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Staybridge Suites, the much-loved extended-stay brand from IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), on February 22 unveils a new design for its future openings at Business Travel Show London 2018.

Building on Staybridge Suites’ brand hallmarks; The Pantry, Evening Socials plus 24-hour fitness and laundry facilities, the stylish new communal spaces will offer even more places to work, meet or relax. The flexible design and communal kitchen layout breaks down the barrier between hotel guests and staff, giving it a more home-like feel, according to IHG.

Room designs are kept neutral allowing guests the opportunity to personalise their space and make it their own, allowing them to feel even more at home when they stay at Staybridge Suites. The new hotel design will enhance the guest experience as well as provide more flexibility.

Mike Greenup, Vice President, Brand Management, Staybridge Suites commented: “Staybridge Suites consistently scores highly in guest reviews but that doesn’t mean we want to rest on our laurels. As business travel needs change, so do our hotels. The new Staybridge Suites design was developed around guest insights, hotel feedback and key trends in hospitality, bringing an even more home-like feel to the brand. We can’t wait for guests to experience the new design at our openings later this year.”

Staybridge Suites is set to double its size in Europe over the next two years, opening 7 new properties and entering new markets such as Poland, The Netherlands and Germany. The upcoming openings will reflect the new design approach across guest rooms and public spaces.

The next opening in Europe for the global long-stay brand will be the 116 room Staybridge Suites Manchester – Oxford Road. Due to open in spring, guests will be welcomed by a bright and contemporary lobby making them feel immediately at home. With free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness room and 24-hour laundry, Evening Socials a few nights a week, breakfast included and a fully equipped kitchen in every suite, this new look Staybridge Suites property is the perfect way to feel at home in Manchester.

Staybridge Suites The Hague – Parliament will open later in 2018 followed by Staybridge Suites Dundee, Staybridge Suites London – Heathrow Bath Road, and Staybridge Suites Warsaw – Ursynow.

In Europe, there are currently 7 open Staybridge Suites hotels. Globally there are 255 open with 160 more in the pipeline.

Staybridge Suites Buyers can find Staybridge Suites at the Business Travel Show, Stand B665 on 21-22 February 2018 at London’s Olympia.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – PRNewswire

For this tax season, Liberty Tax (NASDAQ: TAX), a leading tax preparation franchise, has launched a customer referral incentive program supported by Augmented Reality (AR) and the 18^th president of the United States.

Beginning on Presidents’ Day, AR capabilities incorporated into collateral used by Liberty Tax franchises will animate the likeness of President Ulysses S. Grant, which will deliver a special message promoting the company’s $50 “Send-a-Friend”

While in store, Liberty Tax clients can download a FREE augmented reality app, AppAR8 (Play Store, Apple Store), onto their mobile devices.  The app activates a likeness of President Grant endorsing the $50 incentive for those who refer new customers who have paid tax preparation at Liberty Tax.

“Liberty Tax Service is known for unconventional marketing approaches, from our Miss Liberty costumed roadside ‘wavers’ to this animated U.S. President,” said Martha O’Gorman, CMO. “Whether it’s on our promotional material or an authentic $50 bill, President Grant has a message about the economic benefits of sending a friend to Liberty Tax.”

The app is available for FREE now on both iPhone and Android devices.

The AR incentive component is part of a new brand platform created this tax season that’s designed to resonate with the company’s key audiences. “You Do Life.  We Do Taxes.” appears on in-store collateral at franchises nationwide, as well as on digital channels, social media networks and in local radio and television ads.

LANCASTER, PA – PRNewswire

Auntie Anne’s^®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, turns 30 this year and is calling on the pretzel-loving public to help ring in this delicious milestone. From now through March 2, fans can rejoice in three decades of pretzel love by RSVP’ing ‘yes’ to Auntie Anne’s 30^th birthday bash at HBDAuntieAnnes.com. One million RSVPs will unlock a Free Pretzel Party on March 3.

“Thirty years is a big milestone and there is no one we would rather celebrate it with than the pretzel lovers around the world,” said Heather Neary, President of Auntie Anne’s. “We’ve celebrated a lot of good times together over the last 30 years and we are very excited to embark upon our next 30 years and beyond.”

