Monthly Archives: January 2018

10 01, 2018

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., Ranked #1 Franchise Opportunity in Category

2018-01-10T19:46:36-05:00January 10th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

CARROLLTON, TX – PRNewswire

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it was named the #1 franchise opportunity in its category on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® following record growth in 2017. Overall, the brand jumped to #70 on the ranking, up from #95 in 2017, and is the only concept in its category to break the top 100.

Last year, FASTSIGNS opened 43 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as three in the U.K. The brand signed an additional 53 franchise agreements in North America, including an Area Representative agreement for New York City, as well as one agreement in the U.K. and a Master Franchise Agreement to develop 16 centers throughout MaltaItaly, and Greece. FASTSIGNS also celebrated the opening of its 600th domestic location in December in the Sacramento, California, area.

“2017 was a record-breaking year for the brand,” said Catherine Monson, president and CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “For the sixth consecutive year, FASTSIGNS has increased sales and grown our footprint worldwide, with our strong franchise network generating $479 million in sales and continuing to lead the industry through our advanced products, services, and custom graphics and visual communications solutions. And once again being named the top franchise opportunity in our category by Entrepreneur is a testament to the strength of the brand and our franchisees. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum in 2018 as we focus our franchise development efforts in key markets domestically, as well as entering new countries.”

In 2018, FASTSIGNS plans to open an additional 45 centers across the U.S. and is targeting aggressive franchise development in markets such as Greater New York CityBoston, and the Northeast Corridor, and throughout the West Coast including in Southern California and Arizona. Across North America, FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets ready for development. Internationally, FASTSIGNS is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including BrazilQuebecNorth AfricaSoutheast AsiaIndiaEurope, and Latin America.

FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017.

As part of the brand’s development strategy, FASTSIGNS is also targeting co-brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding FASTSIGNS to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving FASTSIGNS center.

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679).

About FASTSIGNS®
FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is the largest sign and visual communications franchisor in North America, and is the worldwide franchisor of 660 independently owned and operated FASTSIGNS® centers in eight countries including the US, CanadaEnglandSaudi Arabia, UAE, Grand CaymanMexico and Australia (where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®).

FASTSIGNS locations provide comprehensive sign and visual graphic solutions to help companies of all sizes and across all industries attract more attention, communicate their message, sell more products, help visitors find their way and extend their branding across all of their customer touch points including décor, events, wearables and marketing materials. Learn more about sign and visual graphic solutions or find a location at fastsigns.com. Follow the brand on Twitter @FASTSIGNS, Facebook at facebook.com/FASTSIGNS or LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fastsigns.

Contact:
Chelsea Bear
Fish Consulting
954-893-9150
cbear@fish-consulting.com

10 01, 2018

Nation’s Leading In-Home Care Franchise Closes 2017 with 333 Locations

2018-01-19T01:56:03-05:00January 10th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

CHICAGO – PRNewswire

By 2030, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will be roughly 79 million, with an average of 10,000 people reaching this aging milestone each day. This high demand, coupled with seniors electing to stay in their homes, explains the impressive growth of BrightStar Care.

Led by CEO and founder Shelly Sun, BrightStar Care is a national private duty home care and medical staffing franchise, based in Chicago, which provides medical and non-medical services to clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. In 2017, Sun oversaw BrightStar Care opening 15 new locations, bringing the brand to 333 locations total. So far, the company already has 11 locations slated to open in 2018, with an additional 36 locations projected to be sold.

Sun also serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA). Sun authored the book “Grow Smart, Risk Less,” along with winning Entrepreneur of the Year from the IFA.

“A major part of BrightStar Care’s success over the past decade is our impressive accreditations. BrightStar Care is the only national home care franchise to receive The Joint Commission’s Enterprise Champion for Quality award every year since the award’s inception,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care. “This higher-level standard of care is something our clients notice, and provides a solid business opportunity for our franchise partners. We’re thrilled with how far the brand has come, and look forward to our continued growth initiatives in 2018.”

Among BrightStar Care’s 2017 initiatives included launching a new mobile web platform to make client service paperless, increasing marketing support, and doubling the number of clinical staff due to the growing system and to ensure continued recognition of franchisees from the Joint Commission. One of the newest additions to the BrightStar Care team is Dave Campagna. As the Vice President of Franchise Development, Campagna will be a main component of the brand’s growth initiatives next year. In 2018, BrightStar Care plans to expand their family by bringing on an additional 36 quality franchise partners.

