best franchises to own

Cheyenne, WY  –  RestaurantNews.com –   When you’re hot, you’re hot!

Taco John’s the iconic Mexican quick-service brand, known around the country for trademarking Taco Tuesday^®, is heating up expansion in 2018 after a record-breaking year in franchise commitments.

With 116  new commitments last year, Taco John’s more than doubled commitments from 2016. The almost 50-year-old brand opened 10 new locations in 2017 including a mall unit,  freestanding locations, and convenience store co-developments.   In addition, Taco John’s opened its first airport location at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“We’re so proud of our incredible, dedicated franchisees who bring such passion to our brand and the communities they serve,” said Jim Creel, Chief Executive Officer of Taco John’s International, Inc..  “Our reputation for quality and success has allowed us to attract talented operators and crank up expansion of our brand nationwide.”

As expansion accelerates, Taco John’s is adding new talent to support this vigorous growth. The brand is increasing support staff in areas such as marketing, training and operations to meet the development surge.

“We take a holistic approach to growth that includes every member of our support team in every department,” said Creel. “We are all committed to the achievement of our current franchisees  and ensuring new franchisees have the opportunity open successful locations.”

With its fusion of distinctive flavors and south-of-the-border spices, the Taco John’s menu offers several signature items, including Meat and Potato Burritos, original Street Tacos and Potato Olés®. Taco John’s also features epic specials like Taco Tuesday^®. Download the TJ^® Rewards App and like Taco John’s Facebook page for exclusive deals.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – PRNewswire
It’s time for football’s big game, and Signarama^®, the world’s largest sign franchise, provides one-stop shopping for all businesses’ bowl party sign needs. Whether it’s hosting a game day (Sunday, February 4th, 6:30 p.m. Eastern) watch party with food and drink specials, running a contest, or offering limited time game-day specials, our attention-getting banners, window clings, and other  signs can heighten awareness and help attract customers.

“More than 111 million people watched the big game last year. Small businesses looking to capitalize on the popularity of this exciting annual event often run specials and contests. Bowl season is a great time to drive additional traffic to your business by incorporating sales, specials, contests, and other discounts,” said A.J. Titus, Executive Vice President of Signarama, a brand that specializes in all types of signage, including event advertisements, business signs, digital displays, banners, decals, vinyl lettering, and yard signs.

Signarama stores feature an interactive lobby design, so customers can sit down with a signage specialist, design custom products, and get to see—and even feel—how the signs will look prior to committing to any purchase.

To learn more about Signarama’s products, services, and locations, or what tools are available to help promote sales during bowl season, go to signaramafranchise.com

NEW ORLEANS – PRNewswire

Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the leading smoothie franchise company with more than 900 stores worldwide, announces they will launch $5 Fridays as a national promotion, beginning today.

Every Friday Smoothie King will offer guests any medium-sized, 32oz, smoothie of their choice for just $5 and Meal Replacement Smoothies for just $6.

“As we enter New Year’s resolution season, we want to offer guests an easy, delicious way to achieve their health goals in 2018 and beyond,” said Katherine LeBlanc, Director of Brand Marketing, Smoothie King. “Now guests can enjoy special pricing on their favorite smoothies as they head into the weekend. Our $5 Fridays offer another convenient, affordable option to guests who are eager to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.”

The $5 Fridays offering is just one of the ways Smoothie King is upgrading its menu for guests. In addition, in fall 2017, the leading smoothie brand announced its Cleaner Blending initiative. Smoothie King will remove added sugar from more than 50 smoothies and will remove artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, and added hormones from all smoothie ingredients and introduce non-GMO fruits and veggies in 2018.  For more information, visit www.SmoothieKing.com.

ANN ARBOR, MI – PRNewswire

President and Chief Executive Officer J. Patrick Doyle announced today his intention to depart Domino’s (NYSE: DPZ) on June 30 after more than eight years at the helm of what is now the world leader in pizza.

