small business opportunities

WALLINGFORD, CT – PRNewswire

Edible International, LLC (Edible) has kicked off May with a nationwide multi-million-dollar, multi-layered advertising campaign, designed to splash across billboards, TV and radio, celebrating the goodness and “ibles” that make up the Edible^® brand. Created by Havas New York, Edible’s advertising agency of record, this Edible is Lovible program will roll out in waves this spring and summer, timed to celebrate new products, holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and those crazy days of summer.

It’s the first comprehensive marketing campaign in more than 18 months, and a bold statement for the award-winning brand to share products that are both gifts and treats.

Representation of this campaign will come to life through various channels beyond the traditional billboards as Edible will share watchible moments across multiple TV commercials, social media, on the radio, and in-store marketing materials. There are multiple versions of the TV commercials- an “Anthem” that captures how guests interact with the Edible^® brand for everyday occasions, and a lovible animated commercial that focuses on giftible products. Rotating variations of the nationwide billboards will celebrate the goodness of Edible’s ibles such as: <3ible, momible, dipible, and more. America will no doubt catch the Edible^® brand excitement.

“For years we’ve been the Mother’s Day go-to for festive and healthy fruit bouquets to celebrate mom. We’re happy to continue on that path but this year, we’re taking it to the next level,” says Tariq Farid, founder and CEO of Edible International, LLC. “This campaign helps us bring our goal of spreading goodness through variations of the ibles we offer as we increase the variety of our treats. We are dipible, shareible, sipible, and so much more. I look forward to sharing that message with this campaign.”

“The objective of our campaign is to re-establish an emotional connection with consumers,” said Steve Thomas, Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy Edible^®. “Our brand is emotional- fruit and chocolate make people happy. We know they celebrate major life events with us, now we want to give them options for smaller, more everyday events. Part of that is treating themselves too- which is why we are resourcing strongly against our smaller, treat products. We want to invite consumers everywhere to be our guest at our stores, try our products and come back often. A great experience awaits!”

Welcoming the first days of warm sunshine, Edible’s on-the-goible is a fun way to celebrate summer with bite-size, chocolate-dipped apple or strawberry fruit cones. Guests will also find that Edible^® products are shareible, offering brightly colored pineapple drip cakes (fresh pineapple dipped in real chocolate and decorated). We’re shareible, helping to celebrate everyday victories with FruitFlowers^® bouquets that come in brightly colored coffee mugs. Edible^® products are even sipible with all-natural fresh fruit smoothies like strawberry pineapple banana and pineapple kale. Edible^®products are both lovible and yumible!

The Edible^® is Lovible campaign began on May 1 with a national billboard campaign and will run throughout the summer.

NASHVILLE, TN 

Chem-Dry, the world’s largest carpet and upholstery cleaning franchise system, has announced a giveaway with Woman’s World, a national weekly consumer magazine. Just in time for spring, the winner of the giveaway will receive a year of free carpet & upholstery cleaning services – a $1,000 value.

The giveaway winner can choose to spend the $1,000 on any of the services Chem-Dry offers: carpet and area rug cleaning, upholstered furniture cleaning, tile and stone cleaning and polishing, pet urine odor removal, stain removal and granite countertop renewal. The winner must be located within 25 miles of a Chem-Dry operator and use the full value of the prize by June 30, 2019.

“Chem-Dry is thrilled to work with Woman’s World to provide one of their readers with a year’s worth of our wide range of healthy home cleaning services,” said Bill Zinke, Senior Vice President of Marketing for HRI, parent company of Chem-Dry. “With spring cleaning top of mind and allergies such a challenge for so many people at this time of year, our mission is not only to help make homes cleaner, but eliminate household allergens and make homes healthier as well. We know that our giveaway will accomplish this for one lucky winner and we hope it will inspire all Woman’s World readers to schedule a professional deep cleaning for their carpets and upholstery and provide a healthier home for their family.”

Chem-Dry uses a green-certified solution called The Natural® and a proprietary Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process that provide a deeper, longer-lasting clean, and create healthier homes and workplaces. In a study conducted by an independent lab, Chem-Dry’s HCE cleaning method was found to remove an average of 98 percent of common household allergens from carpets and upholstery and an average of 89 percent of airborne bacteria when a sanitizer was added. As part of the brand’s focus on contributing to overall home health, it now offers over 40 Green-Certified products.

