franchise marketing

CANTON, MA – PRNewswire

Dunkin’ Donuts continues to introduce faster and easier choices for running on Dunkin’, today announcing that On-the-Go Mobile Ordering is now available through the Google Assistant, on iPhones and Android phones. Though this new integration, DD Perks® Rewards members can use the Google Assistant, Google’s voice assistant technology, on their iPhones and Android phones to place a mobile order for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, beverages, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches, and then speed past the line in store for pick-up. The new integration is powered by Conversable, a leading AI-powered conversational intelligence platform.

Guests who have a DD Perks account and a Google account can link both, with all ordering and payments happening within Dunkin’ Donuts’ mobile platform. When a guest places and submits an order through the Google Assistant, the distance and estimated time to reach the Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant will be identified by Google Maps, and the order will be sent to the restaurant to be ready at that time. Guests can order from saved Favorites and items previously ordered via the Dunkin’ Mobile® App.

To get started, guests need simply say “Hey Google, talk to Dunkin’ Donuts.” A more detailed list of steps to follow for placing a Dunkin’ Donuts order via Google Assistant can be found on the Dunkin’ Donuts Corporate Blog at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/thegoogleassistant.

“We are focused on leveraging the most innovative, relevant technologies to make accessing our mobile ordering platform as easy as possible,” says Sherrill Kaplan, Vice President of Digital Innovation at Dunkin’ Brands. “Our new integration with the Google Assistant is yet another exciting example of our commitment to enhancing speed, convenience and our overall brand experience for our loyal guests.”

DD Perks Rewards members can get even more perks this month with No Wait Wednesdays. Every Wednesday throughout March, guests who place an order using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering will earn double the points.

With DD Perks, guests earn five points for every dollar they spend on qualifying purchases at Dunkin’ Donuts when they pay using an enrolled Dunkin’ Donuts Card, either plastic or via the Dunkin’ Mobile App. Once a member accrues 200 points, he or she receives a coupon for a free, any-size beverage of their choice, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. DD Perks members also receive a coupon for a free, any-size beverage upon enrollment and on their birthday.

To enroll in DD Perks, download the Dunkin’ Mobile App or visit www.DDPerks.com. To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

Company reports system-wide results for the year: 110 new restaurants, expansion into seven new states, sales of $275 million and the creation of more than 2,600 new jobs

SEATTLE, WA – GLOBE NEWSWIRE

MOD Super-Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza,” “MOD” or the “Company”) today announced 2017 year-end results that reflect continued new store growth and strong performance from existing stores. During the 2017 fiscal year, MOD added 110 locations system-wide, bringing its system-wide store count to 302, and grew same-store sales by 5.2%. System-wide sales reached $275 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 81%, while company net revenue hit $219 million, up 68% over 2016.

To support its rapid growth, MOD raised $33 million in equity in 2017 with continued support from its strong investor base, and closed on a $40 million credit facility. To date, MOD has raised over $185 million in total equity capital.

“2017 was an amazing year for MOD as we added 110 stores to our system-wide store base, making it the second year in a row during which we grew by 100 stores or more. We continued our aggressive geographic expansion entering seven new states, giving us a presence in 27 states at year end,” said Scott Svenson, co-founder and CEO of MOD Pizza. “We accomplished this during a difficult period for the broader restaurant industry, and we believe our remarkable growth was enabled, in significant part, by our continued commitment to make a positive social impact. In 2017 alone, MOD contributed over $1 million to support our local communities and Squad members in need.”

New store openings increased MOD’s presence in existing markets and launched the brand in seven new states – Indiana, Montana, Utah, Delaware, Florida, Nevada and Georgia – creating over 2,600 jobs and building the MOD Squad to more than 6,800 system-wide by year end. The Company also significantly strengthened its executive team, adding four key individuals: Paul Twohig, Chief Operating Officer; Tracy Cioffi, Chief Marketing Officer; Robin Hamm, Vice President of Culinary, and Robert Notte, VP of Technology. Further bolstering the company’s leadership, Kate Jaspon, Chief Financial Officer of Dunkin’ Brands, was appointed to MOD’s Board of Directors.

MOD’s growth also supported its ongoing commitment to Spreading MODness – the idea of using the business as a platform for creating positive social change. During the company’s annual week-long Spreading MODness campaign, MOD and its franchisees donated over $364,000 to Generosity Feeds to help create a half-million meals for kids struggling with hunger. The Company’s donation will help fund over 40 meal-packing events in the states where MOD operates, serving as a catalyst to bring communities together to help combat childhood hunger.

