Monthly Archives: September 2018

DALLAS, TX – PRNewswire

Christmas Decor has launched its sixteenth consecutive Decorated Family Program to transform the homes of servicemen and woman into magical winter wonderlands this holiday season. With more than 450,000 American men and women deployed overseas, the program is designed to boost spirits and spread cheer for military families across the nation who have to spend the holidays separated from their loved ones.

Now a seasonal tradition, hundreds of Christmas Decor franchisees nationwide participate by donating products, resources, and time to decorate the homes of local military families with lights, garland, ornaments, and other trimmings. Following the decorating process, each decked out home is revealed during a surprise ceremony with family, friends and the community.

“Even after 16 years of surprising deserving families, each reveal moment is as special and heartwarming as the last,” stated Brandon Stephens, president of Christmas Decor. “We know the holidays can be hard on families who have loved ones serving overseas, so we think it’s important to make the holiday a little brighter. We are excited to hear from families and friends across the nation and look forward to another successful year of the Decorated Family Program.”

Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving military families by completing the Decorated Family submission form available on the Christmas Decor Facebook Page. This form provides a place to share the family’s story and explain why they should become a “Christmas Decor Decorated Family.” Winners will be awarded based on the impact the story has on the judges, as well as location to ensure there is a local franchise to provide the services. The company seeks to attract hundreds of nominations that will result in beautifully decorated homes for the 2018 holiday season. The deadline for nominations is on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018.

“The community’s outpouring support was overwhelming – over 150 residents that stood in the freezing cold temperatures to welcome the Mason family,” said Libby Corbo, who nominated the Mason family in 2017. “They lined the yard and street to cheer, clap and thank the family. Dick Ficco and the Christmas Decor team did a fantastic job and the community response brought tears to my eyes – it’s just an incredible example of what makes Hanover [our community] great.”

Operating in more than 300 markets and 49 states, Christmas Decor, Inc. is the largest professional holiday and event decorating franchise. The company offers complete decorating service programs including unique display design, installation, maintenance, and removal of holiday lighting and decorations – alleviating decorating stress while delivering the look customers want.

For more information on the Decorated Family Program, visit https://www.christmasdecor.net/about/.

ST. LOUIS, MO  – Fish Window Cleaning®, the nation’s premier window cleaning service, is improving workplace morale across the country. Studies show that a lack of sunlight in office buildings can negatively affect employees’ self-esteem and productivity. Fish Window Cleaning leads the industry in year-round commercial window cleaning that can boost employee satisfaction.

Psychology Today reports that natural light can drastically improve performance in the workplace. Studies show there is a strong correlation between employees’ exposure to daylight and their subsequent sleep, activity level and quality of life. The more access to natural light employees have, the more content they report feeling.

Cornell University’s Daylight and Workplace Study, reveals workers seated by a window report an 84 percent drop in symptoms associated with computer vision syndrome, which is caused by prolonged screen use. These symptoms include eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision. The study also finds these same employees experienced a 2 percent boost in productivity. That’s the equivalent to around $2 million worth of value over the window’s lifetime. The average American spends 90 percent of their time inside, so it’s important to optimize the available sunlight through windows that are clean.

“The impact of a clean window goes far beyond aesthetics,” says Randy Cross, President of Fish Window Cleaning. “Employees take pride in working at a company that is clean, neat and organized. If you want to increase employee morale and efficiency, start by increasing natural light. Fish Window Cleaning keeps your windows looking great for you on a regular basis.”

Dirt and pollution can build up over time and dim corporate windows. Dirty, obscured windows block valuable natural light and negatively impact worker productivity. Fish Window Cleaning has 40 years of experience in making workplace windows clean and cheerful.

Fish Window Cleaning is the world’s largest window cleaning service with locations in 44 states. FISH window cleaners are licensed, bonded, insured and professional. In addition to commercial and residential window cleaning, Fish Window Cleaning offers services such as mirror, skylight and chandelier cleaning. For more information, visit FishWindowCleaning.com.

