DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced that it has hired Marissa Andrada as its chief human resources officer. Andrada will begin on April 23 and will report to Brian Niccol, the company’s chief executive officer.

Andrada comes to Chipotle from Kate Spade & Company, where she served as senior vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer. In this capacity, Andrada was responsible for positioning the company and its culture for growth, including developing and implementing plans to recruit top-tier executive and design talent for the global, multi-channel lifestyle brand. Prior to joining Kate Spade, Andrada held several senior level positions in human resources at Starbucks, most recently serving as senior vice president, partner resources for the Americas, where she led innovation and strategy for retail employee programs including employee experience, engagement and compensation.

“Marissa is an exceptional human resources executive and a valuable addition to our management team,” said Niccol. “With near-term priorities that include building the right structure and capabilities for sustained growth, and creating a culture of recognition and innovation throughout our company, Marissa’s expertise and leadership will be essential as we look to strengthen those key areas.”

Before joining Starbucks, Andrada held a variety of human resources roles with increasing responsibility for companies such as Gamestop, Red Bull North America, Universal Studios, and Pepsico/Pizza Hut. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Calif., and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif.

“Chipotle is a tremendous brand with so much potential,” said Andrada. “I’m thrilled to be joining the company as they look to strengthen the talent and the team in ways that will set the company up for success in the next chapter.”

FAYETTEVILLE, GA – PRWEB

This Is It! BBQ & Seafood announced it has entered into a Trademark License Agreement with Belief Brands Partners LLC. Under the agreement, Belief Brands Partners will have the exclusive rights to operate and develop This Is It! franchised restaurants in the United States and Canada. Jesus and Butch Inc., which is owned by the Anthony family, will continue ownership of the This Is It! BBQ & Seafood brand across all companies.
“We’re delighted to move our growth plans forward with a partner that brings deep restaurant franchise growth experience to This Is It! BBQ & Seafood,” said Shelley “Butch” Anthony III, Founder, President, & CEO This Is It! BBQ & Seafood. “This move will accelerate This Is It’s Southern Homestyle Cooking franchise unit growth in the US and Canada.”
This Is It! BBQ & Seafood is well know for its award-winning Southern Homestyle Cooking, served in a unique Fast Casual style setting. For over 35 years, This Is It! has developed its brand through its original recipes, evolving menus as tastes change, the Anthony family involvement and values as well as solid marketing.
“We’re pleased to join forces with This Is It! BBQ & Seafood to deliver This Is It’s Southern Homestyle Cooking experience to customers all over the United States and Canada,” said Joe Remsa, CEO of Belief Brands. “We look forward to leveraging our knowledge and experience to expand This Is It’s brand presence across the United States and Canada.
The current 8 Corporate This Is It! BBQ & Seafood restaurants, and 2 franchise restaurants will continue to be managed by the This Is It! BBQ & Seafood Corporation and the I Believe This Is It! Franchise Company respectively. A new This Is It! BBQ & Seafood Stockbridge corporate restaurant is scheduled to open in May, and will also be managed by the This Is It! BBQ & Seafood Corporation.
For more information on this press release, please contact us.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – 24-7PressRelease

Outdoor advertising costs continue to rise. While billboard rates cover a wide range across the country, costs start at several hundred dollars a month and can be as much as $23,000 a month in larger cities. As brands look for ways to cost-effectively advertise their business, Signarama®, the world’s largest sign franchise, is pleased to offer a unique, lower cost advertising avenue through vinyl vehicle wrapping.
Vehicle advertising is eye-catching but also offers additional car body protection from the elements. April is National Car Care Month, an optimal time to wrap cars, vans, trucks, or a whole fleet. Signarama offers several vehicle advertising products, including magnetic signs, see-through perforated window film, vehicle wraps and car top signs.
“Wrapping our delivery vehicles has been a great way for us to get our logo on the road and in front of a lot of potential customers,” said A.J. Titus, president of Signarama. “We’ve had a lot of people call us from the car after having seen the phone number on one of our wrapped vehicles. It’s an instant way to connect with consumers.”
Consumers can also benefit from car wrapping, as many companies will pay a monthly fee to drivers who agree to use their cars for wrapped business advertising, earning drivers anywhere from $200-400 a month on average.
“This is a way to get creative with your brand by making it mobile,” added Titus. “Whether you want to advertise a limited time special event, looking to connect more immediately and directly with consumers, or simply want to unify the look of your business’ fleet, Signarama will work with you to create the ideal product.”
There are over 800 Signarama stores across the globe. Signarama is a proud member of the United Franchise Group family of brands.

