Monthly Archives: December 2017

22 12, 2017

Subway closed over 900 stores this year

2017-12-22T19:30:46-05:00December 22nd, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

  • Subway’s US store count dropped by 909 locations in 2017.
  • The closures could be just the beginning of a crisis at the chain as franchisees petition against a new $5 footlong deal and traffic declines.
  • This is the second year in a row that Subway has closed hundreds of locations.

Subway is in a downward spiral.

The sandwich chain’s US store count dropped by 909 locations in 2017, according to figures that a Subway representative provided to Business Insider. That represents more than 3% of the chain’s 2016 US stores.

The chain has 25,835 shops open and operating in the US, according to the representative, compared with 26,744 at the end of 2016.

In 2016 sales at the chain reportedly fell 1.7% and its store count dropped by 359 locations in the US — marking the first time in the company’s history that the chain closed more stores than it opened.

Globally, Subway’s store count is down 471 locations. The chain has 44,014 shops worldwide, down from its 44,485 stores in 2016.

The 909 shuttered US locations this year could be just the tip of the iceberg for Subway closures.

Last week news broke that franchisees were protesting the chain’s plan to bring back the $5 footlong deal.

On Monday, Subway’s head of North American marketing, Karlin Linhardt, resigned from the company.

And traffic has fallen 25% over the past five years, according to an internal memo reviewed by The New York Post.

“The national promotional focus over the past five years … has decimated [us] and left many franchisees unprofitable and even insolvent,” petitioners led by Virginia franchisee Mitesh Raval complained in a letter sent to Subway and obtained by The Post.

More than 400 franchisees have reportedly signed the petition, which protests the chain’s plans to roll out its famous $5 footlong deal in January.

Subway has struggled to keep up with fast-casual competitors like Panera and Sweetgreen that many see as better suited to meet Americans’ swiftly evolving health trends.

“Today, people are ever more educated on nutrition, food sourcing, and ethical holistic business models,” Sara Bamossy, the chief strategy officer at ad agency Pitch, told Business Insider. “To create (or to rekindle) loyalty and sales, it is not enough to label something as ‘natural’ and it’s not enough to be affordably priced.”

The company also faced negative publicity from a scandal involving its former spokesman Jared Fogle. Fogle is serving a nearly 16-year prison sentence after being charged with having sex with minors and possessing child pornography. Subway cut ties with him in 2015.

“Subway is in the midst of a massive transformation, and change of this size takes time,” a representative for the company said in a statement to Business Insider last week. “Our goal is to strengthen the Subway brand in every market around the world to give Subway franchisees the greatest opportunity to successfully grow their businesses.”

The chain is rolling out a new store design, remodeling locations across the US. Subway is also trying to catch up with competitors like Starbucks with an upcoming digitally focused loyalty program.

If you work or have worked at Subway and have a story to share, email ktaylor@businessinsider.com.

Source:  http://www.businessinsider.com/

22 12, 2017

Home2 Suites by Hilton Opens 200th Property in Miramar Ft. Lauderdale

2017-12-22T19:26:59-05:00December 22nd, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Home2 Suites by Hilton, part of Hilton‘s (NYSE: HLT)

All Suites portfolio, announced today its newest property, Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale, making it the 200th opened hotel for this rapidly growing brand. This major milestone is the culmination of a tremendous period of expansion, which will continue as the brand’s pipeline of more than 350 hotels open in new destinations across North America. Designed for travelers who want to maintain their normal routine, the hotel features 101 suites and a range of value, tech-focused and eco-conscious amenities. Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale complements Greater Fort Lauderdale’s strong tourism sector, which is the area’s second largest industry.*

Owned by Hotelex Group LLC and managed by Naples Hotel Group, LLC, Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale offers all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and modular furniture, providing guests the flexibility to customize their suite to their style and preference. The hotel also features complimentary Internet, inviting communal spaces, and trademark Home2 Suites amenities such as Spin2 Cycle, a combined laundry and fitness area, Home2 MKT for grab-and-go items, and the Inspired Table, a complimentary daily breakfast that includes more than 400 potential combinations. Guests can also enjoy an outdoor saline pool. Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale is pet-friendly.

