Monthly Archives: September 2018

HOLLYWOOD, FL. – Hard Rock International is going PINK for the brand’s 19th Annual PINKTOBER® campaign. Starting in September and continuing throughout October, guests are invited to join the fight against breast cancer at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide. Proceeds from the PINKTOBER campaign will benefit research and awareness-driving efforts for Hard Rock Heals Foundation, which works with numerous charity partners worldwide.

“The PINKTOBER campaign is an incredible example of the unique way Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos around the globe are able to spread the message of strength, hope, awareness and support for this very important cause,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International. “We are honored to work with philanthropic partners worldwide who focus on various aspects of breast cancer research and awareness. We look forward to the day when we can finally put an end to this disease that affects so many of our friends and family.”

As part of the international PINKTOBER campaign, select Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe properties will host events that support breast cancer charities focused in their communities. The original Hard Rock Cafe in London will host its 11th annual fundraising gala on Oct. 19 to benefit The Caron Keating Foundation. Talent for the gala will be announced at a later date. Guests can enjoy an evening of fine dining, auctions and a live performance by Creed lead vocalist Scott Stapp on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio. Then on Saturday, Oct. 27, hundreds of guests and staff at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (SHRHC) will participate in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk, the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. Both SHRHC Hollywood and SHRHC Tampa are the title sponsors of their communities’ Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. During the month of October, Hard Rock Hotel Goa is partnering with Muskaan Goa, a support group for cancer patients, to hold a Breast Cancer Awareness Talk to highlight survival stories and early detection signs, in addition to local events.

• Pinned for a Purpose
  Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER campaign also gives fans the opportunity to wear the hottest color of the season with the 2018 PINKTOBER collector’s edition pin, a guitar-themed pink breast cancer awareness ribbon ($14.00/11.98€). Pins will be sold exclusively at Hard Rock properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels and Casinos and online at rockshop.hardrock.com/. A portion of the retail price of each PINKTOBER pin sold will be donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support breast cancer awareness worldwide.
• Relax with a Reason
  In addition, during the month of October, Hard Rock Hotel guests in Hollywood, FL can rent pink, poolside VIP cabanas decorated in all things pink – from the lounge chairs to the curtains. Guests can enjoy exclusive PINKTOBER pampering services, such as a pink lemonade body scrub or a pink rose petal facial at Rock Spas® at Hard Rock Hotel locations. Proceeds from cabana rentals and spa services will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

For the 2018 Hard Rock PINKTOBER event lineup, visit www.hardrock.com/pinktober.

Golden Corral, the nation’s largest grill-buffet chain, has 52 restaurants in North and South Carolina, including many that are in areas affected by Hurricane Florence. In the days following the storm, many of its restaurants took steps to provide immediate assistance to area residents and thank cleanup crews with a warm meal.

Here are some examples of what Golden Corral has done to help those in need in areas affected by Hurricane Florence:

• The Golden Corral in Morehead City, NC hosted free cookouts in its parking lot on September 18 and 19. They served hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and corn on the cob to more than 2,500 people over the two days. They also distributed bottled water, bread, batteries, paper towels and toilet paper for those in need. On the second day, Golden Corral President & CEO Lance Trenary and other senior leaders volunteered and served others at the event.
• The Golden Corral in Jacksonville, NC fed 500 first responders each day, September 12-17, in the days before and after Hurricane Florence hit the area. They are also feeding approximately 900 utility workers each day for the next several weeks until full power is restored to the town. The restaurant quickly reopened to the public on September 16 and has fed more than 3,000 people per day at reduced prices during the days immediately following the storm.
• The Golden Corral in Fayetteville, NC provided breakfast for 200 people on September 18 and will provide lunch for 200 people for the shelter at Manna Church on September 21.
• The Lumberton, NC Golden Corral will be distributing pallets of water and cases of bread on Saturday, September 22 at no charge to members of the community. Cases of water are also being distributed free of charge at Golden Corral restaurants in Fayetteville, Laurinburg, Jacksonville, Florence, Wilmington, and Shallotte while supplies last.
• In Kinston, NC, Golden Corral served more than 300 first responders from New York who were in town on September 12 to assist areas on the coast in advance of Hurricane Florence.
• On Monday, September 17, the Golden Corral in Winston-Salem provided free meals for more than 30 members of the NC Baptist Men and Women Disaster Relief Ministry. The volunteer group is heading to areas of the North Carolina coast to help in the hurricane recovery efforts.

