franchise business

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. 

The 108-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Walpole, Massachusetts opened this month with a modern décor providing guests with a feeling of warmth and calm while traveling. Located at 630 Providence Highway, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Walpole will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by S&H Hospitality Realty Inc. and managed by Liberty Hotel Group.

Located minutes off highway I-95 and 20 miles from downtown Boston, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Walpole offers guests convenient access to Logan International Airport, Gillette Stadium, Patriot’s Place, downtown Providence and the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Upon opening rates will start as low as $119.00 per night.

“Delivering both function and comfort, our new design and décor elevate the Fairfield brand, setting a new standard in the moderate tier category,” said Callette Nielsen, vice president and global brand manager, Fairfield Inn & Suites. “At Fairfield Inn & Suites, we provide an easy, positive and productive travel experience, as well as the promise of consistent and reliable service at an exceptional value. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Boston Walpole is a truly stunning example of the brand’s contemporary look and feel, and we are pleased to introduce Fairfield Inn & Suites hotels in the Walpole area.”

The new décor package is warm, timeless, forward-thinking, and inviting with simple nods back to the brand’s heritage. Specific elements meant to evoke feelings from the Fairfield Farm include a farmhouse table in the lobby for gathering and connecting, photography from the Fairfield Farm serving as artwork in the lobby and guest rooms, natural materials and unique textures featured throughout, and a history wall in every property showcasing the brand’s roots.

The new guestroom design is impactful, unique and addresses the functional needs of the Fairfield guest for a seamless experience. The room was designed with the modern traveler’s needs to stay productive on the road in mind without overcomplicating the guestroom. Each room features a modern lounge chair, serving as both functional and comfortable to either work or relax in. The artwork in the room takes center stage with the window treatment acting as a focal point, displaying photography taken at the Fairfield Farm. The material is sheer and allows light to pass through the photography, warming up the room and creating a comfortable environment. All guestrooms also feature a 55″ SMART TV, refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave. Additionally, suites will feature a separate sitting area outfitted with a comfortable couch and a second 55″ SMART TV.

Additional hotel amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, the 24/7 Corner Market, valet laundry service, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as fax and copy services, and the Neponset board room that accommodates up to 10 people. A complimentary hot breakfast, featuring oatmeal, scrambled eggs, sausage, make-your-own waffles and other healthy items, such as fruit, yogurt, and whole grain cereals and breads is also available.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Motto Franchising, LLC announced that 50 Motto Mortgage franchises were sold across the country during the franchisor’s first year of operation. Motto Mortgage officially launched on October 25, 2016, and is the first national mortgage brokerage franchise in the U.S.

Motto Mortgage is an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise and the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) family of brands. Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network work hard to give homebuyers options – and present competitive bids from wholesale lenders – because no loan is one-size-fits-all. Motto Franchising President Ward Morrison calls the mortgage brokerage franchise revolutionary and is celebrating the momentous achievement.

“The Motto Mortgage team is extremely proud to have 50 franchises sold in the brand’s first 12 months,” Morrison said. “When we developed the new concept, our goal was always to create a value proposition that worked for franchisees and provided an upgraded experience for consumers. Now having more than 25 franchises already open and operating validates the tremendous vision and dedication of the Motto Mortgage team – and confirms the need for the disruption in the marketplace.”

Motto Mortgage is a different idea – a network of mortgage brokers, focused on providing personalized guidance with more clarity and less jargon. Loan originators in the Motto Mortgage network work close by – and closely with – real estate agents to deliver a one-stop solution. Motto Mortgage franchises are increasing competition in the industry, resulting in more options and a better customer experience for consumers. Importantly, Motto Mortgage loan originators are not bound to the products of one specific lender but have access to quality loan options from various sources.

Motto Mortgage has franchises operating in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas. Motto Franchising, LLC is located at 5075 S. Syracuse St. #1200, Denver, CO 80237. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. For more information, please email newsroom@mottomortgage.com or visit mottomortgage.com.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ /PRNewswire/ 

TacoTime® (www.TacoTime.com) is adding more value and flavor to the menu with the $1.99 Fully Loaded Burrito, available for a limited time only, now through Feb. 27, 2018.

