franchisee of the year

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) is piloting two new menu items and promotions in select cities nationwide as part of its overall commitment to make the brand more accessible and give fans the food they love when they want it.

First up is a dream come true for bacon lovers. Applewood Smoked Bacon begins its journey on the road to a national rollout after receiving a tremendous response from consumers at the NEXT kitchen in New York City. In September, bacon will expand to an eight-restaurant operations test in Orange County, Calif. before being considered for a full market test.

“Consumers have always said ‘everything tastes better with bacon’ and that is exactly what we confirmed in our New Yorktest kitchen,” said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. “We found consumers added bacon to their traditional bowls, burritos, tacos and nachos while also enjoying new items such as the BLT quesadilla with bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheese grilled to perfection.” Quesadillas are currently only available in the NEXT kitchen in New York City.
With positive results from the recent ten-restaurant test, nachos are expanding to full-market tests in Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul this October. Chipotle nachos, which are a top customer request, include homemade corn tortilla chips topped with an all new genuine queso and choice of meat, beans, salsas and lettuce.

From now until September 30, customers at participating locations in Miami and Dallas can get $2 tacos with the purchase of any drink after 8pm. The participating Chipotle restaurants in Miami and Dallas will now stay open later, until 11pm, helping to satisfy demand for food experiences outside of standard business hours. An additional pilot underway offers customers at select Philadelphia and Indianapolis restaurants the option to add regular-sized chips and a fountain drink to their entrée order for just $3.

“A cornerstone of our new strategy is to make Chipotle more culturally relevant and to meet our customers where they are with flavorful food they can feel good about eating,” added Brandt. “We know that Chipotle is a great place to start or end the night, which is why we’re excited to test this pilot with our Miami and Dallas night owl fans.”

Available in-restaurant and for a limited time only, the promotions are being tested via Chipotle’s new stage-gate process, which allows the company to test, learn, listen to customer feedback, and iterate extensively before moving ahead with a national launch. Both offers and new menu items are subject to availability and may not be combined with other promotions, offers or coupons.

MASON, OH—A new Pearle Vision advertising campaign, debuting next week, draws upon the iconic image of women’s professional tennis legend Billie Jean King as it portrays the story of a young girl working with an understanding optometrist to find the perfect pair of first eyeglasses. The spot is designed to “cast an indelible light on the brand’s commitment to quality of care and how patients’ trust is earned as a result,” according to a Pearle Vision announcement about the campaign.

In the spot, Olivia is seen with her mom in the exam room at Pearle Vision. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear Olivia needs glasses. The Pearle Vision optometrist knows just how to help Olivia find her perfect pair. She presents Olivia with a photo (of Billie Jean King) that elicits a joyful response “because the optometrist did more than diagnose Olivia’s visual acuity issue during the exam … she took the time to learn about Olivia’s unique interests (tennis, archery and space travel),” according to the Pearle announcement.

“What ‘Olivia’ instills is incredibly positive,” Pearle Vision vice president and chief marketing officer Doug Zarkin said in the announcement. “It’s an emotional connection to a young child who is now better prepared to reach her potential – clear vision can help you achieve what you want in life.”

The ad will appear in a North American campaign that includes streaming platforms, digital media, spot and cable to support both corporate and franchise Pearle Vision locations throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, the company noted.

The photo presented to Olivia by the Pearle Vision optometrist is of the iconic glasses-wearing Billie Jean King, wearing a near identical pair of frames to what Olivia selects. “Olivia’s new glasses are now more than just a tool to see clearly, they are a proud connection to the women that inspire her each and every day,” the Pearle Vision announcement noted.

King said she is excited to be part of the new campaign. “When I was young I was told I could never be No. 1 in the world because I wore glasses and that was one of the things that motivated me to become the best I could be,” she said. “I applaud Pearle Vision for their message of encouragement, reinforcing that wearing glasses can help you achieve your dreams.”