Located at 2800 SW 149th Avenue, Home2 Suites by Hilton Miramar Ft. Lauderdale offers guests convenient access to I-75, near Sawgrass Mills and Shops at Pembroke Gardens, Hard Rock Stadium, grocery shops, restaurants and local parks. It is also near Huntington Corporate Plaza and the BB&T Center.

Home2 Suites

Home2 Suites by Hilton, one of the fastest growing brands in the history of Hilton, is a mid-tier, all-suite award- winning extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations with flexible guest room configurations and inspired amenities for the cost-conscious guest.

22 12, 2017

Bar Louie Set to Toast the Town in South Texas and Austin

2017-12-24T12:34:44-05:00December 22nd, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

ADDISON, TexasDec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire

If you’re in the South Texas Valley and Austin, your chance to experience a Bar Louie just became much more likely. The neighborhood bar and eatery featuring handcrafted cocktails and made-from-scratch food is pleased to announce plans to expand into South Texas with our newest franchise partners, Perspective Hospitality Management Services, LLC. Customers can expect locations to open in South Padre IslandMcAllen and Round Rock, Texas.

With more than 130 locations across 27 states, this will be Bar Louie’s first time venturing into South Texas, and the new locations will be opened under the leadership of Barry Patel, Raj Patel and Hershal Patel, in total, the new locations will create more than 250 new jobs.

“Just like every different city in South Texas from McAllen down to South Padre Island, each Bar Louie location will have its own set of diverse characteristics and provide a unique atmosphere to its guests,” said Jill Szymanski, Director of Franchise and Real Estate for Bar Louie. “We can’t wait to see what new experiences potential Bar Louis franchisees will bring to their communities. South Texans will soon come to love the five dollar burgers on Tuesdays and Brews and Blues nights and of course the National Martini Day.”

Bar Louie is seeking to expand both through corporate locations and qualified franchise partners. Perspective Hospitality brings a wealth of experience in food and beverage as well as intimate knowledge of the South Texas market. With current ownership interests in over 8 hotels they have developed and owned over the years more than 22 hotels.  “Their knowledge of the local markets and the uniqueness of their hotel properties offers the brand and them an opportunity to create a unique experience for their guests as well as others in the market” said Szymanski.

The bar and eatery is looking to attract local entrepreneurs and restauranteurs who are looking to expand their portfolio. To appeal to a broader consumer base, the concept offers four revenue streams with its four unique dayparts – lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night.

Founded in Chicago’s River North neighborhood in 1991, Bar Louie emerged from local restaurants and sandwich shops opened by its founders, local Chicago restaurateurs. When Bar Louie was first established, its two founders set out with a goal to continue the tradition of these shops while also giving local residents dining and beverage options for each part of the day. The “Louie” sandwich was a staple of the early restaurants and is still served at Bar Louie establishments across the country.

For more information on franchising opportunities in California, please contact Jill Szymanski at JSzymanski@blro.net or visit http://www.barlouie.com/franchise-information.

About Bar Louie

Bar Louie is a national collection of neighborhood bars featuring hand-crafted cocktails and spirits, delectable food and an inviting atmosphere for people to enjoy time with friends and mingle with new people. Founded in 1991 in Chicago, Bar Louie has more than 130 locations across the United States and is growing through both franchising and corporate locations. Open during four parts of the day – lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night – Bar Louie is an award-winning concept with a progressively hip and lively atmosphere. For more information on Bar Louie, visit www.barlouie.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Bar Louie, go to www.barlouie.com/franchise.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Szymanski, Bar Louie, 214-218-2730, jszymanski@blro.net

SOURCE Bar Louie

21 12, 2017

Dunkin’ Donuts Welcomes The Darkest Day In A Bold Way

2017-12-22T03:48:08-05:00December 21st, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Winter will arrive at Dunkin’ with first national animated Snapchat filter and #DunkinDarker event and a new DDark Roasted beer in Massachusetts

CANTON, MA (December 20, 2017) — As the darkest day of the year descends upon the U.S., Dunkin’ Donuts will celebrate the solstice by helping people welcome winter and embrace the darkness. Tomorrow, December 21, Dunkin’ Donuts will make the most of the shortest day of the year to keep fans running through the darkest day in a bold way:

  • The first nationwide animated Snapchat filter: Fans all throughout the country can show and share their dark side and add some extra fun to their photos and videos with a special Dunkin’ Donuts animated Snapchat filter in honor of the darkest day. This marks the very first time Snapchat has ever made an animated filter available nationwide.
  • Discover #DunkinDarker: Follow along as the Dunkin’ Donuts’ Twitter page becomes @DunkinDarker, and tune into the brand’s #DunkinDarker Facebook event, which will offer a full day of tips and tricks, facts and fun games, prizes and surprises, as well as a special livestream event, to help people conquer the darkness. Fans can RSVP on Facebook now at https://www.facebook.com/events/2111777445717101/.
  • DDark Roasted Brew: In Dunkin’ Donuts’ home state of Massachusetts, the brand has partnered with Wormtown Brewery to launch DDark Roasted Brew, the first beer to be brewed with Dunkin’ Donuts Dark Roast beans. This decadent stout-style beer features full-roasted coffee flavor reminiscent of freshly-ground beans with a creamy mouthfeel. DDark Roasted Brew will be available exclusively for purchase on draught at Wormtown Brewery’s Tap Room in Worcester, Massachusetts beginning at the winter solstice, 11:28 a.m. on December 21.

For a bold beverage perfect for the darkest day, Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dark Roast Coffee offers a bold flavor and the smooth finish associated with Dunkin’s signature Original Blend, but without the bitterness typically associated with most dark roast coffees. Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dark Roast is also Rainforest Alliance Certified. Rainforest Alliance certification helps to protect wildlife; safeguard soils and waterways; and improve quality of life for workers, their families and local communities in order to achieve true, long-term sustainability. For some extra delight with the dark, pair Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dark Roast with the brand’s signature Chocolate Glazed Donuts or MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats.

According to Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., “We know how tough it can be to keep up the positive energy when the days are shorter and darker. As the brand that keeps people running every day, we’re welcoming winter and the darkest day of the year in several bold, innovative and surprising ways, including the first ever national animated Snapchat filter, a special #DunkinDarker event and new Dark Roast beer, to inspire our fans to enjoy our Dark Roast Coffee and face and embrace the darkness.”

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com, or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 11 years running. The company has more than 12,400 restaurants in 46 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Media Contact

Lindsay Cronin

Dunkin’ Brands

781-737-5200

Lindsay.Cronin@dunkinbrands.com

morgan@bizcompr.com

21 12, 2017

Nékter Juice Bar’s New “Reset, Reenergize and Reboot” Menu

2017-12-29T01:58:00-05:00December 21st, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

Santa Ana, CA  –RestaurantNews.com

Fans of Nékter Juice Bar, the Southern California restaurant brand behind the authentically fresh and clean, modern juice bar experience, will be able to reset, reboot and reenergize after the holidays with two new fresh and delicious, immunity- and metabolism-boosting menu offerings: Grapefruit Reboot Juice and Skinny Skoop. Available from New Year’s Day through February 4 at participating restaurants, the two limited-time special menu items are low in calories yet deliciously high in flavor and healthy ingredients. Additionally, Nékter will bring back its annual New Year $99 3-Day Cleanse Sale, featuring six, detoxifying formulas that provide 15 pounds of cold-pressed fruits and veggies each day. The cleanse sale will be available at participating restaurants from January 1 through January 14.

Naturally jam-packed with Vitamin C, Nékter’s new Grapefruit Reboot Juice is a perfect balance of tart, metabolism-boosting grapefruit and the cool sweetness of apple, orange and fennel. The freshly made juice is available in 16-ounce, 24-ounce and 32-ounce servings.

Nékter’s new Skinny Skoop is an all-natural, immunity- and metabolism-boosting, deliciously tart blend with only 90 calories for an entire serving. It’s a satisfying and refreshing frozen treat that will satisfy a sweet tooth while helping guests stay on track with their New Year’s resolutions. Skinny Skoop’s all-natural ingredients also combine to help post-workout recovery, build lean muscle, burn fat, and reduce inflammation.

“Nékter’s new Grapefruit Reboot Juice and Skinny Skoop are two exceptionally delicious and nutritious options to help jumpstart a healthier lifestyle in the New Year,” said Steve Schulze, co-founder and CEO, Nékter Juice Bar. “Combined with our annual New Year Cleanse Sale, Nékter continues to offer our guests so many new ways to transform your lifestyle and feel great!”