Golden Corral is committed to providing much-needed food, water and support to first responders helping with cleanup efforts and residents in North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Florence.

CANTON, MA – National Coffee Day will be twice as nice at Dunkin’ Donuts this year, as the brand has brewed up a special buy one, get one offer for guests, making it simple to share a cup with friends, family and favorite fellow coffee fans. On Saturday, September 29, anyone who purchases a Hot Coffee at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide will get one Hot Coffee free (of equal or lesser value).* With a second cup on Dunkin’, people who run on coffee can celebrate National Coffee Day in the perfect way, catching up and connecting over a quality cup of coffee with the BFFs and sidekicks who also help to keep them running.

According to Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., “National Coffee Day is a chance for Dunkin’ to show appreciation for busy coffee fans by making it easy to recharge and reconnect with the people they run with, each and every day. With a second cup of Dunkin’ Hot Coffee on us, we encourage our guests to take this opportunity to treat a friend or family member to catch up over a cup of coffee on National Coffee Day.”

Dunkin’ Donuts offers a wide array of Hot Coffee choices that guests can enjoy with a friend on National Coffee Day, including its signature Original Blend, Dark Roast and Dunkin’ Decaf®. All are freshly ground and freshly brewed in-store, and can be personalized with a variety of flavors including French Vanilla, Caramel, Mocha or Hazelnut.

In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts is now offering two special seasonal selections to satisfy cravings for the favorite flavors of fall. These include the brand’s classic Pumpkin flavored coffee and recent addition Maple Pecan flavored coffee, which serves a sweet and nutty taste for a delicious way to stay energized around the changing of the seasons.

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.

* Participation may vary.

BOSTON, MA – PRWEB 

MaidPro has joined forces with The Hometown Hero Project to make it easier for veterans to become business owners. Through its Veteran Discount Program, MaidPro now offers veterans discounted franchise packages valued at $15,000.

The goal of the program is to make it easier than ever for veterans to join the MaidPro family and to own and operate their own home cleaning franchise.

The veteran discount package includes:

• a $3000 discount on the initial franchise fee;
• a $100 invoice credit each month for the life of the 10-year agreement;
• direct financing or financial assistance enabling veterans to get started with little up-front capital.

“The costs for purchasing our franchise are very low in comparison to other franchise start-up costs, and this discount program now makes purchasing a MaidPro franchise even more affordable for our service men and women,” said CEO Mark Kushinsky.

MaidPro was recently one of only 80 franchise companies named on Franchise Business Review’s elite list of Top Low-Cost Franchises. MaidPro has also been named a Top Franchise for Veterans for 2018.

“We’re very honored to be able to show our appreciation to our veterans by giving them substantial discounts to business ownership,” Kushinsky said. “We’re also thrilled to be able to partner with an organization like The Hometown Hero Project that does so much to give back to our veterans.”

The Hometown Hero Project connects active and retired military, police officers, firefighters, first responders and teachers with organizations and businesses that provide them with resources and services.

The national college planning franchise Class 101 has announced a new scholarship program for exceptional high school students, with an emphasis on community service.

The program was announced at the company’s fifth annual conference in Orlando.

Two national winners will be announced as recipients of the new community-service-oriented scholarship available for any high school student. Criteria will be based on 25 percent academics, 25 percent leadership skills, and 50 percent making a difference in their community, said Class 101 CEO and Founder Tom Pabin.

The scholarship program was one of a number of new initiatives announced at the meeting.

“Our annual conference continues to get bigger and better,” he said. “In addition to the franchise-wide scholarship program we announced new initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and franchisee support, a new client management system and an ACT and SAT online platform.”

Class 101 helps high school students get into better colleges and qualify for higher amounts of scholarships and financial aid by meeting one-on-one with students once a month for hour-long sessions throughout the year.

“Our college planning experts guide students as they draft a high-performance resume and powerful essays, visit schools, complete applications ahead of schedule and navigate the scholarship and financial aid processes,” said Pabin. “The results are phenomenal. Class 101 students apply to 8 schools on average and receive more than $200,000 in scholarships and aid, much more than the average U.S. high school student.

