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PLANO, Texas (January 4, 2018) – Happy New Year! We’ve joined a gym!

More specifically, BizCom Associates, an award-winning Dallas-Fort Worth PR and marketing communications agency, has announced the addition of Gold’s Gym Franchising LLC to the client roster for 2018.

“As for resolutions, this news is all about getting bigger,” said Monica Feid, President of BizComPR. “Gold’s Gym is the undeniable icon for the fitness industry. And today, more than 50 years later, the franchise network is in the best shape ever. With an EBIDTA of 20.73% – a best among any franchisor we’ve ever worked with at BizCom – we are thrilled to be chosen to share that story as the franchise network continues to expand in the U.S. and abroad.”

Headquartered in Dallas, Gold’s Gym includes more than 700 locations around the world, an A-list leadership team, and the success of its new prototype opening in rapid order. The organization, a legend in its field, launched in 1965 and continues to redefine the industry. In 2018, the company is targeting aggressive franchise development to add more locations across the U.S. and to expand its presence in Europe.

“It’s a huge plus how celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dwayne Johnson and John Cena have made Gold’s Gym famous over the years. But we are just as motivated by the success stories that are happening every day at franchise locations around the world,” Feid said. “That’s what makes our role in supporting the expansion of Gold’s Gym, a titan of the fitness industry, to even bigger heights truly magical.”

WACO, Texas (January 4, 2018) – Dwyer Franchising, LLC (“Dwyer Group”), one of the world’s largest franchising companies of trade service brands, has announced the largest Women in the Trade (WITT) Scholarship class since the program was launched in 2012 by Dina Dwyer-Owens, co-chair of Dwyer Group. Eight recipients were awarded a scholarship for the upcoming 2018 spring semester for their outstanding work, experience and passion for their chosen service trades industry.

The WITT initiative is one of the most recognizable efforts to educate and promote the hiring of women for traditionally male-dominated roles in the trades industry. The scholarships are available to women working towards a career in the trades, to students studying for a career in the trades, or to front-line female employees at franchise locations for any of Dwyer Group’s service brands. To-date the WITT program has awarded a total of $49,000 to 35 scholarship recipients.

“We are thrilled to see this program continue to grow year after year,” said Dwyer-Owens. “These eight women awarded the scholarships have shown their commitment to advancing their careers in the service trades, and we here at Dwyer Group are proud to contribute to their continued success.”

The 2018 WITT spring recipients include two-time recipient Brenda Hart of Dacano, CO, who is working towards a career in HVAC. Hart has come a long way from an office worker and is now halfway complete with her HVAC certification. She credits her change of career to watching Dwyer-Owens on an episode of Undercover Boss episode, which aired six years ago.

Scholarship recipients also include: Lauren Cassa of Hamilton, ON, Cheyenne Benge of Yakima, WA, and Shelley Malloy of Bath, MI, pursuing careers in HVAC; Lubelia Gocool of Phoenix, AZ, pursuing a career in restoration; Jacqueline Chouanard of Oshawa, ON, pursuing a master appliance repair technician certification; and Kristen Vance and Mary Joan Millane of Suwanee, GA, both enrolling in courses to become Certified remodeling Project Managers.

Gocool, Chouanard, Vance, Millane and Hart are all employed by franchisees of Dwyer Group brands.

“The need for skilled service tradespeople is at an all-time high and at Dwyer Group we are focused on ways to recruit dedicated and high-quality people for these jobs,” said Dwyer-Owens. “The WITT scholarships are just a starting point for these women as they begin to make great strides within their desired trade industry.”

The WITT scholarship is open to women 18 and older interested in pursuing a career in the trades and covers tuition, books, travel and/or fees. Funds can be applied to any accredited trade or technical school or certification program in the United States or Canada for specialties including: HVAC, plumbing, electrical repair, glass repair and replacement, appliance repair, restoration, painting, landscaping, residential cleaning or handyman services.

Candidates are evaluated based upon financial needs, previous work experience and their passion for their chosen industry. For more information and to apply, visit:http://www.dwyergroup.com/women-in-trades.asp or email WITT@dwyergroup.com.

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For more information, contact:

Cortney Haygood, BizCom Associates

(469) 442-7152/ Cortney@BizComPR.com

OKLAHOMA CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced results for its first fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2017.

Key highlights of the company’s first quarter of fiscal year 2018 included:

• Net income per diluted share increased 4% to $0.29 versus $0.28 in the prior-year period; adjusted net income per diluted share increased 25% to $0.30 versus $0.24 in the prior-year period;
• System same-store sales declined 1.7%, consisting of a 1.6% same-store sales decrease at franchise drive-ins and a 3.2% decrease at company drive-ins;
• Company drive-in margins declined 0.1%;
• 5 new drive-ins opened; and
• The company repurchased 1.7 million outstanding shares.

