Monthly Archives: September 2018

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – PRNewswire

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) will donate half of all sales from its 60 North Carolina restaurants on Sunday, September 30 to the United Way Hurricane Florence Recovery Fund. The fund will help local United Ways meet storm-related needs and support mid- to long-term recovery throughout the affected regions.

“Our communities – including our employees and our customers – across North Carolina are dealing with the destruction of Florence, and we want to do what we can to help rebuild,” said Brian Niccol, Chipotle CEO. “Since the storm hit, we’ve fed volunteers, worked with our local suppliers to donate food, and made sure our employees were compensated even when restaurants were closed. Being part of the community means taking care of each other, and we hope to do just that by raising funds for the United Way Hurricane Florence Recovery Fund.”

“United Way is grateful to work with organizations, like Chipotle, that share our commitment to helping those in crisis find a path to recovery,” said Mary Sellers, U.S. president, United Way Worldwide. “The Florence-affected areas of North Carolina are, and will continue to face severe challenges. United Way is continually assessing storm damage and resulting needs. With Chipotle and its customers, we’ll continue to fight for the health and safety of every North Carolinian affected by Florence.”

To contribute to the cause, residents can simply visit any Chipotle in North Carolina at any time from open to close (10:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) on Sunday, September 30, and half the pre-tax proceeds of all food and beverage sales will be donated to United Way. Digital, catering and takeout orders placed for September 30, in addition to any orders placed in the restaurants, will also be included in this fundraising effort.

In addition to the fundraiser scheduled in the 60 North Carolina restaurants, Chipotle has donated more than 1,500 burritos to feed first responders over the last two weeks. Chipotle also made a cash donation to the Red Cross for immediate emergency efforts.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Back by popular demand, Smashburger® will once again offer the Smash Pass™ to keep you well-fed through the holiday season. Beginning September 28, 2018, fans can purchase the Smash Pass™ for just $100, and this time it’s better than ever.

Available online only, the Smash Pass™ grants you one FREE entrée every day from November 5, 2018, to February 14, 2019, at participating locations. That’s 100 days of free burgers! Enjoy any entrée – including the iconic Triple Double, with triple the cheese and double the beef in every bite – or choose from options like black bean burgers, grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches, and fresh signature salads.

Last year, the original Smash Pass™ offered an incredible value with $1 burgers every day. This year Smashburger has raised the stakes with 100 days of completely FREE Smashburgers. Plus, you can purchase the Smash Pass™ as a delicious gift for family and friends.

“Our fans raved about the original Smash Pass ™and have been begging for it to make a comeback,” said David Martinelli, Vice President of Marketing at Smashburger. “We wanted to elevate the experience for our most loyal fans and really give them a lot of burger for their buck. Getting more than $600 worth of burgers for just $100 really takes the sting out of the expensive holiday season.”

Getting the new Smash Pass™ is easy. Simply visit Smashburger.com/SmashPass and sign up for the SmashClub™ rewards program. Purchase the Smash Pass™ for $100, and every day from November 5, 2018, to February 14, 2019, a FREE entrée coupon will be added to your SmashClub™ account and is valid for that day only. Then just visit your neighborhood Smashburger and choose your favorite entrée!

The Smash Pass™ will be available for a limited time online only at Smashburger.com/SmashPass beginning September 28, 2018. Hurry and snag 100 days of free entrées while there’s still time.

As a bonus, purchase a Coca-Cola® fountain beverage when using your Smash Pass™ and you will be automatically entered to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for two!

For more information on Smashburger®, please visit smashburger.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

PITTSBURGH, PA – GLOBE NEWSWIRE

GNC Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GNC), a leading specialty health, wellness, and performance retailer, today announced the nationwide launch of Earth Genius, a new line of more than 40 nature-inspired products.

The entire line of Earth Genius products is gluten-free, non-GMO, and crafted with no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Additionally, many products meet the needs of customers with diets that are vegan or have no soy, no added sugar, or no dairy.

“Earth Genius helps meet the demands of a broadened customer base, particularly those looking to live a healthier, cleaner lifestyle,” said Ken Martindale, Chairman and CEO of GNC. “The market for more natural health supplements continues to grow rapidly – expected to hit $68 billion by 2024 according to Persistence Market Research – and we believe strongly this can be an area of opportunity for the business.”

The Earth Genius line offers solutions spanning multiple categories, including energy, digestive health, immune support, metabolism, beauty, relaxation and exercise performance. Products range from vitamins and minerals, to superfoods, greens, plant-based proteins, and oils and vinegars.

Among the key products that are being introduced are:

• SuperFoods Supreme: A blend of 35 different superfood ingredients that includes six different organic mushrooms, along with protein, prebiotic, and enzyme support.
• Smart Greens: A way to infuse more than 40 fruits, vegetables, greens, mushrooms and botanicals into a daily diet in a convenient way.
• OrganIQ Eats: An organic plant-based protein with 24 vitamins and minerals that supports energy and lean muscle.