The ad agency Energy BBDO developed the new spots, which were directed by filmmaker Elle Ginter whose resume includes visual storytelling successes for several leading global brands.

According to the announcement, “Olivia” taps into a core Pearle Vision brand differentiator – delivering care to patients beyond a routine eye exam to ensure each patient receives personalized care that takes the whole individual into account. “Oliva” continues Pearle Vision’s advertising strategy to depict the “Small Moments” that form trusting relationships between the brand’s eye doctors and patients. Its first story-driven campaign of this type, “Ben’s Glasses” earned industry accolades including a 2017 Silver Clio Award.

DENVER, CO – RE/MAX, the #1 name in real estate*, continues to rise. At the end of the second quarter of this year, the RE/MAX network’s total agent count reached an all-time quarterly high of 123,082 associates. With a growing presence in more than 100 countries and territories, no other real estate brand matches the RE/MAX worldwide footprint.

“Setting a new record in quarter-end agent count is a rewarding achievement,” said RE/MAX CEO Adam Contos. “RE/MAX is one of the most powerful and recognized brands in our industry, and we continue to strategically grow with many of the most talented agents in the business. Our associates worldwide sell more real estate than any other brand, as measured by residential transaction sides, and we’re thankful for their dedication to our brand.”

Recent national rankings continue to demonstrate the strength of the RE/MAX brand:

• Top 10 global franchisor
  RE/MAX was named a top 10 global franchise for the first time by Entrepreneur magazine. Placing seventh in the publication’s “2018 Top Global Franchises” list, RE/MAX was also once again the leading real estate franchise in the annual ranking of 200 global brands. The top 10 overall standings included #1 McDonald’s, #2 7-Eleven, #3 KFC, #4 Pizza Hut, #5 Subway, #6 Kumon Math & Reading Centers, #7 RE/MAX, #8 Dairy Queen, #9 Dunkin’ Donuts and #10 Baskin-Robbins.
• Fastest-growing real estate franchise brand
  Entrepreneur named RE/MAX one of the fastest growing franchises in the world in its 2018 “Top Fastest Growing Franchises” list. The ranking of 150 franchises placed RE/MAX in the 12th spot overall, the highest among all real estate franchises, and marked the fifth consecutive year the franchisor has been included in the annual list.
• One of the world’s strongest franchise brands
  RE/MAX was ranked fifth overall and No. 1 among real estate franchises in the 2018 Franchise 500 list, up from #10 overall in 2017, #21 overall in 2016 and #75 overall in 2015. The top 10 overall standings included #1 McDonald’s, #2 7-11, #3 Dunkin’ Donuts, #4 The UPS Store, #5 RE/MAX, #6 Sonic, #7 Great Clips, #8 Taco Bell, #9 Hardee’s and #10 Sport Clips.

National surveys continue to demonstrate the high productivity of the RE/MAX network. In July, RE/MAX placed more agents than any other brand in the 2018 REAL Trends “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” rankings. Nearly one in four agents in the survey is a RE/MAX agent. RE/MAX also had more agents ranked than any other brand in the recent 13th Annual REAL Trends “The Thousand,” released in June. RE/MAX agents have claimed the most rankings in the respected survey three out of the last four years.

RE/MAX is in more countries than any other real estate brand. From a single office that opened in 1973 in Denver, Colorado, RE/MAX has grown into a global real estate network with more than 120,000 sales associates in more than 100 countries and territories.

ATLANTA, GA  – Moe’s Southwest Grill®, the fast casual restaurant franchise that is known for the famous “Welcome to Moe’s!” greeting, legendary queso and free chips and salsa with every single order announces today that it is expanding its retail offering with the launch of a new in-grocery product line with three new, bold chunky salsas.

“At Moe’s Southwest Grill, our culinary team takes our salsas very seriously – in our restaurants we offer several different seasonal flavors, some made with the world’s hottest peppers like Carolina Reaper and Ghost Pepper,” said Bruce Schroder, President, Moe’s Southwest Grill®. “Naturally, the next step was to bring our delicious salsas to grocery stores so our fans can enjoy Moe’s salsas anywhere, at any time.”

