business opportunity

FORT WORTH, Texas – Delicious news alert! No matter where you live in the continental U.S., you can now get Gigi’s Cupcakes and baked goods shipped directly to family and friends regardless of where they live.

Starting June 5th, orders for Gigi’s delectable cupcakes, cookies, brownies and more can be placed via the Gigi’s Cupcakes website at www.gigiscupcakesusa.com and delivered fresh in as little as 24 hours.

“For years customers made it clear that Gigi’s needed to find alternative avenues to serve our many customers and fans who may not live close to a current bakery or want to send a delicious gift to friends, family or clients,” says Judy Renfrow, CEO of Gigi’s Cupcakes. “This exciting initiative enables Gigi’s to access new and existing customers across the country while creating virtual bakeries in communities where we do not yet have a physical presence.”

Gigi’s worked hard to solve the challenges of shipping cupcakes to guests. The new Classic style cupcakes use the same high-quality ingredients and deliver the same fabulous taste as those served in our local bakeries. Cupcakes are made fresh daily and shipped out for delivery to households and businesses within 1-2 business days. The product variety will come specially packaged within a beautifully branded Gigi’s Cupcakes gift box to ensure that freshness and presentation are preserved. A custom card with gift message can also be included, and customers can personalize the order based on the occasion.

Best known for its Signature “Gigi’s Swirl” cupcakes and an incredible variety of gourmet, over-the-top cupcakes with icing piled high and exquisite decorations, the bakery offers a diverse selection of gourmet desserts for guests, including holiday designed and seasonal cupcake flavors with gluten-friendly options, mini cupcakes, custom cakes, cheesecakes and stuffed cookies.

More information on Gigi’s Cupcakes is available at www.gigiscupcakesusa.com.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire – Teriyaki Madness, a growing, Denver-based fresh Asian fast-casual franchise, is adding more adventure to their menu this summer with a large, cold noodle salad, beginning June 6, for a limited time offer through September.

The Sesame Asian Yakisoba Salad offers a uniquely delicious menu option that is expected to be a hit with salad lovers and flavor-seekers alike. The large bowl is full of bold, craveable flavors such as fresh ginger, garlic, sesame and soy and is packed with yakisoba noodles, marinated, grilled teriyaki chicken and fresh chopped vegetables including broccoli, zucchini, cabbage and carrots, all perfectly tossed and chilled for summer.

With the brand’s summer “Be Bowl’d” campaign encouraging its customers to choose their own path and be adventurous, Teriyaki Madness makes sure to take its own advice; the Sesame Asian Yakisoba Salad will indeed stand out amongst all the other traditional boring salads. The campaign also invites customers to live a life of adventure and do something they’ve never done before – like order a chilled noodle salad.

“Summer is the perfect time to try new things and test your limits, and that’s what we are doing with the Sesame Asian Yakisoba Salad. We are not afraid to challenge the definition of salad and take away the lettuce. As our promotion says, ‘if it’s chilled and in a bowl, it’s a salad,'” said Michael Haith, CEO of Teriyaki Madness. “This salad is fun and different, and we are confident it will be a hit among our customers as it has all the elements that they already know and love.”

Similar to Yakisoba dishes already on the menu, the LTO is loaded with the brand’s signature, addicting flavors. The unique difference being that it’s chilled and tossed in Teriyaki Madness’ brand-new Sesame Asian dressing, giving customers the refreshing feeling of a salad while also feeling full and energized for their adventurous summer days.

Teriyaki Madness, the fastest growing Asian restaurant concept in the nation, grants customers an authentic Seattle Teriyaki House experience. Big, bold bowls are what Teriyaki Madness is famous for, as guests customize their made-to-order entrees. Building a customer’s bowl of delicious flavors and ingredients starts with made-from-scratch sauces and various rice and noodle options, and then adding fresh-cut, stir-fried or steamed vegetables and quality proteins like all-natural, fresh chicken, beef or tofu.

Cleveland, OH – Faber-Castell® USA today announced the launch of Sparkles the Unicorn to be sold exclusively at Learning Express Toys nationwide this summer.

Sparkles is the newest magical member of Creativity for Kids® highly successful Sequin Pets line launched at this year’s Toy Fair with Happy the Hedgehog. Like Happy, Sparkles the Unicorn is a calming weighted, reversible sequined plush animal that can be decorated with fun, repositionable felt stickers.

