Franchising World articles from April 2006

Franchising World archives from April 2006

The changing face of franchising.(IN THIS ISSUE)
April 1, 2006... The business model known as franchising has matured over the past few decades and involves lastly differing concepts and types of owners. This issue of Franchising World will focus on the trend of multiunit franchising. Today, franchised...

Spotting successful multi-unit candidates: research has shown that all successful franchise have these seven characteristics in common.(business expansion methods)
April 1, 2006... So, the franchise is at the stage where it's time to move away from selling only single-unit franchises to selling multi-units as well. Perhaps multi-units are the best way to grow the system as quickly as possible. Or perhaps the company has...

Operational expansion--recruiting multi-unit, multi-brand franchisees: as a franchisor your company wants to target the multi-brand, multi-unit franchisee. With everyone else in today's franchising marketplace setting this same target as the answer to their growth needs, your company may find that it has too small of a hook.(MULTI-UNIT OWNERSHIP--GROWTH PRIORITIES)
April 1, 2006... Going after the big fish There are some key questions to ask before deciding to take this route to further expansion. What has been your growth strategy in the past? What is the make-up of the franchise system today? Will the financial...

Building a better franchising system with a multi-unit mantra: your franchisee's energy, hard work, cooperation, and entrepreneurial spirit are the tinder for your multi-unit vision.
April 1, 2006... The first person to say "less is more" wasn't a franchising professional. Such is the case with growing single-unit franchises into multi-unit success stories in domestic and international markets. Indeed, robust growth requires a roadmap for...

Concept diversification? A powerful strategy for multiple-unit operators: diversifying by moving from a single concept, multiple-unit operator to multiple concepts can be a powerful financial strategy.
April 1, 2006... Successful multiple-unit operators should consider diversifying their companies by shifting from the management and operation of one concept to two or more proven concepts. This is a powerful strategy that can result in significant benefits....

Warning signs for a reluctant lender: from early warnings to storm signals, watching the weather of franchise finance takes more than a keen eye.(franchises financial management)
April 1, 2006... Ask any franchisor: If there's one key moment that tells a franchisee that his or her plans for a new business are going to go through, it's when that franchisee's financing gets approved. Financing is clearly the universal green light for a...

Celebrating the International Franchise Association's 46 Annual Convention.
April 1, 2006... February 25-28, 2006 Palm Springs Convention Center and Wyndham Hotel Palm Springs, CA INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION The Voice of Franchising[R] www.franchise.org "franchising... building the future together" When you...

Is your franchise ready for growth? Walk before you run. Create a regional dominance before taking the national leap.
April 1, 2006... More and more franchise companies are looking to grow and expand at a rapid rate. An increasing number of great concepts get ahead of the game and grow too quickly without having the necessary infrastructures in place to support the growth. It...

Being a family-owned company can be a competitive advantage.(MULTI-UNIT OWNERSHIP--GROWTH PRIORITIES)
April 1, 2006... Creating and running a family-owned business can have many advantages as well as disadvantages. However, if the owners stay focused, use a loyal team to move forward and learn from mistakes, a family-owned company can offer advantages that make...

IFA launches minority franchisee recruitment initiative.(FW FOCUS: MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT)(International Franchise Association )
April 1, 2006... The International Franchise Association announced plans for a new initiative during its annual convention in Palm Springs, Calif. Called MinorityFran, the initiative is designed to help IFA-member companies recruit more minority franchisees...

Proposed health insurance legislation will benefit us all: given this list of just a few of the benefits to the legislation, one has to wonder if there is any legitimate public policy reason why this legislation has not already been enacted.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2006... It is hard to imagine that in such an advanced country as the United States, more than 45 million Americans are without health insurance. Accordingly to published analyses, more than 60 percent of uninsured Americans work for small businesses,...

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter addresses Philadelphia/South Jersey IFA Franchise Business Network meeting.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2006... The Philadelphia/South Jersey Franchise Business Network conducted its first 2006 meeting March 10 and launched what it hopes will become an annual fundraising event for the International Franchise Association's political action committee,...

Franchise association names two to government relations department: the International Franchise Association has bolstered its government relations effort with two leading professionals.(FW FOCUS: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS)
April 1, 2006... David French, International Franchise Association vice president of government relations, assumed his new duties on March 13. Prior to joining IFA, he led the government relations program of the International Foodservice Distributors...

