franchisee of the year

Hollywood, FL – OXXO Care Cleaners® is bringing its innovative, GreenEarth® technologies to traditional mom and pop dry cleaners across the U.S. through their new Business Conversion Initiative. Conversions involve the replacement of contaminating chemicals, old-fashioned steam boilers, steam presses, and other outdated dry-cleaning equipment used by most American dry cleaners today with OXXO’s automated, fully electric equipment, such as the OXXO European Style Shirt Mannequin and ATM-style Drop Off and Pick Up Conveyor. Technology, storefronts and branding are completely revamped during the conversion process.

“Today, we announce OXXO’s support to improve dry cleaners and the environment in all of the communities in which we operate and in new communities throughout the country. During each process, everything old fashioned is gutted out and replaced with the same equipment a new franchise unit would have. Traditional store owners appreciate the benefits of OXXO’s 24/7-services coupled with the use of GreenEarth® products, innovative technologies, fully independent electric and automated equipment, European-style hand ironing quality for their customers,” said Salomon Mishaan, CEO of the OXXO Franchise.

One franchisee spearheaded the program by successfully converting his fourth Plant store into an OXXO. He is now currently finishing off the plant conversion in Doral, Florida. “During the conversion, the goal is to maintain the original customer base, and, in this case, we have actually grown the customer base because clients are seeing the change for the better take place. Stores can remain open throughout the process. Our goal is to convert cleaners across the country with a concentration in the Northeast, Central Florida, Texas, and Georgia. If a potential owner is in a region where there are no OXXO’s yet, we will build a plant to support it in their area, which is one of our program’s many incentives,” explains Mishaan.

Traditional dry cleaners are taking notice of customers buying into the OXXO brand. OXXO has become known for being the most innovative dry-cleaning franchise in the United States today. A converted cleaner will benefit from the well-known OXXO brand and the support given during and after the conversion process, which encompasses training and all the same franchise benefits that a new store owner would have.

Trevose, PA – Scooter’s Coffee, the Midwest-based coffee franchise that has experienced tremendous nationwide growth over the past year, announced it has partnered with ApplePie Capital to offer new and existing franchisees access to up to $20 million in debt capital to drive continued expansion across the U.S.

Scooter’s Coffee is at the dawn of a strategic growth phase in the Midwest and nationwide. The U.S. coffee market is an estimated $48 billion a year recession-resistant industry, and Scooter’s Coffee is striving to become the #1 drive-thru coffee franchise in the nation.

“We are excited to be partnering with ApplePie Capital as they understand Scooter’s business model, brand promise and core values. AppliePie Capital are proven leaders in the franchise financing world and help franchisees start and grow their business. $20 million in funding to our potential and existing franchises is a key step in Scooter’s strategic initiatives to fuel growth and brand awareness. ,” stated Scooter’s Coffee Chief Financial Officer Chad Hartnett.

“ApplePie Capital is thrilled to add Scooter’s Coffee to the franchisors we serve,” said Denise Thomas, CEO and co-founder of ApplePie. “We are very selective in the brands we partner with and look for franchisors with strong unit-level economics, low closure rates, and successful franchisees. The track record for Scooter’s Coffee in these areas made it an easy decision to begin a partnership. We look forward to supporting their franchisees’ long-term growth plans.”

Since its founding in 1986, Checkers & Rally’s has put value on the forefront. After value comes craveability. On Wednesday, September 26th, Checkers & Rally’s is excited to celebrate both of those core items with its One Day Deal, when the brand will be giving away its fan-favorite cheeseburger for just 69 cents the entire day. The promotion was designed to give back to its loyal customers at a time when they need it the most.

“We know our customers are sometimes strapped for cash at the end of the month, so we wanted to do something to help them get through until the next paycheck,” said Checkers & Rally’s Senior Marketing Director Scott Wakeman. “We came up with the One Day Deals as a one-day sale with an amazing value that always drops on the last week of the month, when money is the tightest.”

