Monthly Archives: March 2018

Gaithersburg, MD  — Every year, Glory Days Grill recognizes excellence in business partnerships by selecting ‘Vendors of the Year’ based on service and support in the previous year.  In order to win this distinguished award, vendors must exceed expectations by performing above and beyond the call of duty in a substantial fashion throughout the entire year.

For the 18th consecutive year, Glory Days Grill has selected vendors for their outstanding support and commitment to quality demonstrated throughout the prior year.  The winning Vendors of the Year for 2017 are as follows: Digitec Solutions, Inc., Auto-Chlor System, Nards, Sir Speedy BWI, and Stevens Food Group. Recipients will be honored with a dinner and awards ceremony on March 6, 2018.

Digitec Solutions, Inc. (Fairfax Station, VA): An eighteen time winner of this distinction, Digitec Solutions, Inc. is an extremely innovative company that has been a partner with Glory Days Grill since its inception in 1996.  Digitec Solutions, along with the other members of the Support Functions Group, provide Glory Days Grill with a variety of products and services. They serve as Glory Days Grill’s IT Company, providing computer hardware, software, hosting, and a variety of other innovative technology solutions.  Their ToPromote division supplies uniforms, custom promotional goods and toys for kid’s drinks among many other operational and marketing products and services. Their website addresses include:  DigitecSolutions.com, SupportFunctions.com, and ToPromote.com.

Auto-Chlor System (Lorton, VA): A fourth time winner, Auto-Chlor System has been in business as a dishwashing machine, laundry service and chemical supply specialist to the hospitality, healthcare, and lodging industries for over 75 years. Their focus on delivering exceptional cleaning results has fostered the reputation of always providing the best possible service to customers. Auto-Chlor has expanded to more than 110 service locations throughout the USA. Their attention to detail, excellent service skills, superlative performance record and ability to work very closely with management for the past 20 years make them a truly dedicated partner with a vested interest.

As a part of an excellent vendor-partner relationship, Auto-Chlor works directly with Glory Days Grill management to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive consumption reporting system. This vendor-partnership enables all involved to identify and take prompt action to maximize opportunities  and resolve problems quickly.

Nards (McLean, VA): A two time winner, Nard’s Entertainment, Inc. was formed by Michael Nardella in 1972 after graduating from Georgetown University.  Nards was a DJ company providing services to local bars and restaurants as well as private parties and weddings.  As technology changed, they added videotaping services for weddings.  The company began servicing sound systems in bars and restaurants and with the advent of the “Sports Bar”, they added video (TV) installation and RF distribution.  Nard’s became a DirecTV dealer in the mid 1990’s and has concentrated on the commercial market. Today, they have over 1,000 DirecTV accounts, from small offices with 1 receiver to hotels with 600+ rooms.  Along with the Bar and Restaurant market, Nards services property management companies, fitness centers, senior living centers as well as government facilities for local, state and Federal Agencies and the Armed Services. They have recently added Networking to their portfolio, including Wifi systems.

Sir Speedy BWI (Linthicum, MD): A two time winner, Sir Speedy specializes in the creation and execution of growth-oriented printing and marketing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses offering robust digital and offset printing, integrated marketing campaigns, data and mailing services, signage, promotional products, graphic design, and online services that help companies advance their Web presence. Whether the client objective is branding, lead generation, customer retention, reactivation, cross-sell, upsell, or campaign measurement, Sir Speedy offers more ways for businesses to grow. Sir Speedy has received numerous awards and recognition including the Franchise Times Top 200, Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Quick Printing Top 100, Printing Impressions 400, an AllStar Top 300 Award, a Franchise 50 Award and a Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

Stevens Food Group (Raleigh, NC): A third time winner, Stevens Food Group was developed with the idea of using their extensive knowledge of the foodservice industry to support multi-unit restaurant chains with their Purchasing and Distribution needs.  They knew that with their contacts and experience in the industry, they could develop a program to meet the needs of regional and emerging chains.  Their extensive knowledge has allowed them to develop personal relationships with top-level vendor management.  With their dynamic background in the chain and national accounts, along with the systems distribution channels that supply them, Stevens Food Group is able to structure procurement programs unique to each customer.  Their focus is to support and manage all Supply Chain Management issues (negotiate, manage and audit all product contracts and distributor MDA agreements) allowing their customers to focus on all other aspects of their business.

