The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

EarthLink, Inc., (NASDAQ: ELNK) recently teamed to deliver RE/MAX Allegiance an 18-site hosted voice and MPLS network to serve its offices in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Liquid Nutrition Group Inc., today announced its expansion into the United States with market development units opening in New York, Los Angeles and Miami as part of a 70-unit sales target in 2013.

A testament to the continued resilience of the commercial cleaning segment, Anago Cleaning Systems (Anago), is pleased to announce it has added a total of 188 new unit franchisees at the close of 2012.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) will participate in two upcoming investment conferences.

Creative Learning Corporation (OTCBB:CLCN), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz®, is pleased to announce that Bricks 4 Kidz® has been ranked 4th in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchise List.

The great state of Texas will see further expansion of the Zippy Shell franchise network with the sale of Zippy Shell Self Storage and Moving in North Houston.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs) announces the opening of the Holiday Inn Express Charleston Downtown-Ashley River, in the heart of downtown Charleston.

REAL Trends, Inc. has recently named Keller Williams Realty Chadwick Group as one of 17 firms in America and the only Real Estate Company in Florida, to achieve growth in all key areas of brokerage operational performance.

Matthew Sutton is Fresh Coat's newest owner bringing expertise in residential painting to Staunton, VA.

ColorTyme, Inc. celebrated the opening of its first Mississippi location in the town of Pearl by franchisee Pauline Holcombe with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, March 2.

Now, guests can choose from the Unlimited Wax Pass, Pre-Paid Wax Pass or Student Wax Pass to save money on all their waxing needs.

Quiznos marked a significant business milestone this month when QSR International (QSR) opened its Quito, Ecuador location, making QSR the first international Quiznos franchise group to license and open 100 plus Quiznos restaurants.

Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with over 625 outlets in 19 states, announced Lazaro Arbos , a Treat Team Member from Rita's outlet in Naples, Florida, was chosen as a Top 20 finalist by American Idol 2013 (Season 12).

The Care Continuum Alliance, the voice of the population health, announced today its newest member: Weight Watchers International, Inc., the world’s leading provider of weight management services.

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC) today announced that the company will be presenting at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2013 Consumer & Retail Conference at The Palace Hotel in New York, New York on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY today announced the completion of the previously announced refinancing of the senior secured credit facility for Realogy Group LLC, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary.

Haynes and Boone, LLP and MMA Lawyers of Brazil announced today that they have begun working together under a cooperation agreement to serve clients in Brazil, the United States, China and around the world.

SIGNARAMA, the world’s largest sign franchise, announces a new store at 6175 Hwy. 7, Unit 14, under the ownership of local residents Paul and David Courneya.

Liberty Tax Service is now filing all remaining individual and business 2012 federal income tax returns

Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, has opened its first store in Thailand, with the promise of hot, delicious pizza for the residents in the heart of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 22.

A Colorado couple has just been awarded their second Sports Marketing Franchised Territory in under a year.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) celebrated its highest number of openings in Europe for four years, opening 39 hotels throughout the region in 2012.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies will be appearing at the 36th International Franchise Fair in Mexico City, held at the World Trade Center Mexico, March 7-9, 2013.

The Dairy Queen® system has opened its newest, most exciting treat concept, a DQ® Orange Julius® store in Tucson.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has signed a franchise multiple development agreement (MDA) with Regional Hotel Chain.

Granite Transformations offers a variety of exclusive products for homeowners looking to reinvest their tax refund dollars in home renovations this spring.

Fazoli’s, recently rated #2 overall among large national fast food chains in the prestigious Zagat Survey, is extending its franchise incentive program an additional nine months to the end of 2013.

Expedia® CruiseShipCenters® – part of Expedia® Inc, the largest online travel company in the world, was recently named 2012 Loyal to Royal Canada Partner of the Year by Royal Caribbean International.

Kernels Gift Loyalty Cards are available as a traditional plastic gift card, as well as a virtual gift card that can be printed off from an email or displayed on your smart phone.

In 2004, Anthony Ackil and Jon Olinto looked at the $65 billion U.S. burger market and decided there was something missing. Nowhere out there was anyone serving food that people could feel good about, while knowing where it comes from.

Clint Rowley, President of Real Property Management East Valley, has been selected as a Top 100 Industry Expert in America of the Covington Who’s Who Top 100 Magazine.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (NYSE: RT) will be presenting at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2013 Consumer & Retail Conference in New York City on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

The Counter® Custom Built Burgers, unveils an all gluten-free menu featuring signature burger builds, bun, starters, beer, wine and shakes.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and White Lodging Services today announce the opening of Hyatt Place Austin Downtown, just steps from the Austin Convention Center and the city’s famous Sixth Street.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today announced that it has entered into a global corporate agreement with Booking.com.