Further innovation in Earth Genius is found in several new detoxes and TonIQ products, which also helps reach consumers looking for different healthy living solutions. For example, GNC is growing its offerings around beauty and skincare with products like Earth Genius Beauty TonIQ, a combination of collagen and Sicilian blood orange extract, an antioxidant-rich botanical that protects and improves skin tone.

To learn more about Earth Genius, visit www.GNC.com/EarthGenius.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – PRNewswire

LearningRx , the world’s largest personal brain training company, is announcing that it will lower its franchise fees and initial investment as part of its celebration to mark a major milestone: 15 years of franchising.

The announcement comes on the heels of the personal brain training franchise being named No. 1 in Franchise Times’ education category for first-time franchisees. LearningRx was chosen for its unit volumes, return on investment and online polling of Franchise Times readers. The company was also listed under Entrepreneur’s 10 Hottest Franchise Business Categories for 2018, being named a top choice for Education Franchise by Franchise Rankings and being named a Top 100 Franchise by Franchise Gator. LearningRx has garnered countless awards and accolades, including ranking on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Award, Franchise Gator’s Top 10 Fastest Growing Franchises, Franchise Times’ Top 200 and rankings on Bond’s Top 100 Franchises and Franchise Grade’s Top 500 for Lowe Investment Risk, among many others. A full list of awards can be viewed here: http://www.learningrx-franchise.com/award-winning-franchise/. In addition, LearningRx’s franchisee satisfaction (NPS) rating is one of the highest among franchise systems. About 80% of its executive team members have Certified Franchise Executive credentials. (The average franchisor has less than 5%!)

The award helps further distinguish the one-on-one cognitive skills training company from an industry sometimes confused with “brain games.” LearningRx programs are based on 35 years of research and input from a team of psychologists, educators, speech and language pathologists, and occupational therapists. With 100,000 students having graduated its brain training programs, LearningRx has plenty of data for independent researchers to study its unique cognitive training methodology and results through its sister nonprofit, the Gibson Institute of Cognitive Research (www.gibsonresearchinstitute.org).

CANTON, MA – Dunkin’ Donuts has been on a first-name basis with its fans long before the introduction of its iconic tagline, “America Runs on Dunkin’,’’ with customers around the world naturally and affectionately referring to the brand as “Dunkin’.” In recognition of this relationship, and as one of many steps to transform itself into the premier beverage-led, on-the-go brand, the company today unveiled its new branding at its Global Franchisee Convention that officially recognizes its name as simply “Dunkin’.” The change will officially take place in January 2019.

The new branding conveys the company’s focus on serving great coffee fast, while embracing Dunkin’s heritage by retaining its familiar pink and orange colors and iconic font, introduced in 1973. Beginning the first of the year, the new branding will appear on packaging, as well as the company’s advertising, website and social channels. Going forward, the new “Dunkin’” logo will also be featured on exterior and interior signage on all new and remodeled stores in the U.S. and, eventually, internationally. The brand tested the new logo extensively, including on exterior signage at Dunkin’ locations featuring its next generation design concept over the past year.

According to Dunkin’ Brands’ CEO and Dunkin’ U.S. President David Hoffmann, “Our new branding is one of many things we are doing as part of our blueprint for growth to modernize the Dunkin’ experience for our customers. From our next generation restaurants, to our menu innovation, on-the-go ordering and value offerings, all delivered at the speed of Dunkin’, we are working to provide our guests with great beverages, delicious food and unparalleled convenience. We believe our efforts to transform Dunkin’, while still embracing our incredible heritage, will keep our brand relevant for generations to come.”

“By simplifying and modernizing our name, while still paying homage to our heritage, we have an opportunity to create an incredible new energy for Dunkin’, both in and outside our stores,” said Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin’ U.S. “We are bringing the iconic name Dunkin’ to the forefront in a bold way that brings to life how we refill optimism with each cup and bring fun, joy and delight to our customers each and every day.”

Brand Refresh part of the Dunkin’ Blueprint for Growth

The new branding, developed in partnership with new creative and branding agencies Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR), BBDO New York and Arc Worldwide, is one part of Dunkin’s multi-faceted blueprint for growth, a plan designed to transform the company into the premier beverage-led, on-the-go brand. Recent initiatives have included a simplified menu, a greater emphasis on beverages like Cold Brew Coffee, Nitro Coffee and Iced Teas, the introduction of unique products like Donut Fries, an increasing emphasis on On-the-Go Mobile Ordering, and most importantly, the introduction of Dunkin’s next generation design concept.