The Nékter Difference

Each of Nékter’s menu offerings starts upon a foundation of fresh juice, and are designed to optimize overall health and wellness by feeding the body with essential vitamins and nutrients to increase energy, boost immunity, and cleanse and detoxify. Guests can choose from six fresh juices and seven smoothies that can be customized based on individual diet or lifestyle preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-fat, and low-sugar. Nékter’s acai bowls are also quite popular among guests as a delicious and nutritious treat or meal replacement. The five signature bowls can be customized with a variety of toppings ranging from fresh fruit to hempseed granola. Nékter’s Skoop is an all-natural, guilt-free and decadent frozen treat with a crave-worthy creamy and velvety gelato-like texture. Made in small batches daily, Skoop is dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, and free of processed fillers and artificial flavors and colors.

Each Nékter Juice Bar restaurant is designed to be a comfortable and engaging community gathering spot, where friends and family can meet to relax, reenergize and enjoy a fresh juice, smoothie or bowl. Nékter Juice Bar is also known for its community connections, supporting worthwhile causes that are important to their local guests.

About Nékter Juice Bar

Founded in 2010, Southern California-based Nékter Juice Bar is a premium, award-winning, modern juice bar concept offering guests a delicious selection of fresh, clean and nutrient-rich juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and healthy snacks at nearly 100 restaurants in the United States. The lifestyle restaurant brand has transformed the juice bar experience, offering total ingredient transparency by eliminating hidden fillers, unnecessary sugars, processed ingredients, and artificial flavors from its entire menu. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity, quality and innovation, Nékter Juice Bar is rooted in the fundamental philosophy that “healthy” can taste great, be easily accessible, and be affordable too.

Now with restaurants in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Colorado, and Washington State, Nékter plans to expand nationally to 425 restaurants by 2020. Within the next few years, Nékter will open in: Atlanta, Central California, Chicago, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, North and South Carolina Ohio, Tennessee, Tucson, and the Washington D.C.-Maryland-Virginia metropolitan area. Among several recent recognitions are: 2017 “Next 20” Brand to Watch by Nation’s Restaurant News; #217 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500®; #21; #334 on Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Company List in 2016. Entrepreneurs, who want to own a business in a thriving health and wellness sector of the restaurant industry, can visit www.nekterjuicebar.com/franchise to learn more.

Contact:
Erin Peacock
Peacock PR
949-939-1872
peacockpr@cox.net

21 12, 2017

Blink Fitness Opens Its Newest New Jersey Location In Willingboro

2017-12-22T04:03:28-05:00December 21st, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

WILLINGBORO, N.J., Dec. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/

Blink Fitness, the premium-quality, value-based fitness club, is excited to announce the opening of its newest New Jersey location in Willingboro. The club will open the doors to its much-anticipated location at 498 Beverly Rancocas Rd. on Thursday, December 21 from 12 PM to 11 PM. As a part of the Grand Opening celebration, Blink Fitness will donate 50 one-year memberships, worth over $10,000, to All Things Are Possible Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering youth and enhancing the community through academics, athletics, awareness and arts.

“All Things Are Possible Foundation is excited to welcome Blink Fitness to the Willingboro community,” said CEO and Chairman Tiffani Worthy. “Our staff is looking forward to benefiting from the donation and experiencing a gym that puts mood above muscle.”

Attendees will have the chance to receive Blink Fitness branded gear, while one lucky attendee will win a one-year membership to the new gym. In addition, the All Things Are Possible Foundation and Blink Fitness representatives will take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 AM to officially open the gym to the public.

“We are excited to open our doors, bringing our Mood Above Muscle philosophy to the Willingboro community,” said Andy Navarro, Club Manager. “We’re sure that Blink will become a healthy, happy hub of activity in the neighborhood.”

The newest Blink Fitness facility will boast a broad offering of top-of-the-line strength equipment that includes free weights, plates, and machines for upper body, lower body, and core, as well as a wide variety of premium cardio machines and a multi-use space for additional exercises, stretching, and functional training.

Certified personal trainers will be available for those members who wish to create a custom workout experience tailored to their personal goals. As a gym that promises to provide a premium experience to all who join, memberships are available for as low as $15 per month with a free start up personal training session.

