franchise marketing

KANSAS CITY, MO—GLOBE NEWSWIRE 

H&R Block and Walmart announced Jan. 16 that H&R Block will be the new, exclusive DIY desktop tax software provider available at Walmart stores nationwide, and sold directly by Walmart on walmart.com. This exclusive retail partnership brings the value, innovation and support of H&R Block DIY desktop software products to the world’s largest retailer, making the DIY products even more convenient for clients to purchase, and ultimately prepare their taxes and get their maximum tax refund.

“At H&R Block, we give our clients the flexibility to prepare their taxes however they want, which includes offering them the products they want where they shop,” said Heather Watts, senior vice president and general manager of digital at H&R Block. “Walmart shoppers expect to get the best value possible, and in this partnership with Walmart, H&R Block desktop software is committed to meeting customers’ tax prep needs.”

Among the key product enhancements for this year’s desktop software products is the addition of “drag and drop,” which easily imports tax information from any source, including last year’s tax return from other tax prep services. While new features like drag and drop save customers time by seamlessly prepopulating information on their tax return,H&R Block also remains committed to saving its clients money with unbeatable value.

“In addition to better prices, the value H&R Block can offer Walmart shoppers with our support features, such as free in-person audit representation and unlimited free tax advice, is among the many reasons we are so pleased to expand our partnership with Walmart this year,” Watts said.

H&R Block DIY desktop software can be purchased in stores nationwide at Walmart, Walmart Neighborhood Market and online at walmart.com. Regardless of where they purchase, customers can conveniently choose to install with a CD or download directly to their PC or Mac.

NASDAQ: JACK

Jack in the Box Inc. announced that Lance F. Tucker will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective March 26, 2018. Tucker is currently Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for Papa John’s International, Inc., where he oversees all finance, accounting, legal, human resources, investor relations, strategic planning and risk management functions.

“Lance brings a wealth of restaurant industry experience to our organization,” said Lenny Comma, Jack in the Box Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “He has a proven history of driving results in several key, strategic business functions, including finance, accounting and IT. He has strong leadership qualities and will be a great fit with our executive team. We look forward to welcoming Lance and his family to the Jack in the Box® family.”

Said Tucker, “Jack in the Box is an outstanding brand, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a strong management team to grow the brand in the years to come.”

Jerry P. Rebel, who has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Jack in the Box Inc. since 2005, announced in April 2017 his plans to retire from the company when a successor was hired. He’ll work with Tucker to help assure a smooth transition.

“We cannot thank Jerry enough for all of his contributions to the organization,” Comma said. “He’s been well-respected amongst the investment community, and under his stewardship as CFO we’ve transformed our business model: Franchise ownership of the Jack in the Box® brand has increased from approximately 25 percent in 2005 to nearly 88 percent today; the company has returned more than $2.5 billion of cash to shareholders through stock repurchases and dividends; and Jack in the Box Inc. common stock has appreciated by nearly 500 percent, as of market close on January 12, 2018. We wish Jerry all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Tucker was promoted to CFO and Treasurer at Papa John’s in February 2011 and added the CAO title and responsibilities in July 2012. From June 2010 to February 2011 he was Papa John’s Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning, and he served as its Chief of Staff and Vice President, Strategic Planning from June 2009 to June 2010. Prior to joining Papa John’s in 2009, Tucker served six years as Chief Financial Officer of Evergreen Real Estate in Louisville. From 1999 to 2003, he held leadership positions in finance for several companies engaged in education, technology consulting, online retailing or real estate development. Tucker was previously employed by Papa John’s as Director of Finance from 1994 to 1999. Prior to joining Papa John’s, Tucker was a senior accountant for Ernst & Young, LLC.

Tucker is a licensed certified public accountant and holds a bachelor’s degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Transylvania University.

Cleveland, OH

The Patch Boys,® the first and most experienced drywall repair franchise company in the United States and Canada, recently honored Rick Bettcher, proud owner of The Patch Boys® of Cleveland, with the Rookie of the Year award for 2017.

“The Rookie of the Year award is a very prestigious honor,” says Leo Goldberger, founder and CEO of The Patch Boys®. “Awards are always a sign of achievement, but the Rookie of the Year award is extra special because it’s given to an individual that made an impact right out of the gate.”

