Monthly Archives: May 2018

ATLANTA, GA – PRWEB 

In 2013, Carter Davis was a veteran struggling to make the transition back into civilian life after returning home from active duty. Davis is hardly alone; in fact, recent reports indicate that on average, 22 veterans commits suicide every day. Suffering from depression, identity loss and the aftermath of a divorce, Davis nearly became a statistic himself. Instead, he got a membership at his local gym and experienced firsthand the benefits that fitness can provide. Shortly thereafter, he founded Lift for the 22, a national 501(c)(3) organization that gives one-year gym memberships to veterans through partnerships with fitness companies.

Workout Anytime, a 160-unit, 24-hour fitness franchise, partnered with Lift for the 22 in November 2015. The brand is co-owned by a veteran, John Quattrocchi, who served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1971, where he achieved the highest rank possible.

During the month of May, Workout Anytime will sell special-edition Lift for the 22 t-shirts in all of its 160-plus locations throughout the country and will donate 20 percent of the proceeds to the cause. In addition, the brand will feature a 22-pushup challenge on its social media channels, encouraging members and friends of members to participate in the challenge to spread the word about the Lift for the 22 organization. Several franchise owners are hosting special local Lift for the 22 events to honor veterans in their local communities.

“We’ve been involved with Carter and Lift for the 22 for three years, and it has been unquestionably one of the most purpose-driven initiatives we’ve been associated with,” said Mark de Gorter, chief operating officer of Workout Anytime. “In addition to coordinating both local and national fundraising efforts throughout the year, each of our clubs is committed to donating 22 memberships per year to veterans. This adds up to more than 3,500 memberships, a value of more than $1 million in free memberships for our veteran heroes. Our partnership with Lift for the 22 is one of many ways that our franchisees make an impact in their local communities and we are eager to continue our support of this admirable cause.”

The brand plans to open 50 locations in 2018 and will donate another 1,100 memberships to veterans around the country.

“Workout Anytime has been a key partner in allowing us to help veterans in need on a national level. We went from having one location in Beaverton, Oregon, to having 160 gyms around the nation almost overnight,” said Dennis Wright, co-founder of Lift for the 22. “Because of Workout Anytime, Lift for the 22 now has partnerships with more than 300 gyms nationwide, and we hope to have 400 by the end of 2018.”

Veterans interested in a free membership to Workout Anytime must apply through Lift For The 22 at http://www.liftforthe22.org.

CARROLLTON, TX – FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it will be attending and sponsoring the National Business Media Show in Portland, Oregon, May 11-12, 2018, to recruit existing sign shop and printer owners to help the brand grow through the Pacific Northwest. Local entrepreneurs are invited to meet with the brand’s franchise development team at booth #911 to learn more about co-brand and conversion franchise offerings.

“FASTSIGNS has a growing presence throughout the Pacific Northwest, but there are plenty of opportunities for development. The National Business Media Show has proven to be successful in helping us recruit franchisees and we’re looking forward to speaking with interested candidates about why FASTSIGNS is the No. 1-ranked franchisor in the sign, graphics, and visual communications industry,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “Attendees can look forward to exploring all that FASTSIGNS has to offer, including the ability to reduce their supply cost and grow their business within a new category.”

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. FASTSIGNS also offers special incentives to veterans and first responders, including a 50-percent discount on the franchise fee – a savings of $23,750.

In 2018, FASTSIGNS plans to open an additional 45 centers across the U.S. Throughout 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 Brazil, Quebec, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America.

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 70 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2018 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and brand power. 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 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018.

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

WACO, Texas (May 8, 2018) – Dwyer Franchising, LLC (“Dwyer Group”), one of the world’s largest franchising companies of trade service brands, announces the Women in the Trade (WITT) Scholarship recipients for the fall 2018 semester. The program, launched in 2012 by Dina Dwyer-Owens and Dwyer Group, will award seven women a $1,500 scholarship for demonstrating outstanding work, experience and passion for their chosen service trades industry. Since the launch of the program, WITT has awarded over $50,000 to 42 scholarship recipients.

“Dwyer Group is committed to helping our franchisees recruit highly skilled and qualified individuals and we are confident that with the support of the WITT scholarships, these women can make great strides within the trade industry of their choice,” said Dwyer-Owens, co-chair of Dwyer Group. “These women are an inspiration to us here at Dwyer Group and we are proud to help them on their journey to success.”