MOD’s unit growth, strong connection with consumers, and expanding social impact were all recognized during the year and reflected through various awards, including: being recognized as the most loved pizza brand in the US by Foodable Network, being named the number one mid-sized restaurant chain in the US by Fishbowl’s Buzz Brands Report, and ranking as America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic. MOD also earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list, and was recognized by Fortune as one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Retail,” a “Best Workplace for Women,” a “Best Workplace for Millennials,” and a “Best Workplace for Diversity.”

Definitions:The following definitions apply to these terms as used throughout this release:

MOD operates using a 52/53-week fiscal year. The first fiscal quarter consists of 16 weeks and each of the second, third and fourth fiscal quarters consists of 12 weeks, except for a 53-week year when the fourth quarter has 13 weeks. 2017 was a 53-week year.

The term “system-wide” refers to all company-operated and licensed store locations.

Comparable system-wide store sales represent the change in period-over-period sales for the comparable company-owned store base. A store becomes comparable after its 18th month of operation. The Company presents comparable system-wide store sales on a fiscal calendar basis. As a result, MOD’s comparable system-wide store sales calculation may not correspond exactly to the related calendar periods.

OMAHA, NE – PRNewswire

Although the demand for long-term care for America’s seniors continues to skyrocket, the number of seniors actually planning for it is not keeping pace. And while many older adults are beginning to make end-of-life plans, they are neglecting the years of life that are part of such arrangements. According to a new surveyⁱ by Home Instead, Inc., more than three-fourths of seniors feel more comfortable planning for their funeral than their final years. Additionally, while 73 percent of seniors have taken steps toward preparing financially for their final years only 13 percent have prepared financially for their long-term care.

“Final years planning can be easily misconstrued, and many people think they only need to plan for their final days and after,” said Jeff Huber, president and CEO of Home Instead, Inc. “Often, we forget about the fact that as we age we might want or need extra care in the final days, months or even years of our lives – care so we can stay in our homes, care so we can remain independent, care so we can be around for our families and more of life’s milestones. The gap we saw from our research shows a critical need for resources to help seniors and their families better plan for their final years.”

The Home Instead, Inc., survey revealed that seniors and their loved ones overestimate the plans seniors have in place. More than half of seniors who have made plans haven’t made actual arrangements – the main reasons being because they are still in good health (54 percent) and they trust their loved ones to handle their arrangements for them (48 percent).

Final years planning can bring families comfort and ease. Home Instead, Inc., along with experts at Genworth Financial, developed the following questions for seniors to consider when planning for their final years:

• How do you want to live your final years? Seniors should consider what they want to do during their final years.
• Where do you want to live? Older adults should consider if they want to spend their final years at home and, if so, what type of assistance might be required to help them do so.
• What’s your plan if you need help? Many seniors will need long-term care at some point in their lives and they need to consider how they will be able to afford that care.
• Do you know the cost? Older adults should consider the cost of care and anything else they would like in their final years.
• Are products and services in place to support a plan? Seniors and their families should explore the long-term care plans that exist to help them meet their needs.
• Is your plan flexible? Seniors and their families should ensure their plans are adaptable to the changes that may occur as time goes on.
• Does your family know about your plans? Families should have conversations and take the time to share specifics about their plans and the types of products and services they have in place.

And just as important as making plans for final years is having conversations with family to make their wishes known. While adults (59 percent) and seniors (76 percent) agree, discussing and making plans for their final years makes them feel more prepared, only 58 percent of adults say they have discussed their parents’ plans for their final years with them.

To help seniors and their families understand the steps they need to take to plan for their final years, Home Instead, Inc. has developed Compose Your Life Song^SM, an education program that offers planning resources and tips for seniors and their loved ones.

Home Instead, Inc. has developed conversation starters around final years planning and other free resources to encourage seniors and their adult children to talk to one another about plans for their final years, and to help them explore options for care, finances, insurance and funeral planning. The program also features the online “Compose Your Life Song^SM” music generator, where families’ personal accomplishments and planning are layered in musical notes leading to a harmonious grand finale.

“We are committed to helping aging adults take control and decide how their life story ends,” said Huber. “By empowering seniors to make plans, as well as encouraging conversations with adult children, seniors are able to be in charge and have their wishes honored – something everyone deserves.”