Blink Fitness will bring its Mood Above Muscle™ philosophy to its newest locations, celebrating the idea that exercise is not only about looking good, but also about feeling good. Blink Fitness strives to make working out fun and uplifting by creating a Feel Good Experience®, which comes to life in each gym through a commitment to providing contemporary and colorful design, elevated customer service, relentless focus on cleanliness, energizing music and confidence-boosting training programs.

For more information about Blink Fitness, visit www.blinkfitness.com or the club’s social channels below.

Facebook: BlinkFitness
Twitter: @BlinkFitness
Instagram: @BlinkFitness

About Blink Fitness
Founded in 2011, Blink Fitness is a premium quality, value-based fitness brand with more than 80 locations open or in development throughout New YorkNew JerseyPennsylvania and California. Blink Fitness puts Mood Above Muscle™, which celebrates the positive feeling you get from exercise, not just the physical benefits. Each gym employs the company’s signature Feel Good Experience® that highlights enthusiastic staff members, a clean environment, an open, spacious, and colorful design, energizing music and fitness training that is motivating and affordable.

For more information about Blink, visit blinkfitness.com. Franchising details are available on blinkfranchising.com.  Blink Fitness has franchise opportunities available nationwide with a focus on the following markets: AtlantaDallasHoustonMiamiTampa and several areas of CaliforniaConnecticutMassachusetts and Pennsylvania.

20 12, 2017

Edible Arrangements® Founder/CEO Tariq Farid Named to the IFA Hall of Fame

2017-12-22T03:48:42-05:00December 20th, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

WALLINGFORD, CT (Dec. 19, 2017)

Tariq Farid, who created and grew a single Edible Arrangements® store into the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and treats, will be named to the IFA Hall of Fame, the Association’s highest honor. Farid will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, February 11, 2018 during the IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix.

“It is a tremendous and humbling honor,” said Farid. “When I opened the first Edible Arrangements store I never expected that someday there would be locations around the world. Franchising and our remarkable franchisees made that possible and this recognition belongs just as much to them, my family and everyone at the home office that has been so important to our growth over the years.”

Established in 1979, the IFA Hall of Fame is the oldest and most prestigious award in the franchising industry and is presented to an IFA member, past or present, who exemplifies excellence in franchising and has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the franchise community. Past recipients include a “Who’s Who” of entrepreneurs and business leaders that have built some of the world’s most well-known brands, such as fellow Connecticut-based franchisor Fred DeLuca of Subway, inducted in 2004.

An outstanding example of the American Dream, Farid’s entrepreneurial career began at an early age. Farid immigrated from Pakistan with his family when he was 11 and worked several jobs growing up. At age 17, with a $5,000 loan from family and friends, Farid purchased a flower shop and within two years he was operating four highly successful stores.

It was during this time that Farid was inspired to begin creating arrangements out of fresh fruit. In1999 he opened the first Edible Arrangements store in East Haven, Conn. Less than two years after opening the store a customer from out of town asked if he had ever thought about franchising. Farid wasn’t familiar with the concept but after researching the business model and seeking advice from some of the most well-known names in franchising, he decided it was the best way to grow the business. The first franchise location soon followed, opening in 2001 in Waltham, Mass. and today there are more than 1,300 locations in 11 countries.

“We are honored to induct Tariq into the IFA Hall of Fame,” said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti. “This is a well-deserved award as Tariq has been a strong supporter of franchising over the years and a global leader who has made significant contributions to the growth and sustainability to the franchise business model the U.S. and around the world.”

 

ABOUT EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS®:

With more than 1,300 franchise locations open or under development worldwide, Edible Arrangements International, LLC is the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements. Edible Arrangements®store locations also carry the company’s rapidly expanding Edible To Go® line which features all-natural, fresh fruit smoothies, chocolate Dipped Fruit™, Froyo Fruit Blends™, fresh fruit salads, parfaits, and treats. Since its founding in 1999 in East Haven, Conn., the company has been recognized as an industry leader, ranking first in its category in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual “Franchise 500,” Entrepreneur’s Top 40 of “Fastest Growing Franchises” and “America’s Top Global Franchises” as well as being included among the “Inc. 5000” list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Edible Arrangements®’ fresh fruit arrangements, chocolate Dipped Fruit™, fresh fruit smoothies, and more can be enjoyed at franchise locations worldwide. Gifts can be ordered online at edible.com, by phone at 1-877-DO-FRUIT®, or through any local Edible Arrangements® store.