GLENDALE, CA – PRNewswire

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® is putting guests in the driver’s seat when it comes to convenient and delicious meals to go. Updates to Applebee’s To Go experience makes bringing home menu favorites even easier, and to sweeten the deal, Applebee’s is offering guests $10 off $30 on their next order on Applebees.com or mobile app for a limited time*.

Applebee’s was one of the first restaurants in its category to offer Carside To Go® and now thanks to a redesigned mobile app and online ordering platform, options for Applebee’s To Go are faster, more accurate and more satisfying than ever. Guests can dash inside and grab their meal for Carry Out or choose Carside To Go at participating restaurants to get their meal delivered straight to their car. No matter the method, new To Go packaging ensures the meal remains hot and tasty outside of the restaurant.

“Applebee’s To Go has undergone a makeover aimed at better serving guests, with updates to the mobile app and website, the introduction of new To Go packaging and an elevated focus on operational execution, all done to improve the guest experience,” said Scott Gladstone, vice president, strategy & off-premise at Applebee’s. “These enhancements are paving the way for new innovations in the To Go space that will enable Applebee’s to continue evolving its excellent service and be more competitive in off-premise eating occasions.”

To take advantage of the offer for $10 off your next Applebee’s To Go order of $30 or more*, guests can order online at applebees.com/togo or through Applebee’s mobile app and use promo code 10off30.

* Valid for 1 time use only and limit 1 per order. Tax and gratuity excluded. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. No cash value. Expires 4/28/18. Online and mobile app orders only. At participating restaurants. Further restrictions may apply.

DUBLIN, OH – PRNewswire

Give Something Back and Do The Right Thing are two core values important to The Wendy’s Company, and employees live these values in a variety of ways.  Each year, Wendy’s is proud to recognize employees and all they do to make a positive impact in their communities through its Community Ambassador Grant Program.  Ten Wendy’s employees are recognized for exemplary volunteer efforts in their communities with a $2,500 grant to an organization they support with their time, talents, and resources.  The Community Ambassador of the Year is selected from this group and awarded an additional $10,000 grant for their organization.  Kelly Cole, Senior Financial Analyst at Wendy’s Restaurant Support Center, has been named Wendy’s 2017 Ambassador of the Year for her six-year involvement and leadership role with KidSMILES Pediatric Dental Clinic in Columbus, Ohio.

“At Wendy’s, we believe our purpose is to create joy and opportunity through food, family, and community,” said Liliana Esposito, Chief Communications Officer.  “By supporting our employees and the charitable causes important to them, we are strengthening our bond as a Wendy’s family and making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.  Congratulations to Kelly Cole, and to all of our Community Ambassadors, for your leadership, dedication, and volunteer service in the places you call home.”

Company employees – from restaurant team members, Restaurant Support Center associates, and field and International employees – can apply for a Community Ambassador grant.  While all 2017 applicants are worthy of recognition, a committee comprised of Company officers, field employees, and previous Ambassador of the Year winners chose 10 well-deserving employees for their leadership qualities and personal commitments to the organizations most important to them:

• Kelly Cole supporting KidSMILES Pediatric Dental Clinic, Columbus, OH (Community Ambassador of the Year) – Kelly became involved with KidSMILES, a non-profit dental clinic dedicated to providing quality dental care and education to children at an affordable cost, in 2011 as a fundraiser organizer. Kelly has organized silent auctions, football tailgate fundraisers, and an annual 5K race to benefit the clinic. In 2017, Kelly was voted to the Board of Directors as Treasurer, and her responsibilities include protecting the organization’s financial resources by assuring proper maintenance of financial records, overseeing the integrity of the financial control systems, providing financial information for an annual external audit, and working closely with the finance committee and staff members on fiscal matters. Kelly believes that every child deserves to have a beautiful smile, and thanks to her dedication to KidSMILES, the clinic was able to provide nearly 600 dental appointments in 2017.
• William Portney supporting Lakeland Fire Department, Ronkonkoma, NY – William is a 23-year supporter of the Lakeland Fire Department and continues to dedicate 20 hours a week to the department. He is a qualified ambulance driver and scuba diver, was honored as Firefighter of the Year, and has been repeatedly recognized as the department’s most active member. Lakeland Fire Department plans to use the Community Ambassador grant to provide specialization training for other department volunteers.
• Julia Larkins-Monahan supporting Run Down the Demons, Columbus, OH – Julia became involved with Run Down the Demons four years ago when her son founded the organization to support soldiers who return from war and suffer from PTSD. Julia has used her project planning skills to organize fundraising events, which are crucial for PTSD research. With Julia’s help, Run Down the Demons donated $30,000 to the College of Social Work at the Ohio State University in 2017 to develop a new course for social workers to better support those suffering from PTSD.
• Alexis England supporting Pittsburgh Rotary Club, Pittsburgh, PA – The daughter of a former Rotary Club President, Alexis was introduced to Rotary at a young age. Alexis has served on the Pittsburgh Rotary Club Board of Directors and was recognized by Rotary International as a “40 under 40” member for her regional and international philanthropic work. She has served as the Shoes for Nicaragua Committee Chair for five years, where she led efforts to collect school shoes for children in Nicaragua. Additionally, Alexis’s efforts in networking and soliciting have aided the Club to raise enough money to open a third free medical clinic in Nicaragua.
• Alyssa Creatore supporting LifeTown, New Albany, OH – Alyssa was first introduced to LifeTown three years ago through Wendy’s employee volunteer program. For the last two years, Alyssa has participated in the LifeTown Mentoring Program, which matches students with special needs from Columbus City middle and high schools with business professionals to build job seeking skills. Alyssa has recruited three additional Wendy’s employees to participate in the Mentoring Program and has built and maintained a trusting relationship with her mentees.
• Tim Enos supporting Dartmouth School Music Association, Dartmouth, MA – An active member of the Association since 1988, Tim believes it’s important to keep the arts alive in our school systems and that music teaches important life skills such as teamwork, planning, friendly competition, and work ethic. Tim currently serves on the Executive Board as Ways and Means Chair and volunteers as the concessions organizer and prop coordinator for the school’s indoor percussion program. With support from the Music Association, the Dartmouth High School Marching Band won back to back national titles in 2016 and 2017 and the color guard program placed second in their division at the World Guard International Championships in 2017.
• Melissa Stanton supporting Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Columbus, OH – Melissa was introduced to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth to be themselves, in 2009 and became an active volunteer in 2015. Melissa volunteers at KYC every Monday to assist with youth programming, and she’s currently working with the staff to develop an annual fundraiser, Sister Christmas. Funds raised from Sister Christmas will provide KYC youth with items such as job interview clothing, technology for education, or any other need identified by a youth to better their true selves.
• Clark Elms supporting The Human Impact, Dallas, TX –The Human Impact’s mission is to create a space for the homeless, formerly homeless, and other community members to experience life together. Introduced to the organization by his daughter, Clark has supported the charity by sponsoring members of the Dallas homeless community to help them get back on their feet. Clark has driven individuals to rehab appointments, helped individuals save money, and at times, welcomed them into his home where he provided a safe place to stay. Clark is committed to providing support and resources to those in need.
• Ashley Sperling supporting Samaritan’s Purse, Atlanta, GA – After learning about Samaritan’s Purse from a Wendy’s franchisee, Ashley has been involved in the organization’s Operation Christmas Child program for eight years. Each fall, Ashley and her daughter prepare shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal items and ship them to need-based countries. Together they have shipped over 500 shoeboxes. Ashley believes the experience is teaching her daughter the importance of giving back and lessons in being kind and humble.
• Cathy Lewandowski supporting Heart of Ohio Ferret Association, Columbus, OH – Cathy became involved with the Heart of Ohio Ferret Association (HOFA) in 2015 after she adopted a pair of ferrets as her pets. Cathy’s primary role with the organization is as a foster parent, and she has cared for ferrets who have been neglected or need extra care before being placed for adoption. Over the past year, Cathy has assisted in placing five foster ferrets in a forever home. In addition to fostering, Cathy has also volunteered for the organization’s annual Buckeye Bash, which is one of the largest ferret shows in the country, and has organized public outreach events to spread awareness about HOFA.

Denver, CO – RestaurantNews.com

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – the leading Mediterranean cuisine brand renowned for its wholesome, healthy and simple dishes, top-quality meats and fresh-baked pita – is turning 10 and celebrating by giving away a 10-day VIP Mediterranean experience of a lifetime!

Throughout the month of March, stop by Garbanzo to indulge in the fresh taste of the Mediterranean and receive a scratch card for a chance to instantly win free food or the ultimate Mediterranean VIP trip to the birthplace of the nutrient-filled food that has powered Garbanzo fans for 10 years.

“We have been delivering a simple, fresh, delicious and nutritious experience for a decade and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our loyal customers,” said Garbanzo CEO James Park. “We want to take this opportunity to say thank you by giving two lucky guests an unforgettable trip to the Mediterranean. All of our locations will also be giving away tons of food prizes, so join us in celebrating! What better reason do you need to come in more often or to try out our simple, unaltered, and delicious dishes, than for your chance to win fresh free food and an adventure of a lifetime?!”