“While there were multiple new owners that made a great impressions in 2017, Rick deserved this one hands-down,” adds Goldberger. “Rick started The Patch Boys® of Cleveland back in January, and within months he was in the top ten percent of producers in the company. His commitment, loyalty and work ethics are  unmatched and the results speak for themselves.”

“I am beyond honored and extremely humbled,” says Bettcher. “I know many of our franchise owners. There are plenty of them that deserve an award, which makes this achievement that much more special. I will continue to build on this award and it will just motivate me to work harder and reach bigger goals for The Patch Boys®, ” he adds.

“The Patch Boys® experienced great growth in 2017 and is focused on an aggressive and strategic blueprint for 2018,” Goldberger says. “The company is implementing new tools for 2018 to further expose the brand. Our best advertising is our franchise owners. The proof is in their hard work, commitment to excellence and unmatched customer service.”

Rick’s Patch Boys® location provides homeowners in the Cleveland area with a quick drywall repair service. No job is too big or too small, as The Patch Boys® specializes in the dents, scratches and holes that no other contractor will take on.

For more information, contact Rick Bettcher at 844.99.PATCH, Ext 216 or Cleveland@thepatchboys.com

WACO, Texas (Jan. 16, 2018) – Expanding on the momentum Restoration 1^® established with a record-setting year in 2017, one of the fastest-growing and most-trusted restoration franchises in North America isn’t slowing down for 2018, as the brand has been named to Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500^® list for the sixth consecutive year.

“We have established our network into a national brand and we’re looking to continue on that path of sustained growth and success at breakneck speed,” said Gary Findley, CEO of Restoration 1. “Consistently being recognized in this prestigious Entrepreneur list is an honor and it showcases the strength of the business opportunity our network is providing to those looking to become their own boss through franchising.”

One of Entrepreneur’s most competitive rankings ever with over 1,000 applicants, Restoration 1’s sixth placement in the Franchise 500^® is a highly sought-after honor that recognizes the top franchise brands for their outstanding performances in key areas including financial strength and stability, growth and system size of the franchise organization.

In 2017, under Findley’s strategic direction, Restoration 1 welcomed their largest training class in history, expanded into 31 new states, opened 70 locations and acquired a complimentary service brand, Phoenix-based bluefrog Pluming + Drain. Continuing this aggressive growth, Findley has plans to expand the franchise network to more than 500 locations nationwide in the next five years.

“Restoration 1 has proven to be a business full of opportunity,” Findley said. “We’ve established ourselves as a major player in a recession-proof industry that offers a low entry-level investment with the potential to reap big financial rewards. That’s a recipe for success that I enjoy sharing with our team and a big part of what attracts so many others to join the Restoration 1 network.”

Irvine, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)

Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading raw juice bar and hand-crafted smoothie chains, was recently ranked #4 in the smoothie and juice category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Food Franchises list. This list recognizes the top 200 food-based companies, ranked within their respective categories, (such as Baked Goods, Pizza, and Sandwiches) based on data submitted for Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500^® ranking.

“We’re proud to add this accolade to our growing roster of achievements, and as our sales continue to rise and we experience more franchise interest in new and existing territories, we’re confident Juice It Up! will continue to be acknowledged as a premiere franchising opportunity,” said Carol DeNembo, Juice It Up! vice president of business development. “This recognition as a top food-based company, especially when competition in the segment is so fierce, validates the tireless efforts our leadership team has spent on making Juice It Up! an established brand in the popular raw juice bar and smoothie category.”

Juice It Up!, a leading raw juice and smoothie concept with over two decades in the business, has remained a top player in the booming segment, currently with 90 units operating across four states. With a heavy focus on ingredient transparency and thoughtful nutrition, every menu item is designed to be both delicious and functional, while also meeting the nutritional wants and needs of customers at every level of health. To remain at the forefront of product innovation, Juice It Up! employs a full-time Nutritionist, R&D Scientist and all-around health guru, Noah Burgess, who is busy in the company’s test kitchen creating products that support guests’ active lifestyles year-round.

“Food-based companies remain a cornerstone of the franchise industry,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “And they continue to lead the way by innovating and adapting to the ever-changing tastes of consumers.”