The I Love Juice Bar premium fresh juice franchise will reach a milestone September 28th when it opens its 50th location, in McKinney, TX. It will be the first location nationwide to offer drive-thru service and a digital menu.

By providing customers with an amazing juice bar experience using specialty menu items, I Love Juice Bar is one the fastest-growing brands in the $5 billion a year juice industry.

“People come back multiple times a day,” says co-owner John Zuffinetti. “They’ll show up at 7 a.m., get their juice, a smoothie or a muffin, and then we see them at lunch when they’re coming to get their Pad Thai Noodles or Spring Rolls with Gluten-Free Peanut Sauce. There’s just so much to choose from, people keep coming back for whatever they’re craving at that moment.”

Having a drive-thru menu for people on the go will make service much quicker for busy parents and people in a hurry, says John. “We’re also a great place to meet people or work remotely. People always comment on how they love our interior design.”

He and his wife Brittney, opened their first store in Texas in 2016, after moving from Southern California in 2012. They are excited about the direction that I Love Juice Bar is headed, and are looking forward to meeting McKinney customers at the 6th store in the state.

“We are a doorway to health and wellness,” says Brittney. “This is about what we can provide for the community. We also offer creative options to help children get started on living a healthy lifestyle and learning about nutrition. Kids love our green smoothies.”

The husband and wife team share a diverse background in service businesses and franchising. With John’s 15+ years of restaurant hospitality experience and Brittney’s 10+ years entrepreneurial business background, the family is bringing a fresh new concept to North Texas.

“Each of our employees embraces our motto – Have Fun, Be Amazing. Customers come back time and again for our customer experience and high-quality, healthful juice products,” says Brittney. “It’s not just about no-sugar-added or real-fruit juices. We offer a diverse assortment of juices, smoothies, and foods, and that makes us a one-stop shop all day, every day.”

I Love Juice Bar beverages are overwhelmingly plant-based, gluten-free, organic when possible, and always use 100% whole fruits and vegetables from scratch. “We offer fruits, greens, root vegetables and lots of superfoods. Not only is it delicious, but it’s all natural,” Brittney adds.

“Nothing we use is processed,” John emphasizes. “Simply said, we are an “I want to eat healthy and feel great” type place whether you want a quick smoothie to go, fresh juice for your fridge, or a full sit-down delicious meal. Patrons can order off a menu of predesigned options, or build their own made-to-order juices or smoothies. They can even get a smoothie bowl, which is a thicker smoothie served in a bowl that you eat with a spoon, such as the popular Açaí Bowl.

The McKinney I Love Juice Bar at 301 N. Custer Rd. is scheduled to celebrate their opening September 28th.

ENGLISHTOWN, NJ – BUSINESS WIRE

Amazing Lash Studio, the nation’s largest and fastest growing eyelash extension franchise brand, announced today the opening of its 200th studio in East Brunswick, New Jersey. The concept began franchising in 2013 and, to date, has 200 open studios in 33 states and 714 regional developer units awarded. Amazing Lash Studio continues its impressive trajectory by opening between four and 10 new franchises every month.

“The Amazing Lash Studio team is honored to be opening our 200th studio. We are grateful to our customers, franchise owners, employees and stylists for helping us continue to meet the demands for ‘accessible beauty’ for women across the country. We are focused on creating lasting beauty and confidence, so our guests will look and feel amazing,” said Heather Elrod, COO of Amazing Lash Studio. “Amazing Lash Studio is the industry leader, with a proven business model built on a great consumer product. We’re well-positioned for continued growth and we’re just getting started.”

The 200th studio is located in East Brunswick, New Jersey, and is independently owned and operated by business partners Natalie Tureaud and Shane Cormier.

Tureaud shares, “My passion is healthy, natural living and beauty, which is one of the many reasons I love Amazing Lash Studio. With Amazing Lash Studio being one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country coupled with its high-end appeal, I am proud to be associated with the brand and I look forward to being part of its continued growth.”