Loaded with seasoned beef, refried pinto beans, cheese sauce, Mexi-Fries® and your choice of Original, Green or the blazing 5-Alarm™ hot sauce, the Fully Loaded Burrito has all of the best ingredients rolled up in a home-style tortilla and grilled to perfection.

VANCOUVER, WA – GLOBE NEWSWIRE 

Papa Murphy’s Holdings, Inc. (“Papa Murphy’s” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:FRSH) today announced changes to the composition of its Board of Directors, adding two new highly qualified independent directors, Alexander C. Matina and Noah A. Elbogen.

Alexander C. Matina has been appointed to the Compensation Committee and Noah A. Elbogen has been appointed to the Audit Committee. In order to maintain an appropriately sized Board, one incumbent director, Jeffrey B. Welch, has left the Board. All changes are effective immediately. As a result of these changes, the newly reconstituted Board will comprise ten directors, seven of whom are independent and all of whom have track records of delivering long-term shareholder value.

Mr. Matina and Mr. Elbogen have been added to the Board in connection with a Cooperation Agreement among Papa Murphy’s, MFP Partners, L.P. (“MFP”), the Company’s second largest shareholder with 13.1% of the shares, and Misada Capital Holdings, LLC (“Misada”), another major shareholder with 9.2% of the Company’s shares. The Cooperation Agreement contains terms regarding the parties working together for the long-term success of Papa Murphy’s.

“We have chosen to undertake a Board refresh to ensure we continue to have the critical skill sets among our Directors in order to drive long term success and shareholder value,” said Jean Birch, Chair of the Board of Papa Murphy’s. “We are pleased to welcome Alexander Matina and Noah Elbogen to Papa Murphy’s as they will bring significant financial and industry experience to the Board of Directors.”

Birch continued, “On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Jeff Welch for his contributions as a director and his dedication to the Company. Jeff played a role in the Company’s success for the last nearly three years and provided a unique perspective and valuable insights to both the Board and management team.”

Under the terms of the Cooperation Agreement, MFP and Misada have agreed to certain customary standstill and other provisions. The complete agreement and definitive documentation will be included as exhibits to a Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Vinson & Elkins LLP and Perkins Coie LLP are serving as legal advisors to Papa Murphy’s. Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP is serving as Misada’s legal advisor.

• Alexander C. Matina
  Alexander C. Matina is the Vice President, Investments at MFP Investors LLC, the family office of Michael F. Price, which focuses on long-term, value investment opportunities. Mr. Matina also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trinity Place Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TPHS), a publicly traded real estate company, focused on multi-family and retail investments. In addition, he serves on the board of S&W Seed Company (NASDAQ:SANW), a publicly traded agricultural company, with proprietary seeds targeting the alfalfa, sorghum, sunflower and stevia markets. Mr. Matina also serves on the board of XRO Energy LLC, a private energy company with assets in Wyoming. In addition, Mr. Matina has worked in various investment and financial analyst roles at Altus Capital Partners and Salomon Smith Barney, among others. Mr. Matina has a Bachelor of Science business degree from Fordham University, where he serves as an adjunct professor of Finance and as a member of the advisory board of the Gabelli Center for Global Security Analysis, and an MBA from the Columbia Business School.
• Noah A. Elbogen
  Noah A. Elbogen currently serves as Managing Member and Chief Executive Officer of Misada Capital Group LLC, a New Jersey-based investment manager. Previously, Mr. Elbogen served as an Investment Analyst at Luxor Capital Group, LP, a New York-based investment manager, where he focused primarily on the restaurant sector from July 2011 to July 2016. Prior to joining Luxor Capital Group, Mr. Elbogen served as a Research Analyst covering the consumer sector at S.A.C. Capital Management, LLC from August 2009 to June 2011, at Highbridge Capital Management, LLC from January 2007 to January 2009, and at Scout Capital Management LLC from August 2005 to January 2007. Mr. Elbogen began his investment career as an Equity Research Associate at Bear Stearns where he covered the Specialty Retail and Hardlines sectors. Mr. Elbogen has served as an Independent Director of BJ’s Restaurants Inc. since June 2014. Mr. Elbogen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Columbia University.