At the same time, Domino’s Board of Directors announced the promotion of Richard Allison, 50, President of Domino’s International, to the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Doyle; and the promotion of Russell Weiner, 49, President of Domino’s USA, to the newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer of Domino’s and President of the Americas. Both appointments will be effective as of July 1, 2018.

“One of the great honors and opportunities of my professional life was being named CEO of this incredible brand in early 2010,” Doyle said. “At that time, I set three goals for myself: I wanted us to become the #1 pizza company in the world; I wanted Domino’s to provide our franchisees with the best possible return on their investment by creating a dramatically better experience for our customers; and I wanted to have a Leadership Team in place that would be ready to create even better results into the future. I’m proud to say that we’ve accomplished all of those goals, and I will leave Domino’s knowing that it is in great hands.”

Commented Domino’s Chairman of the Board David Brandon: “Patrick excelled at every role he served at Domino’s for more than 20 years and during the past eight, he distinguished himself as one of the best leaders in the restaurant industry. Under his leadership, the brand opened more than 5,500 stores, launched in more than a dozen new countries, and Domino’s became one of the top-performing stocks of the decade. As important, though, is the fact that he developed an outstanding leadership team, which has allowed the Board to select a successor from that team.”

Richard Allison Becomes Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2018

Richard (“Ritch”) Allison will officially take over as Domino’s Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2018. As President – Domino’s International, Allison currently oversees more than 9,000 stores and all franchise relationships outside the United States.

Allison joined Domino’s in March 2011 as executive vice president of International, joining the brand from Bain & Company, Inc., a leading global business consulting firm, where he was partner and co-leader of Bain’s restaurant practice.

“Under Ritch’s leadership, Domino’s international division grew by more than 4,500 stores in more than 85 markets in six years. Domino’s International has achieved 95 consecutive quarters of same store sales growth and accounts for more than one-half of the company’s global retail sales,” Brandon said. “The Board is confident Ritch is well-prepared to lead the company to the next level. And he could not have a more talented and capable leader than Russell Weiner to assume the critical new role of Chief Operating Officer of Domino’s and President of the Americas.”

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity, as well as the trust and faith the Board of Directors has in me to lead this incredible global brand,” Allison said. “Patrick Doyle inspired us with the vision to become the world’s market share leader in pizza, and we’ve done that. Now, we’re looking to continue accelerating our growth with the support of our tremendous franchisees, managers and team members the world over. We want to become the dominant player in pizza everywhere in the world. I can’t wait to get started.”

Allison received his degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and later earned an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, where he was named a Dean’s Scholar and received the Norman Block Award. He currently serves on the Kenan-Flagler Business School Board of Advisors.

Weiner Named Chief Operating Officer of Domino’s and President of the Americas

Russell Weiner, currently serving as President – Domino’s USA, will take over in the newly-created role of Chief Operating Officer of Domino’s and President of the Americas on July 1, 2018.

“As we continue to globalize our business, it is important that we create synergies and centers of excellence across the Domino’s system,” Brandon said. “In his role as COO of Domino’s, Russell will be leading this effort. As President of the Americas, he will oversee marketing, operations, store growth and development, franchise relationships, strategy and insights and e-commerce for Domino’s in the Americas – markets that account for 50 percent of Domino’s global retail sales.”

Weiner was responsible for the reinvention of Domino’s U.S. menu, which led to record-setting sales increases and the turnaround of the Domino’s brand. Weiner is also credited for the creation of Domino’s “Pizza Theater” store design, the redesign of the brand logo, and creation of the DXP pizza delivery vehicle, as well as many product and technology innovation launches.

“Joining Domino’s as CMO in 2008 was the thrill of a lifetime for me,” Weiner said. “We had an opportunity to take a ‘legacy’ brand that was almost 50 years old and make it fresh again. Any marketer would love to have that chance. But then to become president of the U.S. business and now, to serve as Chief Operating Officer and to lead the Americas, is an honor that is difficult to describe. I’m looking forward to working closely with Ritch as we set our sights even higher than ever.”

A graduate of Cornell University, Weiner earned his MBA in marketing and international business from the New York University Stern School of Business. He currently serves on the Board of The Clorox Company.