Inspired by authentic, southwestern flavors and spices, the new line of salsas are made from seasonal peppers, all-natural tomatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic and lime juice. Now available nationwide on Amazon and at several grocery store chains including Publix, Price Chopper, Shoprite, Tops, Buehler’s, Dave’s Market and Heinen’s. The three salsa flavors are all certified Gluten-Free, ranging from Mild, Medium to Hot with the suggested retail price of $3.99.

• Moe’s Mild Salsa: This is a mild salsa but there is definitely nothing mild about the smoky ancho and dark chili flavors.
• Moe’s Medium Salsa: Get ready to spice things up a bit with this salsa made with cayenne pepper.
• Moe’s Hot Salsa: You will need water ready because this salsa is fire made with habanero flavor.

“Since the brand was launched in 2000, Moe’s Southwest Grill has created a loyal fan base that love our brand personality and products,” said Dave Mikita, SVP & President, Global Channels. “Moe’s continues to be focused on launching additional products inspired by the southwest in the grocery channel for our fans to enjoy at home.”

Additional Moe’s grocery products are available including spicy guacamole, roasted corn poblano queso, chicken empanadas and more. These items are exclusively available at BJ’s.

For more details about Moe’s salsas: https://www.moes.com/grocery-products. To stay connected to all things Moe’s, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – 24-7PressRelease

Signage can be the link between success or failure, and for more than 30 years, Signarama has created signs that make an impression, catch the eye, and turn a passerby into a frequent customer. Known as the industry leader with 800 locations in 60 countries, Signarama provides multiple indoor and outdoor sign options that are bold, bright, and beautiful.

The year is marked by a move away from neutrals and a bigger focus on brighter, bolder colors. Palettes of pink, orange, blue, yellow, and red are favorable, but the “Pantone Color of the Year,” for 2018 is Ultra Violet. Described as “dramatically provocative and thoughtful,” purples have long been a symbol of counterculture, unconventionality, and artistic taste. While the choice may be surprising, digital media designers say vibrant violets have become a popular color choice, especially for Web and mobile app designs.

Signarama is ahead of the curve in design and color palette availability. “Our franchisees offer exceptional signs and branding solutions that are on trend to meet virtually every need,” said A.J. Titus, brand president. “There are multiple color combinations and each offer a unique and fresh approach compatible with brand recognition.”

Appealing signs are an integral part of branding strategy, and a crucial component is an understanding of how the psychology of color influences people. Since 80 percent of the information we process starts with what is seen, the importance of proper color schemes can’t be underestimated as they initiate responses that provide a sense of stability and comfort.

According to the research summary, “Impact of Color in Marketing,” researchers report that up to 90 percent of snap judgments about products are based on color alone (depending on the product). Another report, “The Interactive Effects of Colors,” examined the relationship between brands and found that color hinges on a perception of appropriateness of the color used by a particular brand. “The color scheme has to correlate to what is being sold,” Titus commented. “Choosing the right color combinations for promotional materials and digital signage can increase sales and keep a company a step ahead of the competition.”

Most fast-food restaurants, for example, are decorated with vivid reds and oranges; colors that encourage a person to eat quickly and leave – exactly what the manager wants to turn over volume. On the other hand, luxurious brands favor softer colors that appear more sophisticated and encourage a patron to linger and order more drinks.

“From sidewalk signs, and vinyl banners to menu boards and advertising, Signarama helps business grow,” remarked Titus. “All components are integral to everyday business and directly impacts sales making a difference between positive and negative customer service.”

Signarama uses quality, durable materials to ensure a long-lasting and impactful presence. From consultation to production and installation, Signarama provides distinct signage that meets the needs of any brand.

Picture this: you are walking into your hotel after a long, cross-country flight or endless day of driving in the car, and as you enter, your nose perks at the scent of warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. There is no better aroma – and nowhere else you could be but at a DoubleTree by Hilton.