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Media Contact

Morgan Butler

BizCom Associates

903.285.8662

morgan@bizcompr.com

20 12, 2017

Dwyer Group Celebrates Record Global Growth in 2017

2017-12-24T12:32:20-05:00December 20th, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

WACO, Texas (December 19, 2017)

  • Company acquires two new brands
  • Organization grows to 19 consumer service brands (17 of them franchised), 12 service verticals
  • Network expands to over 2,800 franchise locations across nine countries
  • Brands exceed $1.5 billion in annual system-wide sales
  • Awards 300 franchises in 2017

Dwyer Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest franchising companies of service brands focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing properties, celebrated a record year of global growth in 2017 and expanded the network to an all-time high around the world.

“This was another historic year for our organization,” said Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Dwyer Group. “With12 service verticals, we continued to build on our leadership position, launched Neighborly, our comprehensive home services platform, and awarded 300 new franchises and territory expansions to provide our professional services to more customers than ever.”

Dwyer Group completed two acquisitions in 2017:

  • Bright & Beautiful, a home cleaning service based in the U.K, in April
  • Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, a long-standing commercial grounds-keeping service based in the U.K., in May

The acquisitions, along with strong growth of existing service brands, expanded the overall Dwyer Group roster to 17 franchise service brands and more than 2,800 franchise locations in nine countries around the world. Today, Dwyer Group’s service brands account for more than $1.5 billion in annual system-wide sales and 700+ employees across North America, the U.K and Germany. The company also broke ground this year on a new building at its Waco, Texas campus, which will house the growing support staff for our expanding franchise network.

The year also marked the launch of Neighborly, the Dwyer Group’s comprehensive home services platform. Neighborly unifies Dwyer Group’s community of experienced service professionals and gives homeowners instant access to a premium network of experts at GetNeighborly.com – including landscaping, plumbing, painting, housecleaning and more.

“Every accomplishment has reinforced our drive to grow and support the most compelling franchise opportunities in the home service industry and to scale that expertise on a global stage,” Bidwell said. “We celebrate our team’s achievements and their dedication to offering the most comprehensive residential and commercial service line-up to our customers.”

About Dwyer Group®:

Founded in 1981 and based in Waco, Texas, Dwyer Group is a holding company of 19 service-based brands, 17 of which support franchise organizations under the umbrella brand Neighborly in the United States and Neighbourly in Canada. Neighborly™ is a community of experts who repair, maintain and enhance properties united under one platform to better meet the needs of today’s consumer. Collectively, these concepts offer customers a broad base of residential and commercial services. Dwyer Group is a portfolio company of The Riverside Company®, a global private equity firm. The firm’s international portfolio includes more than 75 companies. More information about Neighborly/Neighbourly, and its franchise concepts, is available at www.getneighborly.com and www.getneighbourly.ca, respectively. Learn more about Dwyer Group at www.dwyergroup.com.

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For more information, contact:

Melissa Rubin, BizCom Associates

(214) 306-7421/ Melissa@BizComPR.com

19 12, 2017

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Opens Their Doors in Ashburn, VA

2017-12-24T12:31:00-05:00December 19th, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

ASHBURN, Va.,  /PRNewswire/Dec. 18, 2017

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opens their newest location Tuesday, December 19 with four weeks of specials and giveaways, including free barbecue for a year for three lucky guests. The new location will be opened by new Dickey’s franchisee Chris Mills.

The new location will offer guests $2 Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Tuesday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., limit two per guest.

“The Dickey family congratulates Chris on opening his first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “We are honored to have experienced new franchisees such as Chris who are passionate about the art of great barbecue and have a love for the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brand.”

Dickey’s will offer the following specials and giveaways for the next four weeks:

Thirsty Thursdays: Guests will receive a free Big Yellow Cup with free refills all day.

Philanthropy Fridays: “You Give, We Give” – Guests who donate to Dickey’s charitable foundation, Barbecue, Boots & Badges, will receive a gift card as a thank you for their donation. All uniformed first responders also receive 50 percent off their meal.