Natalie Tureaud and Shane Cormier both come from very successful and unique backgrounds. Tureaud’s background includes an expertise in property and project management and being an Organic Cook and Certified Holistic Health Coach. When her husband sold his business of 20-plus years, they were looking for an opportunity they could stand behind while at the same time also creating a better life for their two daughters. When Natalie was introduced to the Amazing Lash Studio concept and to Shane Cormier she knew she had found her next business venture.

Cormier joined the Amazing Lash Studio brand wanting to create a change in his life. “I was not cut out for the corporate world, and after losing my father I knew I wanted to build a future as opposed to having another job,” says Cormier. After meeting Natalie Tureaud and her husband he knew the partnership would be perfect. “Not only is Natalie an amazing wife and mother but her project management experience has proven invaluable in this process. I am truly honored to have such a great business partner.”

In 2018, Amazing Lash Studio earned the rank of #5 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top New Franchises and #260 on the Inc. 500 in its inaugural year. Amazing Lash Studio provides semi-permanent eyelash extensions at stylish and convenient retail locations offering extended hours and private lash application suites. Amazing Lash Studio has a patented application process that enables a highly trained staff of licensed estheticians and cosmetologists to complete the service in a fraction of the time required at traditional outlets.

Amazing Lash Studio – East Brunswick is located at 300 NJ-18, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, Suite 6, in the Mid-State Mall. The studio is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information please call (732) 515-6270.

PLAINVIEW, NY – PRWEB

GYMGUYZ, the leading mobile personal training concept in the United States, has taken a big step forward in its plans for expansion with the hiring of franchise marketing veteran Dawn Weiss as its new Chief Marketing Officer.

Weiss joins GYMGUYZ with an extensive background in franchise marketing for notable brands in the wellness, retail and beauty space. Beginning her franchise career on Massage Envy’s founding team during its most substantial growth period, she has since become a sought-after expert in her field, building strong, recognizable consumer brands that stand the test of time. Following her time with Massage Envy, Weiss established the marketing strategy for The Joint Chiropractic and most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer of Amazing Lash Studio.

“While there’s surely no lack of fitness concepts, people want convenience and accountability, which GYMGUYZ delivers – in fact, right to one’s door,” said Weiss. “It’s a challenge to find time to dedicate to ourselves. Women are notoriously good at not putting themselves first; professionals are time-starved; seniors with mobility issues are apprehensive about tackling fitness on their own for fear of injury, and those struggling with weight feel more comfortable working out in the privacy of their own home. There are so many opportunities across our consumer base to enrich and improve people’s lives by making fitness more convenient, bringing the trainer, the equipment and the workout to them. We’re changing people’s lives because GYMGUYZ customizes each workout session to meet the individual’s needs, and helps them remain accountable to reaching them. There’s such great potential in this space for our franchise owners, which is why I’m excited to be a part of its growth and global expansion.”

With her proven track record of success in marketing, advertising and public relations for some of the nation’s leading franchise consumer brands, Weiss is poised to make an immediate impact with GYMGUYZ. She plans on leveraging what the brand has already been able to accomplish to craft a strategy that strengthens points of connection in existing markets and fuels growth in new ones. Her passion for providing brands on the rise with what it takes to get to the next level gives GYMGUYZ the opportunity to become the next big name in fitness.

“When you have a franchise system that has grown as quickly as GYMGUYZ has, identifying the areas that are scalable to continue promoting new growth is essential. My first initiative is to strengthen the marketing foundation to make it a bigger part of the GYMGUYZ success story through the expansion of the brand’s online presence, defining our consumer personas, and developing segmented messaging that resonates,” said Weiss.