“As expected, our first quarter same-store sales declined modestly versus prior year reflecting continued intense competitive pressure and unfavorable weather,” said Cliff Hudson, Sonic Corp. CEO. “Excluding the impact of weather, same-store sales were flat, indicating an improvement in underlying traffic trends.

“During the quarter, we promoted the Carhop Classic for $2.99, featuring our full-sized cheeseburger and medium hand-made onion rings, a value offering with a highly compelling price point, broad consumer appeal and strong quality differentiation. In addition to driving improved traffic, the introduction of a sharper everyday value message also improved value and quality scores from customers, validating our evolution to more focused and consistent national value promotions. We will continue to refine this strategy as we move through the remainder of the fiscal year, seeking to balance everyday value and consistent profitability for franchisees while staying true to Sonic’s core tenets of quality, differentiation and innovation.

“While price competition remains fierce, we are hard at work driving the business in areas we can control. We continue to refine our current media strategies, resulting in increased impressions on national cable today and new creative content in the market this spring. We have growing confidence in our product pipeline as we look out to the key summer season and our mobile order ahead pilot is underway.

“Finally, we continue to optimize our capital structure and return cash to shareholders. During the quarter, we repurchased 1.7 million shares, or 4% of shares outstanding, for $40.8 million. We have increased our targeted leverage range to 3.5-4.5x net-debt-to-EBITDA and anticipate concluding the year at the higher end of the range.”

Financial Overview

For the first fiscal quarter of 2018, the company’s net income totaled $11.4 million or $0.29 per diluted share compared to net income of $13.1 million or $0.28 per diluted share in the same period of the prior year. Excluding the items outlined below, net income increased 5% and net income per diluted share increased 25%.

The following analysis of non-GAAP adjustments is intended to supplement the presentation of the company’s financial results in accordance with GAAP. The company believes that the presentation of this analysis provides useful information to investors and management regarding the underlying business trends and the performance of the company’s ongoing operations and is helpful for period-to-period and company-to-company comparisons, which management believes will assist investors in analyzing the financial results of the company and predicting future performance.

Fiscal Year 2018 Outlook

While the macroeconomic environment may impact results, the company continues to expect adjusted earnings per share for fiscal year 2018 to increase 5% to 10%⁽¹⁾ year over year, excluding the impact of the recently passed federal tax legislation. The outlook for fiscal 2018 anticipates the following elements:

• Approximately 0% to 2% same-store sales growth for the system;
• Royalty revenue growth from new unit development;
• 70 to 80 new franchise drive-in openings;
• Drive-in-level margins of 15.1% to 15.7%, depending upon the degree of same-store sales growth at company drive-ins;
• Selling, general and administrative expenses of approximately $76 million to $78 million;
• Depreciation and amortization expense of $40 million to $42 million;
• Net interest expense of approximately $32 million to $34 million;
• Capital expenditures of $38 million to $40 million; excluding spending on build-to-suit drive-in development, capital outlays would be $34 million to $36 million;
• Free cash flow⁽²⁾ of approximately $60 million to $65 million⁽¹⁾;
• An income tax rate of approximately 35%⁽¹⁾;
• The repurchase of approximately $160 million in shares across the fiscal year; and
• An expected quarterly cash dividend of $0.16 per share.

Earnings Conference Call

The company will host a conference call to review financial results at 5:00 PM ET this evening. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (800) 281-7973 or (323) 794-2093 for international callers. A replay will be available one hour after the call and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671 for international callers; the conference ID is 8837715. The replay will be available until Thursday, January 11, 2018. An online replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live broadcast. A link to this event will be available on the investor section of the company’s website, sonicdrivein.com.

OMAHA, NE -PRNewswire –

As a winter storm threatens the East Coast, Home Instead Senior Care is encouraging us all to help senior loved ones and neighbors stay safe in the snow and extreme cold temperatures.

“Winter is a difficult time, and storms like this can be especially hard on seniors,” said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. “Older adults can be relatively sensitive to even moderately cold conditions and they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they’re in danger, so we want to make sure seniors and their loved ones are aware of simple ways they can stay safe and warm in extreme conditions.”

Those over the age of 65 account for nearly half of all hypothermia deaths. As the body ages, the ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature decreases, creating an insensitivity to moderately cold temperatures. Seniors may not realize they are putting themselves at risk until symptoms appear. Symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. If symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is necessary. The leading reason for hypothermia in the elderly is due to poorly heated homes, which is entirely preventable. Follow these simple tips to ensure a warm household.

