 45 days of heart-pounding philanthropic fun at participating Krispy Kreme US locations.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) today announced it will host a conference call on Friday, April 26, 2013, at 10:00 am Eastern Time to discuss its first quarter 2013 financial results.

Fresh casual dining chain Newk’s Eatery recently announced its newest staff addition, Alan Wright as vice president of marketing.

Wyndham Vacation Rentals® announced today that Bob Milne, president, Wyndham Vacation Rentals, North America has been invited back to Mountain Travel Symposium (MTS).

Franchise owners love creating food people love at Papa Murphy’s, according to a recent survey conducted by Franchise Business Review.

With 10 new territories added in the first quarter of the year and another 10 anticipated in the coming weeks, the company is on track to meet its goal of 75 new locations by the end of 2013.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), Noble Investment Group and Interstate Hotels & Resorts today announce the opening of HYATT house Atlanta/Cobb Galleria, the first HYATT house hotel in Georgia.

After being named the #1 Business Coaching/Consulting franchise by "Entrepreneur Magazine" in January, the company was just recognized in the same publication’s April issue as a Top Home-Based Franchise.

Planet Beach, the creator of the contempo spa concept and leader in automated spa services, kicks off the skincare renewal season with services to rejuvenate and improve skin health for the entire body.

The federal government estimates it has a $450 billion tax gap (the amount the IRS estimates is missed in tax collections). One way the government tries to close that gap is through IRS audits of those suspected of having underpaid.

Few would deny the benefits that regular exercise can bring to a person's physical well-being. Studies have shown that even 30 minutes of walking each day can help with one's weight loss, muscle tone, heart rate as well as bone health.

Teriyaki Experience is pleased to announce the launch of their newest Asian-inspired meal – the Rice Noodle Typhoon Bowl.

Velocity Sports Performance today announced a nationwide partnership with Zamst, a leader in high performance sports bracing and support equipment.

Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH) today announced the company has sold for $2.25 million the Red Lion Hotel Pendleton in Oregon.

Johnny Rockets recently opened its first restaurant in downtown Salt Lake City – and third location in Utah – at City Creek Center, a world-class fashion and dining destination.

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) is launching a nationwide campaign for customers to enter their own personal health and wellness success stories in the Me on GNCphoto and video contest.

The Dwyer Group® is proud to introduce the Women in the Trades initiative, focused on providing financial assistance to women entering the service trade industry.

Yogurtland is celebrating the grand opening of its newest Chicago area location on Saturday, April 6 with free yogurt, family entertainment and prizes.

Aaron Vanderbilt is the latest leading Chicago real estate broker to join Re/Max Premier Properties, 1205 N. Dearborn Pkwy. The Gold Coast brokerage is headed by broker/owners Janice Corley and Cynthia Bauer.

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and SYNERGY HomeCare of West Fort Worth is pleased to join the effort to bring further public awareness to this debilitating disease.

European Wax Center Boynton Beach recently announced Spring Fling, the latest exclusive deal from the Florida waxing business. With Spring Fling, guests receive $5 off any waxing in Boynton Beach when they purchase one full-priced product.

Each year, Earth Day, coming up on April 22, 2013, focuses attention on the fact that recycling simply makes sense environmentally. At Plato's Closet, clothing recycling also makes sense financially.

The wait is over for fresh frozen yogurt lovers inside the Beltway in Northern Virginia now that the newest Zinga Frozen Yogurt store in the country has its Grand Opening set for April 5-6 at Arlington’s Williamsburg Shopping Center.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt” or the “Company”) (NYSE: H) announced today that it will release first quarter 2013 financial results on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, before the stock market opens.

Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE:SNA) will release 2013 first quarter results prior to the market open on Thursday, April 18, 2013.

Menchie’s, North America’s largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, crowned the grand prize winner of its sweepstakes, The Million Smiles Giveaway.