Receiving the 2017 ‘Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider’ award from Home Care Pulse, BrightStar Care has more than 333 locations nationwide and recently inked its first international master franchise agreement to expand into Canada, with 65 BrightStar Care locations expected to be developed across all 10 provinces within the next five years.

About BrightStar Care
Based in Chicago, BrightStar Care is a national private duty home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 333 locations which provide medical and non-medical services to clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. BrightStar Care franchise locations across the country employ over 2,500 registered nurses who play a unique role in overseeing the care for each individual client, a service that no other private duty home care provider offers. In addition, BrightStar Care is the only national home care franchise to receive The Joint Commission’s Enterprise Champion for Quality award every year since the award’s inception. In 2017, the company ranked No. 69 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list and was included for the tenth consecutive year on Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Inc. 5000 list. For more information on BrightStar Care please visit www.brightstarcare.com; to find out more about BrightStar Care Franchising, visit www.franchise.brightstarcare.com.

Media Contact: Katherine Boncher, Fishman PR, 847-945-1300 or kboncher@fishmanpr.com

10 01, 2018

Experimac® Announces Explosive 2017 Growth

2018-01-10T19:37:58-05:00January 10th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

WEST PALM BEACH, Fl. – PRNewswire

Experimac®, an international retailer specializing in the repair and sales of pre-owned Apple®* computers and devices, opened more than 50 new locations in 2017, including eight international franchise locations, eclipsing any previous year. Since they began operations in 2009, Experimac’s popularity has exploded. There are more than 100 locations across the globe, and growth is expected to double in 2018, with 130 new locations planned, including 25 international franchise locations.

“This year, we not only made great inroads into new markets here in the U.S., but also expanded into several new countries internationally; FranceIrelandChile, plus additional locations in Australia and South Africa,” said Jim Muir, Experimac’s founder and president. “The strength that comes from being part of UFG enables franchise entrepreneurship to be within reach for many new and existing small business owners. In 2018, we hope to bring on smaller, independently owned businesses that are providing similar services to Experimac’s. We will invite them to formalize under the Experimac brand name, so they can benefit from the entire strength of the brand.”

Experimac sells and repairs quality, pre-owned Apple products and accessories. In addition to sales of certified pre-owned Apple equipment, they also offer computer and device repairs, system updates and upgrades, and they purchase older Apple products, which are certified and resold at competitive prices. Devices purchased at an Experimac store come with a one-year warranty at participating locations.

Experimac is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of companies, which develops and nurtures entrepreneurship and business ownership through worldwide franchising efforts. UFG is comprised of brands with more than 1,400 franchise locations across 80 countries.

All Experimac stores are independently owned and operated, with a focus on building customer relationships providing excellent service in their communities. Visit www.ExperimacFranchise.com to learn more.

About Experimac
Experimac is a unique franchising concept that specializes in the sale of certified pre-owned Apple® products. Your Local Experimac can also repair, upgrade or buy your current device, and no appointment is ever necessary. They offer a one-year warrantee at participating locations, which takes the risk out of buying pre-owned. Experimac was founded by Jim Muir in 2009, and began franchising as one of United Franchise Group’s family of brands in 2014. Today there are more than 100 locations across the US, and Experimac stores can be found in AustraliaMexicoChileSouth AfricaFranceSwitzerland and Ireland. The brand has seen tremendous growth with no sign of slowing down. For more information visit www.ExperimacFranchise.com.

About UFG
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and Paramount Tax & Accounting CPAs. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

*The use of the Apple Inc. logo or trademark does not represent an endorsement by Apple Inc. of Experimac or United Franchise Group.

Media Contact:
Ashley Soto
305-631-2283 x1005
Ashley@inklinkmarketing.com

10 01, 2018

From Customer to Owner: Local Entrepreneur Leaves Corporate World to Join World’s Largest Education Franchise

2018-01-10T19:34:43-05:00January 10th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

TEANECK, NJ – PRNewswire
After seeing the success her own children had in the Kumon Math and Reading Program, Roopa Palakkat decided to walk away from a 15 year-long career in the corporate finance industry and join the world’s largest after-school education franchise with the opening of her own Kumon Center in New Port RicheyTrinity, Florida.

Thousands of additional parents in Greater Tampa will now have access to an individualized learning program for their preschool to high school aged children. Kumon goes beyond traditional tutoring by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress independently through a carefully crafted math and reading curriculum.

