In February of this year, Brian Martin was one of the first franchise owners of a completely green, completely natural pest control company, Mosquito Sheriff. Martin was no stranger to the entrepreneurial world and had been operating a Patrice & Associates hospitality staffing franchise since 2017. This was a completely different franchise opportunity than what he was used to, and that interested him. By Elice Morgenson
Even in the face of the pandemic and semiconductor chip shortages, Mr. Transmission/Milex maintains its title as one of the largest automotive aftermarket franchisors in the nation. By Brianna Bohn
Regymen Fitness, a science-based boutique fitness franchise, is growing by leaps and bounds, expanding into six additional Canadian locations and two additional Louisiana locations by the end of the first quarter of next year. By Elice Morgenson
While over 20 years of management experience, including working in the restaurant industry as a teenager and owning a full-service 150-seat restaurant, has helped Geoff Garrity grow his Sarasota, Florida, Island Fin Poké location, there is one significant element that has acted as a driving force behind all his decisions: passion. By Brianna Bohn
The first company to endorse a Historically Black College & University team in the NIL era.
WASHINGTON — College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving®, a national industry leader in moving and junk-removal, recently signed a historic endorsement deal with the Howard University Men’s Basketball players. This deal marks the first full-team endorsement of a Historically Black College & University, and the sponsorship covers the entire roster for the 2021-2022 season. College HUNKS celebrated the moment with the Howard basketball players at a signing event at the original HUNKS headquarters in Rockville, MD.
“One of our Core Values is Building Leaders, so we are proud to support college athletes as they set the path for their future endeavors,” said Nick Friedman, Co-Founder of College HUNKS. “This partnership holds even more significance since Washington, D.C. is where Omar and I were born and raised and where College HUNKS originated as a business. Our sponsorship of the Howard University Men’s Basketball players also ushers in a new era for NIL in the Washington D.C. metro area and, more importantly, for HBCU athletes nationwide.”
“College HUNKS is an iconic brand, and Howard University is an iconic institution, so it makes sense to align our mutual passions for building leaders,” said Tai Bibbs, Men’s Basketball Team Captain at Howard University. “My teammates and I are looking forward to partnering with College HUNKS to promote their amazing employment opportunities for frontline staff, their moving and hauling services for clients, as well as their franchise opportunities for aspiring business owners.”
Since the NCAA passed a new policy that opened up sponsorship opportunities for college athletes, College HUNKS has shown its support across the country. The company launched into these efforts by being the first to sign a collegiate athlete when they teamed up with University of Miami Quarterback D’Eriq King. The brand also signed the University of Central Florida Women’s Basketball players, the first female team to receive a NIL deal. And most recently signed a deal with the San Diego State football team and are exploring other sponsorship opportunities in key markets. College HUNKS partnered with NOCAP Sports, which specializes in connecting brands with college athletes, to sponsor the Howard Basketball team, in which NOCAP coordinated with player Khalil Robinson and team captains Tai Bibbs, Steve Settle III and Randall Brumant.
“Our business started as an underdog with a beat-up cargo van in college, so aligning with student-athletes that historically have not received large media attention is important to our brand purpose. College HUNKS has a diverse team, and we strive to brighten the spotlight within and outside of our brand to build leaders and make a positive impact,” continued Friedman. “By sponsoring the Howard University players and being the first to partner with an HBCU basketball team, we hope to inspire and help people across the country learn about the amazing employment opportunities with our company as well as opportunities for financial freedom through franchise ownership.”
Howard University holds a distinctive significance to College HUNKS Co-Founders Nick Friedman and Omar Soliman. The duo grew up in Washington D.C. and attended Howard University homecoming events during their youth. Friedman also played on the Howard University intramural club basketball team and won the national championship with the team in 2007.
“Community engagement is at our core, and when we are able to partner – whether that be through college athlete endorsements or the numerous social causes that our franchise partners pursue throughout the year – we can further live our values and company purpose that help distinguish our brand,” added Friedman.
College HUNKS has several franchise locations in the greater D.C. Metropolitan area, including Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Annapolis, Bel Air, Frederick, Upper Marlboro, and Washington, DC.
For more information, visit www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
About College HUNKS Hauling Junk and Moving
College HUNKS Hauling Junk & Moving® was originally founded by two college buddies with a beat-up cargo van and now has over 170 franchises providing full-service tech-enabled residential and commercial moving, junk removal, donation pickups, and labor services in the United States as well as Canada. H.U.N.K.S., which stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service, is a socially conscious, values-based organization and has a national partnership with U.S. Hunger, which strives to end childhood hunger. For every service the HUNKS complete, two nutritious meals are donated to a family or child in need. Within three years of this partnership, donations have exceeded two million meals. Today, the company strives to become recognized as an iconic brand, renowned for its world-class company culture and service, while also providing a viable employment and franchise opportunity to pursue personal and professional fulfillment. https://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com.