Specifically designed to meet the needs and demands of today’s on-the-go consumer, the next generation store design offers new and innovative elements to make running on Dunkin’ faster and more convenient than ever before. The key in-store elements include an eight-headed tap system for cold beverages encouraging crew members to serve guests like bartenders, a glass bakery case putting donuts in the forefront within arm’s reach of guests, and more prominent and engaging mobile-order pick up areas, as well as the first-ever mobile order drive-thru lane to allow mobile users to speed past the line.

Dunkin’ to Remain Sweet on Donuts

Although the word “donuts” will no longer appear in the logo or branding, donuts will remain a significant focus for the brand. As the #1 retailer of donuts in America, selling more than 2.9 billion donuts and MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats annually worldwide, each Dunkin’ restaurant is required to make the most popular donuts available every day, along with local favorites, so that guests know they will be able to find the top-selling donuts and fun seasonal varieties no matter which Dunkin’ location they visit.

Earlier this season Dunkin’ brought back its popular Pumpkin Donut and MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats for a sweet taste of fall. The brand will be revealing this year’s lineup of Halloween-themed donut varieties early next month.

From Open Kettle to Dunkin’

The story of Dunkin’ began in 1948 with a donut and coffee restaurant in Quincy, Massachusetts called “Open Kettle.” Founder William Rosenberg served donuts for five cents and premium cups of coffee for ten cents. After a brainstorming session with his executives, Rosenberg renamed his restaurant “Dunkin’ Donuts” in 1950. His goal was to “make and serve the freshest, most delicious coffee and donuts quickly and courteously in modern, well-merchandised stores,” a philosophy which still holds true today. In 1955, the first Dunkin’ Donuts franchise opened, and, in just 10 years, the number of restaurants had grown to over 100 shops. Since 1950, the number of Dunkin’ restaurants has increased to more than 12,600 restaurants worldwide in 46 countries.

For more information and images, please visit the Dunkin’ press room at https://news.dunkindonuts.com.

Hollywood, FL – OXXO Care Cleaners® is bringing its innovative, GreenEarth® technologies to traditional mom and pop dry cleaners across the U.S. through their new Business Conversion Initiative. Conversions involve the replacement of contaminating chemicals, old-fashioned steam boilers, steam presses, and other outdated dry-cleaning equipment used by most American dry cleaners today with OXXO’s automated, fully electric equipment, such as the OXXO European Style Shirt Mannequin and ATM-style Drop Off and Pick Up Conveyor. Technology, storefronts and branding are completely revamped during the conversion process.

“Today, we announce OXXO’s support to improve dry cleaners and the environment in all of the communities in which we operate and in new communities throughout the country. During each process, everything old fashioned is gutted out and replaced with the same equipment a new franchise unit would have. Traditional store owners appreciate the benefits of OXXO’s 24/7-services coupled with the use of GreenEarth® products, innovative technologies, fully independent electric and automated equipment, European-style hand ironing quality for their customers,” said Salomon Mishaan, CEO of the OXXO Franchise.

One franchisee spearheaded the program by successfully converting his fourth Plant store into an OXXO. He is now currently finishing off the plant conversion in Doral, Florida. “During the conversion, the goal is to maintain the original customer base, and, in this case, we have actually grown the customer base because clients are seeing the change for the better take place. Stores can remain open throughout the process. Our goal is to convert cleaners across the country with a concentration in the Northeast, Central Florida, Texas, and Georgia. If a potential owner is in a region where there are no OXXO’s yet, we will build a plant to support it in their area, which is one of our program’s many incentives,” explains Mishaan.

Traditional dry cleaners are taking notice of customers buying into the OXXO brand. OXXO has become known for being the most innovative dry-cleaning franchise in the United States today. A converted cleaner will benefit from the well-known OXXO brand and the support given during and after the conversion process, which encompasses training and all the same franchise benefits that a new store owner would have.

Trevose, PA – Scooter’s Coffee, the Midwest-based coffee franchise that has experienced tremendous nationwide growth over the past year, announced it has partnered with ApplePie Capital to offer new and existing franchisees access to up to $20 million in debt capital to drive continued expansion across the U.S.

Scooter’s Coffee is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase in the Midwest and nationwide. The U.S. coffee market is an estimated $48 billion a year recession-resistant industry, and Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru coffee franchise in the nation.

“We are excited to be partnering with ApplePie Capital as they understand Scooter’s business model, brand promise and core values. AppliePie Capital are proven leaders in the franchise financing world and help franchisees start and grow their business. $20 million in funding to our potential and existing franchises is a key step in Scooter’s strategic initiatives to fuel growth and brand awareness. ,” stated Scooter’s Coffee Chief Financial Officer Chad Hartnett.

