Franchising World articles from April 2002

Franchising World archives from April 2002

Getting back to business. (In This Issue).
April 1, 2002... Although I was somewhat overwhelmed with the excitement of accepting the gavel of leadership at the recent International Franchise Association's 42nd Annual Convention, I couldn't help but be buoyed by the optimism and resilience exhibited by...

International growth patterns remain strong: solid support from headquarters combined with trusted, knowledgeable local partners always have been essential to successful international expansion of franchise systems. That is still true today--only more so. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).
April 1, 2002... Despite today's lackluster economy and troubled international political environment, U.S. franchisors have lost none of their enthusiasm for global expansion. It's not that they are oblivious to the obstacles, but that they are confident of...

Hot global markets: some attractive, overlooked countries: many franchisors are probing new opportunities in far away places with strange-sounding names ... overlooking some great markets because of their size or lack of exposure. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).
April 1, 2002... One of the most difficult decisions confronting a franchise company today is the advance planning of their international development program. Although it may seem that those who have a solid international presence would have an edge, this is...

Going international? Lots of help is available: whether you need contacts at an embassy or helping prospective franchisees gain acess to capital, IFA's international programs offer a broad array of services. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... At IFA's recent annual convention outgoing IFA Chair Jim Amos, CFE solemnly told the audience: "After September 11th we have managed to go back to our usual business, but it will never be business as usual." This statement is very graphic of...

Overseas Private Investment Corp.: opening new foreign markets for franchising: federal agency's approach creates opportunities for U.S. franchisors to break into markets they would not have considered. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).
April 1, 2002... The states of northeastern Brazil are known for their fine handicrafts: brightly-colored and reverent woodcarvings sold on the streets of cities such as Salvador in Bahia State are so respected in artistic circles that the Inter-American...

How to grow globally, despite a dismal economy: a cookie conglomerate shows how to sweeten international opportunities. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Who would have imagined that despite dire predictions for the U.S. and world economies, a company like Mrs. Fields Famous Brands is growing its international business by leaps and bounds? Twenty-five years after the company's founding, our...

The euro--new paper money: will the euro work? What will be its impact on franchising? This view, from the United Kingdom, offers some insights. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).(Brief Article)(Column)
April 1, 2002... To be fair to the readers of this article I have to disclose that I do not believe it to be in the United Kingdom's economic interests to abandon the pound for the euro. That may be evident from what I say but I hope that I have managed to be...

British Franchise Association proposes three-pronged dispute resolution procedure; new arbitration scheme shows encouraging signs. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).
April 1, 2002... The British Franchise Association (BFA) has had an arbitration scheme for more than 10 years, which has been largely ignored by franchisors and franchisees alike. Only three references had been made to the scheme during its existence, but the...

Canada's franchise ombudsman initiative: the Canadian franchise community is embarking upon a new approach to dispute resolution with a pilot franchise ombudsman project. (World Without Borders: Franchising's International Appeal).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Even with a profitable concept and the best of franchise practices, there are still going to be problems to overcome, disagreements to resolve and disputes to settle. The challenge in franchising today is not just how to minimize problems,...

42nd annual convention packs 'em in as franchise community gets back to business. (FW Focus Convention Highlights).
April 1, 2002... Neither heightened airline security nor a somewhat shaky economy failed to dampen the spirits of nearly 1,300 of the franchise community's most dedicated professional as they determinedly put the events of Sept. 11 behind them and flocked to...

Bill Hadley's bugs float his boat: will work for food: how one entrepreneur found a "workforce" that goes non-stop ... just for something to eat. (FW Focus Career Profile).(Environmental Biotech, Inc. )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Bill Hadley has a vision: an unpaid staff, working only for food, around the clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year. He has achieved that vision, with literally billions of employees working day and night, making Environmental Biotech, Inc....

Leadership: it begins with selecting the right people. (FW Focus Management & Operations).
April 1, 2002... There are few methods of doing business that rival franchising when it comes to providing golden opportunities. Consider Bud Hadfield, who founded Kwik Copy in his garage. And, of course, there's Colonel Harland Sanders and Dave Thomas, neither...