CARROLLTON, TX – PRNewswire

FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS^®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today it was named the #1 franchise opportunity in its category on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500^® following record growth in 2017. Overall, the brand jumped to #70 on the ranking, up from #95 in 2017, and is the only concept in its category to break the top 100.

Last year, FASTSIGNS opened 43 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as three in the U.K. The brand signed an additional 53 franchise agreements in North America, including an Area Representative agreement for New York City, as well as one agreement in the U.K. and a Master Franchise Agreement to develop 16 centers throughout Malta, Italy, and Greece. FASTSIGNS also celebrated the opening of its 600^th domestic location in December in the Sacramento, California, area.

“2017 was a record-breaking year for the brand,” said Catherine Monson, president and CEO, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “For the sixth consecutive year, FASTSIGNS has increased sales and grown our footprint worldwide, with our strong franchise network generating $479 million in sales and continuing to lead the industry through our advanced products, services, and custom graphics and visual communications solutions. And once again being named the top franchise opportunity in our category by Entrepreneur is a testament to the strength of the brand and our franchisees. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum in 2018 as we focus our franchise development efforts in key markets domestically, as well as entering new countries.”

In 2018, FASTSIGNS plans to open an additional 45 centers across the U.S. and is targeting aggressive franchise development in markets such as Greater New York City, Boston, and the Northeast Corridor, and throughout the West Coast including in Southern California and Arizona. Across North America, FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets ready for development. Internationally, FASTSIGNS is continuing to seek qualified candidates to grow its international footprint in target markets throughout the world, including Brazil, Quebec, North Africa, Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and Latin America.

FASTSIGNS also has been recognized for its franchisee satisfaction by being named a World Class Franchise by the Franchise Research Institute for five consecutive years and has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as one of the “Best of the Best” for franchisee satisfaction for the last 10 years. Additionally, FASTSIGNS also was named to Franchise Business Review’s “Innovative Franchises” list in 2017.

As part of the brand’s development strategy, FASTSIGNS is also targeting co-brand and conversion opportunities whereby print shop owners can expand their services by adding FASTSIGNS to their existing business or convert their business into a thriving FASTSIGNS center.

For any existing business looking to expand into this fast-paced market, FASTSIGNS gives the added support and training needed to make the process smooth. Whether an existing print-based business or a photography studio, FASTSIGNS’ co-brand centers receive the same assistance as any new franchisee, with the added bonus of being able to exclude established revenue streams, outside of the FASTSIGNS core business offering, from future royalty payments. Both the co-brand franchise opportunity and conversion can be started with only $15,000 down on the initial franchise fee.

For information about the FASTSIGNS franchise opportunity, contact Mark Jameson (mark.jameson@fastsigns.com or 214-346-5679).

CHICAGO – PRNewswire

By 2030, the number of Americans over the age of 65 will be roughly 79 million, with an average of 10,000 people reaching this aging milestone each day. This high demand, coupled with seniors electing to stay in their homes, explains the impressive growth of BrightStar Care.

Led by CEO and founder Shelly Sun, BrightStar Care is a national private duty home care and medical staffing franchise, based in Chicago, which provides medical and non-medical services to clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. In 2017, Sun oversaw BrightStar Care opening 15 new locations, bringing the brand to 333 locations total. So far, the company already has 11 locations slated to open in 2018, with an additional 36 locations projected to be sold.

Sun also serves as the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA). Sun authored the book “Grow Smart, Risk Less,” along with winning Entrepreneur of the Year from the IFA.

“A major part of BrightStar Care’s success over the past decade is our impressive accreditations. BrightStar Care is the only national home care franchise to receive The Joint Commission’s Enterprise Champion for Quality award every year since the award’s inception,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care. “This higher-level standard of care is something our clients notice, and provides a solid business opportunity for our franchise partners. We’re thrilled with how far the brand has come, and look forward to our continued growth initiatives in 2018.”

