owning a franchise

DENVER – PRNewswire
Smashburger® launches the award-winning Twin Cities Burger nationwide, tempting burger lovers everywhere with the chance to enjoy this regional favorite for a limited time. Beating out 102 other burgers ranked by Mpls.StPaul Magazine, Smashburger’s Twin Cities Burger landed at the top spot, named No. 1 with a near perfect 96 rating.

Smashburger’s Twin Cities Burger features the rich, decadent flavors Minnesotans love and the rest of the country will crave. The Twin Cities Burger starts with a fresh, never frozen, beef patty, smashed and seared on a hot grill to lock in the flavor and juices. And to satisfy the Twin Cities love for cheese, it is topped with melted aged cheddar and melted Swiss, plus decadent garlic grilled onions. Finished with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and rich, creamy mayo, all on a butter-toasted onion bun.

“Double the cheese, and double the oniony flavor make this burger a true standout,” said Tom Ryan, co-founder and CEO of Smashburger. “It’s been a favorite of Smash fans in Minneapolis-St. Paul since 2009 and we look forward to sharing our award-winning burger with the rest of the country.”

The Twin Cities Burger will be available for just $5 at most full menu US Smashburger restaurants for a limited time. The Twin Cities Burger is the latest featured product on the Everyday Smash Specials. New product offerings at great values can be found on www.smashburger.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

MISSION VIEJO, CA – PRNewswire

Sizzler^®, the family-casual steakhouse known for its U.S.D.A. Choice steaks and Craft Salad Bar, is celebrating 60 years as America’s go-to restaurant for great food at a great value. From steaks cut fresh in-house every day, to fresh salads and soups all created from scratch in real kitchens, Sizzler has been serving guests all-American cuisine since 1958.

What started as a small, converted office trailer turned family-steakhouse where guests would flock for a 99 cent steak dinner in the Los Angeles suburb of Culver City, has now catapulted into a widely successful family-casual franchise concept, boasting nearly $272 million in sales. Known for serving quality steaks at an affordable price, the tradition that began with the original Sizzler steakhouse still remains as the brand currently has 134 locations in 10 states nationwide. Staying relevant to diners for six decades, the brand continues to evolve and adapt to consumer’s taste profiles, while still staying true to what has helped the Sizzler legacy become one of the most iconic American restaurants in the industry.

“For the past 60 years, Sizzler’s history of great food, served by friendly people at an affordable price hasn’t just been our mantra, but the backbone of the Sizzler brand,” said Kerry Kramp, CEO of Sizzler.

“Throughout the years, we’ve been able to keep a strong momentum with a focus on exceeding guest’s expectations by consistently offering high-quality food that’s freshly prepared daily in-house. At Sizzler, we strive to entice our guests with a variety of customizable food options such as our updated craft salad bar that features a selection of more than 60 premium ingredients. We recognize that consumers have a wealth of options when it comes to dining out, and we are honored that they’ve chosen to dine with Sizzler for the last 60 years.”

To celebrate six decades as America’s family steakhouse, Sizzler restaurants nationwide are offering special, limited time menu items from now through February 4 such as a grilled-to-order tender and juicy half-pound steak served with a loaded baked potato for $11.99, with an option to upgrade to a New York Steak for $5. Guests can also enjoy the Classic Trio, a half-pound steak with jumbo shrimp and Sizzler’s signature Malibu Chicken, for $15.99.

“Serving the best hand-cut steaks at a value price point has allowed us to withstand the test of time and establish ourselves as one of America’s most recognizable restaurants,” Kramp added. “As we look ahead to the next 60 years, we’re excited to continue to serve our loyal guests and introduce a new generation of guests to the Sizzler brand.”

For more information on Sizzler, or to find a location near you, please visit https://www.sizzler.com. Follow Sizzler on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

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.