franchise opportunities

WALLINGFORD, CT (Dec. 19, 2017)

Tariq Farid, who created and grew a single Edible Arrangements^® store into the world’s largest franchisor of shops offering creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and all-natural, fresh fruit snacks and treats, will be named to the IFA Hall of Fame, the Association’s highest honor. Farid will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday, February 11, 2018 during the IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix.

“It is a tremendous and humbling honor,” said Farid. “When I opened the first Edible Arrangements store I never expected that someday there would be locations around the world. Franchising and our remarkable franchisees made that possible and this recognition belongs just as much to them, my family and everyone at the home office that has been so important to our growth over the years.”

Established in 1979, the IFA Hall of Fame is the oldest and most prestigious award in the franchising industry and is presented to an IFA member, past or present, who exemplifies excellence in franchising and has also contributed significantly to the advancement of the franchise community. Past recipients include a “Who’s Who” of entrepreneurs and business leaders that have built some of the world’s most well-known brands, such as fellow Connecticut-based franchisor Fred DeLuca of Subway, inducted in 2004.

An outstanding example of the American Dream, Farid’s entrepreneurial career began at an early age. Farid immigrated from Pakistan with his family when he was 11 and worked several jobs growing up. At age 17, with a $5,000 loan from family and friends, Farid purchased a flower shop and within two years he was operating four highly successful stores.

It was during this time that Farid was inspired to begin creating arrangements out of fresh fruit. In1999 he opened the first Edible Arrangements store in East Haven, Conn. Less than two years after opening the store a customer from out of town asked if he had ever thought about franchising. Farid wasn’t familiar with the concept but after researching the business model and seeking advice from some of the most well-known names in franchising, he decided it was the best way to grow the business. The first franchise location soon followed, opening in 2001 in Waltham, Mass. and today there are more than 1,300 locations in 11 countries.

“We are honored to induct Tariq into the IFA Hall of Fame,” said IFA President & CEO Robert Cresanti. “This is a well-deserved award as Tariq has been a strong supporter of franchising over the years and a global leader who has made significant contributions to the growth and sustainability to the franchise business model the U.S. and around the world.”

WACO, Texas (December 19, 2017)

• Company acquires two new brands
• Organization grows to 19 consumer service brands (17 of them franchised), 12 service verticals
• Network expands to over 2,800 franchise locations across nine countries
• Brands exceed $1.5 billion in annual system-wide sales
• Awards 300 franchises in 2017

Dwyer Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest franchising companies of service brands focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing properties, celebrated a record year of global growth in 2017 and expanded the network to an all-time high around the world.

“This was another historic year for our organization,” said Mike Bidwell, president and CEO of Dwyer Group. “With12 service verticals, we continued to build on our leadership position, launched Neighborly, our comprehensive home services platform, and awarded 300 new franchises and territory expansions to provide our professional services to more customers than ever.”

Dwyer Group completed two acquisitions in 2017:

• Bright & Beautiful, a home cleaning service based in the U.K, in April
• Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, a long-standing commercial grounds-keeping service based in the U.K., in May

The acquisitions, along with strong growth of existing service brands, expanded the overall Dwyer Group roster to 17 franchise service brands and more than 2,800 franchise locations in nine countries around the world. Today, Dwyer Group’s service brands account for more than $1.5 billion in annual system-wide sales and 700+ employees across North America, the U.K and Germany. The company also broke ground this year on a new building at its Waco, Texas campus, which will house the growing support staff for our expanding franchise network.

The year also marked the launch of Neighborly, the Dwyer Group’s comprehensive home services platform. Neighborly unifies Dwyer Group’s community of experienced service professionals and gives homeowners instant access to a premium network of experts at GetNeighborly.com – including landscaping, plumbing, painting, housecleaning and more.

“Every accomplishment has reinforced our drive to grow and support the most compelling franchise opportunities in the home service industry and to scale that expertise on a global stage,” Bidwell said. “We celebrate our team’s achievements and their dedication to offering the most comprehensive residential and commercial service line-up to our customers.”

ASHBURN, Va.,  /PRNewswire/Dec. 18, 2017

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit opens their newest location Tuesday, December 19 with four weeks of specials and giveaways, including free barbecue for a year for three lucky guests. The new location will be opened by new Dickey’s franchisee Chris Mills.

The new location will offer guests $2 Pulled Pork Sandwiches on Tuesday, December 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., limit two per guest.

