business opportunities magazine

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.

DALLAS, TX – Known as America’s Sports Restaurant, it’s only fitting that Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar (Boston’s) is giving its fans something else to cheer about. Starting September 3rd, Boston’s will launch its ‘Appy Hour’, which offers guest smaller bites packed with big flavor!

Every Monday-Friday through, Boston’s will be plating up its new, delicious appetizers – perfectly portioned in half sizes. With choices ranging from fan favorites like Cactus Cut Potatoes to the brand’s famous wings, Boston’s guests can indulge their cravings with a variety of new, smaller menu items which allow groups of guests to enjoy a wide variety of appetizers in small tapas-style portions. Answering the call for what fans crave this season, Boston’s has trimmed the following favorites into half-portions:

• Risotto Balls: Parmesan risotto rolled in breadcrumbs and lightly fried. Served with a side of homemade Pomodoro sauce.
• Cactus Cut Potatoes: Spicy and thinly-sliced potatoes served with signature cactus dip.
• Thai Bites: Breaded and fried shrimp tossed in an Asian glaze and served with crunchy Asian noodles, carrots, green onions and sesame seeds.
• Buffalo Cauliflower: Lightly battered and fried cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce on a bed of bleu cheese dressing and crunchy cabbage. Topped with crumbled bleu cheese and freshly sliced scallions

In addition to the above, Appy Hour offerings also include:

• Pepperoni Stuffed Twist Bread: Half order of Boston’s handmade dough stuffed with pepperoni and a variety of cheeses.
• Snack-Size Wings: Boston’s famous boneless wings toss in your favorite dressing.
• Rib Bites: An arrangement of slow roasted ribs, smaller portioned for smaller appetites.

“We didn’t invent small plates, but we’ve elevated them,” said Katie Borger, Senior Director of Marketing for Boston’s. “By introducing some of our most delicious, signature items and some of our new Starters all in half portions, we’re asking guests to branch out of their comfort zone and sample some of what we’re so proud of without breaking the bank or ruining their dinner appetites. We’re complementing our restaurants’ local Happy Hour drink offerings with the small plates menu with great value, starting at just $3!”

In addition to its Appy Hour offering, this fall Boston’s is also launching its NFL Season Pass which awards guests who spend a minimum of $10 with a credit for visiting Boston’s on NFL Sundays. The more credits a guest earns, the bigger the Super Bowl reward will be on February 3, 2019. Capitalizing on the notion that no tailgate is complete without a great atmosphere and amazing food, Boston’s is also offering guests 50 percent off its signature Team Platter from 11-12 each Sunday before kickoff.

Boston’s Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar’s U.S. operations are based in Dallas, and currently has 23 locations in 16 states. The company’s sister brand, Boston Pizza, has over 400 locations throughout Canada and is widely- recognized as the No. 1 casual dining brand in the country.

CANTON, MA – For a new way to help guests run on Dunkin’ even faster, Dunkin’ Donuts announced that On-the-Go Mobile Ordering is now available through Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice service. With this new integration, DD Perks® Rewards members can place a mobile order for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, beverages, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches on an Alexa-enabled device, and then speed past the line for pick-up.

Guests who have a DD Perks account and an Amazon account can link them together in the Alexa app once they open the skill, with all ordering and payments happening within Dunkin’ Donuts’ mobile platform. When a guest places and submits an order through Amazon Alexa, they will be asked which location they would like it to be sent to and the time their order will be ready. Guests can order from saved Favorites they have previously ordered via the Dunkin’ Mobile® App.

To start their order, guests need simply say, “Alexa, order from Dunkin’ Donuts.” A more detailed list of steps to follow for placing a Dunkin’ Donuts order via Amazon Alexa can be found on the Dunkin’ Donuts blog at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts Ordering skill for Alexa joins the Dunkin’ Donuts Quiz, first introduced on National Coffee Day last year. The Dunkin’ Donuts Quiz allows users with an Alexa-enabled device to enjoy a unique quiz that includes freshly brewed questions on everything from hot and iced coffee facts and the history of coffee, to Dunkin’ knowledge and donut trivia. To play the quiz, guests can enable the Dunkin’ Donuts skill in the Alexa app and say, “Alexa, play Dunkin’ Donuts Quiz.”

“Our integration with Amazon Alexa is our latest innovation to better serve members of our DD Perks program, which remains one of the fastest growing loyalty programs in the quick service restaurant industry, with nearly 8 million members,” said Stephanie Meltzer-Paul, Vice President, Digital and Loyalty Marketing for Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. “As a brand, we are always looking for ways to fit seamlessly into our guests’ daily routines and provide new levels of convenience and speed.”

