franchisee of the year

CHICAGO, IL

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) today announced plans to bring World of Hyatt members opportunities to enjoy loyalty benefits in many more places. The launch is targeted for the end of the year.

Hyatt, a leading hospitality company with more than 700 hotels worldwide, and SLH, a collection of more than 500 independently owned luxury hotels around the world, are working together to offer World of Hyatt members the opportunity to earn and redeem points during stays at participating SLH hotels when they book through Hyatt channels.

“This is another example of how Hyatt continues to listen to the wants and needs of World of Hyatt members and take meaningful action,” said Mark Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, Hyatt. “SLH’s high-end collection of boutique hotel experiences means our members will soon be able to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points in more places, including many new locations in Europe and Asia.”

“We are constantly looking for ways to add value for our many independently spirited hotels. This coming alliance with World of Hyatt does just that,” said Filip Boyen, chief executive officer, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™. “Our work together will allow World of Hyatt members to enjoy loyalty benefits across a wider choice of small independent luxury hotels. For SLH, our hotels are our brand, and we look forward to expected increased occupancy with significant exposure to the World of Hyatt program’s more than 10 million members.”

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

CANTON, MA – PRNewswire

Baskin-Robbins wants to help guests stay cool during one of the hottest months of the year by offering them a free sample of its new Monster Energy® or NOS Energy® and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze, or Sprite® and Rainbow Sherbet Freeze or a Coke® and Vanilla Ice Cream Freeze on August 5 from 3-7 p.m. at participating Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide. Freezes are refreshing beverages that can be made with a guest’s choice of a bottle or canned beverage and any hard scoop ice cream flavor, allowing them to customize their own unique Freeze.

“At Baskin-Robbins, we’re always looking to provide our guests with new and unique ways to experience our frozen treats,” said Carol Austin, Vice President of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins. “Our Freeze sampling event gives our guests an opportunity to sample our new Monster Energy or NOS and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze which will provide them with a boost of energy as they try to stay cool in the summer heat.”

The new Monster Energy or NOS Energy and Wild ‘n Reckless Sherbet Freeze will be available beginning today through August 31.

In addition, the brand will feature Caramel Cream Puff as its August Flavor of the Month. This new flavor is inspired by a traditional French dessert called a “Croquembouche” and features pastry cream-flavored mousse ice cream and salted caramel ice cream with burnt sugar crystals, pastry pieces and a burnt caramel swirl.

Finally, to wrap up August, guests are invited to participate at Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide to enjoy all regular scoops for $1.50 as part of the brand’s “Celebrate 31” promotion on Friday, August 31*.

*Offer valid on August 31st. Participation may vary. Scoop offer good on every size scoop. All listed flavors are optional amongst Baskin-Robbins’ stores. Waffle cones and toppings are extra. Cannot be combined with other offers. Plus applicable tax.

Celebrate 31 offers may vary per market.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in Houston, Texas will be $7.99 on two pre-packed quarts of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in Fresno, California will be 31% off pre-packed quarts of Baskin-Robbins ice cream.

*The Celebrate 31 offer in San Jose, California and Detroit, Michigan will be 31% off any scoop.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEMPHIS, TN – BUSINESS WIRE

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

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

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

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

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

ANN ARBOR, MI – PRNewswire

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – BUSINESS WIRE

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

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

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

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

DALLAS, TX – PRNewswire 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CINCINNATI, OH – PRWEB 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WICHITA, KS – PRNewswire

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

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

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

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