“The Dickey family congratulates Chris on opening his first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location,” says Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “We are honored to have experienced new franchisees such as Chris who are passionate about the art of great barbecue and have a love for the Dickey’s Barbecue Pit brand.”

Dickey’s will offer the following specials and giveaways for the next four weeks:

Thirsty Thursdays: Guests will receive a free Big Yellow Cup with free refills all day.

Philanthropy Fridays: “You Give, We Give” – Guests who donate to Dickey’s charitable foundation, Barbecue, Boots & Badges, will receive a gift card as a thank you for their donation. All uniformed first responders also receive 50 percent off their meal.

Smokin’ Saturdays: Guests may purchase $2 Pulled Pork Sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., limit two per guest.

Kids Eat Free Sundays: Kids eat free with an adult purchase of $10 or more.

Though Chris has years of restaurant experience, this Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location will be the first venture of his own. “When I decided to open my own concept, I knew Dickey’s was the best option for me. Along with their delicious barbecue, they have a great business model and I love the atmosphere of every store,” says Chris. “I am honored to bring Dickey’s to the residents of the Ashburn community and look forward to opening more locations in the future.”

To join Dickey’s Big Yellow Cup Club and receive members-only specials and discounts, click here.

The new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Ashburn is located at 20020 Ashbrook Commons Plaza #106, Ashburn, VA 20147. The phone number is 703-297-8948.

To find the location nearest you, click here.

Find Dickey’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

To learn more about franchising with Dickeys, visit www.dickeys.com/franchise or call 866-340-6188.

HORSHAM, Pa.,  /PRNewswire/ Dec. 18, 2017

American Driveline Systems, Inc. (“ADS”), parent company of AAMCO Transmissions, Inc., is targeting nationwide franchise growth as the leading powertrain specialist under new president and CEO Jim Gregory.

“AAMCO franchisees employ top specialists in the industry who are able to diagnose electrical problems and perform complex repairs — making AAMCO the brand of choice when it comes to even the toughest car issues,” Gregory said. “In 2018, we will target aggressive franchise growth in markets where there is a need for very specialized auto shops, so consumers can have the convenience of AAMCO’s services where they work and live.”

With nearly 640 centers across North America, AAMCO is actively seeking single- and multi-unit franchisee operators to grow the brand nationwide, particularly in markets like Dallas, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., New York, New Jersey, and Hartford, Connecticut. Interested candidates should have a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid assets of at least $65,000 per unit. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment to be approximately $223,600 to $330,000 with a $39,500 initial franchise fee. AAMCO offers financing support for qualified candidates. Reduced franchise fees are also available for honorably discharged veterans.

Known as the world’s leading transmission expert for more than 50 years, AAMCO’s network of locally owned and independently operated automotive service centers employs the latest technology. Expert technicians diagnose even the most complicated powertrain system issues, fix it right the first time, and back it with a nationwide warranty. AAMCO was named to Entrepreneur magazine’s 2017 Franchise 500 ranking top of its category for the third consecutive year. Additionally, AAMCO has been consecutively ranked on Franchise Times‘ Top 200+ for the last two years and was named to Training magazine’s Training Top 125 for its ongoing commitment to training through AAMCO University.

To learn more about franchise or conversion opportunities with AAMCO, contact Kim Robinson, director of franchise development, at 866-379-5649 or krobinson@aamco.com or visit aamcofranchises.com.

PALM SPRINGS, Fl. /PRNewswire/Dec. 18, 2017 

My Eyelab (www.myeyelab.com), one of the fastest growing retail optical centers in the nation, announced today that it is growing its franchise expansion initiative, setting California as a priority market. Immediate single and multi-unit territories are available as the brand seeks qualified and enthusiastic investors in this untapped market.

“After an outstanding first year of franchising, in which we exceeded all of our goals, we’re ready to ramp up our efforts in 2018. There’s no better market to capitalize on than California,” said Daniel Stanton, CEO and co-founder of My Eyelab. “Our goal is to make My Eyelab the go-to eye-care destination across the nation, and California, as well as the other priority markets we’ll announce in 2018, gets us one step closer to that goal.”

My Eyelab, the innovative vision care franchise option for independent owner operators and qualified investors, quickly emerged in 2017 as a leader in the  recession-resistant optical industry after closing more than 40 franchise sales and has sold out the Atlanta, Ga., and Florida markets in its first year of franchising. By leveraging the expertise of My Eyelab’s executive and franchise support team, prospective franchisees can bring a convenient, affordable alternative in vision care to their local communities. The My Eyelab franchise fee is $34,900, with a total investment of $200,000.