Families can find final years planning resources and information about the Compose Your Life Song^SM program at www.ComposeYourLifeSong.com. For more information about local Home Instead Senior Care^® offices and to learn how their professional CAREGivers^SM may be able to assist, please visit www.homeinstead.com/state/  to find an office near you.

KANSAS CITY, MO – GLOBE NEWSWIRE

As part of continued efforts to help clients better understand their financial situation, H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) is partnering with LendingTree  (NASDAQ:TREE) to provide clients convenient access to their credit score, LendingTree Academy and more. H&R Block clients can now seamlessly enter LendingTree via their MyBlock account, which is a private, secure, online portal clients can use year-round to access and add tax documents and personal information.

“H&R Block not only helps people file their tax returns, but we also educate taxpayers throughout the year about how taxes impact them based on life events – like marriage, having a baby and starting a business,” said Heather Watts, senior vice president and general manager of digital at H&R Block. “Our partnership with LendingTree to provide an easy way for our clients to have access to their updated credit score every month is a great next step in our efforts to promote financial literacy.”

My LendingTree also provides personalized insight and information on factors impacting credit scores, along with intuitive suggestions for credit improvement. The personalized dashboard provides information on existing loans and credit cards – no matter the financial institution – making it easy to track credit and financial health. The brainpower behind My LendingTree continually analyzes the user’s accounts, and sends notifications about savings opportunities using real-time market-based data across all loan categories.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with H&R Block, and excited to provide even more consumers with powerful information related to their credit and financial health through our platform,” said Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree. “Both brands are centered around empowering consumers with financial-related knowledge. When consumers are empowered by their own data, they can make better decisions that positively impact their overall financial health as well as their credit score. Knowing your options –and their impact on your finances – is the first step to making better financial decisions.”

My LendingTree uses VantageScore 3.0 credit score model which is a credit score used by major credit bureaus.

“Receiving their tax refund is the biggest financial transaction many people have all year. With the insight from My LendingTree, some clients could discover how they can use that money to decrease their debt, thereby taking steps to improve their financial outlook,” Watts said.

With an H&R Block MyBlock account, users have 24/7 access year-round via smartphone, tablet or laptop to the documents they upload on the portal for their own use or to share with their H&R Block tax pro. Plus, they can review their tax checklist, check the status of their tax return and view their tax returns.

NASHVILLE, TN  – BUSINESS WIRE

With more than seven million companion animals entering U.S. animal shelters each year, Chem-Dry has partnered with Best Friends Animal Society in an effort to encourage pet adoption. Chem-Dry, the world’s leading carpet and upholstery cleaning company, and its franchise owners across the country will be helping to raise funds toward the company’s goal of donating $25,000 to Best Friends. Efforts will support finding a safe, healthy home for all shelter pets and end homelessness among pets.

For more than 30 years, Best Friends has worked to reduce the number of pets entering shelters around the country and end the killing of shelter pets simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home. Last year, more than 80,000 cats and dogs were adopted through Best Friends efforts and those of its more than 1,800 No More Homeless Pets Network partners. Chem-Dry is looking to help that cause and increase the number of adoptions with its fundraising efforts spanning a network of over 2,000 U.S. units that serve over 7,000 homes and businesses each day.

With 85 percent of Chem-Dry’s customers owning pets, the brand is dedicated to helping families maintain a happy, healthy home for all members including pets. Funds will be raised through multiple methods including the sale of specially marked cans of Chem-Dry World Famous Spot Remover – with each can generating a $1 donation to Best Friends – plus customer add-on donations, local promotional offers with a built-in donation, participation in Best Friends’ “Strut your Mutt” events around the country, and direct online donations at Chem-Dry Cares.

“This cause is near and dear to our hearts and those of our customers since so many of the families we serve are pet owners themselves,” said Dan Tarantin, CEO of Harris Research, Inc., parent company to Chem-Dry. “We all know how much our pets are beloved members of our family. We’re proud to be partnering with Best Friends to support shelter pet adoption and we’re also proud to offer a superior array of services to help pet owners maintain a happy and healthy home for their families and their pets.”