The promotion was originally launched on November 30, 2017, and has seen incredible feedback from the customer. In fact, in August when the brand celebrated its most recent One Day Deal, there was a traffic lift of more than 14 percent, and an estimated sales lift of more than 9.5 percent at the company markets. Many franchisee markets saw even better sales and traffic lifts, showing the system-wide deal really resonated with the Checkers & Rally’s fan base.

“Our foodies have been loyal to us and they know the value behind our food, so this is a way that we are able to say thank you to them,” said Wakeman.

After September 26th, Checkers & Rally’s is excited to celebrate its next One Day Deal on November 7th ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Lake Forest, CA – Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant,* is bringing back fan-favorite Shredded Beef for a limited time only, beginning September 27 at its more than 560 locations nationwide. Seared and seasoned with onion, garlic and oregano, Del Taco’s Shredded Beef will be featured in many popular products, including the Shredded Beef Combo Burrito, which is being offered in a 2 for $6 deal, for a limited time only.**

Guests in the Los Angeles area can shred the competition, literally, this Thursday, September 27. Guests who visit the Los Angeles-area Del Taco restaurant at 4376 W Sunset Blvd. between 5:00pm to 9:00pm that day will have the opportunity to shred a competitor’s coupon which they bring in, in exchange for a FREE Shredded Beef Combo Meal of their choice, valid in the dining room.

Guests unable to visit the W Sunset Blvd. Del Taco who want to get in on the action can visit any participating Del Taco on September 27 to receive a coupon for a Buy One, Get One Free Shredded Beef Soft Taco, good on their next in-store visit. Guests can also visit Del Taco’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page where they can download a Buy One, Get One Free Shredded Beef Soft Taco offer, valid on National Taco Day, October 4.

“We’re shredding the competition when it comes to offering craveable, category-unique products at an unmatched price,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “For years, we’ve seen our social media pages light up with requests to bring back Shredded Beef. Now, after a six-year absence we have perfected the recipe and are thrilled to deliver on that enthusiasm by offering our guests the most flavorful Shredded Beef we’ve ever served.”

Del Taco’s Shredded Beef will be available in the following products:

• Shredded Beef Combo Burrito (2 for $6)**: Seasoned shredded beef combined with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, tangy green sauce and hand-grated cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Epic Shredded Beef Burrito: Seasoned shredded beef, fresca lime rice, tangy guacamole and handmade pico de gallo wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Shredded Beef Soft Taco: Seasoned shredded beef, crisp lettuce, hand-grated cheddar cheese and fresh diced tomatoes wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.
• Shredded Beef Street Taco Plato: Warm corn tortillas filled with seasoned shredded beef and topped with tangy green sauce, diced onions, fresh chopped cilantro and hand-sliced avocado. The Street Taco Plato is served with a side of fresca lime rice, slow-cooked beans, house-made tortilla chips and salsa casera.

*By number of units
**Price and participation may vary by location. Restrictions may apply.

The premium fresh juice franchise, already known for delicious, health-conscious juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, juice shots and food, will be adding two all-new fall-inspired drinks to its menu beginning September 24th.

Available for a limited time, its Autumn Spice Smoothie and Ginger Spice Juice deliver all the fall flavor consumers love, but without the stuff they don’t. And as a twist, the spiced creamy smoothie and bold spice juice are handcrafted without pumpkin. Thousands of pumpkins will be spared this fall as I Love Juice Bar encourages consumers to “Save the Pumpkins. Drink A Smoothie or Juice.”

I Love Juice Bar uses only 100% whole fruits and vegetables, with no added sweeteners, syrups or artificial ingredients of any kind, freshly made to order.

In addition to the two new drinks, I Love Juice Bar will feature its incredible lineup of full flavored soups, including the popular vegan Black Bean Soup. These menu offerings will be sure to warm up guests through the cold months and offer just another reason to visit I Love Juice Bar.

HOLLYWOOD, FL. – Hard Rock International is going PINK for the brand’s 19th Annual PINKTOBER® campaign. Starting in September and continuing throughout October, guests are invited to join the fight against breast cancer at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide. Proceeds from the PINKTOBER campaign will benefit research and awareness-driving efforts for Hard Rock Heals Foundation, which works with numerous charity partners worldwide.