As GYMGUYZ gears up for its 200th location opening in the United States, the brand will continue to eye national and international expansion as it seeks out territories that continue to show a demand for its at-home fitness services. So far in 2018, the brand has successfully added new locations to Maryland, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky and Florida, with additional territories expected to open before the end of the year. With Weiss leading the messaging, the brand aims to reach these new markets by building and replicating the marketing infrastructure that has driven its most successful territories in the system.

“Assembling a leadership team that has strong knowledge of the challenges and opportunities involved with rapid growth was critical to the long-term success of our brand,” said Josh York, CEO and Founder of GYMGUYZ. “Dawn has a reputation for being able to take growing brands to the next level, and we knew she would bring that same passion and vision to GYMGUYZ. We’re excited to have her onboard as we continue our strong trajectory, bringing new life to our marketing efforts both locally and nationally, to become the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise.”

ROCKY HILL, CT – PRWEB

Wireless Zone®, a Verizon Authorized Retailer providing smartphones and other wireless products, has announced a partnership with Redux, a manufacturer of electronic drying devices, to add wet electronic restoration capability in all Wireless Zone franchise locations. The service will be available in all Wireless Zone® locations starting on September 15th, 2018.

Accidentally dropping a phone or other electronic device in water can damage sensitive electronics and make the item unusable. The Redux machine creates a vacuum chamber which, combined with humidity sensors, effectively removes 100% of moisture.

Wireless Zone® Executive Vice President, Michael Broe, noted, “We continue to expand our offerings beyond phones, to make Wireless Zone® a community resource for advice and guidance on home and personal wireless devices, and with services to protect these devices against damage.” He continued, “Redux solves a common problem among electronic users and can restore a wet unit to a fully functional device quickly and inexpensively.”

Redux machines have an 84% success rate in drying wet electronics that have not been plugged in since submersion. For a small fee or a membership, a wet phone can usually be restored in less than an hour, allowing the user to retain phone services, photos, videos and contacts without damage. Redux machines can also restore a host of other electronics damaged by accidental submersion, including electronic key fobs, hearing aids, Bluetooth devices, gaming controllers, tablets and small laptops.

Redux Director of Business Development, James Shrake, noted that the partnership with Wireless Zone® was mutually beneficial. “With nearly 400 stores across the US, Wireless Zone® provides an opportunity to thousands of customers to choose Redux as their first choice to save, rather than replace, a wet device.”

Customers who are interested in drying wet phones can find the nearest Wireless Zone® location at http://www.wirelesszone.com/store-locator.

GREENSBORO, NC – PRNewswire

FirstLight Home Care, a leading national provider of non-medical home care, announces that Hearthside Home Care is joining the FirstLight family, becoming the first independent home care provider to convert to a FirstLight franchise.

Owners and business partners Tina Glenn and Roget de Percin Berendes have been operating Hearthside Home Care in the Greensboro, North Carolina area for nearly 20 years, but realized the market is evolving and partnering with FirstLight’s national franchise network offers the best opportunity to thrive.

“It’s the fastest way to grow,” said Tina Glenn, president and CEO. “FirstLight leverages their national network and relationships on our behalf, which will really help us stand out among the competition. They also offer national marketing and operational support for franchise owners that will help us strengthen and expand our programs so we can continue to provide the best care for our clients.”

That excellent care and service will continue as they become FirstLight Home Care of Guilford.

“Our values align perfectly, especially FirstLight’s Culture of Care philosophy,” said Roget de Percin Berendes, vice president. “Like us, they truly care about the health and well-being of their clients and are committed to providing first-class personal service. That’s why we chose FirstLight, because of the warmth and sincerity of their culture.”

FirstLight Home Care of Guilford will serve the Greensboro area with non-medical home care, helping individuals with many needs – from personal hygiene and household duties such as cooking, cleaning and running errands to mobility assistance and dementia care.

“We are thrilled to welcome Hearthside Home Care into the FirstLight family,” said Jeff Bevis, CEO and co-founder of FirstLight Home Care. “After meeting Tina and Roget, there was no doubt in my mind they were the perfect fit for our company. Their experience and passion for exceptional caregiving make them ideal FirstLight Home Care owners.”