Charlotte, NC – As the undisputed authority on tailgate meals, we’re big football fans at Bojangles’ (NASDAQ: BOJA). We know witnessing the game winning play is always sweet. But our Football-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits might be sweeter.

Football fanatics across the Southeast have enjoyed these irresistible sweet treats for years. The recipe is simply delightful. We start with our made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuit, then add Bojangles’ Bo-Berries which are baked right inside the biscuit. We then drizzle a sweet vanilla icing over every biscuit to make a one-of-a-kind dessert you can only find at Bojangles’. But don’t fumble! The football shape is only available for a limited time.

“Our popular Football-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits are the perfect addition to any Bojangles’ Tailgate Special,” said Randy Poindexter, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Bojangles’. “Don’t waste your time with one of those little trays of chicken nuggets that will leave you and your buddies hungry by the end of the first quarter. Stop by your local Bojangles’ for a Big Bo Box™ and Football-Shaped Bo-Berry Biscuits, and we guarantee your crew will be satisfied.”

Bojangles’ Big Bo Boxes come in a variety of sizes to fit your tailgate, large or small. Every tailgate meal includes:

• Your choice of flavorful bone-in chicken, popular Chicken Supremes™ or delicious Homestyle Tenders™;
• Our fresh buttermilk biscuits made from scratch every 20 minutes;
• Your choice of home-style picnic fixin’s, including Bojangles’ popular Seasoned Fries, Bojangles’ Dirty Rice®, Bojangles’ Cajun Pintos®, Macaroni ‘n Cheese, and Green Beans;
• A half-gallon of Bojangles’ refreshing Legendary Iced Tea®;
• Plus, all the cups, plates, napkins and utensils you’ll need for your portable tailgate.

Looking for another way to improve your tailgate on gameday? Play our new online game, Bojangles’ Tailgate Hero, for a chance to win Bojangles’ gift cards, a PlayStation 4, a custom football jersey, and a copy of Madden ’18 Hall of Fame Edition. Give it your best at www.BojanglesTailgateHero.com.

Follow us on social media at @Bojangles1977 using #LongLiveTheTailgate. You just might appear on our Bojangles’ Tailgate Map on www.Bojangles.com/LongLiveTheTailgate.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL – The need for senior housing solutions continues to grow, and so too does Oasis Senior Advisors. The Bonita Springs-based company has opened three new franchises, adding to the more than 72 franchises already in operation across the U.S.

“We see proof all the time that our model works,” Oasis Senior Advisors CEO Tim Evankovich said. “We’re proud of way every one of our advisors helps seniors and their families find the right place with personalized service every step of the way, and we’re thrilled about our talented new additions.”

Lifelong Boston-area resident Bill Cleary will lead Oasis Senior Advisors for Greater Boston. He knows firsthand the struggle families face when a loved one is no longer able to care for themselves. Navigating the confusing litany of nursing home options for his 91-year-old mother proved a daunting task.

“After struggling through the process with my own mother, I knew there had to be a better way,” Cleary said. “My goal with Oasis is to assist families in this process and be as compassionate as possible. I want to let them know, to let you know, that you’re not alone.”

Eric Aasheim understands how challenging a transition from one home to another can be. He spent the last 20 years as an advisor to families relocating to foreign countries, helping them find and use resources for language learning, cultural skills training, translation and interpretation. Now, he’ll guide seniors to the right resources they need for housing and more as the Oasis Senior Advisor for Western Massachusetts.

“I am thrilled to be part of Oasis Senior Advisors and to carry out their mission of helping seniors find a ‘perfect fit’ community,” Aasheim said.

Kim Bertolino gained insider knowledge of multiple hospitals on Long Island in New York as a physical therapist and nursing student. She’ll apply that to helping seniors and their families identify the right level of care as the Oasis Senior Advisor for the South Shore of Long Island.

“This opportunity allows me to help meet the tremendous need that is lacking in our community and provide the dignity and quality of life that our seniors deserve,” Bertolino said.

WACO, TX – Dwyer Franchising, LLC (“Dwyer Group”), one of the world’s largest parent companies of home service brands, has announced that it is changing its corporate name to Neighborly, effective immediately. The decision follows the rapid success of the consumer-facing Neighborly platform developed a little more than a year ago to unite all of its service franchise brands under one umbrella. The new trade name supports the community of home service experts’ approach for providing an easier way for people to connect with providers of all home service needs through one convenient outlet.