Chem-Dry offers a line of safe and effective pet and children-friendly services including its Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.®), which eliminates the odor as well as the harmful remnants of urine accidents. In recent testing conducted by an independent laboratory, Chem-Dry’s P.U.R.T. process removed an average of 99.9 percent of pet urine odors from carpets and, when used with Chem-Dry’s Hot Carbonating Extraction cleaning process and a sanitizer, removed an average of 99.2 percent of bacteria from pet urine in carpets. An independent lab study also found that Chem-Dry’s Hot Carbonating Extraction process removes an average 98 percent of common household allergens from carpets and upholstery, including dog and cat dander.

“We’re excited to partner with Chem-Dry on a national campaign and appreciate their passionate support for our mission,” said Eric Rayvid, director of public relations and content marketing of Best Friends Animal Society. “Without support from companies like Chem-Dry, we wouldn’t be able to achieve our ultimate goal of bringing about a time when there are no more homeless pets.”

To make a donation, please visit www.chemdry.com/chemdrycares.com. A small donation can help keep dogs and cats out of shelters and help find safe homes for rescue pets.

For more information on Chem-Dry or to find a local operator, please visit www.chemdry.com.

Gaithersburg, MD  — Every year, Glory Days Grill recognizes excellence in business partnerships by selecting ‘Vendors of the Year’ based on service and support in the previous year.  In order to win this distinguished award, vendors must exceed expectations by performing above and beyond the call of duty in a substantial fashion throughout the entire year.

For the 18th consecutive year, Glory Days Grill has selected vendors for their outstanding support and commitment to quality demonstrated throughout the prior year.  The winning Vendors of the Year for 2017 are as follows: Digitec Solutions, Inc., Auto-Chlor System, Nards, Sir Speedy BWI, and Stevens Food Group. Recipients will be honored with a dinner and awards ceremony on March 6, 2018.

Digitec Solutions, Inc. (Fairfax Station, VA): An eighteen time winner of this distinction, Digitec Solutions, Inc. is an extremely innovative company that has been a partner with Glory Days Grill since its inception in 1996.  Digitec Solutions, along with the other members of the Support Functions Group, provide Glory Days Grill with a variety of products and services. They serve as Glory Days Grill’s IT Company, providing computer hardware, software, hosting, and a variety of other innovative technology solutions.  Their ToPromote division supplies uniforms, custom promotional goods and toys for kid’s drinks among many other operational and marketing products and services. Their website addresses include:  DigitecSolutions.com, SupportFunctions.com, and ToPromote.com.

Auto-Chlor System (Lorton, VA): A fourth time winner, Auto-Chlor System has been in business as a dishwashing machine, laundry service and chemical supply specialist to the hospitality, healthcare, and lodging industries for over 75 years. Their focus on delivering exceptional cleaning results has fostered the reputation of always providing the best possible service to customers. Auto-Chlor has expanded to more than 110 service locations throughout the USA. Their attention to detail, excellent service skills, superlative performance record and ability to work very closely with management for the past 20 years make them a truly dedicated partner with a vested interest.

As a part of an excellent vendor-partner relationship, Auto-Chlor works directly with Glory Days Grill management to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive consumption reporting system. This vendor-partnership enables all involved to identify and take prompt action to maximize opportunities  and resolve problems quickly.

Nards (McLean, VA): A two time winner, Nard’s Entertainment, Inc. was formed by Michael Nardella in 1972 after graduating from Georgetown University.  Nards was a DJ company providing services to local bars and restaurants as well as private parties and weddings.  As technology changed, they added videotaping services for weddings.  The company began servicing sound systems in bars and restaurants and with the advent of the “Sports Bar”, they added video (TV) installation and RF distribution.  Nard’s became a DirecTV dealer in the mid 1990’s and has concentrated on the commercial market. Today, they have over 1,000 DirecTV accounts, from small offices with 1 receiver to hotels with 600+ rooms.  Along with the Bar and Restaurant market, Nards services property management companies, fitness centers, senior living centers as well as government facilities for local, state and Federal Agencies and the Armed Services. They have recently added Networking to their portfolio, including Wifi systems.

