franchise magazine

LOGAN, UT – A special guest appearance by Gigi Butler, founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes, will highlight the grand opening celebration for the new Gigi’s Cupcakes at 975 N Main St Suite 120 in Logan, Utah. The Logan location is the first in Utah, with Gigi’s Cupcakes now open in 24 states.

There will be a ribbon cutting on Friday, August 3rd at 11:00AM with the local chamber of commerce. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, August 4th, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Gigi will make a special appearance in-store, giving customers a chance to meet the culinary creator behind the popular brand, along with live radio shows from the store with 92.9 KBLQ and 94.5 KVFX.

Starting Monday, July 30th, customers can enter to win prizes including KitchenAid mixers, Gigi’s gift cards, and more. Prize winners will be announced Monday, August 6th.

Gigi’s awarded a multi-unit franchise agreement to enter Utah to Logan owner Matt Weston. Prior to bringing Gigi’s to Utah, Weston worked in his family business operating and managing hotels. Looking for a new opportunity that could involve his wife Launa and their seven children, he decided to utilize his background in hospitality and love of baking to open a Gigi’s in his home state.

“We are thrilled to serve the community here in Logan,” said Weston. “We are excited to bring Gigi’s sweet treats to Logan, and hopefully the rest of Utah soon, as we continue to expand west.”

Best known for its signature “Gigi’s swirl,” the bakery offers a variety of gourmet desserts, including 300 rotating cupcake flavors with sugar free and gluten free options, mini cupcakes, custom cakes, cheesecakes and stuffed cookies.

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

MEMPHIS, TN – BUSINESS WIRE

ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV), a leading provider of essential residential and commercial services, today announced it has promoted Robert Doty to senior vice president and chief information officer. Doty has served as interim CIO for ServiceMaster since March 2018, leading the IT spin strategy for American Home Shield, while continuing to provide leadership for other ServiceMaster businesses including Terminix and the Franchise Services Group.

“IT is a crucial differentiator for ServiceMaster, especially in today’s digital world”

“IT is a crucial differentiator for ServiceMaster, especially in today’s digital world,” said Nik Varty, ServiceMaster chief executive officer. “Robert is an accomplished leader who has shown a commitment to delivering on our operational and digital transformation efforts.”

Most recently Doty served as vice president of IT, leading enterprise infrastructure and security, and American Home Shield IT operations. He joined ServiceMaster in 2014 and held various IT leadership roles at the company, driving innovation and modernization processes across all IT systems.

Previously, Doty held leadership positions with Nissan North America where he oversaw infrastructure operations for contact centers and financial transaction applications, and large-scale systems implementations. Prior to this, he was a consultant with Oracle. Doty earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of North Texas, and has a master’s degree in business administration.

ANN ARBOR, MI – PRNewswire

Want to win a trip to Las Vegas or Honolulu? Beginning today, Piece of the Pie Rewards® members can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to any Domino’s Hotspot in the country as part of Domino’s Hotspots Pie and Fly Sweepstakes.

Piece of the Pie Rewards members are automatically entered for a chance to win when they place a delivery order to a Domino’s Hotspot. Domino’s, (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, will randomly select one winner each week from now until Sept. 9, 2018, awarding a total of six grand prizes. Each grand prize will include round-trip airfare for the winner and one guest to any city with a Domino’s Hotspot in the U.S. – places such as New York City, Orlando or Chicago – as well as hotel accommodations for two nights.

“We value our loyal customers and are always looking for new ways to do something special for them,” said Mark Messing, Domino’s director of loyalty. “What better way to reward members than with a free trip to the Domino’s Hotspot of their choice?”

Domino’s Hotspots are locations that don’t have traditional addresses – places like parks, sports fields and beaches – where customers can receive delivery orders. More than 200,000 Domino’s Hotspots are now active nationwide.