To RSVP to the saltiest, sweetest and most twisted party of the year, pretzel devotees are encouraged to visit HBDAuntieAnnes.com. A live tracker will tally RSVPs until the one million goal is met. If unlocked, the Free Pretzel Party will take place at Auntie Anne’s locations nationwide on March 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All guests will receive one free Original or Cinnamon Sugar pretzel, no strings attached.

In an effort to keep the party going, Auntie Anne’s will also give Free Pretzel Party participants a Buy One Get One (BOGO) coupon that is valid through March 31, while supplies last.

To stay up-to-date on the march to one million RSVPs, fans are encouraged to follow the brand on Twitter @AuntieAnnes, on Instagram @AuntieAnnesPretzels, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuntieAnnesPretzels. The birthday love will be shared all year with hashtag #HBDAuntieAnnes.

For the latest information about Auntie Anne’s products and company news, please visit AuntieAnnes.com. To get exclusive offers and information before anyone else, download the Auntie Anne’s My Pretzel Perks app.

GEORGETOWN, TX

Sport Clips Haircuts, the nation’s leading men’s and boys’ hair care provider, has promoted the head of its real estate department, Greg Smith, to the newly created role of chief development officer to combine the strength of its site selection and franchise development work. To further support the move, Jessica Zavala Rossy will become the new director of real estate, and Dave Wells will work with the team as senior director of franchising.

“The two disciplines of real estate site selection and franchise development go hand-in-hand. Greg has been one our strongest assets in this critical area for Sport Clips franchisees. Jessica and Dave both have proven backgrounds in their fields, and they have a solid support staff to make this a smart organizational shift for our current franchisees and those who may be considering Sport Clips as a future business investment,” says Sport Clips Founder and CEO Gordon Logan. “No matter the real estate market, Sport Clips has long been a business real estate developers seek out, which is one of the reasons Sport Clips is such an attractive option for anyone looking to invest in a franchise.”

Smith headed the company’s real estate team for more than a decade and has been in the industry 17 years, and he has been recognized as one of the “Top 10 Real Estate Executives Under 40” by Chain Store Magazine. Zavala Rossy has 15 years of real estate experience, and the past five years of Wells’ 15 years in franchise development experience has been with Sport Clips.

Smith says, “This reorganization speaks to Sport Clips’ commitment to franchisee success through maximizing brand strength and recognition. By aligning franchise development and real estate opportunities, a market’s untapped potential for growth can be better realized.”

Based on demand, the newly formed team is looking at the company’s mature markets for additional growth and recently reopened several markets in California, Florida, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin. They expect to soon open more markets in Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi. For more information about Sport Clips Haircuts as a franchise investment opportunity, visit SportClipsFranchise.com.

WASHINGTON, DC – PRNewswire

The International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Foundation announced today the grand prize winners of its 2018 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, sponsored by the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and Subway International, which was held at IFA’s 58th Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ. The four millennial entrepreneurs — who hailed from the United States and Kenya — were selected from a group of 19 winners of the Global Competition, a worldwide program that engages millennial entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses through the franchise business model, and the only business incubator in the world focused on franchising.

Shark Tank star Daymond John led a panel of judges for the final round of the Global Competition on Tuesday, Feb. 13, when each participant pitched their business concept to John and a panel of industry experts, as part of a convention with nearly 4,000 attendees, for the chance to win an investment of $5,000 – $10,000 to help grow their business. In addition to John, judges included Tariq Farid, CFE, founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, and David Mortensen, CFE, founder and CEO of Anytime Fitness.

“I have spoken with a lot of young entrepreneurs over the years, but I am blown away by the drive and business prowess of this year’s NextGen in Franchising Global Competition winners,” said John, founder and chief executive officer of FUBU, presidential ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and chief executive officer of The Shark Group. “In fact, they remind me of myself in the early days of FUBU, when the only way to get to the next level was to truly hustle. Their commitment to growing their business is exactly what it takes to survive in today’s competitive environment and I applaud them for their accomplishments so far. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here.”

This year, Landon and Kat Eckles, founders of Clean Juice Franchising, LLC, took home first place, which included a $10,000 cash prize. Devan Kline, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp, and Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology, each received $5,000. The judges also awarded a $5,000 prize to Stella Sigana, founder of Alternative Waste Technologies, a social enterprise franchise.