Garbanzo’s 10-year anniversary celebration ends March 31, so be sure to scratch your itch for adventure by visiting your favorite location as many times as possible for your chance to win big.

Garbanzo is making fresh Mediterranean cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Its authentic, nutrient-rich dishes derived from Old World recipes are served with a new twist, but without compromise. Every order is customized to the guest’s liking, with choices from top-quality meats and plant-based proteins to authentic laffa wraps and perfect, pillowy pitas baked in-house throughout the day. Garbanzo is dedicated to satisfying every palate – including vegetarian and gluten-free diners – and believes that “simple tastes better.”

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is headquartered in Colorado with 25 locations nationwide. Visit eatgarbanzo.com for more information and to find the location nearest you.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – PRNewswire

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, a “fresh-casual,” Mediterranean inspired restaurant that prepares more than 100 items from scratch daily and has 82 locations in 16 states, hosted a celebration for its 20^th anniversary on Wednesday in Birmingham, AL.

As part of the celebration festivities, the first 200 guests in line received a free signature pasta. Other giveaways included chances to win free signature pasta for a year.

Keith Richards, Founder of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, found his passion for Taziki’s and its Greek food inspired menu on a 1997 trip to Greece with his wife, Amy. In 1998, they opened their first restaurant at the Colonnade in Birmingham.

“It was an extraordinary day as we celebrated Taziki’s 20^th anniversary in the location where it all began,” said Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Founder, Keith Richards. “I enjoyed celebrating with hundreds of customers and providing them with one of our most popular dishes as a way to say, ‘thank you’ for all their support.”

From perfectly grilled meats served with signature sauces to mouth-watering salads filled with fresh fruits and veggies, Richards has mastered the art of creating imaginative, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The Birmingham-based fast-casual chain’s growing franchise was ranked by Restaurant Business as 17^th on their Future 50 List.

Richards makes hiring special needs students a priority within his company-owned restaurants and encourages his franchisees to do the same.  He has also taken the company’s involvement a step further by working with schools and special needs students across the country to grow herbs including basil, rosemary, oregano and parsley, which are then sold to Taziki’s restaurants. Richard’s program, HOPE (Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment) is in the process of receiving its 501c(3) status.

Several students from the HOPE Program in Shelby County, AL attended Taziki’s 20^th anniversary celebration.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe’ was the first national franchise to achieve REAL Certification from the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC), the emerging national standard for foodservice nutrition and sustainability. Taziki’s is also now the largest chain restaurant to complete the certification process.

“We are planning for the next 20 years,” said Richards. “That includes adding more menu items and opening more restaurants across the U.S.”

The restaurant will open new locations in Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida this spring.

For those looking to learn more about franchise opportunities with Taziki’s, visit http://tazikiscafe.com/franchise/.

AUSTIN, TX – BUSINESS WIRE

Keller Williams, the world’s largest real estate franchise by agent count and the U.S. leader in units and sales volume, is partnering with Nextdoor, the trusted communications platform for neighborhoods.

Through KW Labs, the innovation hub of Keller Williams, the franchise will be leveraging data insights from Nextdoor to build new experiences for homeowners, home buyers and sellers exclusively.

“We’re excited to be working with Nextdoor, one of the first companies to raise their hand and say they want to plug into the Keller Cloud and give value to Keller Williams’ agents and their clients, while contractually agreeing to respect the agent, their data and their listings,” said Josh Team, chief innovation officer (CIO), Keller Williams.

With Nextdoor’s insights and Keller Williams’ artificial intelligence platform Kelle, agents will be further empowered to be the local expert, staying abreast of local neighborhood happenings and trends.

“From the very beginning, some of the most popular neighborhood conversations on Nextdoor have been about homes for sale and the local real estate market,” said Ali Jafari, vice president of business development, Nextdoor.

“This partnership with Keller Williams gives Nextdoor members easier access to local real estate experts and millions of listings, and provides a natural way for agents to join real estate conversations in the neighborhood where they can provide true value,” said Jafari.

“Imagine a KW agent being able to simply ask Kelle: ‘What do I need to know around here?’ and then being able to easily tell a client everything about that area, including trends and themes at the neighborhood level, by connecting the 170,000 Keller Williams agents with Nextdoor members,” said Team.

Regarding listing treatments, Nextdoor will respect Keller Williams’ “My Listings, My Leads” philosophy. And, Nextdoor will not allow another agent to advertise on a Keller Williams’ listing. Keller Williams’ agents can also opt out of syndicating their listings to Nextdoor.