In celebration of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day August 4, DoubleTree by Hilton, the brand travelers know universally for its signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome, is introducing a new cook(ie) book, Start with Cookies. The book features 29 recipes from DoubleTree by Hilton hotels from 16 countries around the world, all incorporating the brand’s famous Cookie in innovative ways. Start with Cookies is available to download for free for anyone who wants to try their own Cookie-inspired creations at StartwithCookies.com.

Introducing…the World’s First-Ever DoubleTree by Hilton Chief Cookie Officer

In addition to its new cook(ie) book, DoubleTree by Hilton is appointing its first Chief Cookie Officer. Roger Maune, executive chef at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Jose in California, steps into the role with more than 30 years of experience on the Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton U.S. culinary teams.

“My new role as the first-ever DoubleTree by Hilton Chief Cookie Officer is truly the sweetest job in the world. Every day, I see appreciation in guests’ faces as I welcome them with a smile and warm DoubleTree Cookie,” said Roger Maune, chief cookie officer, DoubleTree by Hilton. “I am honored to use my culinary expertise to share our cook(ie) book recipes and spread more warm welcomes to people around the world.”

Start with Cookies Recipe Highlights

Maune’s own recipe, DoubleTree Pancakes, is one of many sweet, savory and unexpected flavor combinations featured in Start with Cookies. A few highlights from the recipe collection include:

• Mixed Greens & Berry Salad with DoubleTree Cookie Balsamic Dressing from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Francisco Airport in California
• DoubleTree Cookie & Pear Delight from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cluj – City Plaza in Romania
• Beef Rendang DoubleTree Cookie Pie from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

A Signature, Warm Welcome for All

On National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day August 4, all U.S. DoubleTree by Hilton locations will offer a complimentary DoubleTree Cookie to welcome both guests and the general public.

“Providing a warm welcome to guests is in our DNA at DoubleTree by Hilton, and that starts with our signature DoubleTree Cookie at check-in,” said Shawn McAteer, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “From offering free Cookies, to inspiring culinary creations, to appointing our first-ever Chief Cookie Officer, this holiday is all about celebrating the welcome our warm Cookie represents.”

The Warm DoubleTree Cookie Legacy Continues

DoubleTree by Hilton has offered the signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie at check-in since 1986, and continues to give away more than 75,000 each day – that’s more than 27 million cookies each year – making every stay a little sweeter for travelers.

While the coveted recipe for the warm DoubleTree Cookie is a secret, fans of the signature sweet treat can order ready-made DoubleTree Cookie dough, baked DoubleTree Cookies or collectable DoubleTree Cookie tins at DoubleTreeCookies.com.

For more information, visit StartwithCookies.com. For more news on DoubleTree by Hilton, visit newsroom.hilton.com/doubletree.

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – PRWEB Creative Colors International (CCI), the nation’s leading on-site repair and restoration franchise, launched its newest location on August 6, in Colorado Springs. This is big news as more local business owners and cost-conscious residents than ever before are seeking out alternatives to astronomical upholstering charges and replacement fees associated with damaged possessions made of leather, vinyl, plastic and fabric.

Husband and wife team Anthony and LaDawna Smith recently sold their home and pizza business in Kansas and moved their family of 15, (two daughters, two sons-in-law, three baby granddaughters, and SIX adopted siblings), to the City Of Millionaires, recently named the Most Desirable Place to Live by U.S. News and World Report, to start a new chapter in their lives.

“We love this city! The variety of things you can do outside is perfect for our family. My wife has taken the kids hiking at Garden of the Gods almost every day, and there are no mosquitos!” said Anthony Smith.

The opportunity to open a Creative Colors International (CCI) franchise in Colorado Springs was a perfect fit for the Smiths, who were looking to move to a bigger area with more opportunity for multiple generations of their growing family. After meeting with CCI, a Chicago-based family-owned business, and learning one of the country’s Most Desirable Places to Live was an available market, it’s like the stars were aligning.