Comprehensive brand integration, franchising's secret to marketing success.
April 1, 2006... Companies that communicate effectively with their employees financially outperform those that don't. In franchising, consistent brand messaging and change management are critical to sustainability. It's important to capitalize on change and...

Driving traffic through powerful advertising: for those who face a short window in which to generate traffic, creating smart and effective advertising is critical to success.(FW FOCUS: MARKETING)
April 1, 2006... As you read this, college basketball's annual championship, better known as March Madness, has come to its dramatic and exciting conclusion. In watching these games, I'm struck by the parallel that can be drawn between this single-elimination...

Attracting sales to your business: it takes a lot more than Web sites and vanity telephone numbers.(FW FOCUS: MARKETING)
April 1, 2006... In an ever-changing marketplace, offering an outstanding product or service isn't all it takes to cultivate success. In fact, once your product has been developed or a market has been identified for your services, there's no way to succeed...

20 Questions for evaluating an e-mail service provider: choosing an ESP can be difficult if you don't know the jargon.(FW FOCUS: TECHNOLOGY)
April 1, 2006... With e-mail marketing heating up in 2006 as one of the strongest returns on marketing investment, many concept owners are looking at service providers to leverage the expertise and provide compliance for federal laws. When searching for the...

Succession planning is critical consideration: no one likes to think about his or her own mortality, but waiting until tomorrow to formulate a succession plan may be too late. Many businesses, especially family-owned, pay the price for lack of preparation.(FW FOCUS: MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS)
April 1, 2006... It seems like only yesterday that I became the third franchisee of Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp., shortly after it was founded in 1977. I had been a pilot in the Navy and after getting out of the service I had gained some experience in retail...

At age 17, budding entrepreneur weighs benefits of franchise ownership: high school senior captures attention with award-winning business plan.(FW FOCUS: SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS)
April 1, 2006... Like many teenagers, Douglas Quimby, Jr., is intentionally vague about his plans for the future. When asked the age-old question "What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?", Quimby thinks for a moment, then carefully responds: "I want to be...

Former marine receives franchising scholarship: Chris Marcia, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 3997 to 2002 as a special intelligence network administrator, has received an educational advancement scholarship established by the IFA Educational Foundation and Valpak Direct Marketing Systems. The scholarship is awarded to U.S. military veterans enrolled in an entrepreneurial course of study at an accredited college or university.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Chris Marcia is currently enrolled in the bachelor of science in commerce program at the Univ. of Virginia's McIntire School of Business. Marcia, whose family immigrated to the U.S., has said that he "always dreamed of owning his own business."...

"Super bowl" of franchising has something for old and new: selling is not about technology.(International Franchise Expo)
April 1, 2006... The theme of this year's International Franchise Expo could easily be "the more things change, the more they stay the same." When organizers were putting together the first Expo 15 years ago, few could have predicted the dramatic change and...

Welcome new IFA members!(FW FOCUS: WELCOME)
April 1, 2006... Franchise Systems ADB North America, Overland Park, Kan., Contact Gary Bisel AKAKIKO Restaurant, Vienna, Austria, Contact Michael Friedlaender Andy's Parties Franchising, Gaithersburg, Md., Contact Andrew Ross Anago Cleaning...

Cendant Hotel Group.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Cendant Hotel Group today named Nancy Jepson as director of tour accounts.

Choice Hotels International.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Choice Hotels International hired Elaine Clancy as vice president, corporate and real estate development and promoted Dan Couture to regional vice president, extended stay development.

Church Chicken.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Kenneth A. Cutshaw has joined Church's Chicken as executive vice president and general counsel.

Denny.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Denny's has promoted Samuel M. Wilensky to senior vice president, franchise operations and selected Yvonne Wolf as vice president and chief people officer.

EmbroidMe.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... EmbroidMe named Scott Mast director of marketing and Jim Tatem vice-president of training-international director.

Express Services Inc.(PEOPLE)(appointments)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Express Services Inc. had named Jerry Baird, Jim Britton, Leslie Hackett, Peter Nolfo and Keven Sasser as zone developers to foster closer relationships between developers, franchisees, clients and associates. The five were elected by fellow...