Stay Warm

• Keep the thermostat at 65 degrees, at least. Consistently check it to make sure your home is sufficiently warm. Even as heating costs rise, your safety should be a priority.
• Put a carbon monoxide detector near where you sleep.
• Ensure that there is adequate insulation, and check and clean the fireplace and furnace. Furnace filters should be replaced monthly.
• Minimize drafts by filling old socks with sand and using them in drafty windowsills and door jambs. Weather-strip around windows and doors. Keep doors to unused rooms closed and close curtains at night.
• Add an extra blanket to the bed and warm the bed in advance with a hot water bottle. Never use an electric blanket – it may be difficult to operate the controls if the temperature needs to be adjusted in the night.
• Dress in layers of loose fitting clothing. If you go outside, make sure your head is covered.

Every year, more than 1.6 million seniors end up in the emergency room because of a fall. With icy conditions, the chances of falling are even greater.

Preventing Falls

• Take a couple minutes per day and stretch your limbs in order to loosen muscles.
• Stay inside – make arrangements for someone to shovel and salt driveways and walkways. Professional caregivers can assist with to-do items, such as bringing in the mail and/or picking up groceries.
• Wear shoes or boots with a non-skid sole.
• Have handrails installed on outside walls for frequently used walkways.
• If you use a cane or walker, check the rubber tips to make sure they are not worn smooth.

Winter weather can take a toll on everyone, especially seniors. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can occur in seniors and impact their emotional health. Some signs to watch for with SAD include: a loss of energy, an increased appetite and an enhanced feeling of lethargy and tiredness. If symptoms are present, talk to your medical provider about treatment options.

Additionally, winter storms can be unpredictable. It is important to be prepared in case of an emergency.

Build a network

• Stay in touch in with family, friends and neighbors. Schedule phone calls, or enlist the help of a professional caregiver to come in for an hour a week.
• Make arrangements for assistance in case of a blizzard or power outage. Keep important numbers in an emergency kit, along with non-perishable foods, water and medications.
• Be familiar with your local resources. Visit www.ready.gov/seniors, www.noaa.gov or www.redcross.org for more information about cold weather.

To learn how Home Instead Senior Care can assist in the cold weather, visit www.homeinstead.com.

ATLANTA, GA – PRNewswire 

Pretzelmaker® is extending its thanks to customers in the form of a great pretzel deal. As part of Customer Appreciation Month, the national pretzel bakery will offer $1 pretzels* (Original Salted or Unsalted) every Tuesday in January during regular store hours. No limit! To add another great twist to the deal, customers who purchase the $1 pretzels, will also receive a coupon for free Pretzel Bites with purchase on their next visit.

Pretzelmaker is known for fresh delicious pretzels and product innovation. With stores across the U.S., the bakery has thousands of loyal fans and is the original creator of Mini Pretzel Dogs, Pretzel Bites and Mozzarella Stuffed Bites. The $1 Customer Appreciation pretzel is a hot deal as Original Salted and Unsalted are regularly priced at $3 (suggested retail).

“Celebrating Customer Appreciation Month with our $1 pretzel deal has become an annual tradition at Pretzelmaker and it’s our way of sharing the love with our fans,” said Lisa Cheatham, Director of Marketing, Pretzelmaker. “Our customers have made us one of the country’s most popular pretzel bakeries and for that we are extremely grateful. Come visit us on Tuesdays in January with your friends and family and take advantage of this great deal.” For more information and store locations, visit our website www.pretzelmaker.com or join us on social media: follow @pretzelmaker on Twitter; add @pretzelmakerpics on Instagram; follow “Pretzelmaker” on Snapchat; or become a fan of the brand on Facebook www.facebook.com/pretzelmaker.
*Valid for Salted or Unsalted pretzels only. Offer valid on 1/2, 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30. Valid at participating locations only. Not valid with any other offer. Customer responsible for applicable taxes.

DENVER— -BUSINESS WIRE

Not all heroes wear capes. But as it turns out, this one sometimes does. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) recognized today one of its biggest fans, a Tiffin, Ohio man named Bruce Wayne who has spent the past 426 days enjoying at least one entrée per day from his local Chipotle.

Chipotle commemorated the milestone by presenting Wayne with a custom-made Chipotle superhero cape and cufflinks – a nod to his love of both Batman and burritos. Chipotle will also reinvest his dollars spent over the course of his journey in a monetary donation to a nonprofit of his choice.