Bevis says not much will change about the business, other than the company name and other branding updates. It will remain a local company and no caregivers will be displaced. The transition is already underway and is expected to be complete within a few months.

“We’re extremely excited and very motivated about the future,” said Glenn and Berendes. “We’re also paving the way for other independent businesses to join the FirstLight family.”

Visit www.firstlightfranchise.com to learn more about this unique offering for independent home care owners desiring future growth.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO – BUSINESS WIRE    Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB), a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced a change in the Company’s restaurant operations leadership. Guy Constant, who currently serves as the Company’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, will move to the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer for Red Robin upon the hiring of a new chief financial officer and transfer of duties, anticipated in early 2019. The Company has begun an executive search for a new chief financial officer as part of Mr. Constant’s transition to Operations leadership for Red Robin.

Mr. Constant will be replacing Carin Stutz, who served as Red Robin’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since April 2016, and is leaving that role effective immediately. Denny Marie Post, Red Robin’s president and chief executive officer, will serve as interim COO through the remainder of 2018, as Mr. Constant transitions to his new role and while the search for a new CFO is underway.

“As we look ahead to what Red Robin needs in Operations leadership for the next stage of our business, we look forward to leveraging the considerable skills and experience of Guy Constant. He is the perfect person to lead our Operations team forward and to partner with me as we pivot to a new future. He is highly strategic and clearly understands the challenges we face, as well as how to capitalize on our considerable opportunities. Guy’s experience includes serving as international division president for a major casual dining brand, overseeing both franchised and company-owned locations, and he is looking forward to filling the Operations leadership role here at Red Robin,” said Denny Marie Post, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. chief executive officer. “In addition to Company and franchise operations, Guy will continue to lead supply chain, facilities and development after the first of the year.”

“Red Robin is committed to recapturing our momentum and to regaining our operational edge in this increasingly complex and competitive environment,” said Ms. Post. “Fortifying our leadership team will help us address current and future challenges, which is key to a financially sustainable future. We are grateful for the many contributions Carin Stutz made to rebuilding our fundamentals during the past two years and wish her the very best.”

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream today announced a multi-year partnership with Atlanta United to become the Major League Soccer team’s exclusive ice cream partner. The deal – Bruster’s first with a major league sports team – extends through the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

“This first-ever partnership represents a huge leap forward in expanding our brand presence,” said Jim Sahene, Bruster’s CEO. “Soccer is growing rapidly among young American consumers and is on the verge of becoming their favorite sport.”

A variety of promotions will allow Bruster’s to engage with Atlanta United fans online, in-store and in-person at matches, which are played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. “Bruster’s is all about celebrating special moments and creating memories,” Sahene added. “This partnership brings together a favorite Atlanta treat and a growing, family-oriented sport to create great shared experiences.”

Bruster’s premium, freshly made ice cream is already sold in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Sahene said the partnership’s goal is to increase the brands’ regional visibility, as well as sales, in both the stadium and at the chain’s nearly 60 stores in Georgia.

“We could not be happier to partner with Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, a company that shares our passion for creating memorable experiences,” said Tim Zulawski, senior vice president and chief revenue officer of AMB Sports and Entertainment. “Atlanta United is known for its exciting atmosphere inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and we are thrilled to have Bruster’s enhance our matchday experience.”

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features 150 flavors of premium, handcrafted ice cream, yogurt, Italian ice and sorbet. Starting with a proprietary, home-style mix delivered fresh from its dairy, Bruster’s Certified Ice Cream Makers in each shop craft at least 24 flavors every day. There are nearly 200 independently owned locations in 20 states, Guyana and South Korea. Click here for franchise information.

Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and became just the fourth expansion team in league history to qualify for MLS Cup Playoffs. The club set multiple league records including season tickets sales, single-game attendance, single-season average and total home attendance. Owned by Arthur M. Blank, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information visit: www.atlutd.com, and follow @ATLUTD.