Sir Speedy BWI (Linthicum, MD): A two time winner, Sir Speedy specializes in the creation and execution of growth-oriented printing and marketing solutions for small- to medium-sized businesses offering robust digital and offset printing, integrated marketing campaigns, data and mailing services, signage, promotional products, graphic design, and online services that help companies advance their Web presence. Whether the client objective is branding, lead generation, customer retention, reactivation, cross-sell, upsell, or campaign measurement, Sir Speedy offers more ways for businesses to grow. Sir Speedy has received numerous awards and recognition including the Franchise Times Top 200, Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Quick Printing Top 100, Printing Impressions 400, an AllStar Top 300 Award, a Franchise 50 Award and a Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

Stevens Food Group (Raleigh, NC): A third time winner, Stevens Food Group was developed with the idea of using their extensive knowledge of the foodservice industry to support multi-unit restaurant chains with their Purchasing and Distribution needs.  They knew that with their contacts and experience in the industry, they could develop a program to meet the needs of regional and emerging chains.  Their extensive knowledge has allowed them to develop personal relationships with top-level vendor management.  With their dynamic background in the chain and national accounts, along with the systems distribution channels that supply them, Stevens Food Group is able to structure procurement programs unique to each customer.  Their focus is to support and manage all Supply Chain Management issues (negotiate, manage and audit all product contracts and distributor MDA agreements) allowing their customers to focus on all other aspects of their business.

GLENDALE, CA – PRNewswire

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® is putting guests in the driver’s seat when it comes to convenient and delicious meals to go. Updates to Applebee’s To Go experience makes bringing home menu favorites even easier, and to sweeten the deal, Applebee’s is offering guests $10 off $30 on their next order on Applebees.com or mobile app for a limited time*.

Applebee’s was one of the first restaurants in its category to offer Carside To Go® and now thanks to a redesigned mobile app and online ordering platform, options for Applebee’s To Go are faster, more accurate and more satisfying than ever. Guests can dash inside and grab their meal for Carry Out or choose Carside To Go at participating restaurants to get their meal delivered straight to their car. No matter the method, new To Go packaging ensures the meal remains hot and tasty outside of the restaurant.

“Applebee’s To Go has undergone a makeover aimed at better serving guests, with updates to the mobile app and website, the introduction of new To Go packaging and an elevated focus on operational execution, all done to improve the guest experience,” said Scott Gladstone, vice president, strategy & off-premise at Applebee’s. “These enhancements are paving the way for new innovations in the To Go space that will enable Applebee’s to continue evolving its excellent service and be more competitive in off-premise eating occasions.”

To take advantage of the offer for $10 off your next Applebee’s To Go order of $30 or more*, guests can order online at applebees.com/togo or through Applebee’s mobile app and use promo code 10off30.

* Valid for 1 time use only and limit 1 per order. Tax and gratuity excluded. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. No cash value. Expires 4/28/18. Online and mobile app orders only. At participating restaurants. Further restrictions may apply.

DUBLIN, OH – PRNewswire

Give Something Back and Do The Right Thing are two core values important to The Wendy’s Company, and employees live these values in a variety of ways.  Each year, Wendy’s is proud to recognize employees and all they do to make a positive impact in their communities through its Community Ambassador Grant Program.  Ten Wendy’s employees are recognized for exemplary volunteer efforts in their communities with a $2,500 grant to an organization they support with their time, talents, and resources.  The Community Ambassador of the Year is selected from this group and awarded an additional $10,000 grant for their organization.  Kelly Cole, Senior Financial Analyst at Wendy’s Restaurant Support Center, has been named Wendy’s 2017 Ambassador of the Year for her six-year involvement and leadership role with KidSMILES Pediatric Dental Clinic in Columbus, Ohio.

“At Wendy’s, we believe our purpose is to create joy and opportunity through food, family, and community,” said Liliana Esposito, Chief Communications Officer.  “By supporting our employees and the charitable causes important to them, we are strengthening our bond as a Wendy’s family and making a positive impact on the communities in which we operate.  Congratulations to Kelly Cole, and to all of our Community Ambassadors, for your leadership, dedication, and volunteer service in the places you call home.”

Company employees – from restaurant team members, Restaurant Support Center associates, and field and International employees – can apply for a Community Ambassador grant.  While all 2017 applicants are worthy of recognition, a committee comprised of Company officers, field employees, and previous Ambassador of the Year winners chose 10 well-deserving employees for their leadership qualities and personal commitments to the organizations most important to them:

• Kelly Cole supporting KidSMILES Pediatric Dental Clinic, Columbus, OH (Community Ambassador of the Year) – Kelly became involved with KidSMILES, a non-profit dental clinic dedicated to providing quality dental care and education to children at an affordable cost, in 2011 as a fundraiser organizer. Kelly has organized silent auctions, football tailgate fundraisers, and an annual 5K race to benefit the clinic. In 2017, Kelly was voted to the Board of Directors as Treasurer, and her responsibilities include protecting the organization’s financial resources by assuring proper maintenance of financial records, overseeing the integrity of the financial control systems, providing financial information for an annual external audit, and working closely with the finance committee and staff members on fiscal matters. Kelly believes that every child deserves to have a beautiful smile, and thanks to her dedication to KidSMILES, the clinic was able to provide nearly 600 dental appointments in 2017.
• William Portney supporting Lakeland Fire Department, Ronkonkoma, NY – William is a 23-year supporter of the Lakeland Fire Department and continues to dedicate 20 hours a week to the department. He is a qualified ambulance driver and scuba diver, was honored as Firefighter of the Year, and has been repeatedly recognized as the department’s most active member. Lakeland Fire Department plans to use the Community Ambassador grant to provide specialization training for other department volunteers.
• Julia Larkins-Monahan supporting Run Down the Demons, Columbus, OH – Julia became involved with Run Down the Demons four years ago when her son founded the organization to support soldiers who return from war and suffer from PTSD. Julia has used her project planning skills to organize fundraising events, which are crucial for PTSD research. With Julia’s help, Run Down the Demons donated $30,000 to the College of Social Work at the Ohio State University in 2017 to develop a new course for social workers to better support those suffering from PTSD.
• Alexis England supporting Pittsburgh Rotary Club, Pittsburgh, PA – The daughter of a former Rotary Club President, Alexis was introduced to Rotary at a young age. Alexis has served on the Pittsburgh Rotary Club Board of Directors and was recognized by Rotary International as a “40 under 40” member for her regional and international philanthropic work. She has served as the Shoes for Nicaragua Committee Chair for five years, where she led efforts to collect school shoes for children in Nicaragua. Additionally, Alexis’s efforts in networking and soliciting have aided the Club to raise enough money to open a third free medical clinic in Nicaragua.
• Alyssa Creatore supporting LifeTown, New Albany, OH – Alyssa was first introduced to LifeTown three years ago through Wendy’s employee volunteer program. For the last two years, Alyssa has participated in the LifeTown Mentoring Program, which matches students with special needs from Columbus City middle and high schools with business professionals to build job seeking skills. Alyssa has recruited three additional Wendy’s employees to participate in the Mentoring Program and has built and maintained a trusting relationship with her mentees.
• Tim Enos supporting Dartmouth School Music Association, Dartmouth, MA – An active member of the Association since 1988, Tim believes it’s important to keep the arts alive in our school systems and that music teaches important life skills such as teamwork, planning, friendly competition, and work ethic. Tim currently serves on the Executive Board as Ways and Means Chair and volunteers as the concessions organizer and prop coordinator for the school’s indoor percussion program. With support from the Music Association, the Dartmouth High School Marching Band won back to back national titles in 2016 and 2017 and the color guard program placed second in their division at the World Guard International Championships in 2017.
• Melissa Stanton supporting Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Columbus, OH – Melissa was introduced to Kaleidoscope Youth Center, a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth to be themselves, in 2009 and became an active volunteer in 2015. Melissa volunteers at KYC every Monday to assist with youth programming, and she’s currently working with the staff to develop an annual fundraiser, Sister Christmas. Funds raised from Sister Christmas will provide KYC youth with items such as job interview clothing, technology for education, or any other need identified by a youth to better their true selves.
• Clark Elms supporting The Human Impact, Dallas, TX –The Human Impact’s mission is to create a space for the homeless, formerly homeless, and other community members to experience life together. Introduced to the organization by his daughter, Clark has supported the charity by sponsoring members of the Dallas homeless community to help them get back on their feet. Clark has driven individuals to rehab appointments, helped individuals save money, and at times, welcomed them into his home where he provided a safe place to stay. Clark is committed to providing support and resources to those in need.
• Ashley Sperling supporting Samaritan’s Purse, Atlanta, GA – After learning about Samaritan’s Purse from a Wendy’s franchisee, Ashley has been involved in the organization’s Operation Christmas Child program for eight years. Each fall, Ashley and her daughter prepare shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal items and ship them to need-based countries. Together they have shipped over 500 shoeboxes. Ashley believes the experience is teaching her daughter the importance of giving back and lessons in being kind and humble.
• Cathy Lewandowski supporting Heart of Ohio Ferret Association, Columbus, OH – Cathy became involved with the Heart of Ohio Ferret Association (HOFA) in 2015 after she adopted a pair of ferrets as her pets. Cathy’s primary role with the organization is as a foster parent, and she has cared for ferrets who have been neglected or need extra care before being placed for adoption. Over the past year, Cathy has assisted in placing five foster ferrets in a forever home. In addition to fostering, Cathy has also volunteered for the organization’s annual Buckeye Bash, which is one of the largest ferret shows in the country, and has organized public outreach events to spread awareness about HOFA.

