The Daily Edition of Franchise Business News

IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), announces the signing of a management agreement with Shanghai 21st Century Hotel Co., Ltd. for its iconic property located in Lujiazui, Shanghai, China.

HomeSmart International started off 2020 strong with a stellar first quarter that saw significant increases in new agents and transactions, all while transitioning to operating 95 percent of their business remote.

Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder, and Vicky Garcia, COO and Co-owner at Cruise Planners, hosted a virtual press conference sharing what is happening at Cruise Planners and across the travel industry in response to COVID-19.

For the month of April, locally owned Beef Jerky Outlets are supporting local heroes by matching 1 for 1 on every Hero SnackPak donated.

I Heart Mac & Cheese (IHMAC) has announced it is waiving all Royalty Fees, Brand Fund Fees, and Technology Fees for its entire franchisee system across the country, effective immediately .

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, launched a modernized ecommerce site designed to enhance the user experience for guests.

Big Blue Swim School has found a way to continue awarding franchises, signing four deals for a total of 14 units in March alone. The company has signed for 22 units so far this year.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with leading organizations to give team members whose positions have been furloughed or eliminated access to job opportunities opening up across various industries including retail, grocery, senior living...

BAB, Inc. (OTCQB: BABB), announced its financial results for the first quarter ended February 29, 2020.

Crave is working with Feeding America, to assist those who need it most.

America is in an employment catastrophe due to the increase in COVID-19-related layoffs, this according to the Department of Labor.

While sheltering at home, learn how to bake bread from Sheila McCann, who became a professional baker after being an attorney. Ms. McCann started House of Bread, a retail bakery cafe, in 1996.

Realty ONE Group International, was named once again one of the fastest growing franchisors in the nation, this time by the real estate industry’s leading management consulting and research firm, T3 Sixty.

Spavia, an innovative leader in affordable luxury spa experiences, is donating spa treatments to first responders and healthcare workers currently serving communities amid the COVID-19 national emergency.

Through their relationship with UPS Capital, Worldwide Express, LLC is extending its support to connect small and mid-sized business customers with much-needed funding resources during these unprecedented times.

ProntoWash, the world’s largest automotive detailing franchise, today announced that Jonathan Munsell has been named as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ProntoWash Management.

I Heart Mac & Cheese announced it has signed a new franchise agreement with Nilesh Soni to continue the brand’s expansion across Indiana.

During the first full week following the debut of its Contactless Buffet To Go, Pizza Inn saw a 17% increase in online revenue and a 20% increase in online transactions compared to the week prior to the launch.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery announced a series of new initiatives available at open and participating locations including “Perkins Market,” offering groceries such as bulk meat, produce and even toilet paper to customers.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is making Easter easier this year with a variety of family barbecue bundles including full-sized meat options and savory family-sized sides all available for free contactless delivery.

Keyrenter Property Management, a nationwide leader in residential property management, is growing its presence in the Midwest. The company is proud to announce the addition of its newest franchise, Keyrenter St. Charles, Missouri.

Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ) announces Domino's Q1 2020 Earnings Webcast.

Pizza Guys, a Sacramento-based pizza franchise concept, has been delivering free pizzas to hospitals since the very beginning of our current crisis.

I Heart Mac & Cheese announced it has signed a new franchise agreement with Rick Rohrer, who will open the first I Heart Mac & Cheese location in Danville, Illinois.

In an effort to support communities during the COVID-19 crisis in any way possible, Huddle House announced a series of new initiatives including the “Huddle Market,” offering groceries.

In an effort to help franchisees overcome the business challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has announced a program of relief measures being temporarily offered to franchisees to support the system head-on during...

Koala Insulation, an emerging franchise brand in the $52-billion insulation industry, announced its strategic franchise growth initiative.

Fatburger is cooking over 10,000 meals onsite at more than a dozen hospitals in the Southern California region during the month of April.

In an effort to help franchisees overcome the business challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, Huddle House has announced a program of relief measures being temporarily offered to franchisees to support the system head-on during this crisis.

In response to these unprecedented times, Ledo Pizza has launched its “Pizzas for the Frontline” initiative to donate meals to medical and first responder facilities.

Fitness Machine Technicians today announces it was named a FRAN-TASTIC 500 Winner by FranServe Inc., the world's largest franchise consulting and expansion organization.

Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN) and JANA Partners LLC today announced that the Company will be adding two new independent directors to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2020.

IHG has successfully completed the sale of its leasehold interest in Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport to Pelligra Group, owners of upcoming Holiday Inn Melbourne Werribee and Holiday Inn Melbourne Richmond.

College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving® continues to provide a safe option for those who must move during shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders.