Customers who aren’t enrolled in Domino’s Piece of the Pie Rewards program may do so at dominos.com/rewards. To locate the nearest Domino’s Hotspot, visit dominos.com/hotspots.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to Piece of the Pie Rewards Members who are legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years or older. Ends 9/9/18. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, free method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit dominos.com/rewards. Void where prohibited. If you make a qualifying purchase, but would like to opt-out of this Sweepstakes, send an email to rewards@dominos.com with Domino’s Hotspots® Pie and Fly Sweepstakes in the subject line.

LOUISVILLE, KY – BUSINESS WIRE

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced that Lead Independent Director Olivia F. Kirtley has been appointed Chair of the company’s Board of Directors by a unanimous vote of the Board. In addition, the company stated that the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board has been conducting a search for additional independent directors and intends to engage with Papa John’s shareholders as part of this process.

Ms. Kirtley stated, “The independent directors of the Papa John’s Board are committed to serving the best interests of the company, our shareholders and other stakeholders. The establishment of the Board’s independent Special Committee and the ongoing cultural audit and investigation are among numerous steps underway to ensure that equity, inclusion, diversity and respect are upheld throughout the organization.”

“Many stakeholders, including team members, franchisees and shareholders, have expressed their support for the actions we are taking. We appreciate this support and value the feedback we have received. The independent members of the Board and leadership will continue to engage with shareholders and other stakeholders to hear their perspectives and ideas, including on Board composition, so that these views can be considered in our work to move forward.”

Ms. Kirtley, a certified public accountant, is a business consultant on strategic and corporate governance issues. Ms. Kirtley has served as the Board’s Lead Independent Director since 2017. She is a former chief financial officer and former senior manager at a predecessor to the accounting firm Ernst & Young LLP. She is the immediate past President and Board Chairman of the International Federation of Accountants. She has also served as Chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Chairman of the AICPA Board of Examiners.

DALLAS, TX – PRNewswire 

Today, Chili’s^® Grill & Bar Team Member (better known as ChiliHead internally), Robert Valencia, accepted the 2018 National GED Testing Service Award during the Annual Testing Service Conference hosted in San Diego, CA.

The National GED Testing Service Award recognizes students who have earned their GED credential in the past year and demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement throughout the process.

Robert has been a dedicated ChiliHead since 2017 and has dreamed of getting his GED for many years. In Jan. 2018, Robert jumped at the opportunity to apply for the GED pathway through the comprehensive education program, Best You EDU™. This first-of-its-kind program launched on Jan. 22, 2018 by Brinker International, Inc. (owner of Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy^®) in partnership with Pearson to offer Brinker Team Members, from hourly to management, education opportunities at absolutely no cost to participants.

In only four weeks, Robert quickly earned his GED credentials. From there, he immediately applied for the associate degree program in Best You EDU, was accepted into college and started his first semester in June!

“I am enrolled to start college this summer and I plan on giving it all of my effort to finish top of my class,” said Robert Valencia, Chili’s Team Member. “I often catch myself telling other Team Members about the Best You EDU program at work because it has benefited me in more ways than one…a diploma is great, but a GED can do just as much for you. Look at me – I’m starting college already!”

Best You EDU was designed to meet Team Members where they are on their educational journey, offering three main components: Foundational Education and ESL, GED and associate degrees. Robert is proof that a Team Member can obtain his or her GED and get into college in months versus years with help from his or her employer.

“Robert’s story, and countless others like his, is the reason why we developed the Best You EDU program,” said Rick Badgley, chief people officer at Brinker. “We value our Team Members and their professional growth and our goal is to invest in our current Team Members in order to promote from within versus seeking talent elsewhere. Robert’s dedication to his professional development and education has paved the way for other Team Members to follow in his footsteps.”

Robert is just one of the many Chili’s and Maggiano’s Team Members who have benefitted from Brinker’s Best You EDU program. To date, the program has helped 12 Team Members graduate with their GEDs and 65 Team Members are actively working towards earning an associate’s degree, but Brinker doesn’t plan to stop there. Learn more about Best You EDU by visiting, http://www.chilisjobs.com/growth-development/education-advantage/

CINCINNATI, OH – PRWEB 

Buffalo Wings & Rings has elevated the chicken wing experience for more than three decades and this year, the club-level sports restaurant brand is elevating the celebration of National Chicken Wing Day on Sunday, July 29 by kicking off a month-long celebration of all things chicken wings.