My Eyelab, with its parent company Vision Precision Holdings,  offers its cutting-edge technology and eye care services in 84 locations across 22 states. Now launching franchise sales in California, My Eyelab has plans to grow in major cities throughout the state.

For more information about My Eyelab’s franchise opportunity, visit www.myeyelab.com/franchise or call (561) 800-4868.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (PRWEB) DECEMBER 17, 2017

Anago Cleaning Systems (Anago), an industry-leading commercial cleaning franchise with over 35 Master Franchise locations and over 1,400 Unit Franchises throughout the U.S. and internationally, is pleased to announce its partnership with Master Franchise Owner, Jonathan Thiessen to open a location in Hudson Valley, New York.

The new office will be located at 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 207, Port Chester, New York and will serve the greater Westchester, Yonkers, White Plains and Hudson Valley areas.

“Jonathan’s professional career is deeply rooted in financial management,” says Adam Povlitz, President of Anago Cleaning Systems. “That kind of experience coupled with Jonathan’s vision for large-scale growth will translate well into the Hudson Valley market.”

Jonathan began his professional career in finance as the Treasury Manager for a privately held business in the Hudson Valley area, overseeing a $25 million-dollar line of credit. Thiessen then went on to work for several large conglomerates such as Philip Morris Management Corp. and BAE Systems, a British defense company. Previously, Jonathan was Director of Treasury for The Vitamin Shop. He holds a B.S. from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He is also an active member of the BMW Car Club in which he helps to promote road safety through Tire Rack’s “Street Survival” sponsored by the BMW CCA Foundation.

“I’ve always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit throughout my career in finance,” says Jonathan. “Through Anago’s Master Franchise model, I’m able to harness that vision and create a successful foundation for other entrepreneurs in the Hudson Valley area.”

To explore Master franchise opportunities with Anago, contact Judy Walker, Vice President of Marketing, at 800-213-5857 or judy@anagocleaning.com or visit http://www.AnagoMasters.com.

NASHVILLE, TN (PRWEB) DECEMBER 18, 2017

Back Yard Burgers has two new menu items this holiday season. For a limited time, Back Yard Burgers is offering a prime rib sandwich and its famous cobblers whole. The two menu items are available now through Dec. 31.

The prime rib sandwich is a half-pound of prime rib topped with caramelized onions, garlic parmesan aioli, lettuce and tomatoes on a toasted brioche bun.

Need to take a dish to a party or family reunion? The whole cobblers are perfect for any holiday gathering. They are made with a flakey, buttery crust and loaded with your choice of pecan, blackberry, peach or apple filling. They serve approximately 12 people.

“Our cobblers are a guest favorite and make for an easy dessert to bring with you to any holiday party or to serve at your own,” said David McDougall, CEO of Back Yard Burgers. “The new prime rib sandwich is also a great choice while you’re busy out running last-minute holiday errands.”

Back Yard Burgers was recently acquired by Charlotte-based private equity firm Axum Capital Partners. The new holding company is now called Tatum Holdings, LLC and is focused on remodeling existing Back Yard Burgers locations, investing in technology, and growing the brand.

NEW YORK, PRNewswire/Dec. 18, 2017 / —

Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising, lower middle market companies, today announced that it has acquired Captain D’s, the franchisor and operator of 530 Captain D’s restaurants in 21 U.S. states. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Captain D’s system consists of 227 franchised and 303 company-owned locations with established strongholds in the American Southeast and Midwest. Captain D’s is the nation’s leading restaurant operator in the underpenetrated quick service restaurant (“QSR”) seafood sector. With Captain D’s seafood menu based on ocean-caught fish and a beach-themed dining format, it is uniquely positioned in the QSR market, a sub category that has outgrown the broader restaurant industry since 2011.

“We are very excited to partner with Captain D’s highly-experienced and accomplished management team,” said John McCormack, a Sentinel senior partner. “Captain D’s holds a unique market position and was recently recognized as one of the top 10 brands in America for consumer loyalty. Captain D’s continues to attract younger guests and is the clear category leader. Moreover, its same-store-sales growth over the past decade is in the very top QSR tier regardless of category.”