“We are thrilled to introduce Sparkles the Unicorn to the world,” said Lauren Ciprotti, Buyer, for Learning Express Toys. “Our customers love all things sequin and unicorn, and we know this adorable character kids can customize themselves will be a hit at Learning Express Toys.”

Faber-Castell is excited to see Sparkles hit store shelves, highlighting the brand’s focus on enriching lives through creativity and self-expression. Each product within their collection aims to inspire creativity and to allow for mindful crafting, self-expression, and/or pretend play.

“Happy the Hedgehog really struck a chord with everyone, most notably parents and educators of children with sensory processing issues,” said Heather Lambert-Shemo, Director of Marketing for Faber-Castell USA children’s brands. “We believe Sparkles the Unicorn will bring the same amount of joy and comfort to children and are very excited to partner with Learning Express for its initial launch.”

For more information, visit fabercastell.com and learningexpress.com.

 WACO, Texas – Dwyer Franchising, LLC (“Dwyer Group”), one of the world’s largest parent companies of home service brands, today announced it has been acquired by Harvest Partners, LP (“Harvest Partners” or “Harvest”), a New York-based private equity firm. The deal marks the fourth and largest private equity transaction of Dwyer Group in the franchise organization’s history. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dwyer Group, based in Waco, Texas, serves as the holding company for 20 service brands with a franchise network including more than 3,200 franchisees operating in the United States and eight other countries. The combined businesses offer residential and commercial customers with a community of professional services and account for approximately $1.7 billion in annual system-wide revenues.

Harvest Partners is an established middle-market private equity firm with a 35+ year history of investing in companies and partnering with high-quality management teams to support those businesses as they continue to grow to the next level.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Dwyer Group management team. They have built an excellent company and we look forward to providing additional financial and strategic resources to help them further build on their market leader status in the service franchise category,” said Steve Eisenstein, Partner at Harvest Partners.

Harvest’s purchase transfers majority ownership of Dwyer Group from The Riverside Company, a global investment firm that invested in Dwyer Group two separate times – taking the company private in 2003 and reacquiring the company in 2014.

“Dwyer Group is such a special company that we enjoyed two successful partnerships with them,” said Riverside Partner Meranee Phing. “It’s been deeply rewarding to work with a wonderful and talented team that shared our goals and values as we realized our vision for the company.”

With each private equity transaction, Dwyer Group has expanded exponentially through add-on acquisitions of complementary franchise service brands and the organic growth of its existing service brands. In recent years, the company has expanded its franchisee-support structure significantly by adding 35% more corporate associates and new facilities at headquarters in the U.S. and Europe. During this time, Dwyer Group tripled in enterprise value and launched the overarching Neighborly brand to unify and market a growing roster of service brands that provide a seamless one-stop shop for consumers’ home service needs.

“The incredible support of Riverside, the skill and resources of our team, and the successful completion of 11 add-on acquisitions to Dwyer Group during this second investment have dramatically shaped the trajectory of our growth. We intend to build on our dominant position as a leader in home services helping people repair, maintain and enhance their homes and properties,” said Mike Bidwell, President and CEO of Dwyer Group. “We are in the strongest fiscal position with the largest global reach in our company’s history. And Harvest brings capital, experience and enthusiasm to support our ambitions for continued growth.”

CARROLLTON, TX – PRNewswire – A multi-unit housing development’s physical setting can play an important role in creating an effective, remarkable resident experience. Here are three key questions a residential property should consider.

1. Is the location easy to find and identify?
2. Can people find their way safely and efficiently?
3. Does the space reflect branding?

Strategically designed and positioned signs and graphics are crucial to increasing visibility, creating a more productive and organized environment, and improving the overall location experience.

For example, Park West, a 3,400-bed student housing property in College Station, Texas and the country’s largest of its kind, used a variety of signs and graphics to increase its visibility in the community, communicate the property’s branding and core values, and enhance the resident experience.

“Servitas, the student housing developer of Park West, came to us prior to breaking ground on the project with hopes that we could be their exclusive sign and graphics provider,” said Kevin Brightwell, owner of the FASTSIGNS® in College Station, Texas. “They needed our help to not only to market the project to students and parents, but with the design, project management, production and installation.”