WALLINGFORD, CT –

John Merkin, whose career spans more than two decades in hospitality and restaurant management positions, has been named COO of Edible® International (Edible®). In this role, Merkin will oversee all franchise operations for the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements as well as all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and treats. Merkin will also oversee Edible’s® supply chain organization.
Most recently, Merkin served as Chief Operating Officer for Popeyes® Louisiana Kitchen. His career also features positions in international brand marketing, operations management, and franchise business development, including over 20 years at InterContintental Hotels Group®, working on a major brand redevelopment.

“It is incredibly exciting to join Edible® at this time,” Merkin said. “Even though Edible® is an established brand, it is one that continues to expand into new product categories designed to WOW customers with premium products and a fantastic guest experience.”

This announcement comes as Edible® is experiencing an accelerated phase of growth and expansion into new markets and product categories, recently announcing the opening of a second headquarters in Atlanta, where Merkin will be based.

“The Edible® brand is evolving rapidly into new areas, and expanding the executive team with the kind of talent and expertise John brings will help us to continue pushing forward with our mission to fill the world with goodness,” said Edible founder and CEO Tariq Farid.

ATLANTA, GA – PRNewswire

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, one of the fastest growing franchise concepts in the country, announced today the reopening of its Rockport, TX cafe owned by franchisee Pam Farley. The location was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, but Farley and her team are grateful for the overwhelming support of the community. The Rockport cafe will celebrate its reopening on April 23 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Leading up to the opening event, customers will be offered a free smoothie with the purchase of any entrée April 21, $1.99 flatbreads April 22, and $1.99 smoothies April 23. As part of the grand opening festivities on April 23, guests will also have the opportunity to donate to hurricane relief efforts and spin the prize wheel to win prizes from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Like much of the Rockport community, Farley was personally impacted by the storms but focused on supporting the rebuilding efforts of the community. Before rebuilding the cafe, Farley partnered with neighboring business owners to organize a drive to distribute necessities to people in the community. As part of her reopening efforts, Farley will continue to provide support to Hurricane Harvey victims by accepting donations for hurricane relief at the cafe.

“There are no words to describe how meaningful this reopening is to me,” said Farley. “To see how our community has rallied together is nothing short of inspiring. Just a few months ago, Rockport was virtually unrecognizable but through perseverance and hard work, we have rebuilt our city. I’m excited to start serving my community again and am so grateful for Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s endless support.”

In addition to reopening the Rockport location, Tropical Smoothie Cafe is also privileged to continue its growth in Texas by signing the brand’s 100th agreement in the state. First-time Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee, Shahrukh Noormohammed, is a Houston native. Noormohammed began his career in engineering before transitioning into the sales industry. His unique experience will bring a different perspective to the brand as he develops three new cafes throughout the Houston market.

“It’s inspiring to see the progress this community has made since Hurricane Harvey and we are proud to continue expanding in a market that has such compassion for local businesses and the residents they serve,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “The ongoing success of our existing cafes and resiliency of the business community keep Texas a prime market for development. With 30 franchised cafes open across the state and an additional 15 slated to open this year, we’re eager to continue our expansion efforts and make our better-for-you food and smoothie offerings accessible to more residents throughout Texas.”

For more information about opening your own Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchise, please visit www.tropicalsmoothiefranchise.com.

ANN ARBOR, MI – PRNewswire  

Domino’s Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, is launching yet another delivery revolution. Starting today, over 150,000 Domino’s Hotspots are now active nationwide so that customers can receive delivery orders at spots that don’t have a traditional address – places like local parks, sports fields and beaches, as well as thousands of other unexpected sites. Local Domino’s stores around the country have selected these Domino’s Hotspots, which are now locations where drivers can meet customers curbside to hand off orders.

“We listened to customers and their need for pizza delivery to locations without a traditional address,” said Russell Weiner, president of Domino’s USA. “We know that delivery is all about convenience, and Domino’s Hotspots are an innovation that is all about flexible delivery options for customers.”

Domino’s Hotspots are online-only for prepaid orders on dominos.com and in mobile apps. Once a customer’s location has been determined, local Domino’s Hotspots that are available for delivery will appear on a map for customers to select. Before checking out, customers can leave instructions to help the driver find them. After completing their order, customers will receive text message alerts about their Domino’s Hotspot delivery progress, including a final text that gives the estimated arrival of the driver at the hand-off spot.

“Now customers spending time at some of our new Domino’s Hotspots locations, like Tommy Lasorda Field of Dreams in Los Angeles or even next to the James Brown statue in Augusta, Georgia, can have a pizza conveniently delivered to them, thanks to our innovative Domino’s Delivery Hotspots,” continued Weiner.
Customers can check out Domino’s Delivery Hotspot locations in their area by going to the locator page at dominos.com. For more information, visit dominos.com/hotspots.