“I’ve been a Kumon Parent for the past four years and have seen first-hand the advantage that it has given my children, not just in the classroom, but also in life,” said Palakkat, owner and Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of New Port RicheyTrinity. “I’m very passionate about the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children in the community by helping them to improve their study habits, gain discipline and build confidence. My goal is for them to develop life skills that will give them an academic advantage that they can take with them beyond school.”

There are 87 Kumon Math and Reading Centers in the state of Florida, including 19 in Greater Tampa. This will be the first center to open in New Port Richey and is part of Kumon’s 2018 expansion plan of welcoming 100 new franchisees nationwide.

“We are fortunate for the opportunity to expand in Greater Tampa with the addition of the new Kumon Center in New Port RicheyTrinity,” said Larry Lambert, vice president of franchise recruitment at Kumon North America. “It’s an honor to provide even more students in the area with an opportunity to receive an academic advantage while developing a love for learning.”

The Kumon Method empowers children to become self-learners and is designed to advance math and reading skills while fostering a love for learning. Kumon sparks critical thinking, establishes a pattern of success and builds confidence that can lead to accelerated learning throughout life.

To learn more about the Kumon franchise opportunity, visit kumonfranchise.com.

About the Kumon Franchise Business

Kumon is an ideal small business for professionals. Kumon Franchisees must have a four-year college degree, be proficient in math and reading and have investment capital of $70,000 and a net worth of at least $150,000. Founded in 1958, Kumon has over four million students enrolled in nearly 25,000 learning centers in 50 countries and regions. Kumon North America is headquartered in Teaneck, NJ.

9 01, 2018

Signarama® Experiences Massive Growth in 2017

2018-01-09T16:49:18-05:00January 9th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – PRNewswire

Signarama®, the world’s largest sign franchise, announced record growth in 2017, with more than 100 new franchise agreements signed for new store locations. Signarama is a world leader in custom signs, specializing in business signs, digital displays, banners, decals, vinyl lettering, yard and political signs, and trade show displays. Signarama is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of companies.

“2017 was an incredible year for Signarama, and we expect 2018 to be even more impressive,” said A.J. Titus, Executive Vice President of Signarama. “While this brand has been around for over 30 years, the numbers continue to out-perform growth projections every year. Our sales team and owners truly understand the importance of good customer service. Leverage that with the growing need for custom sign products all around the world, and you have a global success model with tremendous growth potential. Additionally, in 2018 we are offering bigger broker commissions, which we expect to spur sales even more.”
“We are making significant investments in game-changing technologies, hiring additional talent and repositioning leadership to maximize impact,” said Roger Ewart, VP of Operations for Signarama. “As the sign industry’s original innovator, Signarama, nor its many long-term employees, fear change. We are adding resources internally and strengthening our field support for our massive network of franchisees. We are forecasting that we will reach extraordinary milestones in 2018, further enriching the lives of our remarkable franchise owners.”
Signarama has been selected for inclusion on the 2017 Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list, as well as Franchise Direct’s Top 100 Global Franchise list. More than 40 new stores were opened in 2017 in the U.S. alone, and hundreds of additional openings are slated for 2018, both domestically and internationally.
To learn more about Signarama’s business operations and franchising opportunities, visit www.signaramafranchise.com.

About Signarama
Signarama®, the world’s largest sign franchise, offers branding and messaging solutions in addition to comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers – from business signs, vehicle wraps, and digital signs, to advertising and marketing services. Signarama is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group (UFG). As part of the $49-billion-plus worldwide sign market, Signarama has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades. Signarama was ranked Number 35 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises list in 2016. With over 800 locations in 60 countries, the company expects to have more than 1,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2020. For more information, visit www.SignaramaFranchise.com.
About UFG
Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors and Paramount Tax & Accounting CPAs. With over three decades in the franchising industry and more than 1400 franchisees throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Media Contact:
Ashley Soto
305-631-2283 x1005
Ashley@inklinkmarketing.com

9 01, 2018

The KIDS are Back in Town: 7-Eleven Brings Back Sour Patch Watermelon Slurpee Flavor

2018-01-09T16:31:07-05:00January 9th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

IRVING, Texas, – PRNewswire

The kids are back in town … both sour and sweet. 7-Eleven, Inc. is bringing back the Sour Patch Watermelon flavor to the Slurpee® machine. The drink is the most popular limited-time flavor in the history of the iconic semi-frozen beverage, and will be available exclusively at participating 7-Eleven® stores through February 2018, or while supplies last.