“This partnership with Nextdoor is not a decision that we’re making on behalf of our agents; it’s with them, through KW Labs, which has more than 5,000 agents representing over $5 billion in volume to determine if there is a win-win relationship,” said Team. “We innovate with our agents, not to our agents.”

GLENDALE, CA – PRNewswire

Today, IHOP® Restaurants announced the debut of PancakeWear by IHOP^TM, a limited-edition clothing collection inspired by a love of all things breakfast. The colorful, one-of-a-kind lineup features adult- and child-sized one pieces and lounge pants as well as socks. Part of the IHOP “60 Days of Giving” campaign, a portion of the proceeds from every purchase will benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

The ultra-comfy PancakeWear by IHOP collection is the perfect accessory for eating pancakes, dreaming about pancakes, talking about pancakes and general pancake revelry – and helps a child in need at the same time. Limited inventory of the Spring collection is available now for purchase on eBay for Charity.

“Breakfast and laid-back loungewear just go together at IHOP so we thought it would be fun to design a limited-edition merchandise collection that reflects the spirit of the brand and what we see in our restaurants all the time – people in pajamas enjoying pancakes,” said Stephanie Peterson, Executive Director, Communications at IHOP. “PancakeWear by IHOP was launched to celebrate our 60^th anniversary as a brand, but also to do a lot of good for our largest charity partner Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. A portion of proceeds from every sale of our breakfast-inspired one pieces, lounge pants and socks directly supports CMN Hospitals and the more than 10 million kids that are treated every year at their 170 affiliated facilities.”

This year, IHOP aims to raise $5 million for children’s charities dedicated to treating and eradicating life-threating illnesses during its annual giving effort. The centerpiece of the campaign, IHOP National Pancake Day, took place last week and served as the largest one-day donation event for the campaign. Guests can contribute by purchasing PancakeWear by IHOP (price varies by product), available until sold out, or by making an on-check donation at any IHOP restaurant until March 31, 2018. Since 2006, IHOP, its franchisees and guests have raised more than $30 million for charity partners.

Guests are encouraged to wear their new pancake loungewear into their local IHOP and post a photo tagging @IHOP on Instagram and Facebook and using the hashtag #PancakeWear.

For additional information on the PancakeWear by IHOP collection, hi-res photos, and the IHOP 60 Days of Giving Campaign, contact AShapiro@devriesglobal.com.

KNOXVILLE, TN – PRNewswire

AtWork Group, an award-winning national staffing franchise, posted strong year over year growth from 2016 to 2017 and shows potential to keep the momentum going.

Revenue rose to nearly $332 million through the end of 2017, an increase of 12.75 percent compared to 2016. Throughout the year, AtWork opened 17 new territories, including Las Vegas, San Antonio, Miami, Anaheim, and Raleigh, bringing the total to nearly 100 locations nationwide.

“AtWork had tremendous growth in 2017,” said Jason Leverant, president and COO of AtWork Group. “By empowering our franchisees to make decisions at the local level, we’re able to offer industry-leading service to our clients and employees, allowing us to realize strong, consistent growth year after year.”

AtWork Group is currently operating in 26 U.S. states and is looking to see steady growth in the Southeast, Central and Midwestern U.S. regions. Various local franchisees are expanding their own territories by opening additional locations—a trend within the franchise system that’s growing quickly. Franchise owners see high value and profitability by increasing their number of locations, while investing in the well-being of their local communities. AtWork plans to expand its footprint to almost 200 locations within the next five years.

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) recognized AtWork as being one of the largest staffing companies based on revenues, as well as one of the fastest-growing staffing firms in the U.S. AtWork has been listed on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 annual list four times, coming in at No. 2,790 in 2017. In addition, Atwork was ranked No. 88 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2018 “Franchise 500” list and secured a spot on Inavero’s 2018 Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Award winners list.

MADISON, NJ – PRNewswire

ERA Real Estate, a global franchising leader, is proud to announce the induction of two individuals and one ERA^® company into the brand’s Hall of Fame, class of 2017. Established in 2013, the ERA Hall of Fame honors affiliated individuals and companies who have consistently earned high levels of recognition and have made contributions and lasting impact on the culture and history of the franchise system.