“We are so thrilled to have been a part of the NextGen competition this year,” said Kat Eckles. “Meeting other young entrepreneurs, spending time learning from seasoned industry executives, and getting the opportunity to do some intense problem solving were all invaluable experiences that will remain with us long after our weekend at the IFA’s Annual Convention. More importantly, Landon and I were inspired and blown away by the kindness and intentional way in which the NextGen leaders counseled and poured into us finalists. We gained new role models, new friends, new perspectives and feel so beyond grateful for the opportunity. We hope to make NextGen proud and continue to grow Clean Juice to a strong national brand!”

Since the program’s inception in 2015, nearly 2,000 millennial entrepreneurs from more than 75 countries have applied. Many NextGen winners have been featured in top business publications such as The New York Times, Inc., and Fast Company, among others.

“This year was the most competitive yet, with nearly 900 applicants from around the world vying for 20 spots in the NextGen in Franchising Summit — a testament to our 2018 winners’ entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business acumen, and potential for success,” said David McKinnon, CFE, Foundation vice chair and chairman of the NextGen in Franchising Committee. “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to host these impressive young entrepreneurs at the IFA’s Annual Convention and further expose them to the immense opportunity franchising provides. We have no doubt that their futures are bright, and look forward to providing them with unwavering support as they continue to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”

The 2018 NextGen in Franchising Winners competing in the final round were:

Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology (United States). As a donut lover and savvy entrepreneur, Cameron discovered that purchasing donuts isn’t an interactive experience. He realized the product is often boring and cookie cutter — a one-size-fits-all mentality. The ingredients typically aren’t premium and not yielding a quality product. Like pizza, coffee drinks, and ice cream, Cameron believed that donuts deserved the opportunity to be customized and imagined by the customer. With six previous donut shops under his belt, Cameron founded Donutology in 2016 with the concept of made-to-order mini donuts alongside popular Classic donuts and developed a suite of donut-themed treats to give Donutology a unique twist.
Landon and Kat Eckles, founders of Clean Juice Franchising, LLC (United States). Husband-and-wife team Landon and Kat Eckles recognized the growing trend where people are now investing in their health, often spending more money on food than clothing. The entrepreneurs founded Clean Juice, the only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, with the mission of inspiring others to be healthy in body and strong in spirit. Products include acai bowls, juices, juice cleanses, smoothies, oat bowls, custom toast products, and other healthy snacks. Clean Juice now has 27 open locations, with another 75 in development, and an average unit volume of $1 million (per Franchise Disclosure Document, Item 19, 2017). By 2021, Clean Juice Franchising expects to have 500 stores nationwide.
Devan Kline, founder and CEO of Burn Boot Camp (United States). Kline was brought up in a low-income neighborhood of Battle Creek, Michigan. His mother and father were both victims of each other’s domestic violence, which often would trickle down to Kline and his siblings. Throughout his career with the San Francisco Giants and at Central Michigan University, Kline developed this passion for fitness. Since opening the first Burn Boot Camp franchise in 2015, Kline and his wife, Morgan, have grown the brand to over 120 locations, with a projected 169 to open this year and a goal of awarding 1,000 worldwide in the first six years. In 2018, Burn Boot Camp’s revenue is projected to reach $80 million in just its fourth year of franchising.
Stella Sigana, founder of Alternative Waste Technologies (Kenya). Founded in 2015, Alternative Waste Technologies (AWT) is a mission driven social enterprise focused on tackling energy poverty by producing clean fuel for cooking while significantly improving the air quality in homes. Seventy percent of Kenya’s population relies on charcoal as their main source of energy, yet 20,000 people — mostly women and children — die each year because of indoor air pollution. AWT produces fuel briquettes through conversion of organic agricultural and charcoal waste from slum settlements. The briquettes have zero smoke, no odor, and provide an efficient source of fuel. To date, AWT has recycled over 150 tons of waste into fuel briquettes for cooking and empowered 80 out-of-school youth and women entrepreneurs in slum settlements to build businesses by selling briquettes directly to communities.
The additional 2018 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition winners include: Bazil Mwotta Biddemu, AgroDuuka (Uganda); Danny Park, RoboThink, LLC (United States); Dillon Orr, Johnny On The Spot Mobile Wash (United States); Ernie Beltz, Jr., Little Land Play Gym & Pediatric Therapy (United States); Gerardo Escudero Samara, Chillout Lounge (Nicaragua), Edwin Inganji (Kenya), Usalama Tech Group Limited (Kenya); Jeremy Dyer, Total Fitouts (Australia); Jerod Evanich, A Place At Home (United States); Ma Jonalyn Sison, Skinpotions Inc (Philippines); Marko Kasic, FundLife International / Football for Life Academy (Philippines); Matej Varhalik, SpeedFit (Australia); Milan Szabo, Anjuna Ice Pops (Hungary); Robert Bruski, Ctrl V (Canada); and Wyatt and Aiden Booth, Hopscotch (Canada). Aaron Smith, founder and CEO of KX Pilates, also was recognized at the Annual Convention as the Franchise Council of Australia’s 2018 NextGen competition winner.