Denver, CO – RestaurantNews.com

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh – the leading Mediterranean cuisine brand renowned for its wholesome, healthy and simple dishes, top-quality meats and fresh-baked pita – is turning 10 and celebrating by giving away a 10-day VIP Mediterranean experience of a lifetime!

Throughout the month of March, stop by Garbanzo to indulge in the fresh taste of the Mediterranean and receive a scratch card for a chance to instantly win free food or the ultimate Mediterranean VIP trip to the birthplace of the nutrient-filled food that has powered Garbanzo fans for 10 years.

“We have been delivering a simple, fresh, delicious and nutritious experience for a decade and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our loyal customers,” said Garbanzo CEO James Park. “We want to take this opportunity to say thank you by giving two lucky guests an unforgettable trip to the Mediterranean. All of our locations will also be giving away tons of food prizes, so join us in celebrating! What better reason do you need to come in more often or to try out our simple, unaltered, and delicious dishes, than for your chance to win fresh free food and an adventure of a lifetime?!”

Garbanzo’s 10-year anniversary celebration ends March 31, so be sure to scratch your itch for adventure by visiting your favorite location as many times as possible for your chance to win big.

Garbanzo is making fresh Mediterranean cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Its authentic, nutrient-rich dishes derived from Old World recipes are served with a new twist, but without compromise. Every order is customized to the guest’s liking, with choices from top-quality meats and plant-based proteins to authentic laffa wraps and perfect, pillowy pitas baked in-house throughout the day. Garbanzo is dedicated to satisfying every palate – including vegetarian and gluten-free diners – and believes that “simple tastes better.”

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh is headquartered in Colorado with 25 locations nationwide. Visit eatgarbanzo.com for more information and to find the location nearest you.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – PRNewswire

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, a “fresh-casual,” Mediterranean inspired restaurant that prepares more than 100 items from scratch daily and has 82 locations in 16 states, hosted a celebration for its 20^th anniversary on Wednesday in Birmingham, AL.

As part of the celebration festivities, the first 200 guests in line received a free signature pasta. Other giveaways included chances to win free signature pasta for a year.

Keith Richards, Founder of Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, found his passion for Taziki’s and its Greek food inspired menu on a 1997 trip to Greece with his wife, Amy. In 1998, they opened their first restaurant at the Colonnade in Birmingham.

“It was an extraordinary day as we celebrated Taziki’s 20^th anniversary in the location where it all began,” said Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Founder, Keith Richards. “I enjoyed celebrating with hundreds of customers and providing them with one of our most popular dishes as a way to say, ‘thank you’ for all their support.”

From perfectly grilled meats served with signature sauces to mouth-watering salads filled with fresh fruits and veggies, Richards has mastered the art of creating imaginative, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The Birmingham-based fast-casual chain’s growing franchise was ranked by Restaurant Business as 17^th on their Future 50 List.

Richards makes hiring special needs students a priority within his company-owned restaurants and encourages his franchisees to do the same.  He has also taken the company’s involvement a step further by working with schools and special needs students across the country to grow herbs including basil, rosemary, oregano and parsley, which are then sold to Taziki’s restaurants. Richard’s program, HOPE (Herbs Offering Personal Enrichment) is in the process of receiving its 501c(3) status.

Several students from the HOPE Program in Shelby County, AL attended Taziki’s 20^th anniversary celebration.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe’ was the first national franchise to achieve REAL Certification from the United States Healthful Food Council (USHFC), the emerging national standard for foodservice nutrition and sustainability. Taziki’s is also now the largest chain restaurant to complete the certification process.

“We are planning for the next 20 years,” said Richards. “That includes adding more menu items and opening more restaurants across the U.S.”

The restaurant will open new locations in Ohio, Oklahoma, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Florida this spring.

For those looking to learn more about franchise opportunities with Taziki’s, visit http://tazikiscafe.com/franchise/.