COOPER CITY, FL – PRWEB

April 13, 2018 – Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City will celebrate the business’s Grand Opening on Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27. The Brain Balance Program helps children overcome their academic, social, and behavioral struggles through an integrated, drug-free approach. To celebrate the grand opening, the center will host a Ribbon Cutting Open House and a special presentation with Dr. Robert Melillo, best-selling author and co-founder of the Brain Balance Achievement Centers.

“We are very excited to celebrate the grand opening of our center. We understand how frustrating it can be for parents to watch their children struggle academically, socially, or behaviorally. We look forward to being able to help children in the area by giving them the tools they need to succeed at home and in the classroom,” says Monica Tapia-Mularski, Center Director of Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City.

The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City will celebrate its grand opening with two special events, which are both free to attend and open to the public. These events will give community members a chance to learn more about the program, meet the team, and tour the center.

Grand Opening Events:

• Thursday, April 26 at 7:00pm Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City will host a special presentation with Dr. Melillo, author, expert, and specialist in ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other learning challenges. The presentation will take place at the Bonaventure Resort and Spa, located at 250 Racquet Club Road, Weston, FL 3326. To reserve a seat, please call (954) 391-8066.
• Friday, April 27 at 11:00am Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony followed by an open house for parents which include tours of the center. To RSVP or learn more information, please call (954) 391-8066.

The Brain Balance Program is a non-medical, drug-free approach to overcoming the challenges of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, processing disorders, Asperger’s syndrome, and a host of other related childhood learning and developmental issues. Brain Balance has helped thousands of children and families across the country overcome their academic, behavioral, and social challenges. Brain Balance Achievement Centers is a rapidly growing franchise with over 130 centers open or in development across the United States.

Dr. Robert Melillo has been helping children overcome learning and developmental challenges for over 25 years as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and best-selling author.

Melillo’s areas of expertise include ADHD, learning and behavioral Issues, Processing Disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders. In 2009, Dr. Melillo’s published his best-selling book Disconnected Kids that brings a fundamental and new understanding of how to address these issues through the Brain Balance Program®.

The Brain Balance Achievement Center of Cooper City is located at 2651 N. Hiatus Rd., Cooper City, Florida 33026. For more information about the Brain Balance program, please visit https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/locations/pembroke-pines/

Irvine, CA  – RestaurantNews.com

Yogurtland, the ever popular, growing self-serve frozen dessert brand, recently recognized valued franchisees at the company’s 10^th Annual Franchise Conference held last week in Carlsbad, Calif.  More than 300 franchise operators, partners and employees gathered at the conference.

“Yogurtland franchise partners believe in the power of the brand, the business model and each other, and that was evident than at our annual conference,” said John Carlson, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Development, and Operations. “Each year we are proud to recognize top franchisees for their contribution to the system, leadership, customer service and their positive support for the communities they serve.”

Founders Award was given to Gaurav Chopra and Paul Chopra, whose company NPG Investments operates eight Yogurtland restaurants and eight other restaurants. The Chopra’s were recognized for their brand stewardship including developing successful promotions that were adopted across multiple markets and overall operations excellence.

Franchisee of the Year award was given to Behzad Cohen and Paul Gill, whose company Perian Management operates 17 Yogurtland restaurants as well as more than 60 other full and quick service brands. Cohen and Gill are exemplary leaders who focus on developing growth opportunities for their top-notch staff. Their organization emphasizes functional departments to support their restaurants and empower them to provide excellent guest experience.

Humanitarian Award given to Aaron Geyer who operates a Yogurtland in Yucaipa, California and compassionately and selflessly mentors dozens of young people in the community in addition to the employees who work with him. Prior to becoming a franchise operator, Geyer, who holds an MBA, worked for a top consumer brand, bringing years of brand and management experience to his venture as a Yogurtland franchisee.

Social media award was given to Ajay Hira, who operates two Yogurtland locations in Fresno. Hira has embraced social media platforms to communicate with fans. His diligent efforts to understand and maximize social media have resulted in significant success for his locations, and he graciously shares his best practices with other franchise partners.

Rookie of the Year award went to Cecille Kaw, who generated double-digit sales increases at her restaurant with an interactive community approach. She holds craft days and numerous fundraisers for local groups and schools, and is known as integral part of the community.

The Team member of the Year award was given to Patrick McCloskey who consistently demonstrated leadership, a positive attitude and excellent customer service at the Yogurtland in San Diego.

“We appreciate the powerful contribution each of these individuals make to the Yogurtland system,” added Carlson. “This is what sets Yogurtland apart and gives our guests the confidence to know their Yogurtland experience will wonderful each and every time.”

Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors, ice cream, and non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Dubai, Guam, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Thailand, and Venezuela. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

WACO, TX

Restoration 1®, one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted restoration franchises in North America, has expanded to serve Central Alabama. The newest location, in Hoover, Alabama, opened in mid-March and is owned by Chad Yeilding, a local resident and former U.S. Secret Service special agent who will service Birmingham and its suburbs as he transitions from agent to business owner.