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), the nation's largest specialty retailer of health, wellness and sports nutrition products, is launching a 12-week challenge designed to help consumers transform their eating and exercise habits for long-term weight...

STEARCLEAR, the app-based designated driver service, raised $140,000 in capital in just 5 days on SeedInvest.

The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ) and Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG) announced today the completion of a Franchisee agreement for Penske Automotive Group to become the operator of Hertz Car Rental locations in certain markets throughout...

Known for its 75 flavors of award-winning buffalo-style wings, East Coast Wings & Grill recently opened its first restaurant outside of the company’s North Carolina hub.

Retro Fitness announced today the hiring of KT Remus as the company’s Vice President of Marketing. With 14 years of industry experience, Remus’ addition will play a key role in adding depth to the company’s strong executive...

Home Care Assistance, the premier provider of in-home care for seniors, is honored to receive Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 2013 Franchisee Satisfaction Award.

Hampshire College students in Amherst Massachusetts have the option of finding a fresh-brewed cup of coffee at 3 a.m., if required.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, the largest franchised moving company in the U.S., is pleased to announce its system has donated more than $2 million in moving services in 2012.

AlignLife of Wauwatosa is proud to announce that it will be offering a free, very informative lecture with its Director of Nutritional Services, Dr. Sara Mahalko on Wednesday, March 6th at 6:00 pm at AlignLife of Wauwatosa, located at 8812 W. North...

Bennigan’s, the Legendary neighborhood pub known for its signature “Irish Hospitality” and a determination to make "Every Day St. Paddy's Day," announced today the launch of the most ambitious St. Patrick's Day promotions in its...

Hurricane Grill & Wings® touches down in Alabama today. Orange Beach residents are advised to prepare for a tropical storm of coastal flavor!

From the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced plans to open 50 new hotels in Europe over the next five years, increasing its European hotel portfolio by 30%.

On Thursday, March 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dickey’s will be serving $1 Pulled Pork Big Barbecue sandwiches. Three lucky customers will win free barbecue for a year.

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC) (the "Company"), a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, today announced the election of C. Scott O'Hara to its board of directors.

John and Gwen McCauley, regular participants in triathlons and avid cross-fitters had searched for the right franchise for 2 1/2 years before they found Fresh Healthy Vending.

European Wax Center Toms River is proud to announce that their Grand Opening Celebration will be held on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 1pm.

In four separate transactions, ABRA Auto Body & Glass announced the acquisition of two corporate repair centers and the opening of two franchise repair centers in four states.

PrideStaff, a leading national staffing franchise organization, today announced they have each been named to Inavero’s 2013 Best of Staffing™ Client and Talent List.

JTH Holding, Inc. (NASDAQ:TAX), parent company of Liberty Tax Service, announced today that it will report its earnings for fiscal 2013 third quarter ended January 31, 2013.

Firehouse Subs and Coca-Cola are teaming up once again, this time to rev up the engines of Firehouse Subs fans and stock car racing enthusiasts alike with a national sweepstakes.

Chester's fans can now satisfy their chicken cravings at Gurdon Quick Mart in Gurdon, Arkansas.

The family-friendly restaurant makes a splash in the greater Minneapolis area once again, shortly after introducing Burnsville residents to their first taste of award-winning flavor last October.

Caring Senior Service, a national homecare company, recently launched a new office in Birmingham, AL.

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining, announces the election of Michael A. George and William T. Giles to the company's Board of Directors.

Chester's has recently completed renovations to its Lancaster, Pennsylvania location within Greenfield Food N Fuel near Highway 30.

Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced it won Franchise Business Review's Best in Category for Real Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the sixth year in a row.

Keller Williams Realty South Tampa is proud to recognize the Gray Roberson Team for receiving the newly attainable Florida Military Designation.

Terminix, the nation’s largest pest control provider, today announced the opening of a new customer care center at 5701 East Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa, Fla.

Allen Fishman, Founder and Executive President of The Alternative Board, (TAB) International announced today that The Alternative Board (TAB) will be seeking to open a TAB office in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Vestal's own Jessica Myers will be among the ten elite finalists vying for the title of "World's Best Bartender" at TGI Fridays annual World Bartender Championship (WBC) being held at the House of Blues in Dallas, Texas, on March 6th.