Wayne began the self-started challenge on Oct. 30, 2016 after learning of Chipotle’s plans to open a brand-new location in Tiffin. He conducted research about Chipotle and learned about a fellow fan who had ultimately consumed Chipotle for 425 days and maintained his fitness goals. Wayne then set out to become the new record holder.

“Day after day we’re committed to serving our customers the most delicious, real ingredients we can find and it’s great to see a customer like Bruce is as committed to us as we are to him,” said Chris Arnold, communications director at Chipotle. “While this might not be everybody’s New Year’s Resolution for 2018, it certainly shows that our menu of real and fresh ingredients offers something for everyone – even superheroes.”

After having consumed his record-breaking order, Wayne says he has no immediate plans to stop. His entire journey is documented on his personal Instagram account, including daily photos of his order and accompanying receipt: www.instagram.com/mrwaynethebat/.

AdvantaClean  America’s fastest-growing Light Environmental Services™ franchise system, announces the promotion of Chris Stefanco as Vice-President of Operations, effective December 18, 2017. In his new role, Stefanco will now be responsible for supervising the company’s Franchise Business Coaches, while working directly with AdvantaClean franchise business owners to implement new product development, new service lines, and promotion. He will also be forward focused on changes in industry standards for the benefit of franchise owner growth.

“I am honored to accept my new position as AdvantaClean’s vice-president of operations, “said Stefanco. “As a past successful small business owner myself, and having personally met and trained current franchise owners in my previous training role, I know they are expecting me to continue to find innovative opportunities to help them be even more successful, and to expand their business, while streamlining the process. I accept that challenge, and at the same time pledge to work to enlarge the AdvantaClean brand nationwide as the leader in indoor air quality and moisture control experience.”

Stefanco joined AdvantaClean in 1999, serving in several key positions, most recently as Director of Technical Operations and Training since 2006. In that role, he was responsible for oversight, as well as all hands on, and classroom training for new franchisees.

Stefanco has also served as Senior Project Manager of AdvantaClean’s affiliate, Loss Construction, and Recovery, managing large scale commercial, industrial, and government projects across the U.S.

He holds water and fire certifications through IICRC and is NADACA trained. Stefanco is also a Certified CMA and CMR for mold, has OSHA certifications, and is an OSHA construction outreach trainer.

AdvantaClean CEO and Founder, Jeff Dudan, recognizes Stefanco’s already positive impact on the company, and what he envisions for the future.

“For almost two decades, Chris has worked tirelessly to build AdvantaClean from a small local service business, to a national leading franchise brand. Chris is held in the highest regard by AdvantaClean Nation, and it is my honor and privilege to recognize Chris for his effort, dedication, and to provide him the platform to continue making a difference in the lives of our teammates, franchise partners, and customers across the country.”

Matt Phillips, President of AdvantaClean, identifies the reasons for Stefanco’s success, and what he brings to his new role.

“Chris has vast industry experience and proven excellence in his prior roles within the company that make him a great fit as AdvantaClean continues to grow. Chris has the respect of the entire AdvantaClean Nation and lives our core values and our commitment to building and sustaining relationships that embody community, accountability, respect, excellence and service.”

Stefanco, a native of New Jersey, lives in York, SC. with his wife, Diane, and two sons, Chris and Dillon.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Jan. 2, 2018 – PRNewswire

The Little Gym International, a children’s enrichment and development franchise with over 300 locations around the globe, announces that Alex Bingham will be named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2018. He will succeed current President and CEO, Ruk Adams. In his new role, Bingham will continue to grow The Little Gym‘s legacy as the world’s premiere gym for movement-based learning and imaginative play that helps build the confidence and skills needed at each stage of childhood. He plans to enhance company operations and further deliver on the brand promise of providing the Springboard to Life’s Adventures for the families it serves, franchisees and employees.

Since joining The Little Gym in 2001, Bingham has held several roles within the company, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Some of his former responsibilities and positions include running a corporate location as a Gym Director, working with franchise owners in both their pre-opening and ongoing operations as a Business Consultant, and managing franchisee support as a VP of Franchise Services. Before joining the corporate team, Bingham was an instructor at The Little Gym of Scottsdale during his college breaks in 1996-1997, and was previously a student at The Little Gym‘s original location from age two to five.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have shared in The Little Gym‘s growth, evolution and opportunities over the years. The experience has been nothing short of amazing, from playing an integral role of rebuilding the company in its early years, to seeing us grow into a worldwide brand that impacts the lives of families across the globe,” said Ruk Adams, exiting President and CEO of The Little Gym International. “I have complete confidence that my successor, Alex Bingham, will continue to lead The Little Gym to great success in his new role as President and CEO.”