“The PINKTOBER campaign is an incredible example of the unique way Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos around the globe are able to spread the message of strength, hope, awareness and support for this very important cause,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International. “We are honored to work with philanthropic partners worldwide who focus on various aspects of breast cancer research and awareness. We look forward to the day when we can finally put an end to this disease that affects so many of our friends and family.”

As part of the international PINKTOBER campaign, select Hard Rock Hotel and Cafe properties will host events that support breast cancer charities focused in their communities. The original Hard Rock Cafe in London will host its 11th annual fundraising gala on Oct. 19 to benefit The Caron Keating Foundation. Talent for the gala will be announced at a later date. Guests can enjoy an evening of fine dining, auctions and a live performance by Creed lead vocalist Scott Stapp on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park, with proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio. Then on Saturday, Oct. 27, hundreds of guests and staff at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (SHRHC) will participate in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk, the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. Both SHRHC Hollywood and SHRHC Tampa are the title sponsors of their communities’ Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. During the month of October, Hard Rock Hotel Goa is partnering with Muskaan Goa, a support group for cancer patients, to hold a Breast Cancer Awareness Talk to highlight survival stories and early detection signs, in addition to local events.

• Pinned for a Purpose
  Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER campaign also gives fans the opportunity to wear the hottest color of the season with the 2018 PINKTOBER collector’s edition pin, a guitar-themed pink breast cancer awareness ribbon ($14.00/11.98€). Pins will be sold exclusively at Hard Rock properties worldwide, including Cafes, Hotels and Casinos and online at rockshop.hardrock.com/. A portion of the retail price of each PINKTOBER pin sold will be donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation to support breast cancer awareness worldwide.
• Relax with a Reason
  In addition, during the month of October, Hard Rock Hotel guests in Hollywood, FL can rent pink, poolside VIP cabanas decorated in all things pink – from the lounge chairs to the curtains. Guests can enjoy exclusive PINKTOBER pampering services, such as a pink lemonade body scrub or a pink rose petal facial at Rock Spas® at Hard Rock Hotel locations. Proceeds from cabana rentals and spa services will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

For the 2018 Hard Rock PINKTOBER event lineup, visit www.hardrock.com/pinktober.

Golden Corral, the nation’s largest grill-buffet chain, has 52 restaurants in North and South Carolina, including many that are in areas affected by Hurricane Florence. In the days following the storm, many of its restaurants took steps to provide immediate assistance to area residents and thank cleanup crews with a warm meal.

Here are some examples of what Golden Corral has done to help those in need in areas affected by Hurricane Florence:

• The Golden Corral in Morehead City, NC hosted free cookouts in its parking lot on September 18 and 19. They served hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, chips and corn on the cob to more than 2,500 people over the two days. They also distributed bottled water, bread, batteries, paper towels and toilet paper for those in need. On the second day, Golden Corral President & CEO Lance Trenary and other senior leaders volunteered and served others at the event.
• The Golden Corral in Jacksonville, NC fed 500 first responders each day, September 12-17, in the days before and after Hurricane Florence hit the area. They are also feeding approximately 900 utility workers each day for the next several weeks until full power is restored to the town. The restaurant quickly reopened to the public on September 16 and has fed more than 3,000 people per day at reduced prices during the days immediately following the storm.
• The Golden Corral in Fayetteville, NC provided breakfast for 200 people on September 18 and will provide lunch for 200 people for the shelter at Manna Church on September 21.
• The Lumberton, NC Golden Corral will be distributing pallets of water and cases of bread on Saturday, September 22 at no charge to members of the community. Cases of water are also being distributed free of charge at Golden Corral restaurants in Fayetteville, Laurinburg, Jacksonville, Florence, Wilmington, and Shallotte while supplies last.
• In Kinston, NC, Golden Corral served more than 300 first responders from New York who were in town on September 12 to assist areas on the coast in advance of Hurricane Florence.
• On Monday, September 17, the Golden Corral in Winston-Salem provided free meals for more than 30 members of the NC Baptist Men and Women Disaster Relief Ministry. The volunteer group is heading to areas of the North Carolina coast to help in the hurricane recovery efforts.