The Year of Free Chem-Dry Healthy Home Carpet & Upholstery Services giveaway runs through May 29, 2018. To enter, visit the Woman’s World giveaway page. Follow Chem-Dry on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to see what the professionals can do to enhance spring cleaning for your home and help minimize the effects of spring allergies.

For more information about Chem-Dry and to find a local operator, visit www.chemdry.com.

Manalapan, NJ – PR.com

Kono USA Co-Founders, Carlo Ruggiero and David Ragosa knew they were on to something when they founded Kono USA back in 2013. The unique take on pizza, the Kono Kones were created around mobility and high-quality ingredients. Founded in Italy and knowing that everyone loves pizza, the Kono USA team made the decision to make their delicious Kono Kone available across the country. They began franchising across the USA in late 2014 and haven’t looked back since. They are adding new franchisees monthly, signing them up for mobile trucks, kiosks and carts.

What makes Kono different is their mobility and delicious flavors. The pizza is eaten like an ice cream cone with a delicious combo of cheese, sauce and toppings in every bite. They are cooked in a proprietary oven and can go from prep to completion in less than 180 seconds. They are baked to perfection with high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of options, including breakfast cones, dessert cones and traditional pizza. There is something for everyone and the best part is you don’t have sauce running down your shirt.

As Kono takes off across the USA, adding to the Kono family is Russell Meyers, from Riverside California. Meyers has signed on to expand into the Orange County area with three mobile food trucks. Follow the OC Kono Trucks via social media as they begin rolling out this spring.

In addition to Orange County California, Kono has now expanded into Marlborough, MA with a brand new location in Solomon Pond Mall. This newly opened location is now offering tasty treats. Conveniently located new the upper entrance by Macy’s. Stop by and get a taste of Italy.

To find a Kono USA near you, follow us on social media, Facebook – Kono USA and Twitter @OfficialKonoUSA.

Giving franchisees options and not having a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach has really allowed us to on-board new locations that suit their individual entrepreneurial needs. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Kono USA.

For more information about Kono USA or to inquire about franchising visit www.konousa.com.

DENVER, CO – PRNewswire

In honor of teachers, faculty and school staff nationwide, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) will be offering a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) on Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 8. Eligible educators and school staff can receive a free burrito, burrito bowl, salad or order of tacos with the purchase of another menu item of equal or greater value. The promotion is valid at all U.S. Chipotle locations from 3 p.m. to close.

“Chipotle is passionate about supporting our teachers, who are dedicated to cultivating the minds of the next generation,” said Laurie Schalow, chief communications officer at Chipotle. “This BOGO is just a small way of thanking them for their contributions to classrooms and neighborhoods across the country.”

The BOGO is valid for educators and staff at all levels, including pre-school, elementary, middle and high school, university and homeschooling parents who present valid identification recognizing them as staff or support. It is available for in-restaurant orders only and is not valid for online, mobile, fax or catering. There is a limit of one free entrée item per eligible customer with the purchase of an entrée item of equal or greater value.

Chipotle has long been a champion of education at all levels. The company has offered education benefits to all of its employees to help prepare them for long-term and fulfilling careers since 2015. These benefits include providing employees with up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement and, through a partnership with Guild Education, the company offers reduced-cost courses and degree programs at a number of colleges and universities. The educational program includes more than 10,000 class and program options and since its inception, nearly 6,000 Chipotle employees have taken advantage of the program.

ATLANTA, GA – PRNewswire

According to a Diment report, children’s daycare services are projected to earn $52.5 billion by 2021, proving to be a worthy opportunity for entrepreneurs. With an increase in dual-income households, the demand for high-quality preschools and childcare is higher than ever before. With 30 years of education expertise and providing quality care for children six weeks to 12 years old, Discovery Point, a leading childcare franchise, seeks entrepreneurs to open five centers in Texas by 2023. To reach those interested in introducing the brand to parents and families in the Lonestar state, Discovery Point will participate in this year’s Houston Franchise Show, taking place at NRG Park from May 19-20.