“The Little Gym has been a part of my life since the age of two when I was a student, continuing into my young adulthood when I worked as a part-time instructor during college and, finally, turning into a fulfilling career that allows me to make a difference in children’s lives at each of our locations,” said Alex Bingham, President and CEO of The Little Gym International. “It’s a privilege to have my life come full circle as I assume my new role as CEO, and build upon The Little Gym‘s reputation in the early childhood development space that Ruk helped to diligently establish.”

Ruk Adams retires having served as The Little Gym President and CEO since 2013. For more than 23 years, Adams has held a variety leadership positions, having first joined the corporate team in 1994 as Executive Vice President of Franchise Development, a position he held through 1997. After leaving the company to head sales for Citadel Broadcasting in Salt Lake City from 1997 to 2002, Adams rejoined The Little Gym in a role as Senior Vice Present of Development and Franchise Services. Prior to working at the corporate headquarters, Adams and his wife, Ann, owned and ran one of the original locations of The Little Gym from 1993 to 1995 in Salt Lake City.

For more information on The Little Gym, please visit www.thelittlegym.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) 

H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) opened its 10,000 offices nationwide today to serve taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. H&R Block has an office located within five miles of 95 percent of Americans. Whether they need help filing their 2017 return, W-4 planning for 2018, dealing with IRS-mandated refund delays or more, H&R Block can serve them when and how they want.

“We help taxpayers get their taxes won, starting with getting them their maximum refund,” said Karen Orosco, senior vice president of U.S. retail for H&R Block. “We don’t stop there to get your taxes won, though. We will serve you when you want, where you want and how you want, including through our new virtual method that allows you to never step foot in an office but still get your taxes won with our expert tax professionals.”

Millions can file for free at H&R Block offices

H&R Block’s free Federal 1040EZ offer will allow approximately 23 million taxpayers to file a Federal 1040EZ for free for a limited time at participating offices.

“Our free Federal 1040EZ offer gives taxpayers access to expert assistance in completing their returns and guarantees they get their maximum refund – all for free,” Orosco said.

“Filing a simple tax return may not be as easy as many taxpayers believe, especially if they are new filers, experienced a life change in 2017, face IRS refund delays or are concerned about how tax reform legislation will affect them in 2018, including the impact to their paychecks starting as early as February,” Orosco said. “Having assistance from a qualified tax professional provides taxpayers confidence that they aren’t leaving any money on the table and that they are prepared for the future.”

Generally, a 1040EZ filer is a taxpayer whose filing status is single or married filing jointly, who does not pay mortgage interest, has no dependents and earned less than $100,000 last year.

To learn more about filing a Free Federal 1040EZ and all other offers like H&R Block Tax Pro Go, find a nearby location or make an appointment, visit www.hrblock.com or call 1-800-HRBLOCK.

Springfield, MO  – RestaurantNews.com

With new franchise deals, expanding markets, and strong sales growth, 2017 has been an eventful year for Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar®!

This past year has brought record-breaking numbers and several milestones for the Southwest Missouri-based restaurant brand. In March, Big Whiskey’s opened their first franchise location in Bentonville, AR, experiencing record-breaking sales within the first few weeks of business. Quickly following, in May, a second franchise location was opened in Kansas City to kick-off a summer of more expansion.

In June, the brand welcomed a multi-unit franchise deal in Las Vegas, with the first location confirmed on Las Vegas Boulevard! Shortly following, in August, Big Whiskey’s eagerly opened their sixth corporate store and very first free-standing location in Republic, MO, expanding their existing footprint in the Midwest.

A new campaign, “Game On” was launched in September to ring in football season. The updated branding and campaign goals set the tone for expanded seasonal marketing blitzes. It proved to be a huge success and provided an extra boost to existing sales growth ahead of the holiday season.

Franchise expansion continued this Fall with another two-store deal signed for Birmingham, AL, in September. The first Alabama and Las Vegas locations are expected to open in late 2018.

“The continued support of our loyal customers, and eagerness of new customers to welcome our brand is invaluable to us,” states company President, Austin Herschend. “We’re ending 2017 with incredible success and a clear path for continued growth heading into 2018.”

As Big Whiskey’s celebrated exciting new opportunities and sales growth, many Americans were experiencing tragedy when hurricane season hit. The company has always held a commitment to partnering with community organizations, and quickly reached out to Springfield-based Convoy of Hope, to help hurricane victims. Following a month of fundraising efforts in the aftermath of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the brand raised $10,000 for the national disaster relief organization, Convoy of Hope, and their continued relief efforts. Throughout 2017, Big Whiskey’s has contributed over $30,000 to various community organizations and causes.