Among BrightStar Care’s 2017 initiatives included launching a new mobile web platform to make client service paperless, increasing marketing support, and doubling the number of clinical staff due to the growing system and to ensure continued recognition of franchisees from the Joint Commission. One of the newest additions to the BrightStar Care team is Dave Campagna. As the Vice President of Franchise Development, Campagna will be a main component of the brand’s growth initiatives next year. In 2018, BrightStar Care plans to expand their family by bringing on an additional 36 quality franchise partners.

Receiving the 2017 ‘Best of Home Care Endorsed National Provider’ award from Home Care Pulse, BrightStar Care has more than 333 locations nationwide and recently inked its first international master franchise agreement to expand into Canada, with 65 BrightStar Care locations expected to be developed across all 10 provinces within the next five years.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fl. – PRNewswire

Experimac^®, an international retailer specializing in the repair and sales of pre-owned Apple^®* computers and devices, opened more than 50 new locations in 2017, including eight international franchise locations, eclipsing any previous year. Since they began operations in 2009, Experimac’s popularity has exploded. There are more than 100 locations across the globe, and growth is expected to double in 2018, with 130 new locations planned, including 25 international franchise locations.

“This year, we not only made great inroads into new markets here in the U.S., but also expanded into several new countries internationally; France, Ireland, Chile, plus additional locations in Australia and South Africa,” said Jim Muir, Experimac’s founder and president. “The strength that comes from being part of UFG enables franchise entrepreneurship to be within reach for many new and existing small business owners. In 2018, we hope to bring on smaller, independently owned businesses that are providing similar services to Experimac’s. We will invite them to formalize under the Experimac brand name, so they can benefit from the entire strength of the brand.”

Experimac sells and repairs quality, pre-owned Apple products and accessories. In addition to sales of certified pre-owned Apple equipment, they also offer computer and device repairs, system updates and upgrades, and they purchase older Apple products, which are certified and resold at competitive prices. Devices purchased at an Experimac store come with a one-year warranty at participating locations.

Experimac is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of companies, which develops and nurtures entrepreneurship and business ownership through worldwide franchising efforts. UFG is comprised of brands with more than 1,400 franchise locations across 80 countries.

All Experimac stores are independently owned and operated, with a focus on building customer relationships providing excellent service in their communities. Visit www.ExperimacFranchise.com to learn more.

TEANECK, NJ – PRNewswire
After seeing the success her own children had in the Kumon Math and Reading Program, Roopa Palakkat decided to walk away from a 15 year-long career in the corporate finance industry and join the world’s largest after-school education franchise with the opening of her own Kumon Center in New Port Richey–Trinity, Florida.

Thousands of additional parents in Greater Tampa will now have access to an individualized learning program for their preschool to high school aged children. Kumon goes beyond traditional tutoring by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress independently through a carefully crafted math and reading curriculum.

“I’ve been a Kumon Parent for the past four years and have seen first-hand the advantage that it has given my children, not just in the classroom, but also in life,” said Palakkat, owner and Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of New Port Richey–Trinity. “I’m very passionate about the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children in the community by helping them to improve their study habits, gain discipline and build confidence. My goal is for them to develop life skills that will give them an academic advantage that they can take with them beyond school.”

There are 87 Kumon Math and Reading Centers in the state of Florida, including 19 in Greater Tampa. This will be the first center to open in New Port Richey and is part of Kumon’s 2018 expansion plan of welcoming 100 new franchisees nationwide.

“We are fortunate for the opportunity to expand in Greater Tampa with the addition of the new Kumon Center in New Port Richey–Trinity,” said Larry Lambert, vice president of franchise recruitment at Kumon North America. “It’s an honor to provide even more students in the area with an opportunity to receive an academic advantage while developing a love for learning.”

The Kumon Method empowers children to become self-learners and is designed to advance math and reading skills while fostering a love for learning. Kumon sparks critical thinking, establishes a pattern of success and builds confidence that can lead to accelerated learning throughout life.