Fast-Craft Restaurant Concept Set to Have 50 Locations Open by the End of 2022.
EASTON, Pa. — Chick’nCone – the fast-craft restaurant concept famous for serving crispy, hand-cut chicken tenders in a freshly made waffle cone – is looking to capitalize on the growth it experienced throughout the course of the pandemic as it expands into new markets throughout the country. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the brand has grown from four open locations to 24. It now believes that the timing is ripe to start actively looking for experienced entrepreneurs to join its family-driven brand and show the world what makes Chick’nCone #socluckingood.
Chick’nCone’s success can be attributed to its unique menu offerings and the simplicity of its franchise-ready business model. The brand has been able to create an entirely new category of menu items, transforming the familiar comfort food of chicken and waffles into its photo-worthy and on-the-go staple. Since its founding in 2014, the brand has been praised for its natural ability to be showcased on social media. Its concise, yet scalable menu, does not necessitate the need for large retail space, allowing for creative opportunities to grow and innovate into the future.
“We truly believe that what we have created here is something exceptional,” said Co-Founder and CEO of Chick’nCone, Jonathan Almanzar. “The pandemic has definitely thrown some hurdles our way, from nearly halting all of our production and development, to a nationwide chicken supply shortage. But through it all, our team has persevered and established the foundation of a buzzworthy brand. I’m excited and eagerly awaiting what the future has in store for us and our entire Chick’nCone family.”
Almanzar, a man coming from humble beginnings in the small-town communities of Crowley County Colorado, imagined his idea for the Chick’nCone brand based on a small restaurant concept next to his grandmother’s home growing up. The restaurant, called Chicken and Cone, specialized in pasta dishes and ice cream. With the help of his hometown friend and now COO of Chick’nCone, Aaron Havens, the duo discussed creating a restaurant concept of their own, based on a revolutionary central idea, fried chicken in a waffle cone. The rest was history.
Today, Chick’nCone has 24 locations open and operating throughout the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, with plans to have 50 locations open by the end of 2022. The brand’s blooming success can be attributed to its concise menu, small commercial footprint, and the fact that it is pioneering a category of food that has never been seen before.
Chickn’Cone is now searching for experienced franchisees, looking to become multi-unit operators, who align with the family-focused culture of the brand. With a franchise fee of $45,000, the estimated initial investment to open a Chick’nCone franchise is $141,000 – $181,000. For more information on Chick’nCone, or if interested in a franchising opportunity, please visit https://chickncone.com/.
About Chick’nCone
Founded in 2014, the Chick’nCone brand prides itself as a fast-craft pioneer, serving crispy, hand-cut chicken tenders in freshly made waffle cones. The brand has introduced an entirely new category of menu items and is revolutionizing traditional comfort food into a quick and mobile manner. Chick’nCone currently has 24 locations open throughout the United States, Canada and United Arab Emirates, with 58 locations in various stages of development. For more information, please visit https://chickncone.com/franchising/.
Leading Home Maintenance, Repair, and Improvement Franchise Will Give Away Premium Power Tools to Two Lucky Winners Each Day from December 10-14.
WACO, Texas — Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly® company and the nation’s leading home maintenance, repair, and improvement franchise, is giving away Milwaukee® power tools to 10 random winners this holiday season for its second annual Ultimate Holiday Tool Giveaway. Power tools are essential resources for home improvement projects, and Mr. Handyman® is here to help cross some items off holiday wish lists this year.
To enter the Ultimate Holiday Tool Giveaway, participants can visit Mr. Handyman’s official entry page on Facebook and submit their names into the drawing as early as Monday, November 15, 2021. Starting Friday, December 10, 2021 through Tuesday, December 14, 2021, winners will be chosen twice a day for five days. Void where prohibited by law. Rules and limitations apply.
Whether home improvement enthusiasts choose to keep the power tool for themselves or gift it, there is an opportunity to win a cordless drill, multi-tool, random orbit sander, impact driver, reciprocating saw, jigsaw, angle grinder, circular saw, air compressor or table saw.
“We work hard year-round to bring joy and comfort to homeowners through our assistance with home improvement projects,” said J.B. Sassano, President of Mr. Handyman®. “Power tools play a vital role in that, so we’re proud to be a part of a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season with these top-of-the-line power tools prizes.”
To learn more about the Ultimate Holiday Tool Giveaway, please visit the Mr. Handyman’s blog and Facebook page.
If you don’t have the time to complete a home project on your list and want Mr. Handyman’s help, contact your nearest Mr. Handyman® location. For additional home improvement inspiration for the holidays, visit Mr. Handyman’s website.