“One day is simply not enough to truly appreciate the glory of the chicken wing. So, as part of our celebration of National Chicken Wing Day we are also giving wing fans an entire month of delicious new sauces, specials and ways to experience chicken wings,” said Diane Matheson, Vice President of Marketing for Buffalo Wings & Rings.

During what Buffalo Wings & Rings has dubbed National Wing Month, the restaurant chain will introduce two new limited time seasonal sauces – Charred Jalapeno and Garlic Perez Style. The Charred Jalapeno are boneless wings with ranch style sauce, made with pureed charred jalapenos, fresh cilantro and lime, dusted with smoked ancho chile, while the Garlic Perez Style are boneless wings with a bold garlic butter sauce that pack a little heat.

The two new sauces were created as part of a sauce competition that Buffalo Wings & Rings held, open to employees and team members across the entire system. The Charred Jalapeno was created by Greyson Kohrs, manager of the company’s Oakley, Ohio restaurant and the Garlic Perez Style was created by Gerardo Perez, kitchen manager of the company’s Liberty Way restaurant.

“It’s important that we continue to cultivate a culture where every member of the Buffalo Wings & Rings family feels like they can make an impact on the club level options that we provide our guests,” said Nader Masadeh, CEO of Buffalo Wings & Rings. “Greyson and Gerardo came up with some incredible sauces and we are excited to take their creations out to wing fans all over the country.”

Besides the new sauces, guests at Buffalo Wings & Rings will also have two new ways to experience their wings during National Wing Month – the Three-Style Free-Style Wing Sampler and the Three Wing Fix.

The Three-Style Free-Style Wing Sampler will give guests the opportunity to try any combination of wing style including traditional, boneless grilled, boneless fried or cauliflower, and pair with individual servings of any three sauces, allowing them to have fun mixing, matching, dipping and exploring with the different sauces. The Three Wing Fix will give guests the chance to upgrade their side by getting three wings any style instead of a standard side item.

More information on the National Wing Month celebration can be found at https://www.buffalowingsandrings.com/.

WICHITA, KS – PRNewswire

Fast-casual restaurant concept, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, announced today that it will offer $1 single cone, single dish or custard cookie purchases at locations nationwide in honor of National Frozen Custard Day Wednesday, Aug. 8. For the third year in a row, Freddy’s will donate half of every single cone, single dish or custard cookie sold on National Frozen Custard Day to Kids In Need Foundation, which provides free school supplies to teachers and students most in need across the country. To date, Freddy’s has raised more than $25,000 for the nonprofit organization through its annual National Frozen Custard Day promotion.

“School supplies are an integral part of learning, and it is important that each and every student has access to the basic tools they need to be successful in the classroom and beyond,” said Renay Dossman, executive director for Kids In Need Foundation. “The generosity of Freddy’s over the past few years has supported our efforts to help teachers and students in some of the most challenged communities in our country, and we are grateful to partner with a company that shares our passion for helping kids succeed.”

Along with cooked-to-order steakburgers, frozen custard is a staple of the Freddy’s menu. Known for being smoother and richer than ice cream due to a time-tested churning process that minimizes ice crystals and excess air, Freddy’s frozen custard is made using only America’s finest dairy ingredients. It is churned throughout the day, every day in each restaurant to produce the high-quality, fresh custard treat that made Freddy’s famous in 31 states.

“The Freddy’s brand is rooted in family values, and we’re proud to be supporting Kids In Need Foundation for the third year and helping make a difference for families in need nationwide,” said Scott Redler, COO for Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. “So many of us take for granted having access to simple items like pencils and folders, and we believe that no child should ever have to go without. We encourage guests to stop by their local restaurant on National Frozen Custard Day and help students across America start the new school year with a full backpack.”

TAMARAC, FL – PRNewswire 

PuroClean, a leading restoration and remediation franchise, is offering military veterans the opportunity to win a free PuroClean franchise. Through the PuroVet program, one lucky veteran will have his or her initial franchise fee covered, opening the door to a new and financially secure future. This is the first time the company is offering an opportunity like this for veterans.