Restoration 1’s exceptional service and expertise during devastating circumstances is why Yeilding chose to bring the award-winning restoration franchise to his Alabama neighbors. After all, helping others is in Yeilding’s DNA and is part of his personal and work philosophy. He started his career in banking, moved to medical malpractice insurance, then transitioned to complex alarm system design for large corporations before eventually becoming a U.S. Secret Service special agent where he investigated financial crimes, provided protection for dignitaries and coordinated training for law enforcement in the field of computer forensics.
Now, approaching each new day with enthusiasm and a positive attitude definitely spills over into Yeilding’s day-to-day business as he helps customers recover from residential or commercial property damage.

“We’re walking into a customer’s home or commercial property on their absolute worst day,” Yeilding said of customers dealing with damage from mold, water or fire. “It’s a terrible day for them. But I make sure we come with a smile on our face, saying ‘I know today’s a bad day, but by the time we leave here, it’s going be a great day for you, because we’re here to help.’”

Those personal connections – from clients to colleagues to family – and making a difference are what Yeilding values most, so much so that he passed on an opportunity to move to Washington, D.C. last year. He ultimately declined the opportunity, which would have allowed him to serve top officials in and out of the White House, as he wanted to stay nearby to raise his kids and bond with extended family.
Being near home, working with his wife, and helping his community through stressful times is all possible for Yeilding because Restoration 1 offers him the flexibility and balance he desires.

“I wanted something where I was going out and serving others,” he said.
Yeilding has completed extensive training in water, smoke, fire, and mold damage in both commercial and residential properties. He holds a Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and has completed IICRC-accredited courses for Anti-Microbial Remediation Technician (AMT), Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT), and Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT).

For home consultations or inquiries, contact Restoration 1 of Birmingham at (205) 578-6677 or Restoration1.com/birmingham.
For more information about Restoration 1, please visit restoration1.com or follow Restoration 1 on Facebook or Twitter.

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL – PRWEB

Creative Learning Corporation (OTCPK: CLCN), owner and developer of Bricks 4 Kidz and Sew Fun Studios, the highly-popular children’s education and enrichment programs, plans to expand its new innovative after-school program delivered through their network of nationwide Bricks 4 Kidz locations.
Bricks 4 Kidz has been providing LEGO®-inspired after-school programs and camps for children all over the world for nearly a decade. Bricks 4 Kidz has over 640 franchised territories operating in 44 countries. By understanding the need for a hands-on, creative activity that was fun while building usable life-skills, Bricks 4 Kidz fills an essential niche.
According to a 2015 study completed by the Pew Research Center, 59 percent of girls and 84 percent of boys 13-17 play video games. With so much of a young person’s time dedicated to a single activity, turning that activity into a learning opportunity is what Bricks 4 Kidz does best. Teaching children the concepts of coding and video game design is a logical next step for the enterprising franchise operation.
Having mastered the art of teaching using physical bricks, Bricks 4 Kidz now aims to teach children how to manipulate and build using the digital bricks of our time: computer coding. By focusing on video game design, we can target a child’s interest and creativity on this important skill set, with the child’s “buy-in” almost guaranteed.
“As the technological revolution touches on every aspect of our society, Bricks 4 Kidz stands at the forefront of teaching children how to learn concepts that will serve them well as they grow up. Helping kids learn the technological concepts of tomorrow sets them up for a successful future in which such skills will be in high demand. We are proud to evolve with the times and help our nation’s children do the same,” said Robyn Ewing, Bricks 4 Kidz Director of Marketing and Technology.
Computer programming has become one of the most important languages of our day. The coding software they use helps children to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively – essential skills for life in the 21st century. The very programs and applications children play games on today are structured upon the principles Bricks 4 Kidz has built into their coding and video game design after-class program.
Both programs will be made available to franchisees in early 2018, giving them time to prepare for a summer launch.
For individuals who are looking to invest in a franchise business opportunity built on a proven track record of success, Bricks 4 Kidz checks all the boxes. As an educational business opportunity, franchise owners enjoy knowing they are not only building a solid business foundation, but taking care of the needs of youth today through comprehensive and educational after-school programs and camps.
In addition to this groundbreaking new program, Bricks 4 Kidz continues to offer comprehensive courses, camps, workshops, classes, parties, and so much more. We pride ourselves on standing at the forefront of after-school learning through a combination of our current and upcoming programs.
For more information on how Bricks 4 Kidz can bring a new standard of programs to your community through cutting-edge programs such as coding and video game design, visit their website at http://www.bricks4kidz.com or call Robyn Ewing (904) 494-6385.