About Mr. Handyman®
Mr. Handyman® is North America’s leading commercial and residential property maintenance, repair and improvement company. With about 300 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Handyman® is recognized as one of the fastest growing, handyman service franchise systems. Acquired in 2015, Mr. Handyman® is part of Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services franchisor of 29 brands and nearly 5,000 franchises collectively serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses, united under one platform serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries. Neighborly® brands are found at Neighborly.com or on the Neighborly App. For more information about Mr. Handyman®, visit MrHandyman.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly®, click here.
An Industry First, Dispensary Franchise Demonstrates a Model Brand Utilizing the Franchise Business Model for National Growth and Success.
PHOENIX — Unity Rd., the cannabis dispensary franchise from Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB), continues to set the pace for growth and success in becoming the first brand of its kind to be named an International Franchise Association (IFA) member. Further solidifying its position as an industry trailblazer, Unity Rd. has broken barriers as the first national cannabis dispensary franchise model in the United States in response to increased demand from consumers and entrepreneurs alike.
The world’s largest membership organization for franchises and franchise suppliers, the IFA is a prominent organization for industry-leaders, education, networking and growth opportunities. For more than 60 years, the IFA has represented excellence in franchising education, advocacy and advancement through the collective power of their membership. With more than 1,000 franchise brands across 300 industries, Unity Rd. is currently the sole franchise model to represent the plant-touching cannabis space.
“It’s an honor to be the first cannabis dispensary franchise to become members of the IFA,” shared Mike Weinberger, chief franchise officer at Unity Rd. “The franchise business model is proven to help current and future entrepreneurs succeed across a wide variety of sectors, but the cannabis industry has yet to tap into franchising. This is a high recognition in the franchising world, and we are confident it will be a mutually beneficial relationship as Unity Rd. continues to be a brand of ‘firsts’ and make our franchise opportunity more accessible nationwide.”
Unity Rd. is primed for aggressive growth as states continue to legalize cannabis use for adults. Currently, the franchise has nearly 20 entrepreneurial groups developing the brand across the nation. Even with the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the demand for cannabis products surged to unparalleled levels and many states experienced record sales throughout the year. By the end of 2021, adult-use and medical cannabis sales in the U.S. are expected to reach upwards of $26.4 billion.
Unity Rd.’s proven performance coupled with high-tier franchise support has resulted in eager and sophisticated entrepreneurs and multi-unit operators flocking to the franchise opportunity. The brand is actively seeking qualified franchise partners in target development markets including Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Oklahoma and the Northeastern United States.
Learn more about Unity Rd. franchise opportunities,
contact franchise@unityrd.com or 720-923-5262, or visit unityrd.com.
A Support System Backed by Industry Veterans and a Reliable Supply Chain
Despite the complexities of the cannabis industry, Unity Rd. has developed a streamlined approach and offers the safest route for entrepreneurs looking to stake their claim in this fast-growing industry. The Unity Rd. team boasts more than 200 years of combined legal cannabis and franchising experience, and provides guidance every step of the way – from securing a dispensary license to managing cash flow and product selection. The veteran team shares their knowledge and trusted resources, as well as provides the ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary.
In addition to offering the franchise opportunity to entrepreneurs who may be new to the industry, Unity Rd. also partners with existing dispensary owners via its Local Alliance Program, providing access to the buying power, resources and supportive network normally reserved for multi-unit operators.
Unity Rd. franchise partners receive even more resources and supply chain connections as the brand was acquired by Item 9 Labs Corp.—a publicly-traded, award-winning cannabis operator—in March 2021. The combination of the Unity Rd. cannabis retail franchise and premium Item 9 Labs products makes Item 9 Labs Corp. one of the first vertically integrated cannabis franchise companies in the nation. As Unity Rd. grows its franchise network, Item 9 Labs plans to develop or partner with cultivation facilities in states where Unity Rd. franchise partners open cannabis retail shops. This move will give Unity Rd. operators front-of-the-line access to a reliable product supply chain.
ABOUT UNITY RD.:
Unity Rd. is bridging the two previously disconnected worlds of cannabis and franchising. The industry trailblazer is the first to bring the cannabis dispensary franchise model to the United States—with duality of prowess in both industries to back it up. Built up from a collective 200 years in the legal cannabis industry and franchising, the company helps eager operators enter the complex industry with ease. The marijuana franchise pioneer offers its partners the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Launched in 2018, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with nearly 20 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Recently, it was named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily magazine and one of the “Best Cannabis Companies to Work For” in both the dispensary and cultivation categories in Cannabis Business Times’ elite 2020 list. The company is also the first cannabis business to earn a Franchise Times Dealmakers award. For more information, visit unityrd.com.