Fastsigns.(PEOPLE)(makes appointments)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Fastsigns named Ann Marie Hall of Lancaster, Pa., Jay Summer of Youngstown, Ohio, Wade Palmer of Studio City, Calif., Jeff Herig of Tallahassee, John Ansel of Jacksonville, Jerry Goldstein of Overland Park, Kan. and Jenny Boreham of Chelmsford,...

Friendly Ice Cream.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Friendly Ice Cream promoted Bob Sawyer to vice president and general counsel and Jim Sullivan to director of franchise business.

HouseMaster.(PEOPLE)(appoints Michel Phillips and Joseph Benney)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... HouseMaster appointed Michel (Mike) Phillips as COO and Joseph (Joe) Benney director of franchise development. Lenny's Franchisor hired Delia King to serve as a construction administrative assistant and Eddy Sommer as project manager in the...

The Little Gym International.(PEOPLE)(appointments)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The Little Gym International franchise owners elected four peers to serve as members of the chain's Executive Advisory Council: Jeff Freeman, New Jersey; Al Ruthazer, Massachusetts; Stephen Cohen, Washington; Mindy Broadley, Arizona.

The Melting Pot Restaurants.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... The Melting Pot Restaurants promoted Kendra Sartor to the new position of vice president of brand development.

Service Brands International.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Service Brands International promoted Jim Evers to senior vice president.

Sport Clips.(PEOPLE)
April 1, 2006... Clete T. Brewer has been named president and a member of the board of directors of Sport Clips.

Bojangles' Restaurants.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Bojangles' Restaurants announced a development deal with Mexicajun Investment Group to open 10 restaurants over the next five years in Mexico.

Budget Blinds.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Budget Blinds opened its 1,000th franchise. This one in St. Paul.

Camp Bow Wow USA.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Camp Bow Wow USA has moved to new headquarters at 1877 Broadway, Suite 101, Boulder, Colo.

Critter Control.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Critter Control celebrated its 20th anniversary by holding its annual meeting at the International Game Fish Association's Hall of Fame and Museum in Ft. Lauderdale.

Palm Beach Tan.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Palm Beach Tan's Frisco, Texas location marks its 100 location.

Sbarro.(Sbarro Inc. partners with Italian Restaurant Developers de Mexico and Sewedy Foods )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Sbarro announced international development agreements in Mexico and Egypt. The company will partner with the Italian Restaurant Developers de Mexico and Egypt's Sewedy Foods to open more than 50 new Sbarro restaurants during the next five...

Sign-A-Rama.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Sign-A-Rama is 20 years old.

Subway.(Growth and Milestones)
April 1, 2006... Subway has reached the 25,000 restaurant mark.

American Leak Detection and PlainSight have merged and launched the "rithm" suite of software products that include intranet solutions.(Mergers, Acquisitions, Transactions, New Formations)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... American Leak Detection and PlainSight have merged and launched the "rithm" suite of software products that include intranet solutions, lead generation and field force solutions to advanced video communications. ALD founder and CEO Dick Rennick...

Cottman Transmission.(Cottman Transmission Systems Inc. merges with Aamco Transmissions Inc.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Cottman Transmission has merged with AAMCO Transmissions, forming a car care company with more than 1,100 locations in the United States. The combined company will eventually operate as AAMCO Transmissions; Cottman Transmission centers are...

A consortium of private equity firms consisting of Bain Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners have completed the acquisition of Dunkin' Brands Inc. from Pernod Ricard SA for $2.425 billion in cash.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... A consortium of private equity firms consisting of Bain Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners have completed the acquisition of Dunkin' Brands Inc. from Pernod Ricard SA for $2.425 billion in cash. Jon L. Luther, CEO of...

Thomas Epstein, former First Data vice president of national sales, has formed Franchise Payments Network.(Mergers, Acquisitions, Transactions, New Formations)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Thomas Epstein, former First Data vice president of national sales, has formed Franchise Payments Network, a credit card processing company dedicated to the franchise segment. FPN will partner with three of the top five credit card processing...

FranchiseBuyer.(Mergers, Acquisitions, Transactions, New Formations)
April 1, 2006... FranChoice has merged with FranchiseBuyer.

MotoPhoto.(merger with Independent Photo Imagers)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The boards of directors of MotoPhoto and the Independent Photo Imagers buying group have voted to merge the two organizations as part of a national co-branding initiative. Under the plan, the 150 MotoPhoto franchised retailers in the U.S. and...