NextGen winners received a spot at the NextGen in Franchising Summit, a two-day educational and networking program for next generation entrepreneurs at the IFA Annual Convention, an accelerator program with industry leaders and CEOs; an opportunity to participate in the final round of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition for a chance to win a monetary investment to help grow their businesses; and opportunities to network with leading franchisors, franchisees and suppliers and with other young entrepreneurs. Winners of the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition also had the opportunity to learn within The Shark Group’s entrepreneurial training program called “InnerVation Lab,” which is led by a world-class expert in entrepreneurship.

The NextGen in Franchising program is made possible due to the generosity of its donors and sponsors, which include David McKinnon, the founding sponsor; the Stewart & Jane Bainum Fund; Lawrence “Doc” Cohen, Doc & Associates; Stephen P. Joyce Fund; Choice Hotels Foundation; J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation; Tariq Farid, Edible Arrangements; Charlie Chase, FirstService Brands; Aziz Hashim, NRD Holdings; Joe Bourdow, Valpak; the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation/Subway; Tony Valle, ELM Perform; Dave Mortensen, Anytime Fitness; and Melanie Bergeron, Two Men & A Truck Intl.

For more information about the NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, please contact Ashley Davidson at adavidson@fish-consulting.com or +1 305-298-8022.

DALLAS, TX – PRNewswire

According to U.S. News, about 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. But that’s not the case for Gold’s Gym Franchising LLC, where business is stronger than ever. The world’s most iconic fitness chain will flex its muscle even more in 2018, with plans to expand beyond its 700+ locations in 28 countries around the world.

“The demand for Gold’s Gym is dominating new domestic and international markets and the results speak volumes not only for our franchise owners and master developers but also for our 3 million members living stronger and healthier lives,” said Craig Sherwood, Senior Vice President of Franchise and Licensing for Gold’s Gym.

Capping off a strong year of franchise development in 2017, Gold’s Gym celebrated 49 new gym openings, including the two largest Gold’s Gym locations ever built. Amman, Jordan, and Alexandria, Egypt, each opened new facilities with more than 150,000 square feet. Among other highlights:

• International growth included 15 new gyms in India, seven new gyms in Japan, and rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia where Gold’s Gym will more than double in size to 21 gyms this year.
• Gold’s Gym Egypt celebrated its 20th anniversary.
• A new agreement was awarded for Iraq.

“Our global footprint is in the best shape financially and physically to make 2018 our strongest year to-date,” said Ken Phipps, Director of Global Franchising Development for Gold’s Gym.

Gold’s Gym plans to expand in Europe, China and Qatar as domestic franchise development also targets another 25 gyms in the U.S. across hot markets including Tampa; Orlando; Minneapolis; San Jose, Calif.; Atlanta and the New York metro area.

Meanwhile, consumer demand continues to escalate. According to a recent survey, Americans now spend more on fitness in their lifetime than they do on college tuition. In a search to fit physical and mental well-being into busy lifestyles, men and women invest an average of $155 per month on gym memberships, personal trainers, meal supplements and workout gear.

“Today’s Gold’s Gym prototype addresses all of those wants and needs,” said Phipps. “We are the brand that invented the fitness craze more than 50 years ago, and now we are redefining it with the new Gold’s Gym experience. Our members choose from personal training, group exercise classes, GOLD’S STUDIO®, and our GOLD’S AMP™ app that also puts a digital personal trainer in their pocket. Combine that with the latest cardio equipment, free weights, spin studios and more, and there is something for everyone, whether they like to work out alone or tackle fitness goals with a group.”