“Since launching Neighborly in 2017, our platform for home services has increased engagement with customers and made a powerful and positive impact across our service brands,” said Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of Neighborly.

Through one comprehensive consumer-facing website (getneighborly.com in the U.S. and getneighbourly.ca in Canada), Neighborly has simplified the process of connecting homeowners with service industry experts with incredible results. Within one year of launching Neighborly, multi-brand customer penetration has increased 39 percent and continues to rise.

“Now it’s time to bring that same Neighborly brand home to our corporate offices to amplify the collective synergies of our service brands internally as well,” Bidwell added. “Dwyer Group’s legacy includes the success of 21 service brands to-date, and this legacy shall now be showcased moving forward under the friendly consumer facing Neighborly name.”

The new trade name will be reflected at 10 corporate campuses across the U.S., U.K. and Germany, employing nearly 850 employees. With the transition, the corporate website at dwyergroup.com also has moved to NeighborlyBrands.com. Plans to implement the new name across the company’s service brand affiliates will continue throughout the remainder of the 2018.

ROCKVILLE, MD – PRNewswire

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has announced it will match Choice Privileges member donations to the American Red Cross, encouraging its members to donate loyalty points that convert to cash. Choice Hotels will match up to 20 million points contributed by members in support of disaster relief and recovery efforts through the end of this year.

Choice Hotels is a member of the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, which ensures American Red Cross is prepared to respond to disasters and meet the needs of those affected anytime and anywhere across the United States.

Each year, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 64,000 disasters around the country, providing food, shelter and comfort to people affected by disasters during their greatest time of need. In 2017, Choice Hotels mobilized the generosity of Choice Privileges members to donate to disaster relief, together raising a combined total of nearly $400,000, in addition to providing 1,000 comfort kits and blankets.

“Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Florence, and we are committed to assisting our franchisees and their guests, as well as supporting local recovery efforts,” said Patrick Pacious, president and chief executive officer, Choice Hotels. “Hospitality extends beyond hotels and into the communities where we live and work, which is why Choice is dedicated to ensuring those in need are cared for during disasters.”

For more information on Choice Hotels’ efforts and to donate, visit https://www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges/redeem-points/donations.

Guests who are looking for a hotel room can visit ChoiceHotels.com or call 1(877)424-6423 for the most up-to-date information on availability and rates.

CARROLLTON, TX – /PRNewswire

In 2016, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. launched the FASTSIGNS® Digital Media Network and proprietary training certification programs for FASTSIGNS centers to acquire the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to create digital sign content, adding to their already expansive in-house capabilities.

With almost 700 sign and graphic franchised locations worldwide, FASTSIGNS offers clients comprehensive digital sign packages that include consultation, content creation, hardware selection and installation, and ongoing content scheduling and management.

“FASTSIGNS franchisees have been providing digital signage and content to customers for many years,” said Wayne Rasor, Director of Digital and Exterior Technology, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “The number, scale and complexity of the digital sign projects that FASTSIGNS centers are involved in continues to grow, as do our centers’ capabilities, including design services to produce and manage digital content in-house.” Rasor joined FASTSIGNS International, Inc. in 2013 to lead FASTSIGNS’ digital sign initiatives and support. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Digital Signage Federation.

Once an organization’s objectives are determined, digital sign projects include selecting and installing the appropriate hardware and displays, creating engaging brand content, and distributing and managing the content. Being able to produce high-end digital sign content in-house helps streamline the process for FASTSIGNS customers and allows FASTSIGNS centers to offer complete digital sign solutions with competitive pricing. Three tiers of digital sign content creation services are offered. The three tiers include:

• Static graphics are the simplest type of content and use transitions from one image to the next.
• Motion graphics use images and elements that are animated to move around, on and off the screen.
• Interactive and responsive content is created for web-based digital solutions. This includes touchscreen displays and responsive HTML5 content that fit multiple aspect ratio displays and devices.

“Having a successful digital sign program is all about the content that is being displayed and how viewers interact with it,” Rasor said. “The advantage of digital signage is communicating the right message to the right person at the right time and place. FASTSIGNS centers are equipped and capable of creating that engaging content and making sure it’s communicated in the most effective way possible.”

To learn more about FASTSIGNS digital sign offering, visit fastsigns.com/digital-signs.