Popular Family-Dining Restaurant Appoints Chief Development Officer to Spearhead Additional Growth.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — East Coast Wings + Grill, a full-service, family-dining restaurant franchise, announced it has a new franchise partner who has signed a franchise agreement for Florence, South Carolina – the first of many deals to come as the regional brand expands throughout the Southeast.
The single-unit deal is with franchise partners Deep and Charmi Patel. The experienced owners are a part of successful businesses throughout Florence, which include convenient stores and a QSR restaurant location.
The South Carolina franchise agreement follows the brand’s recent investments and focus on franchise sales and expansion strategy, which included a refreshed website and several measures to reduce overhead and further strengthen unit economics.
“We had a vision last year to reengineer the website and restructure our franchise sales strategies for the next five years to better attract and serve entrepreneurs in restaurant category,” said Sam Ballas, CEO of ECW+G. “Part of the adjusted strategy involved putting the right people in the right seats at the company,” Ballas said, alluding to moving former Executive VP of Operations Mark Lyso to the role of Chief Development Officer.
Lyso, a 23-year franchise veteran, will lead franchise development strategy and build a franchise sales team to catapult the brand’s growth nationwide. Before joining ECW+G in 2017 in an operations role, Lyso spearheaded growth in franchise development roles for brands including Sizzler and Pizza Rev.
“Over the next three years, Mark (Lyso) will be expanding his development department with individuals who understand that strong unit-level economics is the foundation on which ECW+G is built,” Ballas noted.
East Coast Wings + Grill continues to remain at 46 percent side-door/carryout sales and experience a steady flow of 54 percent dine-in revenue. They are up 26 percent higher than pre-pandemic sales.
“The unwavering strength of our existing operators speaks volumes to the refined and reduced labor business model,” Lyso said. “We’ll be able to strategically place our streamlined operations into regional markets with the right franchise partners who understand you need a forward-thinking solution to generate and sustain profits in the changing restaurant landscape.”
To learn more about East Coast Wings + Grill and its franchise opportunity, please visit www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
About East Coast Wings + Grill
East Coast Wings + Grill is a full-service, family-dining franchise that spotlights buffalo wings. The thoughtfully-crafted menu also offers a variety of other options to satisfy every family member’s taste buds. With more than 60-nationwide locations currently operating or in various stages of development, the franchise recently secured a top spot on Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Future 50” list of fastest-growing, U.S. mid-sized restaurant chains for the second-consecutive year. Entrepreneur magazine also named East Coast Wings + Grill one of the nation’s top franchise investments, and Franchise Times magazine ranked the company No. 383 on its “Top 200+” list of top revenue-producing U.S. franchises. The concept has also been recognized by The Franchise Grade and Franchise Business Review for transparency during the franchise sales process, franchisee support and overall franchisee satisfaction. For more information about East Coast Wings + Grill or its franchise opportunities, visit www.eastcoastwings.com or www.eastcoastwingsfranchise.com.
The Nation’s Leading Residential Cleaning Company Is Getting Festive by Offering the Chance to Win a $500 Gift Certificate.
WACO, Texas — This holiday season, Molly Maid, a Neighborly company and the nation’s leading residential cleaning franchise, announced their Holiday Clean Home Giveaway sweepstakes. For the seventh year, the franchise is giving homeowners the chance to lighten their workload at home by offering participants across the nation an opportunity to win a free home cleaning through the Holiday Clean Home Giveaway sweepstakes.
Molly Maid will award five winners with $500 gift certificates, which they can use during the holidays or save for later. Participants can visit https://neighborly-brands.app.do/holiday-clean-home-giveaway-2021 to enter. The contest is open now through December 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
“It’s the holiday season and what better way to celebrate than with the Holiday Clean Home Giveaway sweepstakes. As we know, this is one of the busiest times of the year for homeowners, so we’re thrilled to bring back this sweepstake and give the gift of cleaning to hopefully relieve excess stress for a few during the holidays,” said Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid.
To offer someone you know a little break this holiday season and a clean home, Molly Maid gift certificates are available at https://www.mollymaid.com/gift-certificates/. For the complete contest rules for the Holiday Clean Home Giveaway, head to https://www.mollymaid.com/holiday-clean-home-giveaway-rules2/.
About Molly Maid®
Molly Maid® is a residential cleaning franchise with more than 500 franchise locations that collectively perform more than 1.7 million U.S. home cleanings annually. Franchising since 1984, and acquired in 2015, Molly Maid® is part of Neighborly®, the world’s largest home services franchisor of 29 brands and nearly 5,000 franchises collectively serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries, focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing homes and businesses, united under one platform serving 10 million+ customers in nine countries. Neighborly® brands are found at Neighborly.com and on the new Neighborly App. Molly Maid® established the Ms. Molly Foundation in 1996 to raise awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. For more information about Molly Maid®, visit MollyMaid.com. To learn about franchising opportunities with Neighborly®, click here.