The ceremony took place this evening at the 2018 ERA International Business Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2017 ERA Hall of Fame class includes:

Individuals:

• Ervin Robertson, ERA Real Estate Professionals, Ridgeland, Mississippi
• Kathy Wilhelm, ERA American Real Estate, Crestview, Florida

Company:

• ERA Dawson-Bradford Co., Brokers/Owners Jon and Nancy Dawson, Bangor, Maine

“This year’s group of inductees is an exceptional group,” said Sue Yannaccone, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate. “As champions for ERA, they have tirelessly worked toward the continued success of the brand, not just in the ways they are leveraging the products, services and technology tools the franchise offers, but in the ways they are deeply focused on preparing the next generation of ERA professionals for success in the industry.”

Ervin Robertson, ERA Real Estate Professionals, Ridgeland, Mississippi

In 1985, Ervin Robertson came to Mississippi to try his hand at real estate. As a beginner, his brokerage didn’t have any training programs to help him–until he met someone who would shape his career for more than three decades: a bank mortgage professional who decided to train Robertson. He joined ERA Lorden – now ERA Real Estate Professionals in Ridgeland, Mississippi – in the late 1980s as a trainer and hasn’t looked back since. In his first two years, Robertson helped grow the agency from eight agents to 55, offering weekly training classes. In 1994, ERA Real Estate made sure those weekly training sessions turned into trainings all over the country, and in 2016, Ervin began training nationally for ERA Real Estate. Now decades later, brokers and agents often cite his classes as the best they’ve ever attended.

Kathy Wilhelm, ERA American Real Estate, Crestview, Florida

A 29-year veteran of the industry, Kathy Wilhelm came very close to spending her life after college studying the behavior of hermit crabs. Luckily, Kathy’s father convinced her to follow him into real estate. Her parents decided to franchise with ERA Real Estate in 1986, and just three years later merged with ERA American Real Estate. Thanks in part to her success as an agent, Wilhelm’s office in Crestview is the top performing office at ERA American Real Estate, closing $19.5M in business through 119 transactions last year.

ERA Dawson-Bradford Co., Brokers/Owners Jon and Nancy Dawson, Bangor, Maine

Forty-four years ago, under the leadership of Jon and Nancy Dawson, ERA Dawson-Bradford Co. opened its doors in Bangor, Maine. In the time between 1974 and now, the pair have franchised with ERA Real Estate, grown their agency into the top performing brokerage in Bangor, and had two daughters, Julie and Katie. It’s no coincidence the Dawson’s success in their modest market of Bangor – 36,000 people in the city and 100,000 in the surrounding area – coincided with their joining the ERA system.  Within three years of joining, ERA Dawson Bradford Co. Realtors was top of its market, a position they have held for more than three decades, winning a Jim Jackson Memorial Award for 1^st in Service along the way. Today, Jon and Nancy’s daughter, Julie, and her husband, Brian, own and operate the company carrying on the family tradition of excellent customer service and results in their local market.

WALLINGFORD, CT – PRNewswire

Edible International Founder and CEO Tariq Farid today announced plans to open a second headquarters in Atlanta and has named Christian Nahas as President of Edible Brands.

In this newly-created position, Nahas will oversee all commercial operations of the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and treats.

Farid said that the brand’s Connecticut headquarters will continue to serve as its home base, while the Atlanta office will provide Edible with expanded franchise and retail resources. In addition, Atlanta’s more central location and access to major transportation hubs makes it an attractive location to base much of the team needed to support the company’s next phase of growth into new markets and product categories.

Edible is currently reviewing real estate options in Atlanta with plans to add 50 jobs in the coming year and another 150 positions over time. In addition, the selection of Nahas to oversee Edible operations brings the brand an immediate and important presence in the Atlanta franchise and business communities.

Nahas has nearly two decades of experience leading teams at several companies in the greater Atlanta area. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Paris-based Capgemini in their Atlanta office.

“This is a historic moment for the Edible brand,” said Nahas. “Having spent most of my career in Atlanta, I see it as the perfect location for Edible to expand the team needed to support its worldwide system of almost 1,300 locations.”

Farid, who was recently inducted into the International Franchise Association’s Hall of Fame, already has a business presence in Atlanta with his technology company Naranga, a leading provider of franchise sales and software solutions, which is based in the city. He said the expansion in Atlanta and the selection of Nahas as president is just the first step in the next phase of dramatic growth for the brand.

“Christian has been a major figure in the Atlanta business community and his experience and expertise will be critical as we ramp up our operations in the market,” Farid said. “He joins Edible at a pinnacle moment for our global business as we prepare our next phase of growth and development that will include the addition of exciting new revenue streams for our brand and our franchisees.”