Hattiesburg, MS  (RestaurantNews.com) 

Mugshots Grill & Bar was founded in 2004 by Chris McDonald and Ron Savell. They had little funds, but lots of family and friends to gather and work alongside them. In no time the dream was a reality. Mugshots Grill & Bar humbly opened its doors in Hattiesburg, MS on Saturday, January 10, 2004.

Mugshots quickly began to grow and expand into multiple locations. With life and business taking the owners in different directions, they divided their company in 2008, each choosing defined areas for operations and development. Chris founded Ain’t Life Grand Investments, LLC and Ron founded Chers Restaurant Group, LLC. Since that time, Mugshots Grill & Bar has grown to 18 locations throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Over the last 9 years, as Chris and Ron grew their territories, the need to come back together seemed to be more evident. Customers began noticing the subtle differences between locations such as menus, uniforms, and décor. Neither Chris or Ron wanted the customers to be confused or effected. Soon talks began about an acquisition to bring the company back together to ensure unity and consistency between all stores.

Today Ron Savell acquired operations of all Mugshots Grill & Bar franchised locations under his company, Chers Restaurant Group, LLC, based in Hattiesburg, MS.

With this acquisition, Savell explains franchise owners will benefit from streamlined resources, such as training and marketing materials, company branding, vendor availability, and menu/recipe guidelines, therefore tightening their daily operations and strengthening their long-term success as restaurant owners.

Chris McDonald stated, “Mugshots was a great opening act for my career, I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to take a little funky bar on 4th Street in Hattiesburg, MS to a regional brand along with Ron and a great group of people. A heartfelt thank you to all of our team members and fans who helped us get here. I can’t wait to see how far the Mugshots brand will go. Ron and his team have a great base to take the brand to a national platform. I will always love Mugshots and still plan on eating The McDonald Burger with my family for many years to come! My focus for the future will be growing our 2 other restaurant brands; Glory Bound Gyro Co. and Topher’s Rock ‘n Roll Grill. These brands are ready to explode! I am also excited to spend more time growing Making Life Grand, our nonprofit organization, and booking the next round of company sponsored mission trips.” said McDonald in closing.

Mugshots Franchisee Cliff Russum stated, “We are thrilled about this acquisition and the future of our company and brand. We look forward to working with other franchisees and continuing to help build the Mugshots name that so many people have come to know and love.”

In addition to this acquisition, there are immediate plans in the near future for two additional Mugshots Grill & Bar locations; Pearl, MS, a suburb of Jackson and Allen, TX, just north of Dallas.

Ron Savell stated, “Branching into Texas will bring branding recognition into a new region for us. This is an exciting time for Mugshots.”

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) 

Liberty Tax, a leading tax preparation franchise, will open the 2018 tax season with the largest tax refund advance offer in the industry at participating locations. Liberty Tax is working with Republic Bank & Trust Company, member FDIC, to offer the Easy Advance loan of up to $3,250. There are no fees or interest associated with the loan, which is secured by the tax refund. Proceeds typically are available within 24 hours.

Liberty Tax realizes that the tax refund is the biggest single income event in many households and that refund delays mandated by the federal government for taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit can have a negative impact on families. The Easy Advance will give eligible taxpayers quick access to much-needed funds.

“We are providing solutions for taxpayers,” said Liberty Tax CEO Ed Brunot. “The Easy Advance – the largest in the industry – will help families struggling to pay bills or buy groceries. Instead of waiting until the end of February, eligible taxpayers who are approved for the Easy Advance can have access to money as early as the first week in January.”

Liberty Tax offices across the U.S. will open on January 2, for the 2018 tax season. Taxpayers can apply for the Easy Advance from January 2 to February 28, 2018.

*To be eligible for the $3,250 loan amount, your expected Federal refund less authorized fees must be at least $5,095. Actual loan amount may vary.  An Easy Advance (EA) is a loan secured by your tax refund and is offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, member FDIC, to eligible taxpayers. There are no fees or interest associated with the EA.  Loan is subject to underwriting and approval. EA proceeds are typically available within 24 hours of IRS acceptance of tax return (or within 24 hours for those filing before the IRS start date). However, if direct deposit is selected it may take additional time for your financial institution to post the funds to your account. Visit your Liberty Tax office to learn about the cost, timing and availability of all filing and product options.  Valid at participating locations.  Valid Jan. 2-Feb. 28, 2018.