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) (the “Company”) provided a business update and announced a series of actions the Company is taking to navigate the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Express Employment Professionals franchise owner Bruce Hein in Sarnia, Ontario, notes employees who are lifelong learners, both personally and professionally, always offer the most value to organizations.

While the country's response to the Coronavirus has caused many business operations to pause, Brightway Insurance remains committed to customers and to people who want to build their own business with the holistic support Brightway offers.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, today provided an update on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on its business.

To help individuals getting ready to tackle home improvement projects, Screenmobile released today the “Top 10 DIY Tips for Spring 2020”.

Barberitos continues to seek new ways to keep their fans fed and safe during these uncertain times. The restaurant chain is excited to share that, through a partnership with DoorDash, customers can order food with no delivery fee until April 30.

Pet Butler is proud to announce its newest franchise owners, Aimee Braatz, of Waukesha, WI.

Noodles & Company (NASDAQ:NDLS), known for serving classic noodle, Zoodle and Caulifloodle dishes from around the world, announced new Noodles Family Meals for a cause, available nationwide beginning today.

In response to COVID-19, Erbert & Gerbert’s launches new meal bundles, while extending free delivery on meals, regular menu & catering items through April 30, 2020.

Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) announced today that the location of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Realogy Holdings Corp. (the "Annual Meeting") has been changed to a virtual only meeting.

Thousands of pounds have already been invested in creating online content for performing arts students, and this is just the first stage in bringing much needed stability to children and a lifeline for theatre school owners.

Senior Helpers®, one of the nation’s premier providers of personalized in-home senior care, today announced its McKinney facility, located at 1720 W. Virginia St., in McKinney, TX, is now open for business.

Leah and Alexander Serrano, both military veterans, are pleased to announce the launch of their new painting company - Fresh Coat Painters of Northwest San Antonio.

Although Conant was always willing to help coach business owners on ways to make improvements, he’s looking forward to being able to offer that support full time as the owner of his new business - The Growth Coach of Scottsdale.

iTrip Vacations has expanded their property management program in Maryland. Vacation property owners and guests in greater Annapolis now benefit from world-class property management and customer service.

ServiceMaster Brand announced it is fully mobilizing its resources to support the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) announced that Chief Financial Officer Katrina O’Connell will participate in an investor conference call sponsored by Baird on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Senior Helpers® announced its Scottsdale location has recognized caregiver Cinthia Acosta for her outstanding dedication to her clients’ wellbeing and safety amid the global COVID-19 crisis.

Gideon Math & Reading, a quality, and affordable math and reading company, has become a Brand Partner with CGI Franchise.

Declared an Essential Health Service as a Home Health Agency, Senior Helpers® announced its location in Riverview, Florida, plans to bolster its corps of caregivers to support local seniors and their families.

As we are experiencing unprecedented times in the world, we are aware of the hardships many families are currently facing.

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has taken the opposite approach, and local Franchise Owners across the U.S. are implementing innovative marketing initiatives to drive brand sales and awareness.

Following last month’s surge in orders for Edible®‘s Fresh Fruit Produce Box, Edible has expanded the offering to now include options with vegetables.

Best Life Brands, LLC (“Best Life Brands”), a family of companies focused on the well-being of clients along the continuum of senior care, has named J.J. Sorrenti CEO.

Wingstop Inc. (“Wingstop” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WING) today released preliminary unaudited sales and unit development results from the fiscal first quarter ahead of its first quarter earnings release, which is scheduled...

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced a new egift card program that will support healthcare workers on the frontlines.

As the concern around the spread of COVID-19 has caused significant disruption of many businesses and communities, Terminix Commercial is launching a new disinfecting service to meet the growing need for disinfection head-on.

The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) will release its first quarter 2020 results before the market opens on Wednesday, May 6.

The Annual Meeting will continue to be held on Thursday, April 23, 2020, but will now occur at 11:30 a.m. Central Time in a virtual meeting format only, via live webcast.

Aaron's, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) announced its Woodhaven Furniture manufacturing facility in Coolidge, Georgia, has converted manufacturing capacity to produce much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE.

Concrete Craft® has announced the recipients of its 2020 Heart & Home Giving Back Award and Concrete Craft Cares Award given to business owners making a difference in their local communities on behalf of their Concrete Craft franchise.

Environmentally focused global car rental brand Green Motion with franchised locations across 47 countries announced today that it is changing its name with immediate effect.

“America’s Neighborhood Screen Stores” will now “steer” Prince William and Fairfax Counties in the right direction through affordable and convenient home improvement.

Fleet Feet has announced the debut of Fleet Feet Drop Shop, a new retail concept shopping experience in Portland, Ore.