The fall 2018 WITT scholarship recipients include: Megan Boyd of Waco, TX; Danni Kohl of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, pursuing a career in commercial electricity; Elizabeth Moreno of Tacoma, WA, pursuing a career in carpentry; Amy Morrice of Victoria, British Columbia, pursuing a career in electrical trades; Ana Acetta of Elmhurst, NY, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering; Martha Enzler of Minneapolis, MN, and Tamishella Holloway of Evergreen Park, IL, whom are both pursuing careers in HVAC.

The WITT scholarship is open to women 18 and older interested in pursuing a career in the trades and covers tuition, books, travel and/or fees. Funds can be applied to any accredited trade or technical school or certification program in the United States or Canada for specialties including: HVAC, plumbing, electrical repair, glass repair and replacement, appliance repair, restoration, painting, landscaping, residential cleaning or handyman services.

Candidates are evaluated based upon financial needs, previous work experience and their passion for their chosen industry. For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.dwyergroup.com/women-in-trades.asp or email WITT@dwyergroup.com.

CANTON, MA – As the world awaits the Royal Wedding, Dunkin’ Donuts is feeling the love, introducing a special new donut that fans might consider a crowning achievement in wedding-themed treats. Dunkin’ Donuts today unveiled the new Royal Love Donut, perfect for serving up a little sweetness while readying for the royal festivities. A heart-shaped donut filled with jelly and frosted with chocolate icing and a strawberry drizzle, the Royal Love Donut will be available for a limited time May 14 through May 20 at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

According to Dunkin’ Brands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Nigel Travis, a dual U.S. and British citizen born and raised in Woodford, Essex, “As the U.S. donut leader, we love helping our guests make special occasions both big and small even sweeter with fun donut designs and flavors. The Royal Wedding represents optimism, happiness and joy, and thus is a perfect opportunity for our brand to celebrate. We hope all donut lovers, royalty or not, will enjoy the new Royal Love Donut next week.”

To kick off the countdown to the festivities, Dunkin’ Donuts will also be giving guests the royal treatment with a ride inspired by the Royal Couple. On May 14, a special horse-drawn carriage branded in Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange colors will offer select guests a chance to enjoy the Royal Love Donuts while taking a trip through Central Park in true prince or princess style. Carole Radziwill, real life princess and Housewife of New York, will take the ceremonial first ride in Dunkin’s royal carriage.

Those planning to watch the morning festivities on May 19 can keep themselves running on Dunkin’, as many Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants will open at 5 AM eastern time that day, approximately two full hours before the ceremony is televised in the U.S. Guests can make their wedding viewing parties a true royal celebration with a dozen Royal Love Donuts, the brand’s signature coffee served in a Box O’ Joe®, or the brand’s full lineup of premium teas.

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.

COLUMBUS, OH – PRNewswire 

Sbarro, home of the XL New York style pizza by the slice, is launching its annual “Slices for Hope” campaign to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® who is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

From Mother’s Day (May 13) to Father’s Day (June 17), Sbarro customers will have the opportunity to make a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in participating US-based Sbarro restaurants or at Pizza Cucinova. By making a $1 donation, customers will receive a voucher for $2 off their next purchase of at least $6. Sbarro will also support St. Jude by donating 20% of all slice sales on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day up to $25,000, in honor of their customers to support the life-saving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

David Karam, Sbarro CEO, has been connected to St. Jude since his late father first became heavily involved in the 1960’s. Joe Karam served on the Board of Governors of St. Jude from 1968-1974 and 1991-2003, as well as on the Emeritus Board from 2003-2017. He was chairman of the National Convention of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Columbus in 1970 and Las Vegas in 1996. Since 2016, Sbarro has participated in Slices for Hope, donating a portion of all slice purchases to St. Jude. Since this program began two years ago, the company has raised $417,039 for this wonderful cause.

Find the Sbarro nearest you by visiting https://sbarro.com/locations/.

DENVER, CO -PRNEWSWIRE

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) and DoorDash shared results today for the successful launch of their new national delivery partnership. Chipotle has seen a 667 percent increase in weekly delivery orders since initiating the partnership.