Entrepreneur’s 2017 Top Food Franchises rankings were determined using the company’s Franchise 500 formula, which is a comprehensive evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Juice It Up!’s position on the list shows its ability to compete in the highly competitive food-based franchise marketplace.

To view Juice It Up! and the other Top Food Franchises, pick up the June issue of Entrepreneur, available now on newsstands. For more details about the company’s financial picture and franchisee support, visit the company’s newly updated franchise website, www.juiceitupfranchise.com.

TEANECK, N.J. – PRNewswire/ —
According to a new report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the global market for private tutoring services is forecast to reach $227 billion by 2022. As intense competition among students continues to drive the growth of the tutoring industry, Kumon remains at the forefront.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/82386241-kumon-ranked-top-education-franchise/

DuPage County, IL – Jan 15-2018 

The Patch Boys,® the first and most experienced drywall repair franchise company in the United States and Canada, recently honored Bill Weber, proud owner of The Patch Boys® of DuPage, with the Franchise of the Year award for 2017.

“The Franchise of the Year award is a true measurement of something really special,” says Leo Goldberger, Founder and CEO of The Patch Boys.® “It’s as simple as it sounds. It is given to the individual that had the best year, coupled with a territory that delivered great customer service. It’s the best of the best.”

“I am thrilled and honored to accept this award,” says Weber. “I accept this award in the name of the entire team here at The Patch Boys,® and in recognition of the hard work that everyone gave to this company, in the name of my family, especially my wife Mariah who is always by my side encouraging me to give it my all, and most of all to the lord who gives me the strength every single day to glorify his presence.”

“This award was the easiest decision we ever had,” said Goldberger. “Not only did Bill produce the numbers to justify the award, but Bill is one of the most unselfish people I know. He is out there every day, not only in his location, but constantly talking with other Patch Boy franchisees helping them achieve and grow stronger. Bill is beloved by everyone at The Patch Boys®  and is truly a shining example an outstanding person on and off the field.

“The Patch Boys® experienced great growth in 2017 and is focused with an aggressive strategic blueprint for 2018,” Goldberger says. “The company is implementing new tools for 2018 to further expose the brand and the concept of The Patch Boys.®  Our best advertising is our franchise owners. The proof is in their hard work, commitment to excellence and unmatched customer service.”

Bill’s Patch Boys® location provides home owners in the DuPage area with a quick drywall repair service in their homes or place of work. No job is too big or too small, as The Patch Boys specializes in the dents, scratches and holes that no other contractor will to take on.

For more information, contact Bill Weber at 844.99.PATCH Ext. 630 or BillWeber@thepatchboys.com

CARLSBAD, CA – PRNewswire

For the eighth year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Jenny Craig, a leader in the weight loss industry, in their 2018 Best Diets rankings. U.S. News & World Report, a nationally recognized publisher of consumer advice and rankings, ranked Jenny Craig as a Best Commercial Diet Plan (#2), a Best Weight-Loss Diet (#3), a Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet (#7), an Easiest Diet to Follow (#7) and a Best Diet for Diabetes (#8).

“It’s a real validation of our science and consumer focused program,” said Monty Sharma, CEO and President, Jenny Craig. “At a time when there is so much noise in the weight loss industry, we are proud to be acknowledged as a ‘best diet’ across several categories for the eighth year in a row by this reputable panel. We work tirelessly to utilize the latest research in nutritional science to provide programs to our members that helps give them the tools they need to lose weight and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Heading into 2018, Jenny Craig recently announced their new program, Rapid Results. Rapid Results is an innovative science-based program that leverages the body clock’s natural circadian rhythm to help optimize metabolism and accelerate weight loss. ¹ The new program is based on nutrition research (2017 Nobel Prize-winning science) that finds it’s not just about what and how much you eat, but when you eat plays an important factor in achieving your weight loss goal. Members who completed the Rapid Results program lost up to 16 pounds in the first four weeks of the program. † On average, members who completed the program lost 11.6 pounds in the first four weeks.