In 2015, 7-Eleven introduced the first Sour Patch Watermelon Slurpee flavor, which quickly gained a loyal fan following. The bright pink-colored Slurpee drink became the first featured (limited-time) flavor to become the top-seller ahead of the two perennial favorites, cherry and cola.
“Slurpee-lovers really, really love SOUR PATCH KIDS candy,” said Sean Thompson, 7-Eleven vice president of marketing and acquisition integration. “We first approached Mondelez about creating a SOUR PATCH KIDS Slurpee flavor after learning on social media that Slurpee fans were already adding the sour candy to their favorite Slurpee drink. Sour Patch Watermelon flavor was a huge hit then, and we expect Slurpee and SPK-lovers will be just as excited to try it this go-round.”
Mondelez International’s SOUR PATCH KIDS is the No. 1 sour candy brand, and a top-selling candy at 7-Eleven stores. Fruit-flavored Slurpee drinks also are among the most popular with 7-Eleven customers.
Fans of Sour Patch Watermelon can enjoy the iconic flavor not only as a Slurpee drink, but also as an exclusive flavor of 7-Select® Soda crafted by JONES and 2oz or 5oz bags of the classic watermelon shaped candy at participating 7-Eleven stores.
Customers can use the 7Rewards® loyalty program, available in the 7-Eleven app, when purchasing a Slurpee drink and earn points. They can then redeem these points for a wide variety of products from an in-app menu. All 7-Eleven proprietary beverages purchased in a cup continue to count toward the “Buy Six-Get the Seventh Free” drink offer. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google play and customers can sign up using the app, the 7Rewards.com mobile website, or chat the 7-Eleven bot on Facebook Messenger.
“Beverage purchases are a doubly good deal at 7-Eleven,” said 7-Eleven Chief Digital Officer Gurmeet Singh. “In addition to tasting great, they earn points and count toward a free beverage. With only six purchases required to get a free one, 7-Eleven has one of the best drink loyalty offers available.”
Look for digital offers on 7Rewards for SOUR PATCH KIDS products in February to earn points and save money.

 About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 64,000 stores in 18 countries, including 10,900 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7‑Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7‑Eleven offers customers industry-leading private-brand products under the 7-Select brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7‑Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer-loyalty platform on the 7‑Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

8 01, 2018

Monster Tree Service Awards Five Territories to Austin, Texas Businessman

2018-01-08T15:49:00-05:00January 8th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

Austin, TX – PRWEB 

Monster Tree Service, the nation’s first and fastest growing tree service franchise, is sinking its roots deeper into the Heart of Texas. Recently featured by SUCCESS Magazine, Thrive Global, and Franchise Times, the nation’s first and fastest growing tree service franchise continues to build on its rapid 3-year franchise system growth

Austin, Texas businessman Marcus Roach, has purchased the rights to five Monster Tree Service territories in central Texas. Roach will be based in the capital city and will launch his first territory in early February, 2018. According to Roach, each of his five territories possess multi-million-dollar profit potential and will extend north to Jarrell, south to Buda, east to Manor, and west to Dripping Springs.

Roach has owned and operated successful local companies, and has proven experience building, or re-vitalizing, those businesses into multi-million-dollar entities. He is excited about bringing Monster Tree Service to Central Texas, as the first truly professional tree service in the area.

“I’ve found people here want to feel confident in whom they’re dealing with in service industries,” said Roach. “Monster Tree Service isn’t just about tree or limb removal. We provide a full suite of services including tree and shrub maintenance, plant healthcare, and tree planting. Plus, we are licensed and bonded, and take great pride in our professional experience, appearance, and attention to detail. We will even make sure to leave the client’s property in an even more pristine condition than we found it.”

Josh Skolnick, CEO and Founder of Monster Tree Service, believes Roach is a great fit as the company’s newest Texas-based franchise partner.

“First, Marcus is well known in the Austin area, and brings a wealth of business experience to Monster Tree Service,” said Skolnick. “He has been successful in every business he’s been involved in, and he relates very well to people. We are excited about what he will accomplish because he’s the kind of businessman who thrives as a Monster Tree Service franchise partner. Central Texas is a key growth area for Monster Tree Service as more and more people move there and search for a truly professional tree service to take care of their needs on a year-round basis.”