With DD Perks, guests earn five points for every dollar they spend on qualifying purchases at Dunkin’ Donuts when they pay using an enrolled Dunkin’ Donuts Card, either plastic or via the Dunkin’ Mobile® App. Once a member accrues 200 points, he or she receives a coupon for a free, any-size beverage of their choice, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. DD Perks members also receive a coupon for a free, any-size beverage upon enrollment and on their birthday.

To enroll in DD Perks, download the Dunkin’ Mobile App or visit www.DDPerks.com. To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

CARLE PLACE, NY – PRNewswire

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLWS) today announced it plans to hire more than 8,000 associates nationwide for positions across its gourmet food brands in preparation for the 2018 holiday shopping season. Hiring is now underway for seasonal roles at Harry & David, Cheryl’s Cookies and The Popcorn Factory. Competitive wages, flexible schedules, applicable employee discounts and new incentive programs are designed to attract passionate, highly-motivated associates. This seasonal hiring initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience to shoppers.

“Each year, our seasonal associates play an incredibly important role in helping us deliver millions of holiday smiles,” said Maureen Paradine, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. “As we approach the busiest time of year for our gourmet food business, we’re excited to offer job-seekers rewarding opportunities to build skills and gain valuable experience while delighting gift-givers nationwide.”

Available positions vary by brand and include full-time and part-time roles in high-volume areas such as production, gift assembly and retail stores, as well as call center, distribution and fulfillment center operations. Most of these seasonal roles are being offered in Illinois, Ohio and Oregon. Associates may be considered for permanent positions once the holidays are over.

Interested candidates can learn more about employment opportunities and apply for positions online at http://www.1800flowersinc.com/careers.

Video b-roll can be found at: https://web.1800flowers.com/press/.

MANASQUAN, NJ – College football season is here, and one lucky fan will be a big winner. Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, kicks off its annual A Sub Above College Football Tailgate Sweepstakes.

“From our growing involvement with the NCAA and the 31 schools we’ve partnered with this football season, we know college football fans are sub sandwich fans,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “We’re excited to offer our annual Tailgate Sweepstakes once again this year so our fans can attend their dream game and will think of Jersey Mike’s first for all their tailgating needs this fall.”

One Grand Prize winner will receive six tickets to a 2018 regular season home football game of the Grand Prize winner’s choice scheduled to take place during either October or November 2018 at participating schools. Jersey Mike’s will fly the winner and five friends to the game, and provide a Jersey Mike’s Gift Card for a tailgate party prior to the game.

In addition, five First Prize winners will receive four tickets to one 2018 season home football game and a $100 Gift Card. Five Second Prize winners will receive a $100 Jersey Mike’s Gift Card and twenty Third Prize winners will receive a $50 Jersey Mike’s Gift Card.

Fans can enter through September 30 by placing a Jersey Mike’s online order at www.jerseymikes.com/order or through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app with promo code SUBABOVE10 or, without making an online order, by visiting https://www.jerseymikes.com/promo/cfb-tailgate-sweepstakes and following the instructions.
An additional score? Online orders, using the promo code, receive 10 percent off.

For additional information or rules pertaining to Sweepstakes, please reference https://www.jerseymikes.com/promo/cfb-tailgate-sweepstakes.

ATLANTA, GA  – Huddle House, the nation’s most iconic neighborhood diner known for its Southern hospitality and big portions at fair prices, recently commemorated its 2018 annual franchisee convention, which was held July 22-25 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Themed “Our People, Our Success,” the convention brought the entire organization together to celebrate the brand’s system-wide successes, guiding principles, sense of camaraderie and community-centric business values.

“Our National Convention is always the highlight of the year,” said Michael Abt, president and CEO of Huddle House. “We get to bring all of our franchise partners and employees from the home office together to inspire and learn from each other. The time in Ponte Vedra Beach was energizing and a solid reminder of how strong a team we all are together.”

This year’s convention celebrated Huddle House’s company-wide accomplishments during its 2018 fiscal year and challenged all attendees – franchise partners, regional marketing and field team members, corporate leadership and vendors – to continue to exceed expectations, lead by example and serve from the heart. The three-day conference included extensive training, educational seminars and opportunities to share best practices across the franchise system.