While on Rapid Results, Jenny Craig members will continue to receive the same support with a personal consultant, who is undergoing new enhanced comprehensive training to deliver excellent weight loss guidance.  Members who join can lose up to 16 pounds in their first four weeks† for $16*, receive $70 in food** as well as free shipping for qualified orders.***

† First 4 weeks only. Average weight loss in the study was 11.6 pounds for those who completed the program.

*  12-week trial membership. Plus cost of food, ($15-26/day US/ $17-26/day CAN), and shipping if applicable. Valid only for new members at participating centers, JCA, and at jennycraig.com. No cash value. Offer ends 3/2/18. Not valid with any other membership offers or discounts. One offer per person.

** Purchase required. Food discount to be used in $10 increments, weekly over 7 consecutive weeks. Full menu adherence required (avg. purchase of $154 US/$174 CAN) each week to qualify. Any shipping costs are extra. Offer valid only at participating centers and JCA. Not valid at jennycraig.com. New members only, program enrollment required. No cash value. Offer ends 3/2/18. Must redeem coupons by 4/13/18. Not valid with any other food offers or discounts. One offer per person.

***Continental US only. First 4-week full Planned Menu (avg. $154/wk) auto-ship order qualifies for free standard shipping; order split into two 2-week shipments; entire order billed up-front. No requested menu substitutions allowed. $99 charge to cancel 2^nd shipment and cancellation must be made within 3 days of arrival of first shipment to be effective. Valid for new and returning members who have not had a visit in the last 60 days. Program enrollment required. Valid at Jenny Craig Anywhere only, not valid at jennycraig.com. Offer ends on 3/2/18.

¹ Longo, Valter D., and Satchidananda Panda. “Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 23, no. 6, 14 June 2016, pp. 1048–1059., doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2016.06.001.

Cheyenne, WY  –  RestaurantNews.com –   When you’re hot, you’re hot!

Taco John’s the iconic Mexican quick-service brand, known around the country for trademarking Taco Tuesday^®, is heating up expansion in 2018 after a record-breaking year in franchise commitments.

With 116  new commitments last year, Taco John’s more than doubled commitments from 2016. The almost 50-year-old brand opened 10 new locations in 2017 including a mall unit,  freestanding locations, and convenience store co-developments.   In addition, Taco John’s opened its first airport location at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

“We’re so proud of our incredible, dedicated franchisees who bring such passion to our brand and the communities they serve,” said Jim Creel, Chief Executive Officer of Taco John’s International, Inc..  “Our reputation for quality and success has allowed us to attract talented operators and crank up expansion of our brand nationwide.”

As expansion accelerates, Taco John’s is adding new talent to support this vigorous growth. The brand is increasing support staff in areas such as marketing, training and operations to meet the development surge.

“We take a holistic approach to growth that includes every member of our support team in every department,” said Creel. “We are all committed to the achievement of our current franchisees  and ensuring new franchisees have the opportunity open successful locations.”

With its fusion of distinctive flavors and south-of-the-border spices, the Taco John’s menu offers several signature items, including Meat and Potato Burritos, original Street Tacos and Potato Olés®. Taco John’s also features epic specials like Taco Tuesday^®. Download the TJ^® Rewards App and like Taco John’s Facebook page for exclusive deals.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – PRNewswire
It’s time for football’s big game, and Signarama^®, the world’s largest sign franchise, provides one-stop shopping for all businesses’ bowl party sign needs. Whether it’s hosting a game day (Sunday, February 4th, 6:30 p.m. Eastern) watch party with food and drink specials, running a contest, or offering limited time game-day specials, our attention-getting banners, window clings, and other  signs can heighten awareness and help attract customers.

“More than 111 million people watched the big game last year. Small businesses looking to capitalize on the popularity of this exciting annual event often run specials and contests. Bowl season is a great time to drive additional traffic to your business by incorporating sales, specials, contests, and other discounts,” said A.J. Titus, Executive Vice President of Signarama, a brand that specializes in all types of signage, including event advertisements, business signs, digital displays, banners, decals, vinyl lettering, and yard signs.

Signarama stores feature an interactive lobby design, so customers can sit down with a signage specialist, design custom products, and get to see—and even feel—how the signs will look prior to committing to any purchase.

To learn more about Signarama’s products, services, and locations, or what tools are available to help promote sales during bowl season, go to signaramafranchise.com