“Chipotle is dedicated to increasing the accessibility of our real food, made with real ingredients, regardless of where our customers are or how they like to order,” said Curt Garner, chief digital and information officer at Chipotle. “The DoorDash partnership makes delivery available from more than 1,500 Chipotle restaurants across the country – our largest delivery partnership to date – so enjoying Chipotle’s food is now even easier and more convenient.”

“We hit the ground running during our first week as Chipotle’s largest on-demand partner, and we’re just getting started,” said Christopher Payne, chief operating officer at DoorDash. “DoorDash looks forward to building on our momentum as we continue to expand operations with Chipotle across the U.S. and Canada.”

To celebrate the launch of the partnership, Chipotle customers received free delivery on Chipotle orders of $10 or more placed through DoorDash from Monday, April 30 to Sunday, May 6, including May 5 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.

As customers become more mobile and on-the-go, Chipotle is working to provide them with the same delicious food and intuitive, quick experience they get when ordering in the restaurant. Most Chipotle restaurants now have a second make-line, which is dedicated to fulfilling online and digital orders. The second make-line is separate from the customer-facing line, thereby enabling digital orders with no disruption to in-store customer orders and boosting speeds for all orders. In fact, last week Chipotle had record high digital orders with no impact to the in-store customer experience.

A few highlights of Chipotle’s partnership to date with DoorDash include:

• The average DoorDash delivery time – from order to drop-off – was 34 minutes
• Chicago, Dallas and Denver saw the most delivery orders
• The most frequently ordered items nationwide were burrito bowls, burritos, and chips and guacamole

DENVER, CO – Motto Franchising, LLC announced that 80 Motto Mortgage franchises have been sold across the country with more than 40 now open and operating. The franchisor announced late last year that 50 franchises were sold during its inaugural year of operations. Motto Mortgage officially launched on October 25, 2016, and is the first national mortgage brokerage franchise in the U.S.

Motto Mortgage is an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise and the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) family of brands. Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network work hard to give homebuyers options – and present competitive quotes from wholesale lenders – because no loan is one-size-fits-all. Motto Franchising President Ward Morrison calls the mortgage brokerage franchise revolutionary and is celebrating the momentous achievement.

“80 franchises sold with more than 40 now open is a tremendous achievement for the Motto Mortgage team and network,” said Morrison. “We’re the first national mortgage brokerage franchise in the country and we knew from the early beginning that our unique brokerage model was needed in the industry. It’s a very exciting time for all of us at Motto Mortgage.”

Motto Mortgage is a different idea – a network of mortgage brokers, focused on providing personalized guidance with more clarity and less jargon. Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network work close by – and closely with – real estate agents to deliver a one-stop solution. Motto Mortgage franchises are increasing competition in the industry, resulting in more options and a better customer experience for consumers. Importantly, Motto Mortgage loan originators are not bound to the products of one specific lender but have access to quality loan options from various sources.

Motto Mortgage has franchises operating in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, D.C. and Washington State. Motto Franchising, LLC is located at 5075 S. Syracuse St. #1200, Denver, CO 80237. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. For more information, please email newsroom@mottomortgage.com or visit mottomortgage.com.

DALLAS, TX – HomeVestors, the largest professional house buying franchise in the U.S., welcomed more than 100 new franchises in the first quarter of 2018. The new independently owned and operated HomeVestors® franchises helped open ten new markets for the “We Buy Ugly Houses®” company, including Bellingham, Wash.; Burlington-Plattsburgh, Vt.; Greenville-Paris, Texas; Huntsville, Ala.; New Orleans, La.; New York City, N.Y.; Rochester, N.Y.; Santa Fe, N.M.; Victoria, Texas; and Wilmington, Del.

“HomeVestors franchises now operate locally in 162 markets around America thanks to the steady franchise growth we continue to experience,” said David Hicks, CEO of HomeVestors. “We added 234 franchises in 2017, which we were really pleased with. For us to now be nearly halfway to that number after just one quarter of 2018 suggests this rapid growth will continue.”

As America’s number one home-buyer, HomeVestors has purchased more than 85,000 houses since 1996, the year it first began franchising. Consistently recognized as an affordable and successful franchising opportunity, HomeVestors recruits, trains and supports franchises that specialize in building businesses based on buying, rehabbing, selling and holding residential properties.

HomeVestors was recently ranked number 20 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s annual Fastest-Growing Franchises list, which is culled from Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®. The company’s franchises purchase and improve approximately 8,000 houses each year.