Golden Corral is committed to providing much-needed food, water and support to first responders helping with cleanup efforts and residents in North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Florence.

CANTON, MA – National Coffee Day will be twice as nice at Dunkin’ Donuts this year, as the brand has brewed up a special buy one, get one offer for guests, making it simple to share a cup with friends, family and favorite fellow coffee fans. On Saturday, September 29, anyone who purchases a Hot Coffee at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide will get one Hot Coffee free (of equal or lesser value).* With a second cup on Dunkin’, people who run on coffee can celebrate National Coffee Day in the perfect way, catching up and connecting over a quality cup of coffee with the BFFs and sidekicks who also help to keep them running.

According to Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., “National Coffee Day is a chance for Dunkin’ to show appreciation for busy coffee fans by making it easy to recharge and reconnect with the people they run with, each and every day. With a second cup of Dunkin’ Hot Coffee on us, we encourage our guests to take this opportunity to treat a friend or family member to catch up over a cup of coffee on National Coffee Day.”

Dunkin’ Donuts offers a wide array of Hot Coffee choices that guests can enjoy with a friend on National Coffee Day, including its signature Original Blend, Dark Roast and Dunkin’ Decaf®. All are freshly ground and freshly brewed in-store, and can be personalized with a variety of flavors including French Vanilla, Caramel, Mocha or Hazelnut.

In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts is now offering two special seasonal selections to satisfy cravings for the favorite flavors of fall. These include the brand’s classic Pumpkin flavored coffee and recent addition Maple Pecan flavored coffee, which serves a sweet and nutty taste for a delicious way to stay energized around the changing of the seasons.

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.

* Participation may vary.

BOSTON, MA – PRWEB 

MaidPro has joined forces with The Hometown Hero Project to make it easier for veterans to become business owners. Through its Veteran Discount Program, MaidPro now offers veterans discounted franchise packages valued at $15,000.

The goal of the program is to make it easier than ever for veterans to join the MaidPro family and to own and operate their own home cleaning franchise.

The veteran discount package includes:

• a $3000 discount on the initial franchise fee;
• a $100 invoice credit each month for the life of the 10-year agreement;
• direct financing or financial assistance enabling veterans to get started with little up-front capital.

“The costs for purchasing our franchise are very low in comparison to other franchise start-up costs, and this discount program now makes purchasing a MaidPro franchise even more affordable for our service men and women,” said CEO Mark Kushinsky.

MaidPro was recently one of only 80 franchise companies named on Franchise Business Review’s elite list of Top Low-Cost Franchises. MaidPro has also been named a Top Franchise for Veterans for 2018.

“We’re very honored to be able to show our appreciation to our veterans by giving them substantial discounts to business ownership,” Kushinsky said. “We’re also thrilled to be able to partner with an organization like The Hometown Hero Project that does so much to give back to our veterans.”

The Hometown Hero Project connects active and retired military, police officers, firefighters, first responders and teachers with organizations and businesses that provide them with resources and services.

The national college planning franchise Class 101 has announced a new scholarship program for exceptional high school students, with an emphasis on community service.

The program was announced at the company’s fifth annual conference in Orlando.

Two national winners will be announced as recipients of the new community-service-oriented scholarship available for any high school student. Criteria will be based on 25 percent academics, 25 percent leadership skills, and 50 percent making a difference in their community, said Class 101 CEO and Founder Tom Pabin.

The scholarship program was one of a number of new initiatives announced at the meeting.

“Our annual conference continues to get bigger and better,” he said. “In addition to the franchise-wide scholarship program we announced new initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and franchisee support, a new client management system and an ACT and SAT online platform.”

Class 101 helps high school students get into better colleges and qualify for higher amounts of scholarships and financial aid by meeting one-on-one with students once a month for hour-long sessions throughout the year.

“Our college planning experts guide students as they draft a high-performance resume and powerful essays, visit schools, complete applications ahead of schedule and navigate the scholarship and financial aid processes,” said Pabin. “The results are phenomenal. Class 101 students apply to 8 schools on average and receive more than $200,000 in scholarships and aid, much more than the average U.S. high school student.