Networking guide for women now available from IFA: guide offers common sense advice on how to create a networking organization that meets the specific needs of its members. (FW Focus Women In Franchising).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Wile most women who work in franchising are aware of the career-enhancing benefits of networking with other women in the field, until now there has been no readily available resource to guide them in the process of building a network within...

Consumer marketing and employment recruitment programs take top slots in minority outreach survey. (FW Focus Women In Franchising).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The IFA Educational Foundation's recently published study found at consumer marketing (42 percent of respondents) and employee recruitment at the corporate level (40 percent) topped the list of special programs developed by franchise systems...

IFA's government relations focus intensifies, grassroots action key to success. (FW Focus Legal/Legislative).(International Franchise Association)
April 1, 2002... 2001 was an interesting and exciting year for franchising legislative and regulatory activities. IFA made strides in its grassroots and fundraising efforts and has major plans for 2002. These efforts fall into three primary categories:...

Tax hike proposals spawned by state budget shortfalls; spring is the busiest season in state capitals around the nation with most state legislatures in session from January until March, April or May. The top priority in most states this year is finding revenues to make up for their considerable budget deficits. The solution many legislators are proposing is raising taxes on business. (FW Focus Legal/Legislation).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... California In California, for example, a bill (S. 1520) has been introduced that would levy a $2.00 per gallon tax on syrup for soft drinks--a significant additional expense for franchised restaurants, among other businesses. In other...

Ask the ombudsman. (IFA Ombudsman).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Throughout the year, Franchising World poses a series of questions to the IFA Ombudsman, Julie Becker, president of JBA Dispute Resolution LLC. Ms. Becker assumed the role in March, 2001. She devoted eight years of her 26-year career with...

What drives profit in franchising? New IFA Educational Foundation study examines key areas. (FW Focus Research).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... In the fall, the IFA Educational Foundation, in cooperation with the International Franchise Association, conducted a study of franchise system profitability. The study focused solely on the franchised operations of IFA-member companies with 50...

ISO certification: putting a price on quality; quality standard helps improve efficiency, quality, and most importantly ... the bottom line. (FW Focus Management & Operations).(International Organization for Standardization)
April 1, 2002... What is ISO and why all the fuss? ISO is an internationally recognized total quality management system. Registration under the ISO 9000 quality standards is a growing trend as more and more customers require it. Companies also are...

An idea whose time has come: "there is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come." (FW Focus Franchising's Strength And Appeal).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Immediately after the shattering events of September 11, the franchise community went into a period of puzzled, questioning examination of the effect of terrorist attacks on the sector. That was not, of course, a unique phenomenon; hardly any...

Franchise community's September 11 outreach continues. (FW Focus Community Involvement).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Members of the international franchise community continue to provide relief assistance to those recovering from the Sept. 11 attacks. 7-Eleven says "thanks a million" to its customers, employees, franchisees, and licensees who have helped...

Foundation receives major donation to support certification, professional development programs. (FW Focus Education And Training).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... International Franchise Association Educational Foundation Chairman Sidney Feltenstein, CEO, Yorkshire Global Restaurants (A&W and Long John Silver's), recently announced that the foundation has received a major donation to support its...

Cross purchase buy-sell options. (Blue Chip Strategies).(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... In a traditional cross purchase plan the business owners own insurance on each other. For example, in the A&B Corporation, A owns and is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy on B, and B on A. This is a good arrangement so that at the...

Carvel Corp.(names Steve Romaniello president, franchise and food service)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Steve Romaniello, president and COO, U.S. Franchise Systems (USFS) is leaving the company to accept the position of president, franchise and food service, at Carvel Corp. Mike Leven will reassume the duties of president of USFS while...

Buffalo Wild Wings.(names Judy Shoulak vice president of human resources)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Judy Shoulak has been named vice president of human resources at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Pirtek USA.(appoints John Byron director of franchise development)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... John Byron has been appointed director of franchise development at Pirtek USA.

Re/Max.(personnel)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Re/Max has appointed Thom Kessler vice president of North American, Cathy Margheim vice president, controller and Ricardo Cardens has been named regional director of Re/Max of Mexico.