Robeks Corp.(finance from Emigrant Capital Corp.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Robeks Corp. has received new growth capital from Emigrant Capital Corp., a private equity investment firm and a division of Emigrant Bank. In addition, Tony Gioia, an Emigrant Capital executive partner, will join the company as president, CEO...

Sagittarius Brands, parent company of Captain D's Seafood.(Mergers, Acquisitions, Transactions, New Formations)
April 1, 2006... Sagittarius Brands, parent company of Captain D's Seafood, has signed an agreement to acquire Del Taco.

Choice Hotels International.(new web site launched)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Choice Hotels International launched a new Web site designed to educate non-traditional hoteliers and minority entrepreneurs about both the franchising sector and lodging industry, and is part of the company's targeted efforts to expand and...

Doubletree Hotels.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Doubletree Hotels launched a nationwide television advertising campaign designed to strengthen and showcase the brand's identity by continuing to bring its name and logo to life. "The Leaf," the theme for the new campaign, was developed to...

El Polio Loco.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... El Polio Loco has begun a new wave of Spanish language television commercials themed "My Pleasure Place." The new spots signal a passionate twist on the Hispanic communication strategy the company introduced earlier: "The fresh Mexican sabor of...

Hair Cuttery.(Marketing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Hair Cuttery will launch a national expansion effort in conjunction with an appearance on NBC's "The Apprentice." The company will play a role in one of the season's weekly team tasks, creating a springboard for generating interest in new...

Qdoba Mexican Grills.(Marketing)
April 1, 2006... Qdoba Mexican Grills, in conjunction with Dr Pepper, launched a "Who do you love?" party promotion that offered individuals a chance to recognize people who have made a difference by touching lives, enduring challenges or inspiring others. The...

Coverall Cleaning Concepts.(Awards & Recognition)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Coverall Cleaning Concepts has been named as South Florida Business Journal and Regions Bank's 2006 Business of the Year in the General Business over $25 Million category.

Four DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide franchises have received regional Contractor of the Year awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.(Awards & Recognition)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Four DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide franchises have received regional Contractor of the Year awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Honored were Tom and Judy Harvey of Eureka, Calif., Vic and DD Eicker of...

Martin Sprock, founder and CEO of Raving Brands was honored as the recipient of the Atlanta Business Journal.(Awards & Recognition)
April 1, 2006... Martin Sprock, founder and CEO of Raving Brands was honored as the recipient of the Atlanta Business Journal's 2006 CEO Diversity Award.

Signs Now named franchisee Travis Masters of Largo, Fla. Rookie of the Year, Terry and Ruth Whalen of Las Vegas Franchisees of the Year and Jim Moore of Duluth, Ga.(Awards & Recognition)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Signs Now named franchisee Travis Masters of Largo, Fla. Rookie of the Year, Terry and Ruth Whalen of Las Vegas Franchisees of the Year and Jim Moore of Duluth, Ga. Franchise Systems Consultant of the Year.

UPS' North Texas District boosts united way $1.1 million.(UPS Stores)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The North Texas District of UPS Stores presented a check worth more than $1.1 million to the United Way. Celebrating the moment at the 6505 West Park Blvd. store in Piano, Texas were, from left, Area Franchisee Jon Alspaw, Dallas United Way...

Subway-Houston donates $75,000 to hurricane relief.(American Red Cross )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... In addition to contributions made by Subway franchisees, operators in the Houston area donated more than $75,000 to the American Red Cross for continued hurricane relief efforts. Gathering to mark the presentation were, from left, Terry Wade,...

In memoriam.(Obituary)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Steve Hymans passed away March 5th due to complications from heart surgery. Hymans, 46, was a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry. He had been vice president of the Southeast Region for Hyatt Select Hotels and its AmeriSuites and...

International Franchise Association programs and calendar of industry events.(FW FOCUS: IMPORTANT DATES IN FRANCHISING)(Calendar)
April 1, 2006... 2006 APRIL 6-8 Franchise Mini-MBA Series--Organizational Developments * NOVA Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale Contact: ICFE 10-12 Franchise Mini-MBA Series--Franchise Sales and Development * NOVA Southeastern...