When construction began, the new development needed to be identified, promote its presence in the community and attract residents. Banners, fence graphics, flags and yard signs were placed around the site to establish the presence of the student housing complex. Illuminated monument signs and building signs were installed to identify the property day and night.

To help people find their way, street signs and parking signs direct vehicle traffic. Exterior wayfinding signs that include a map of the complex are placed near walkways. Entrances are clearly marked using dimensional letters, logo signs, banners, and window and door graphics. Inside of the housing buildings, a combination of ADA-compliant signs and wall graphics identify apartment units, community areas, evaluators, stairs and floor levels.

The signs and graphics used throughout the property compliment Park West’s branding and décor by incorporating brand colors, style and tone, which gives residents a unique, cohesive experience across the 48-acre complex.

Creating a unique experience helps residential property brands connect with residents and visitors, grow their occupancy rates and make a lasting impression.

LIVONIA, MI – PRNewswire – Each year in late spring as millions of adorable kittens are born, shelters become overcrowded. Finding homes for older-aged cats is a constant challenge for shelters nationwide.

Pet Supplies Plus – the largest and most trusted pet retail franchise in the United States – is stepping up to help place cats in loving homes by teaming up with local shelters and rescue organizations across the country.

Throughout National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month in June, stores will host adoption events and offer valuable discounts to neighbors on cat-related products. (Because event dates and times will vary by location, neighbors are encouraged to visit www.petsuppliesplus.com/Store to find and contact their closest store for details.)

To help the pet parents of newly adopted cats, knowledgeable team members will be on hand in the stores to recommend all the best products to ensure their overall health and wellness. Pet Supplies Plus stores will also provide neighbors with a helpful New Pet Parent Checklist and offer special incentives (to vary by store) for new cats adopted in June.

“Our National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month in-store adoption events are designed to help animals in need, and make a meaningful impact in the community,” said Pet Supplies Plus CEO Chris Rowland. “Our goal is to help increase awareness and facilitate more adoptions. With our high volume of shoppers, we can help a significant number of cats find their forever homes.”

Pet Supplies Plus offers a wide array of natural pet foods, and a variety of Made in the USA pet consumables. These include wet and dry food, treats, rawhide and chews. Set in welcoming neighborhood environments, Pet Supplies Plus team members get to know their neighbors and pets by name at every store. Many locations also feature a full offering of grooming services tailored to meet every pet’s needs, including washes, haircuts, body brushing, flea treatment and nail, skin, ear and oral care.

WACO, TX – PRNewswire – With hurricane season officially here, Rainbow International, a Neighborly company and the nation’s leading residential and commercial restoration service provider, is helping homeowners who live in areas impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms prepare for the risk of property damage by sharing a list of tips to keep in mind before a storm hits.

“By their very nature, hurricanes can be a particularly devastating event because there is often little time to prepare, and many homeowners make the dangerous mistake of waiting until the last minute to organize their home and purchase emergency provisions,” said Cary Fairless, president of Rainbow International. “We encourage homeowners in high-risk regions to get prepared now and take the necessary steps to fortify their property, and hope that sharing these tips will help keep their homes and families safe throughout the hurricane season.”

Rainbow International’s tips for reducing the severity of a hurricane or tropical storm’s effects include:

• Keep supplies handy: Dedicate storage for a three-day supply of water, dried or canned foods, and other essentials. Not sure what you need? Consult FEMA’s emergency supply list. Having the right supplies is among the top hurricane season tips.
• Unplug electronics – even if you have a surge protector: This is the best protection against surge-related damage.
• Check for leaks: Check doors, windows, and walls, such as areas where cables and pipes enter, for openings that could allow water to penetrate.
• Prepare for long-term outages: Consider purchasing a generator. It doesn’t have to be the pricey, whole-house version. Even one that’s big enough to run a refrigerator and plug in a few essentials can really make life easier. Consider what you can’t live without if you were to be without electricity for a few days – such as a sump pump or well pump – and select a model that best fits your needs.
• Trim trees and shrubbery: Trim back any branches touching your home. If they rub your roof, they could pull parts of it off in a storm. Keep trees well pruned to allow wind to pass through with minimal damage and debris. Consider re-grading around trees to strengthen the ground and give roots something to cling to.
• Clean gutters: This could prevent potential roof damage and flooding inside your home.
• Clear clutter: Prevent items from flying off to Oz. Get rid of items you are no longer using, which can turn into projectiles. Bring lightweight outdoor items such as patio furniture, plants, toys, and trashcans inside.
• Secure your home: Highly recommended are window shutters (not the pretty ones – the ones that protect your glass), roof clips (to hold your roof on – it is NOT too heavy to fly away), and garage door braces (to keep your garage door from blowing away). Anchor fuel tanks as well. Ensure all items are professionally installed.
• Verify insurance coverage: Avoid the wind and water debate. Check your homeowner’s policy and purchase additional flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure you have adequate protection if necessary.