Captain D’s CEO, Phil Greifeld, a 22-year QSR industry veteran who has led Captain D’s for the past seven years, commented, “Sentinel’s more than two decades of experience in the restaurant franchising sector makes the firm an ideal partner for us as we enter a new phase of expansion. We see significant opportunities to grow inside our existing footprint as well as into new regions. Our brand has never been stronger.”

“Captain D’s provides highly attractive and consistent unit economics for its franchise partners,” added Michael Fabian, a Sentinel partner. “This has fueled substantial growth in new franchise sales and openings over the last several years. We look forward to partnering with Phil and his talented team to help accelerate this growth in years ahead.”

Besides Captain D’s, since its inception, Sentinel has made eight other restaurant franchise investments, including Border Foods, a leading QSR franchisee in the Taco Bell system; Checkers/Rally’s, the largest franchisor and operator of dual drive-thru hamburger QSRs in the U.S.; Falcon Holdings, one of the largest QSR franchisees of Church’s Chicken restaurants; Fazoli’s Group, a franchisor and operator of Italian fast casual restaurants; Huddle House, a leading franchisor of family dining restaurants; Newk’s Eatery, a rapidly growing market leader in the fast casual restaurant segment; Southern California Pizza Company, the largest Pizza Hut QSR franchisee in the greater Los Angeles market; and TGI Friday’s, a global franchisor of casual dining bar and grill restaurants.

HARTLAND, Wis., Dec. 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/

With the convenience of having a computer in our pocket to access email, listen to music, post on social media, and purchase anything within seconds, we are addicted to our phones now more than ever. With about three-quarters of U.S. adults owning a smartphone^*, Batteries Plus Bulbs, the nation’s only battery, light bulb, and phone repair franchise, sought to uncover the latest consumer habits and attitudes toward phone repair, care and usage through a nationwide survey. Among the compelling statistics, one in three (31 percent) respondents have broken a phone in the past year. If you’ve broken more than one, you’re not alone! Of that percentage, one in four (22 percent) have broken three or more. Other notable findings include:

Dallas, TX, December 14, 2017 –(PR.com)

United® Real Estate, a fast-growing real estate and franchise organization, welcomes sixteen new offices to its growing national network. The United model provides franchise owners with territory rights and real estate agents with a full-service competitive solution including the latest training, marketing, technology and access to a national referral network.

The following have affiliated with United Real Estate in their respected markets:

United Real Estate | Aiken – Located in Aiken, South Carolina, and owned by Brenda and Patrick Daly

United Real Estate | Central PA – Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and owned by Sean Kieff

United Real Estate | Chapel Hill – Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and owned by Tristan Pan

United Real Estate | Charleston – Located in Charleston, South Carolina, and owned by Winston Velpula and Al Heath

United Real Estate | Cleveland – Located in Cleveland, Ohio, and owned by Cherryl Sparling

United Real Estate | Consultants – Located in Bakersfield, California, and owned by Cameron Miller and Jon Takach

United Real Estate | Elite North – Located in Park Ridge, Illinois, and owned by Kamil Nowakowski

United Real Estate | Family – Located in Allen, Texas, and owned by Alex Cho

United Real Estate | Middle TN – Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and owned by Curran Scarlata and Rick Murr

United Real Estate | Mid-South – Located in Southaven, Mississippi, and owned by Ed and Janet Engelke

United Real Estate | Mt Pleasant – Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and owned by Winston Velpula and Al Heath

United Real Estate | Raynham – Located in Raynham, Massachusetts, and owned by Sam Zonfrillo

United Real Estate | River City – Located in Jacksonville, Florida, and owned by Johnny and Karen Smiley

United Real Estate | Success Arrowhead – Located in Peoria, Arizona, and owned by Byron Short

United Real Estate | Suncoast – Located in Palm Harbor, Florida, and owned by Pam Worthington

United Real Estate | Synergy – Located in Doral, Florida, and owned by Juan Suarez

“United Real Estate continues to demonstrate that our overall agent value proposition enables our brokerage offices to be the best recruiting real estate company of productive real estate agents across the country,” said Peter Giese, president of United Real Estate. “Our national network is growing at an aggressive pace and each new office offers area agents the ability to join a company built upon broker support, 24/7 online training and the opportunity to earn 100-percent commission. We are thrilled to welcome our newest group of talented owners as each brings years of experience and demonstrates an inspiring passion for sharing the United model to help agents in their market find their freedom.”

To learn more about United Real Estate’s franchise opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com or call 888-960-0606.