Veterans, including all active duty, reserve, honorably discharged or retired personnel, can apply or be nominated by members of the public at BeAPuroVet.com by September 10, 2018. The veteran must submit a résumé and business plan showing how he or she would successfully run the business. A group of PuroClean executives will evaluate submitted business plans and grade them on profitability, preparedness, and his or her overall business acumen. The veterans with the top five grades will then be invited to meet with Steve White, President and Chief Operating Officer of PuroClean, former Captain in the United States Army, and member of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran committee.

The winner of the PuroClean franchise will be announced on Military Makeover: Operation Career airing on the Lifetime Network in early November 2018. Military Makeover: Operation Career helps to transform the homes and lives of military families across the country.

“Military veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we want to offer them the opportunity to have a great second career,” said White. “Veterans have proven themselves to be strong leaders, know how to follow the processes set up by a franchise system, work until the job is done, and have ultimately become some of our top franchise owners. We hope that by offering this opportunity to win a free franchise, veterans across the country see what life after service can be like as a successful entrepreneur.”

Due to PuroClean’s dedication to creating a profitable entrepreneurial opportunity for veterans, it was recently named a top franchise for veterans on the Military Times Best: Franchises 2018 list. Additionally, Entrepreneur magazine ranked PuroClean No. 258 on its 2018 Franchise 500^® list. The prestigious list ranks the nation’s top franchise brands annually.

Doug Baillie, a military veteran and PuroClean franchise owner in Arizona since 2013, said his military experience has laid a strong foundation for his transition into entrepreneurship. “After spending 30 years in the Navy, I felt prepared for my second career as a PuroClean franchise owner,” said Baillie. “Being a PuroClean franchise owner is like being the captain of your own ship, and just like in the Navy, there is always backup. I know if I ever need anything or have a question, I can count on the corporate team and other PuroClean franchise owners to provide guidance. Owning my own business has also given me the fulfilling opportunity to employ veterans who are looking for their second act.”

In addition to the opportunity to win a free franchise, PuroClean offers veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces a discounted rate in which they save $12,500 off the franchise fees through the PuroVet program. PuroClean has also secured additional savings for veterans from equipment vendors and MatchU Franchising, who will reduce their commission by 25 percent for all veterans the company matches with PuroClean. All new franchise owners also benefit from training at the $1.2 million state-of-the-art training facility, the largest territories in the industry, and several financing options.

For more information on the PuroVet program, and to apply to win a free PuroClean franchise, please visit BeAPuroVet.com.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – PRNewswire

Paul Davis Restoration Inc., a national fire and disaster restoration franchise system with headquarters in Jacksonville announced a new sponsor partnership today with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) headquartered in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

For over 50 years, Paul Davis Restoration Inc. has restored residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms and disasters of all kinds. The franchise company is now known as a one-stop shop for disaster damage and restoration with more than 375 franchises operating in the U.S. and Canada and manned by people who have been certified in emergency restoration.

“Our commitment to first responders and their families is at the heart of the Paul Davis vision to provide extraordinary care while serving people in their time of need,” said Vice President of Marketing A.L. Whitaker. “Our founder got his start as Paul W. Davis Contracting in 1966, and was referred then by an insurance adjustor, to handle a large fire only miles from Davis’ home. Out of those ashes, literally, Paul Davis Restoration arose. We are honored to partner with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and give back to American heroes while offering them an indispensable service.”

The company’s solid reputation and respect for first responders drove them to choose this opportunity to partner with the NFFF as a Bronze Level Sponsor, with eventual plans to become the highest level of sponsor for the storied organization.

The NFFF’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and reduce firefighter injuries and deaths.

“We are pleased to have Paul Davis as one of our sponsors, and appreciate their efforts to help raise awareness about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s mission and programs,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “It’s a very natural fit since we all interact daily in restoring peoples’ lives after a fire.”

The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The Foundation also works closely with the U.S. Fire Administration to help prevent and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org.