“ApplePie Capital is thrilled to add Scooter’s Coffee to the franchisors we serve,” said Denise Thomas, CEO and co-founder of ApplePie. “We are very selective in the brands we partner with and look for franchisors with strong unit-level economics, low closure rates, and successful franchisees. The track record for Scooter’s Coffee in these areas made it an easy decision to begin a partnership. We look forward to supporting their franchisees’ long-term growth plans.”

Since its founding in 1986, Checkers & Rally’s has put value on the forefront. After value comes craveability. On Wednesday, September 26th, Checkers & Rally’s is excited to celebrate both of those core items with its One Day Deal, when the brand will be giving away its fan-favorite cheeseburger for just 69 cents the entire day. The promotion was designed to give back to its loyal customers at a time when they need it the most.

“We know our customers are sometimes strapped for cash at the end of the month, so we wanted to do something to help them get through until the next paycheck,” said Checkers & Rally’s Senior Marketing Director Scott Wakeman. “We came up with the One Day Deals as a one-day sale with an amazing value that always drops on the last week of the month, when money is the tightest.”

The promotion was originally launched on November 30, 2017, and has seen incredible feedback from the customer. In fact, in August when the brand celebrated its most recent One Day Deal, there was a traffic lift of more than 14 percent, and an estimated sales lift of more than 9.5 percent at the company markets. Many franchisee markets saw even better sales and traffic lifts, showing the system-wide deal really resonated with the Checkers & Rally’s fan base.

“Our foodies have been loyal to us and they know the value behind our food, so this is a way that we are able to say thank you to them,” said Wakeman.

After September 26th, Checkers & Rally’s is excited to celebrate its next One Day Deal on November 7th ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Lake Forest, CA – Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant,* is bringing back fan-favorite Shredded Beef for a limited time only, beginning September 27 at its more than 560 locations nationwide. Seared and seasoned with onion, garlic and oregano, Del Taco’s Shredded Beef will be featured in many popular products, including the Shredded Beef Combo Burrito, which is being offered in a 2 for $6 deal, for a limited time only.**

Guests in the Los Angeles area can shred the competition, literally, this Thursday, September 27. Guests who visit the Los Angeles-area Del Taco restaurant at 4376 W Sunset Blvd. between 5:00pm to 9:00pm that day will have the opportunity to shred a competitor’s coupon which they bring in, in exchange for a FREE Shredded Beef Combo Meal of their choice, valid in the dining room.

Guests unable to visit the W Sunset Blvd. Del Taco who want to get in on the action can visit any participating Del Taco on September 27 to receive a coupon for a Buy One, Get One Free Shredded Beef Soft Taco, good on their next in-store visit. Guests can also visit Del Taco’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page where they can download a Buy One, Get One Free Shredded Beef Soft Taco offer, valid on National Taco Day, October 4.

“We’re shredding the competition when it comes to offering craveable, category-unique products at an unmatched price,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “For years, we’ve seen our social media pages light up with requests to bring back Shredded Beef. Now, after a six-year absence we have perfected the recipe and are thrilled to deliver on that enthusiasm by offering our guests the most flavorful Shredded Beef we’ve ever served.”

Del Taco’s Shredded Beef will be available in the following products:

• Shredded Beef Combo Burrito (2 for $6)**: Seasoned shredded beef combined with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, tangy green sauce and hand-grated cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Epic Shredded Beef Burrito: Seasoned shredded beef, fresca lime rice, tangy guacamole and handmade pico de gallo wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Shredded Beef Soft Taco: Seasoned shredded beef, crisp lettuce, hand-grated cheddar cheese and fresh diced tomatoes wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Shredded Beef Street Taco Plato: Warm corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded beef and topped with tangy green sauce, diced onions, fresh chopped cilantro and hand-sliced avocado. The Street Taco Plato is served with a side of fresca lime rice, slow-cooked beans, house-made tortilla chips and salsa casera.

*By number of units
**Price and participation may vary by location. Restrictions may apply.

The premium fresh juice franchise, already known for delicious, health-conscious juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, juice shots and food, will be adding two all-new fall-inspired drinks to its menu beginning September 24th.

Available for a limited time, its Autumn Spice Smoothie and Ginger Spice Juice deliver all the fall flavor consumers love, but without the stuff they don’t. And as a twist, the spiced creamy smoothie and bold spice juice are handcrafted without pumpkin. Thousands of pumpkins will be spared this fall as I Love Juice Bar encourages consumers to “Save the Pumpkins. Drink A Smoothie or Juice.”

I Love Juice Bar uses only 100% whole fruits and vegetables, with no added sweeteners, syrups or artificial ingredients of any kind, freshly made to order.

In addition to the two new drinks, I Love Juice Bar will feature its incredible lineup of full flavored soups, including the popular vegan Black Bean Soup. These menu offerings will be sure to warm up guests through the cold months and offer just another reason to visit I Love Juice Bar.