“It’s exciting for us and the future generations of our family that will be building this business,” said Smith, who will be working alongside his two sons-in-law. “I see a bright future here for a business like ours.”

The Smiths believe conservation-minded Coloradans will love the company’s revolutionary products and restoration techniques that will help local customers save up to 90 percent in replacement fees by repairing worn and/or damaged materials, extending the life of products and keeping them out of the landfills.

The Smiths are serving a population of about one million people in the metro area with two mobile vans that are stocked and ready to roll. They are already looking ahead to next year when they plan to build their fleet by adding another three vans. Auto dealerships, and especially RV dealers, will be early target markets, although the sky’s the limit on potential customers.

“I feel like the keys to our success will be the attention we give to the customer,” said Smith. “We want to have one line of communication between customers and us. No layered management. They will talk to me or my sons-in-law, and we will go to them and fix the problem. We don’t take any customer for granted.”

The statistics suggest that repairing and restoring, as opposed to upholstering and replacing, can save local business owners and residents hundreds of dollars on any damaged item. For example, the costs associated with upholstering any type of seat can be very steep, ranging anywhere from $120 to $450 per cushion. And according to Terri Sniegolski, Creative Colors International’s CEO, the commitment shared by all franchisees to help customers save money, and deliver on the company’s “We Can Fix That” philosophy, has been the key catalyst for the company’s expansion to 82 locations in 28 states with 160+ mobile units since its initial inception in 1980.

“We’re excited to open our next Creative Colors location in Colorado Springs because we know the Smith family shares the same ‘We Can Fix That’ attitude our other successful franchisees possess,” said Sniegolski. “We are thrilled about our expansion into Colorado Springs because we know the local business owners and customers in the community will be eager to repair and restore their possessions at a fraction of the cost.”

Serving the automotive, commercial and furniture industries, Creative Colors International offers affordable solutions for tears, holes, scuffs, scratches and other types of damage found on leather, vinyl, plastic or fabric, through on-site repair, restoration, cleaning, dyeing and protection. For local residents, this means Creative Colors International can repair auto interiors, leather furniture, RV flooring, and boat vinyl, among other things. Additionally, for business owners, Creative Colors International can repair any upholstery found in critical locations around the company, such as waiting rooms, examination rooms, restaurant booths, hotel rooms, and theater seating, among others.

For more information on the Smiths, and their Creative Colors International location, please visit http://www.wecanfixthat.com/colorado-springs.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today that in partnership with DoorDash, customers can enjoy free delivery on orders placed through the DoorDash platform on Friday, August 3 through Sunday, August 5. The promotion applies to any Chipotle order with a $10 minimum (no promo code needed), and will be available in Canada for the first time.

Chipotle is accelerating the growth of its digital platforms to get food to its customers where, how and when they want it. As a result, digital sales are rapidly growing and smashing company records. This week, Chipotle experienced its two highest recorded digital sales days ever when it offered customers free guacamole in celebration of National Avocado Day – the company’s first-ever digital only promotion. The promotion resulted in new customer growth and Chipotle was the top trending mobile app in the Apple app store on August 1.

The record-breaking week comes on the heels of Chipotle’s wildly successful partnership with DoorDash, and this weekend’s free delivery promotion was created to thank customers for the partnership’s positive first three months. Announced in late April, the partnership made headlines when it resulted in a nearly 700 percent increase in weekly delivery orders and created Chipotle’s largest delivery footprint to-date.

“Chipotle is committed to making our food more accessible for customers,” said Curt Garner, chief digital and information officer at Chipotle. “We have a competitive advantage around speed and accuracy with our second make line dedicated to servicing digital orders, as well as our smarter pick-up times technology. As a result, we’re seeing strong growth in our digital sales, including from orders placed through DoorDash, our largest on-demand partner. We’re excited to celebrate with DoorDash and our customers this weekend with free delivery.”