With more than 400 locations worldwide, Rainbow International offers consumers assistance before the storm hits with professional board up and tarp over services as well post-storm clean up in the event of water damage, or content cleaning for residential and commercial property owners. The company is part of Neighborly, a community of home service experts that provides consumers assistance with nearly all aspects of their home care needs. Additional information about Neighborly can be found at www.GetNeighborly.com. For more information about Rainbow International, visit www.rainbowintl.com.

NEW YORK, NY – Blink Fitness – a premium-quality, value-based gym that has challenged industry norms by celebrating how exercise makes you feel, not just how it makes you look – has announced the promotion of former president Todd Magazine to Chief Executive Officer and former Vice President of Operations David Collignon to Senior Vice President of Operations.

“Todd’s vision and tenacity have propelled Blink Fitness into a thriving bi-coastal, multi-state brand,” said Harvey Spevak, executive chairman and managing partner of Equinox Holdings, Inc., Blink’s parent company. “He has simultaneously established the brand as a highly differentiated player and transformed Blink into an autonomous, profitable business. Under his leadership, we look forward to a future of sustained, strong performance and continued growth.”

Magazine joined Equinox in 2012 as the Executive Vice President of New Business. A year later he transitioned exclusively to the Blink brand, serving as the Executive Vice President and General Manager before serving as President prior to this most recent promotion. Under Magazine’s leadership, Blink has grown from four to 70 locations in six years and has more than 400,000 members. The business has added a franchising system to supplement its company-owned efforts, all of which is helping accelerate the brand’s growth and expansion.

“The last six years have been the most fun and rewarding of my career. And the best part is that we are only getting warmed up. The runway for this business is as far as the eyes can see,” said Magazine. “We have an awesome brand, an incredible business model, and the most dedicated and passionate people I have ever worked with.”

Since joining Blink in 2016 as Vice President of Operations, Collignon has transformed the Operations team, enabling the business to continue to grow at a rapid pace and to seamlessly expand geographically. With this promotion, David’s responsibilities will be expanded to include Franchise Operations.

“Under David’s leadership, the business has seen a significant reduction in member attrition, as well as staff turnover,” said Magazine. “He also helped turbo charge Blink’s personal training and retail businesses, both of which grew exponentially over the past year.”

Launched in 2011, Blink offers a truly unique experience to its members, based on a company philosophy of Mood Above Muscle™, which celebrates the positive feelings you get from exercise rather than just the physical benefits. Their Feel Good Experience® comes to life in each gym through a commitment to providing modern and colorful design, elevated customer service, relentless focus on cleanliness, energizing music and confidence-boosting training programs.

Blink Fitness has opened nearly 70 company-owned locations since its inception across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California, and has over 50 additional franchise locations in various stages of development in major U.S. markets. According to Magazine, Blink will have approximately 90 locations open and operating by the end of the year and expects to surpass the 300-unit mark over the next five years.

CARROLLTON, TX – FASTSIGNS International, Inc., franchisor of FASTSIGNS®, the leading sign, graphics and visual communications franchise, announced today that it will be attending and sponsoring the International Franchise Expo from May 31 – June 2 at The Javits Center in New York City. FASTSIGNS CEO Catherine Monson will speak at the event and share insights gained during her more than 30 years in franchising.

FASTSIGNS is recruiting franchisees for expansion throughout the U.S. and Canada, particularly in the Northeast, including the New York City metro area and Long Island. The brand also is seeking international partners worldwide to be master franchisees.