Arthur Andersen LLP.(Leonard N. Swartz moves to New York office)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Leonard N. Swartz, worldwide managing director, franchise service, Arthur Andersen LLP, has moved from the Chicago to the New York office.

Cousins Subs.(promotes Kendall Richmond to chief financial officer)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Kendall Richmond was promoted to chief financial officer at Cousins Subs... Richard "Rocky" St. John was named National Franchisee of the Year at the recent Fiducial convention.

Denny.(Denny's restaurants presents Operator of the Year and Development awards)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Jerry Fouts, Gary Early and Agustin Monge received Denny's Operator of the Year award and Robbie Quails, Doug Koch, Vince Eupierre and Carl Ferland received the Development award.

Steve McGehee has joined Denny's.
April 1, 2002... Steve McGehee has joined Denny's as vice president of marketing with responsibility for advertising, promotions, and media and strategic marketing.

Six Continents Hotels.(personnel)
April 1, 2002... Six Continents Hotels named Jim Young vice president of global distribution, Chris Ward vice pres. of strategy and Gordon R. Watkins vice pres. of development for the western U.S. Mike Fegley has been appointed vice president, field sales.

Express Personnel Services'.(Shirley Clark)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Shirley Clark, customer relations specialist at Express Personnel Services' corporate headquarters, was chosen as one of the Oklahomans to carry the Olympic torch across the state on. Jan. 11. The 64-year old Clark is a self-avowed nutrition...

Service Brands International.(Stephanie Z. Hamilton)
April 1, 2002... Service Brands International (SBI) announced the promotion of Stephanie Z. Hamilton as vice president, new business development.

HouseMaster.(Marianne P. Murphy)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... HouseMaster announced the promotion of Marianne P. Murphy to vice president of marketing.

Midas Inc.(James J. Matousek)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Former Midas Inc. Dir. of Taxes James J. Matousek retired after a 30-year career with the automotive franchisor. Matousek was active in the IFA and other professional organizations.

Kiddie Academy.(Louis M. Lavetan)
April 1, 2002... Louis M. Lavetan has been appointed vice president of franchise development of Kiddie Academy.

Back Yard Burgers.(Mike Pearce)
April 1, 2002... Back Yard Burgers has named Mike Pearce director of franchise development.

Air Serv Heating and Air Conditioning, a subsidiary of the Dwyer Group.(Mike Malone)
April 1, 2002... Air Serv Heating and Air Conditioning, a subsidiary of the Dwyer Group, has announced the appointment of Mike Malone as franchise sales director.

Pro-Cuts.(names new representatives)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... New representatives to Pro-Cuts are David Cooley and Dick Pryor, franchise marketing, and Lauren Johnson, operations.

Qdoba Mexican Grill.(Michael Cullom, Eric Grundmeier)
April 1, 2002... Michael Cullom was named chief financial officer of Qdoba Mexican Grill; Eric Grundmeier was promoted to vice president of purchasing.

Jenkens & Gilchrist.(welcomes Mitchell S. Shapiro to its franchise and litigation practice)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Mitchell S. Shapiro has joined Jenkens & Gilchrist's franchise & distribution litigation practice.

Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe.(adds two partners to its franchise and distribution practice group)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... John Dienelt and Erik Wulff have joined the franchise and distribution practice group as partners at Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe.

Buffalo Wild Wings.(Kathy Alberga appointment)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Kathy Alberga was promoted to senior vice president, marketing, advertising and brand development of Buffalo Wild Wings.

International Center for Entrepreneurial Development.(Bob Below)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... International Center for Entrepreneurial Development has named Bob Below vice president.

Cendant.(personnel appointments)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Cendant has appointed Mark Young group vice president, hotel services, Jill Noblett vice president, loyalty & director marketing, Paula Drum vice president, distribution & e-commerce, Chris Trick vice president, marketing services, Annmarie...

Berlitz International, Inc.(appoints Charles J. Gilbert)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Berlitz International, Inc. has promoted Charles J. Gilbert to director of worldwide franchise support and development.

Whataburger.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Whataburger's 44th annual Basketball Tournament played host to top high school talent and college recruiters in December in Fort Worth. The tournament began as a small fundraiser and now is a nationally ranked event drawing college coaches from...