“Chipotle is one of our most-valued restaurant partners,” said Christopher Payne, chief operating officer of DoorDash. “We service 70 percent of Chipotle restaurants – reaching over 100 million consumers nationwide – solidifying us as Chipotle’s largest logistics partner. We hope this free delivery promotion enables even more customers to see for themselves why DoorDash has become a leader in our industry, and why this partnership has been so successful.”

Terms And Conditions

$10 minimum subtotal required. Service fees, surge fees, small order fees, taxes, and gratuity may apply. Offer valid only for orders placed and fulfilled between 08/03/18 and 08/05/18 from participating Chipotle locations during normal operating hours applicable for such location, and within DoorDash’s areas of availability. Unlimited redemptions per person. No promo code needed to redeem, offer will automatically apply at checkout. Deliveries subject to availability. DoorDash’s computer is the official date/time keeping device for this offer. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or promo codes. Offer is non-transferrable. No adjustments to previous purchases. Customers must have a valid DoorDash account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. Valid only at DoorDash.com or on the DoorDash app. DoorDash reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice.

SUNRISE, FL – PRWEB 

The prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is rapidly growing in the United States. Currently, approximately 40 percent of people over the age of 70 have been diagnosed with some type of dementia or related disease and over the next few decades this number is expected to increase a staggering 50 percent.

In direct response to this, Interim HealthCare Inc. has launched a formal ‘Dementia Program’ devoted to providing the necessary educational materials and tools to caregivers across its network of national locations. Utilizing a science-backed approach to dementia care, specialized training is being offered to better understand how a patient’s brain is changing at each stage of disease progression.

“Our caregivers are the foundation of providing the highest quality of home healthcare. We believe it is critical that they have a full understanding of how this disease progresses to customize appropriate care plans,” said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare Inc. CEO and President. “We place a high value on providing educational opportunities to ensure our caregivers have the most comprehensive training and development programs. Given the rising senior population and expected increase in those with this diagnosis, launching this program is our way to equip our healthcare professionals with deeper insight into the cognitive changes that occur in a person living with dementia.”

Interim HealthCare Inc.’s program is based on the methodology of Teepa Snow, an international leader in the Positive Approach® to Care (PAC™) for those living with dementia. Interim HealthCare Inc.’s Senior Manager, Program Development and Implementation, Catherine M. Tedder, has obtained her certification in the Teepa Snow PAC philosophy. The training being provided is curriculum-based and centers around the Teepa Snow GEMS® Brain Change model. Various education modules offered to the Interim network focus on how to keep their patients safe, comfortable and meaningfully engaged using this proven methodology.

“This program is specifically designed to help everyone that is affected by dementia and related diseases, including clinicians, caregivers, sales staff, office staff and volunteers,” said Tedder. “We are committed to making sure everyone, across all our franchise locations, has the confidence to effectively navigate the complex care needed for our patients, as well as their families.”

To learn more about Interim HealthCare’s Dementia Program: https://www.interimhealthcare.com/services/specialized-home-care/patient-centered-dementia-care/.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) experienced its highest recorded digital sales day in company history thanks to its National Avocado Day promotion. Demand for the free guacamole offer drove digital sales up nearly 60 percent, leading to Chipotle’s biggest summer sales day ever.

“We were blown away by the excitement around our free guacamole offer,” said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. “Demand was so high, our app and online store were flooded with orders, resulting in our biggest summer sales day to date. Breaking this record also broke the internet, so we want to make sure everyone can take advantage of our offer by joining us today for more free guac.”

In addition to being Chipotle’s biggest summer sales day and record breaking for internet sales, it also generated more, new app downloads than on any other single day. And, almost 700,000 avocados were used to meet customer demand, which is almost 200,000 more than an average day.

As a thank you to fans, Chipotle is extending yesterday’s promotion and offering free guacamole today with the purchase of any entrée, while supplies last. The offer is valid on online and app purchases only, has a limit of one per customer, and may not be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Additional terms may apply; void where prohibited.