“Throughout North America, FASTSIGNS has over 400 markets ready for development, providing ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to join our leading brand. The International Franchise Expo is a strategic way to connect with thousands of entrepreneurs and future business owners both in the U.S. and abroad,” said Mark Jameson, EVP of Franchise Support and Development, FASTSIGNS International, Inc. “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at the IFE and look forward to showing prospective franchisees some of our cutting-edge technology and why FASTSIGNS is the top-ranked franchisor in the sign, graphic and visual communications industry.”

Entrepreneurs are encouraged to meet Catherine Monson and the brand’s franchise development team at booth #214 to learn more about the benefits of being a franchisee. Additionally, FASTSIGNS will demonstrate one of the newest products available to franchisees – the Makitso® Sslab 50” digital signage kiosk with 4K touchscreen display. Created by 22Miles, the Makitso Sslab has an adjustable, motorized stand that allows users to change the display from an angled pedestal format to a flat tabletop.

During the three-day event, Monson will speak on a panel alongside other franchise experts on Thursday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discuss issues ranging from the cultural challenges of international expansion to the practical aspects of doing business across borders. On Saturday, June 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Monson will join FASTSIGNS multi-unit franchisee, Clint Ehlers, of Willow Grove and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to share how they work together to achieve a balance between the Franchisor and the Franchisee in order to create a successful brand and position FASTSIGNS as one of the top-ranked brands for franchisee satisfaction for over 10 years. Clint will also participate in additional panels throughout the expo.

In 2018, FASTSIGNS plans to open an additional 45 centers across the U.S. 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 offers special incentives to first responders, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, sheriffs, and firefighters. This incentive is a 50-percent discount on the franchise fee – a savings of $23,750. FASTSIGNS International, Inc. is pleased to offer first responders this incentive to become a franchisee and to be the only franchisor in their segment to offer a development incentive specifically to first responders.

After 38 years as a first responder in the fire service and law enforcement departments, franchisee Russ Mason opened his first FASTSIGNS location in St. Peters, Missouri, in 2015. “After being a first responder for 38 years, I was looking for a change that challenged me,” Mason explained. “Many first responders are very mechanically inclined and business-minded, and the FASTSIGNS business model is well suited for self-motivated and hands-on individuals.”

FASTSIGNS International, Inc. was ranked the #1 franchise opportunity in its category and 70 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2018 Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Acknowledged by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® recognizes FASTSIGNS, the only sign, graphics, and visual communications franchise to be recognized in the top 100, for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate and brand power. 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 and a “Best-in-Category” franchise by Franchise Business Review in 2018. The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) recently recognized FASTSIGNS International, Inc. with a special six-year Franchisees’ Choice designation for its strong relationship with Canadian franchisees, as well as extensive franchisee training and support.

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

Glen Echo, MD – PR.com

The Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., a specialty retail bird store franchisor, is proud to announce the launch of its newly revamped website and e-store: www.wildbird.com. The redesigned site offers fresh and updated content related to the backyard bird feeding hobby, Wild Bird Center products, franchise opportunities, local store pages, photo galleries, blog, videos and more. The new E-store component features products to suit every backyard and every budget, including seed, feeders, nest boxes, hardware, birdbaths, gift items and more – while highlighting Wild Bird Center’s competitive and reasonable shipping rates.

The responsive design across all digital devices, including desktop and media, makes it user-friendly. Website visitors will experience a clean and uncluttered design, ease of navigation, improved functionality and enhanced content including videos. Crafted by award-winning web firm, americaneagle.com, the site fosters Wild Bird Center’s mission of providing high-quality, long-lasting products that make backyard bird feeding an enjoyable and relaxing hobby.

The revamped E-store component allows Wild Bird Centers to reach out to a greater audience to increase sales while enhancing the shopping experience for customers. Low shipping rates and free shipping on orders $99 and over encourage customers to buy their favorite Wild Bird Center products online. The E-store also allows customers to purchase gift cards, literally giving the gift of nature to friends, family and loved ones. Neil Gladner, VP of Marketing and Retail Operations shared, “We’re excited to bring the enjoyment of backyard bird feeding and over 30 years of experience to every household in the U.S. with the launch of our new site. Now, everyone has access to our premium line of products designed to give our patrons a better backyard bird feeding experience.”

With built-in flexibility, Wild Bird Centers will continue to update and evolve content and information to provide the best in bird feeding to bird lovers everywhere.