Smokin’ Saturdays: Guests may purchase $2 Pulled Pork Sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., limit two per guest.

Kids Eat Free Sundays: Kids eat free with an adult purchase of $10 or more.

Though Chris has years of restaurant experience, this Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location will be the first venture of his own. “When I decided to open my own concept, I knew Dickey’s was the best option for me. Along with their delicious barbecue, they have a great business model and I love the atmosphere of every store,” says Chris. “I am honored to bring Dickey’s to the residents of the Ashburn community and look forward to opening more locations in the future.”

To join Dickey’s Big Yellow Cup Club and receive members-only specials and discounts, click here.

The new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Ashburn is located at 20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza #106, Ashburn, VA 20147. The phone number is 703-297-8948.

To find the location nearest you, click here.

Find Dickey’s on FacebookInstagram and Twitter.

To learn more about franchising with Dickeys, visit www.dickeys.com/franchise or call 866-340-6188.

About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc.
Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., the nation’s largest barbecue chain, was founded in 1941 by Travis Dickey. Today, all meats are still slow smoked on-site in each restaurant. The Dallas-based family-run barbecue franchise offers several slow-smoked meats and home style sides with ‘No B.S. (Bad Stuff)‘ included. The fast-casual concept has expanded to more than 550 locations in 44 states. In 2016, Dickey’s won first place on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list and in 2017 again won a top 10 on the list. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has also been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine, Franchise Times, and Nation’s Restaurant News. For more information, visit www.dickeys.com.

Media Contact:
Callie Head
chead@dickeys.com
Ashley Richardson
arichardson@dickeys.com

SOURCE Dickey’s Barbecue

19 12, 2017

American Driveline Systems Targets Nationwide Growth For AAMCO

2017-12-22T03:48:57-05:00December 19th, 2017|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

HORSHAM, Pa.,  /PRNewswire/ Dec. 18, 2017

American Driveline Systems, Inc. (“ADS”), parent company of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc., is targeting nationwide franchise growth as the leading powertrain specialist under new president and CEO Jim Gregory.

“AAMCO franchisees employ top specialists in the industry who are able to diagnose electrical problems and perform complex repairs — making AAMCO the brand of choice when it comes to even the toughest car issues,” Gregory said. “In 2018, we will target aggressive franchise growth in markets where there is a need for very specialized auto shops, so consumers can have the convenience of AAMCO’s services where they work and live.”

With nearly 640 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit franchisee operators to grow the brand nationwide, particularly in markets like DallasChicagoBaltimore, Washington, D.C.New YorkNew Jersey, and Hartford, Connecticut. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $223,600 to $330,000 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. AAMCO offers financing support for qualified candidates. Reduced franchise fees are also available for honorably discharged veterans.

Known as the world’s leading transmission expert for more than 50 years, AAMCO’s network of locally owned and independently operated automotive service centers employs the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose even the most complicated powertrain system issues, fix it right the first time, and back it with a nationwide warranty. AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 2017 Franchise 500 ranking top of its category for the third consecutive year. Additionally, AAMCO has been consecutively ranked on Franchise Times‘ Top 200+ for the last two years and was named to Training magazine’s Training Top 125 for its ongoing commitment to training through AAMCO University.

To learn more about franchise or conversion opportunities with AAMCO, contact Kim Robinson, director of franchise development, at 866-379-5649 or krobinson@aamco.com or visit aamcofranchises.com.

About American Driveline Systems, Inc.
American Driveline Systems, Inc. is the parent company of both AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. and Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC. The combined entities of American Driveline Systems, Inc. have more than 6,000 team members and are proud to have served over 35 million drivers.  For more information, please visit www.aamco.com and www.cottman.com.

About AAMCO Transmission, Inc.
AAMCO is the world’s largest branded chain of transmission specialists and a leader in repairing the most complex issues in the entire powertrain system. AAMCO has nearly 640 franchised automotive centers throughout the United States and Canada. Established in 1962, AAMCO-branded centers are proud to have served more than 45 million drivers. For more information, visit: aamcouniversity.comaamco.com or aamcoblog.com.

Contact:
Ashley Davidson
Fish Consulting
305-298-8022
adavidson@fish-consulting.com

SOURCE AAMCO Transmissions, Inc.