Those features have helped Gold’s Gym achieve a 20.73% EBITDA for the domestic investor, attracting a crowd of franchisees seeking a healthy business and healthy profits with a dominant global brand.

“We are living that reality alongside our franchise partners,” Sherwood added. “With more than 145 corporate-owned Gold’s Gym locations, we prove the business every day and support the business model that our franchisees also follow. That builds a level of experience and trust that will continue to move our business forward in a leadership position.”

For more details about the franchise opportunity, visit https://franchising.goldsgym.com/.

SAN JOSE, CA – PRNewswire

Togo’s Great Sandwiches (www.togos.com) the “California Original” known for its big, fresh, and meaty sandwiches, continues to offer exciting menu items with a relentless focus on premium taste and quality.  Now featuring 20% more zesty lemon pepper tuna, Togo’s seasonal favorite is a welcome flavor for spring.  For an even more delicious deal, participating Togo’s locations are offering a regular Lemon Pepper Tuna Sandwich and 20 oz. fountain drink for just $6.50 on Fridays through March 23rd.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) will report first quarter fiscal 2018 operating results after market close on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, and the company will host a conference call to review the results on Thursday, February 22, 2018, beginning at 8:30 a.m. PT. The call will be webcast live over the Internet.

To access the live call through the Internet, log onto the Jack in the Box Inc. investors page at http://investors.jackinthebox.com at least 15 minutes prior to the call in order to download and install any necessary audio software. A playback of the call will be available through the conference-call link on the Jack in the Box Inc. investors page beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. PT on February 22, 2018.

BERWYN, PA – PRNewswire 

Over the past three years, JDog Junk Removal, a national franchise organization dedicated to providing business ownership opportunities to veterans, has awarded more than 400 franchise territories across 36 states and has created over 1,000 veteran job opportunities. To celebrate its momentous growth and to further inspire ongoing success amongst its veteran network, JDog Junk Removal has announced its First Annual Convention, JCON, to be held March 8-10, 2018 in Malvern, PA.

“JCON, JDog Junk Removal’s First Annual Convention, honors the passion and camaraderie of our franchise owners,” said Jerry Flanagan, Founder and CEO of JDog. “Through their commitment, we are empowering veterans and making lasting changes in their lives and in the communities they serve. We plan to celebrate our growth and prepare for how we continue to advance our mission.”

JCON will consist of inspirational veteran keynote speakers, including Justin Constantine, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Marine Corps and Ralph Galati, a retired Vietnam Air Force Officer and former POW. The Convention will also offer attendees preferred vendor networking opportunities, achievement awards and exciting giveaways provided by sponsors T. P. Trailers & Truck Equipment, FocusFullfillment and Wisdom Insurance.

In 2017, JDog Junk Removal launched in fifteen new cities, including; Annapolis, MD; Augusta, GA; Buffalo, NY; Columbus, GA; Detroit, MI; Gainesville, FL; Houston, TX; Indianapolis, IN; Jacksonville, FL; Little Rock, AK; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA – propelling the total number of active franchises 120. In the coming year, JDog Junk Removal projects to open 75 new franchises, with growth fueled by motivated veteran entrepreneurs set to bring services to new metro areas including, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Denver, San Francisco, as well as cities in North Carolina, South Carolina and Northern California.

ATLANTA, GA – PRNewswire

Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading omni channel provider of lease-purchase solutions, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase program authorizing management to repurchase up to $500 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In light of the new repurchase program, the Company has discontinued its previous share repurchase program.

“In 2017, we generated record sales and earnings and strengthened our balance sheet by reducing our debt $135 million. We also increased our dividend for the 15th consecutive year and repurchased nearly two million shares of stock. The decision to authorize the new repurchase program is part of our capital allocation strategy, which reflects our expectation for strong cash flow generation over the next few years,” said John Robinson, Chief Executive Officer.

Under the Company’s new repurchase program, the Company may repurchase shares from time to time on the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. Repurchases of shares may be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit repurchases when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws. The extent to which the Company repurchases its shares and the timing of such purchases will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations, as determined by the Company’s management. The Company is not obligated to acquire any particular number of shares and the program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.