During the general sessions, Abt unveiled that system-wide sales have increased by 2.5 percent and that average unit volume has grown by more than 7 percent. In addition to this continued sales growth, Abt also noted that the 69 percent of Huddle House restaurants that have already upgraded to its new Evolution design concept are outperforming the older designs by an average of 31.3 percent. As published in the current Huddle House Franchise Disclosure Document, the top half of all Evolution design restaurants posted an impressive average annualized unit volume of $1,002,796.

Throughout the convention, Huddle House bestowed honors on top-performing franchise partners and their team members in attendance for sales, customer satisfaction, marketing achievements and superior operations over the past 12 months.

During the banquet dinner, Abt presented the highest honor, “Franchise Partner of the Year,” to Huddle House multi-unit owner Jamie Hicks. Hicks earned the recognition for setting the “gold standard” for franchise partners throughout the Huddle House system who operate with pride and excellence daily, consistently serve up hospitality to every customer, support the local community and are wholly dedicated to elevating the guest experience.

In addition to Hicks’ impressive recognition as “Franchise of the Year,” several other Huddle House restaurant owners earned awards, such as “Best of the Best,” “Served from the Heart,” “Million Dollar Club,” “Star Marketing” and more.

Based in Atlanta, Huddle House restaurants have earned adoration in their communities for their warm, friendly atmospheres where every conversation, sip of coffee and bite of home-cooked meals are savored. Known for its round-the-clock breakfast, Southern hospitality and big portions at fair prices, Huddle House embeds itself into every community it serves by bringing friends and families together over delicious food, served from the heart.

To learn more about Huddle House, visit huddlehouse.com

For more information on the Huddle House franchise opportunity, visit huddlehousefranchising.com or call (800) 640-7125.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL –  PRNewswire

All County Franchise, a property management service provider offering leasing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance services for residential rental properties, is celebrating the opening of its 50th location this month.

All County was started by Sandy Ferrera back in 1990, as a single mother raising two boys. 18 years later, All County began franchising in 2008. Growing multi-directionally, Ferrera has presided over the rise of a nation-wide property management service provider, now staffed by a team of over 90 franchise operators, and hundreds of office staff.

The company’s focus is on innovation and building tools and resources to support their franchise owners, including website localization, online training courses, and ready-to-implement sales and marketing materials.

Says Mrs. Ferrera, CEO and co-founder: “We have grown a lot in the past 10 years and I’ve been very fortunate to be surrounded by incredible individuals that helped us build the foundation for the franchise. Some of the individuals that helped us franchise back in 2008 are still with us today. So I attribute the success that we have had to those people that helped get us there.”

Upon celebrating his 5th year owning an All County Franchise, Darren Grassmuck says: “All County has a lot of knowledge and they utilized it to support me from day one. Their Best Business Practices have also guided me to grow my business year-over-year. If it wasn’t for their knowledge then I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

FORT WORTH, TX – PRNewswire

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has partnered with Share Our Strength’s “No Kid Hungry” initiative in their mission of ensuring all children get the healthy food they need to thrive. Throughout the month of September, guests at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop who donate $2 or more will receive a coupon for a free order of Chips & Queso redeemable on their next visit, while helping end childhood hunger in America.

The $2 donation provides a child with 20 meals through the Share Our Strength initiative. Last September, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop raised more than $93,000 and hopes to surpass that amount this year as they “Queso for a Cause.” In addition to its almost-famous Chips & Queso, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is also known for Baja-style tacos and other casual Tex-Mex favorites across 144 locations nationwide.

“In America today, 1 in 6 kids faces hunger, so it’s more important than ever to contribute to programs like No Kid Hungry that are helping children gain access to necessities like a healthy breakfast at school and free meals during the summertime,” said Mel Knight, president of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “We are excited to partner with Share Our Strength for the fifth year because as an organization, we’re passionate about doing our part in making No Kid Hungry a reality in America.”

Donations made at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in September will help No Kid Hungry fund school breakfast programs, recruit summer meal sites, and empower families to shop for and prepare healthy meals. The organization also provides grants to hunger-fighting organizations across the country to help them end child hunger within their communities.

Share Our Strength started on Capitol Hill in 1984 because of the famine in Ethiopia going on at the time. While the organization, started by brother and sister duo Bill and Debbie Shore, had many focuses globally for fighting hunger and poverty, Share Our Strength focuses their efforts, now, on making No Kid Hungry a true reality in America. For a list of participating restaurants or for more information on No Kid Hungry, please visit www.nokidhungry.org or dineout.nokidhungry.org.

For more information visit, www.FuzzysTacoShop.com. Like Fuzzy’s Taco Shop on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and Instagram for updates on promotions and your daily fix of taco pictures.