IRVING, TX – PRNewswire

7-Eleven® stores are becoming football fan headquarters this fall with everything needed for tailgate and “home-gate” parties … as well as a few surprises. The world’s largest convenience retailer is bringing back stadium-style souvenir cups that can be used for either Slurpee® or Big Gulp® drinks. Helmet straws team up perfectly with the collectible cups.

The party starts as soon as fans enter participating 7-Eleven stores, where augmented reality (AR) puts them on the playing field with football filters, activities, and new surprises through the end of the year. All AR activities can be accessed through the 7-Eleven mobile app, where customers can earn 7Rewards® loyalty program points daily and weekly, depending on the activity. Even football star Dak Prescott shows up.

“No sport is bigger in the U.S. than football,” said Sean Thompson, 7-Eleven, Inc. senior vice president and chief customer officer. “Each week, millions show up at stadiums, friends’ houses or in front of their own televisions to cheer on their favorite teams – and, of course, eat and drink. 7-Eleven has everything needed to enjoy all the big games, from cool souvenir cups to hot pizza and wings. It’s an easy and economical way to host an epic watch party.”

Participating stores in select markets include Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Washington D.C., Buffalo, Chicago, Miami, New England, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Tampa Bay.

Here’s how fans can get in the game:

“Home-Gating” HQ

Big-screen TV, front row seats, instant replay, good friends … and eats and drinks that won’t break the bank. There’s a lot to love about “home-gating” when it comes to watching pro football games.

7-Eleven scores MVP – Most Valuable Products – status with fan favorites such as Big Bite® hot dogs, whole pizza, smoked chicken wings, nachos, chips, beverages and more to enjoy while watching the big game.

7-Eleven stores have everything fans need for the ultimate watch party – plastic ware and paper goods, ice, charcoal, chips and more.

Even better, some 7-Eleven stores have delivery available in more than 30 markets using Postmates to bring all the gameday goodies to the watch party.

Souvenir Quality Cups! Team Helmet Straws!

Game time or anytime, 7-Eleven’s premium, stadium-style cups are a great way to support the home team. Cups feature fan favorite players or generic pro football graphics, and vary by market. Suggested retail price for the heavy-gauge, dishwasher-safe cups is $2.99 each* – that same quality at a fraction of the $6-$10 that stadiums concession stands charge for souvenir cups of similar quality and size. Cups can be used for both Slurpee and Big Gulp drinks.

The 15 participating teams will have seven different cups each, featuring high-resolution photos of top players – a new one each week for seven weeks. Other markets will receive three generic pro football cups over five weeks. The limited-edition cups are available at participating 7-Eleven, Stripes and APlus® stores.

Helmet straws for participating teams** also will be available to purchase with the premium cups at participating stores. As with the collectible cups, all other markets will offer a football helmet straw. Suggested retail price for the collectible straws is $1.99 each*.

Fun For Fans: In-store AR Experience

Playing games and sharing face filters are not only fun, they can earn 7Rewards points redeemable for 7-Eleven products. The AR fan fun will be active throughout the regular season and end Dec. 31. Customers can take an “autographed” selfie with football star Dak Prescott. In Baltimore, Dallas, Denver, Detroit and Washington, some games and filters will be team-specific. All other markets will have football fan filters and football-related games to play.

Here’s how to get in the AR game:

1. Tap: Tap the camera icon on the home screen of the 7-Eleven app to unlock the AR game and face filters. Football-centric AR games earn points daily.
2. Selfie: Take a selfie and share team spirit on social media to earn points weekly.
3. Seek: Scannable codes throughout the store to earn double 7Rewards points on games and selfie experiences for the rest of the day. The fun changes over time so fans are invited to visit often. Once unlocked, an experience can be accessed later, even after leaving the store. Players can earn points as they complete levels of the game.

*Actual price may vary by store.

**Helmet straws not available in Philadelphia market.