To learn more about the Kumon franchise opportunity, visit kumonfranchise.com.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – PRNewswire

Signarama®, the world’s largest sign franchise, announced record growth in 2017, with more than 100 new franchise agreements signed for new store locations. Signarama is a world leader in custom signs, specializing in business signs, digital displays, banners, decals, vinyl lettering, yard and political signs, and trade show displays. Signarama is part of the United Franchise Group (UFG) family of companies.

“2017 was an incredible year for Signarama, and we expect 2018 to be even more impressive,” said A.J. Titus, Executive Vice President of Signarama. “While this brand has been around for over 30 years, the numbers continue to out-perform growth projections every year. Our sales team and owners truly understand the importance of good customer service. Leverage that with the growing need for custom sign products all around the world, and you have a global success model with tremendous growth potential. Additionally, in 2018 we are offering bigger broker commissions, which we expect to spur sales even more.”
“We are making significant investments in game-changing technologies, hiring additional talent and repositioning leadership to maximize impact,” said Roger Ewart, VP of Operations for Signarama. “As the sign industry’s original innovator, Signarama, nor its many long-term employees, fear change. We are adding resources internally and strengthening our field support for our massive network of franchisees. We are forecasting that we will reach extraordinary milestones in 2018, further enriching the lives of our remarkable franchise owners.”
Signarama has been selected for inclusion on the 2017 Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list, as well as Franchise Direct’s Top 100 Global Franchise list. More than 40 new stores were opened in 2017 in the U.S. alone, and hundreds of additional openings are slated for 2018, both domestically and internationally.
To learn more about Signarama’s business operations and franchising opportunities, visit www.signaramafranchise.com.

IRVING, Texas, – PRNewswire

The kids are back in town … both sour and sweet. 7-Eleven, Inc. is bringing back the Sour Patch Watermelon flavor to the Slurpee® machine. The drink is the most popular limited-time flavor in the history of the iconic semi-frozen beverage, and will be available exclusively at participating 7-Eleven® stores through February 2018, or while supplies last.

In 2015, 7-Eleven introduced the first Sour Patch Watermelon Slurpee flavor, which quickly gained a loyal fan following. The bright pink-colored Slurpee drink became the first featured (limited-time) flavor to become the top-seller ahead of the two perennial favorites, cherry and cola.
“Slurpee-lovers really, really love SOUR PATCH KIDS candy,” said Sean Thompson, 7-Eleven vice president of marketing and acquisition integration. “We first approached Mondelez about creating a SOUR PATCH KIDS Slurpee flavor after learning on social media that Slurpee fans were already adding the sour candy to their favorite Slurpee drink. Sour Patch Watermelon flavor was a huge hit then, and we expect Slurpee and SPK-lovers will be just as excited to try it this go-round.”
Mondelez International’s SOUR PATCH KIDS is the No. 1 sour candy brand, and a top-selling candy at 7-Eleven stores. Fruit-flavored Slurpee drinks also are among the most popular with 7-Eleven customers.
Fans of Sour Patch Watermelon can enjoy the iconic flavor not only as a Slurpee drink, but also as an exclusive flavor of 7-Select® Soda crafted by JONES and 2oz or 5oz bags of the classic watermelon shaped candy at participating 7-Eleven stores.
Customers can use the 7Rewards® loyalty program, available in the 7-Eleven app, when purchasing a Slurpee drink and earn points. They can then redeem these points for a wide variety of products from an in-app menu. All 7-Eleven proprietary beverages purchased in a cup continue to count toward the “Buy Six-Get the Seventh Free” drink offer. The app can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google play and customers can sign up using the app, the 7Rewards.com mobile website, or chat the 7-Eleven bot on Facebook Messenger.
“Beverage purchases are a doubly good deal at 7-Eleven,” said 7-Eleven Chief Digital Officer Gurmeet Singh. “In addition to tasting great, they earn points and count toward a free beverage. With only six purchases required to get a free one, 7-Eleven has one of the best drink loyalty offers available.”
Look for digital offers on 7Rewards for SOUR PATCH KIDS products in February to earn points and save money.