Monster Tree Service is the only franchise tree company capitalizing on the under-served $17 Billion tree service industry. Monster Tree Service has achieved consistent, year over year, 5% growth since 2009, resulting in an $10+ Million business. Because it’s a high-upside opportunity, and a recession proof business, Monster Tree Service expects to achieve $100 Million in sales in 2021.

“I was looking for a couple of things in a franchise business when I started my search last year,” said Roach. “I wanted to make sure the opportunity was a good fit for the market, there was a clear history of smart, sustainable growth, and it was a business that truly wanted to invest in me as a franchise partner. Monster Tree Service and Josh Skolnick covered all of those bases for me.”

For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/.

For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/.

About Monster Tree Service

Founded in 2008 in Fort Washington, PA by Founder and CEO Josh Skolnick, Monster Tree Service is the first and only national franchise brand serving the $17 billion tree care industry. Over the past decade, Skolnick has aggressively built Monster Tree Service into a thriving national franchise system working day and night to build the company into a $10+ million business with 29 franchised outlets in 10 states throughout the country. Each Monster Tree Service franchised outlet offers full-scale tree pruning and removal services, including: tree pruning and trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, shrub maintenance, emergency services, plant healthcare, and various secondary services.

In stark contrast to various “mom and pop” style tree service companies, all Monster Tree Service franchise owners are dedicated to “Making the world a more beautiful place, one tree at a time” by providing homeowners with unparalleled service completed by certified professionals. Monster Tree Service is committed to educating all customers on the natural conditions, diseases and infestations that impact the health of their plants/trees and treating all issues with an environmentally friendly, “Do Not Harm” approach. It’s all part of the Monster Tree Service vision to partner with homeowners across the country to make their trees healthy, strong, and vital.

For more information about Monster Tree Service, please visit http://www.whymonster.com/.

For more information about Monster Tree Service franchise opportunities, please visit http://www.monsterfranchising.com/.

8 01, 2018

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Names Craig Leavitt as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

2018-01-08T13:50:08-05:00January 8th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

ST. LOUIS – BUSINESS WIRE

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) announced today that Craig Leavitt has been appointed as Non-Executive Chairman of the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Leavitt, 57, will serve as a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Development Committee.

Mr. Leavitt served as Chief Executive Officer of Kate Spade & Company, a publicly traded operator of global, multichannel lifestyle brands, from February 2014 until August 2017 when the company was acquired by Coach, Inc. From October 2010 until February 2014, he was Chief Executive Officer of Kate Spade New York, a division of Fifth & Pacific Companies, Inc. He served as Co-President and Chief Operating Officer of Kate Spade, LLC from April 2008 through October 2010. Prior to joining Kate Spade, LLC, Mr. Leavitt was President of Global Retail at Link Theory Holdings, where he had total responsibility for merchandising, operations, planning, allocation and real estate for the Theory and Helmut Lang retail businesses. Previously, Mr. Leavitt spent several years at Diesel, most recently as Executive Vice President of Sales and Retail. Mr. Leavitt also spent 16 years at Polo Ralph Lauren, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, the last being Executive Vice President of Retail Concepts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College and resides in New York.

“We are pleased to be taking actions to further enhance the strength of our board of directors. Craig will be joining our board as non-executive chairman after a lengthy selection process directed by our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with assistance from Russell Reynolds Associates. He has extensive experience in the areas of strategic planning, product development and innovation, marketing, store operations, and real estate. With Craig’s background, including his service as Chief Executive Officer of a publicly traded company, we believe his insights and perspectives regarding strategic planning, leadership, stockholder relations, business operations, brand management, marketing, and business development will be tremendously beneficial to our success as we continue to execute our stated strategy that is focused on transforming our operating model to capitalize on changing consumer shopping patterns while diversifying and growing revenue streams that leverage the power of the Build-A-Bear brand,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Our directors continue to work with Russell Reynolds to identify additional talent for our board as we continue of our multiyear systematic process of evolving our board of directors to better align skill sets with our stated strategy to evolve to sustained profitable growth and drive long-term shareholder value.”