Crown Trophy.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Crown Trophy recently opened its 100th store, which is located in Peabody, Mass...

Nichol & Company.
April 1, 2002... Nichol & Company, a Manhattan-based public relations agency that represents such firms as Baskin Robbins, Dunkin' Donuts, Togo's, Captain D's Seafood and ServiceMaster, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary...

Pirtek USA.(establishes "Top Gun School" to help foster employee growth)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Pirtek USA has established a "Top Gun School" as part of its employee relations programs to help foster growth of its employees and to encourage a competitive environment in the sales of its individual franchise businesses...

Portable on Demand Storage.(contributed over $85,000 to charities)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Portable On Demand Storage Contributed more than $85,000 in cash and food to local charities to replenish food supplies for the holidays...

Mad Science Group.(signs Harry Potter deal)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Mad Science Group inked an exclusive deal to deliver Harry Potter into schools nationwide which is expected to result in interactive science entertainment and instruction that reaches about five million children annually...

Simple Simon's Pizza.(opens new unit)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Simple Simon's Pizza has opened a unit in the concession area of the Seneca Cayuga Casino in Grove, Okla. The location includes a drive-thru window so that the general public can call ahead and pick up orders without having to enter the casino...

Burger King.(Burger King Cancer Foundation of Metro New York awards funds to cancer foundations)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The Burger King Cancer Foundation of Metro New York (BKCFM-NY) awarded funds totaling $100,000 to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New York-Presbyterian Hospital (Hope & Heroes Children's Cancer Hospital), Yale Cancer Center and the Valerie...

Merry Maids.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... The inaugural launch of the Helping Hands Project this winter was a huge success, according to Merry Maids President Joy Flora. In conjunction with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Merry Maids employees nationwide collected...

Allegra Network.(purchases Insty-Prints)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Allegra Network (formerly American Speedy Printing Centers), has acquired Insty-Prints, projecting it to become the third largest printing franchise worldwide...

Checkers Drive-in Restaurants.(awards top employees)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Recognizing the importance of store-level employee excellence, Checkers Drive-in Restaurants has awarded 16 new vehicles to its top-performing store managers over the past 12 months...

Regis Corp.
April 1, 2002... Regis Corp. has named its Franchisee of the Year Award recipients: Karen and John Thomas, Cost Cutters (Minneapolis); Don and Deb Thorpe, City Looks (Bismarck); Don and Roy Schendt, Trade Secret, (Tulsa); Nickie and Kimra Plainsance, We Care...

Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Mrs. Fields' Original Cookies has concluded a master franchise agreement to open stories in Switzerland and Japan...

Buffalo's Franchise Concepts Inc.(opens Kuwait unit)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Buffalo's Franchise Concepts Inc., owner of Buffalo's Southwest Cafe restaurant concept, opened its first unit in Salmiya, Kuwait...

Subway.(opens training centers in China and India)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Subway has opened its first training center in China in Beijing. The franchise system also opened its first franchise in India in New Delhi...

Church's Chicken, a division of AFC Enterprises.(plans new restaurant locations in Africa)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Church's Chicken, a division of AFC Enterprises, is scheduled to open 100 restaurants in 19 African countries to include South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Ivory...

Gymboree.(plans Middle East and Central America expansion)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Gymboree will expand into Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar, Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica...

Cendant's Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corp.(signs master franchise agreement in Latin America)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Cendant's Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corp. has signed a master franchise agreement that will continue its expansion into Latin America to include Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, French Guyana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and...

Coffee Beanery.(opens first master franchise store in Seoul, Korea)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Coffee Beanery has opened its first master franchise store in Seoul, Korea...

Cinnabon.(announces agreements to build 68 bakeries)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2002... Cinnabon has announced agreements to build 68 bakeries including 10 in Puerto Rico, 13 in Guatemala and El Salvador and 30 in Brazil.

Rescuing the American dream of business ownership. (Executive Profile).(The Entrepreneur's Source founded by Terry Powell offers information regarding self-employment options)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)(Statistical Data Included)
April 1, 2002... An overwhelming 75% of the adult population has the dream to be self-sufficient, yet only 5% ever find a way to make this dream come true. There are many reasons behind these sad statistics. For some people it has to do with comfort levels and...