About Build-A-Bear

Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has over 450 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements that are, or may be considered to be, “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. We generally identify these statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “future,” “potential” or “continue,” the negative or any derivative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All of the information concerning our stated strategies and the timing of the Company’s search for a new director, as well as our assumptions underlying such information, constitute forward-looking information. These statements are based only on our current expectations and projections about future events. All of our forward-looking statements are as of the date of this press release only and we can give no assurance that such expectations or forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Contacts

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Investors:
Voin Todorovic, 314-423-8000 x 5221
or
Media:
Beth Kerley
bethk@buildabear.com

8 01, 2018

Red Robin Appoints Beverly Carmichael Executive VP, Chief People, Culture and Resource Officer

2018-01-08T13:35:14-05:00January 8th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO – PRNewswire

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB), a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced the appointment of Beverly Carmichael as executive vice president, chief people, culture and resource officer.

Ms. Carmichael is a recognized human resources executive and licensed labor and employment attorney. In her new role, Ms. Carmichael will be responsible for leading Red Robin’s human resource and legal teams. She will report to Denny Marie Post, Red Robin’s president and chief executive officer.

“Beverly has demonstrated success translating business and operational objectives into aligned HR strategies,” said Ms. Post. “In addition to her leadership skills, Beverly is a passionate ‘culture ambassador’ and thought partner who embodies our Company’s core values. Her talents will serve us well as we continue to grow our brand and ensure that Guests and team members alike are better for being here.”

Ms. Carmichael has more than 25 years of leadership experience in multiple industries. Prior to joining the Red Robin team, she most recently served as senior vice president and chief people officer for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. She has also previously served in a variety of human resources and legal roles at some of the nation’s most high-profile brands, including Southwest Airlines and Ticketmaster.

She earned a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., and currently serves as a Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) board member.

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.


Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., and under the trade name, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, is the Gourmet Burger Authority, famous for serving more than two dozen craveable, high-quality burgers with Bottomless Steak Fries® in a fun environment welcoming to guests of all ages. At Red Robin, burgers are more than just something guests eat; they’re a bonding experience that brings together friends and families, kids and adults. In addition to its many burger offerings, Red Robin serves a wide variety of salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, desserts and signature beverages. Red Robin offers a variety of options behind the bar, including its extensive selection of local and regional beers, and innovative adult beer shakes and cocktails. It’s now easy to take Red Robin anywhere with online ordering for to-go and Gourmet Burger Bar catering pickups through Yummm2Go. There are more than 560 Red Robin restaurants across the United States and Canada, including Red Robin Express® locations and those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM®!

7 01, 2018

Code Ninjas Celebrates First Year of Franchise Success, Forecasts 2018 Growth

2018-01-07T04:14:12-05:00January 7th, 2018|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |

PEARLAND, TX – PRNewswire  

Entrepreneur Magazine recently unveiled its Top 10 Franchise Categories for 2018, highlighting the segments poised to dominate the franchise space this year. One category that is forecasted to shine in 2018 is Child Enrichment franchises. With parents increasingly willing to pay for their children to learn while having fun, it’s clear why this segment has become one of the fastest-growing franchise categories.

One brand reaping the benefits of this surge in popularity is Code Ninjas, a startup kids coding franchise. Although it just launched its franchise opportunity in February 2017, the brand has already cemented itself as the fastest-growing kids coding franchise by entering 2018 with more than 100 franchise agreements sold.

“2017 was a year of incredible milestones for us and we have no plans to slow down in 2018,” said David Graham, CEO and founder of Code Ninjas. “We’re positioned to double our current signed agreement pipeline in the first half of 2018, helping us achieve our goal of closing out the year with at least 300 units sold.”

With its flagship location in Pearland currently operating and 21 locations slated to open in Q1 of 2018 alone, Code Ninjas anticipates at least 50 units operating by the end of Q2 and 100 operating by the end of the year. To achieve this goal, Code Ninjas seeks qualified franchise partners looking for a personally and financially rewarding business opportunity that positively impacts America’s youth. Interested candidates do not require previous coding experience. The Code Ninjas leadership team brings decades of experience in the software development and franchising fields, and offers significant support for marketing/sales, operations, and extensive training.

“Our mission is to teach children to think and problem-solve like a coder, as well as obtain skills to achieve future professional success,” added Graham. “We’re humbled by our success thus far and look forward to fostering growing relationships with parents and children in communities across the nation to achieve our mission.”

As a low-cost investment opportunity in the thriving children’s enrichment sector, Code Ninjas franchisees can expect an investment ranging from $108,000 to $223,000. The brand looks to further expand its footprint in existing markets throughout Texas, as well as break into new territories. Specifically, the brand is targeting Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., among more.