“The Houston Franchise Show is a great opportunity for us to meet entrepreneurs in Texas seeking a turnkey business opportunity,” explains Meredeth Jones, senior director of franchise development, Discovery Point. “Discovery Point’s legacy, operations and training, as well as its partnership with local owners, has set the brand apart from other daycare franchises over the last 30 years. We are excited to speak to entrepreneurs looking to own a business that makes a difference in the local communities it serves.”

With nearly 50 centers, Discovery Point’s exhibition at the Houston Franchise Show will allow attendees to learn more about the brand, meet with members of the franchise team and gain insight into the owner experience. Schedule a one-on-one discussion with the franchise development team by visiting http://www.discoverypointfranchise.com/expo-meeting/.

MEMPHIS, TN – BUSINESS WIRE

Depending on where you live, it may or may not feel quite like springtime yet, but after a long winter spent indoors, it’s definitely the right time to start freshening up your living space with a good spring cleaning. Not only are you sure to enjoy a clean, uncluttered home, but there’s a good chance you may even enjoy some mental health benefits, too.

According to a recent survey from Merry Maids, one of the nation’s largest home cleaning services and a ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) company, more than three-quarters of Americans say they feel stressed when their home is messy.

To make it even easier to get started – and make a clean sweep – here are four smart spring cleaning tips from the experts at Merry Maids:

1. Make sure you have the right tools. If your idea of cleaning involves paper towels, a broom and an old-school mop and bucket, you’re in for a very long, unproductive spring cleaning. Merry Maids’ simple rule of thumb to remove dust or dirt: If it’s not microfiber (or a vacuum where it makes sense), you’re going to leave a lot of dirt and debris behind. Microfiber is affordable, machine washable, available online in bulk and can likely be at your doorstep in days…just in time for spring cleaning.

2. Create your own cleaning solutions. Use elbow grease sparingly. There are easy, homemade solutions that will help loosen grease and grime, so when it’s time to apply some manpower to cleaning, it’s more of a gentle wiping vs. intense scrubbing. For example, lemon can be used to clean your microwave, baking soda and vinegar can remove residue from glass stovetops and bleach can rid shower curtains of mildew.

3. Involve the family, and make it fun. There are many different and fun ways to bring the entire family in on spring cleaning, and make it worth their while. Assign each person a task you know they’ll put their all into. Whether it’s organizing, vacuuming or cleaning the baseboards, make it fun. You can turn it into a game, create a music playlist that you can sing and dance to while cleaning, or reward the family with a fun outing once it’s complete.

4. Treat yourself. If you’ve been cooped up all winter and can’t imagine spending a second more indoors looking at dirty baseboards and dust bunnies, call the professionals and let the local Merry Maids cleaning experts take this task off your to-do list. Merry Maids’ cleaning specialists create home cleaning plans customized for each household’s needs to ensure a consistent, reliable and thorough cleaning every time.

To find the nearest Merry Maids location or receive an online quote, visit merrymaids.com.

WALLINGFORD, CT – PRNewswire

Looking to spread goodness and maternal cheer by making “Deliveries for Deliveries” this Mother’s Day, Edible Arrangements^® (Edible^®) will be delivering signature fruit arrangements to new moms in New York City and Connecticut hospitals in early May, kicking off a nationwide Mother’s Day celebration.

Media outlets are invited to join and record Edible’s^® deliveries on May 1 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and on May 2 at two Yale New Haven Hospital locations (20 York St. and at their Saint Raphael Campus, 1450 Chapel St.) in New Haven, Conn. Video footage will be provided to those who are unable to join the live-action deliveries of Edible’s^® hand-crafted and locally made arrangements featuring fresh fruit and real chocolate.

Mother’s Day is routinely the busiest weekend of the year for the world’s largest franchisor of creatively designed fresh cut fruit arrangements and fresh fruit treats as children, husbands and more look to show appreciation for that one person who does so much for them every day: mom. This year, the fresh fruit experts expect to deliver more than:

• 179,000 strawberries
• 13,500 pounds of grapes
• 41,000 pieces of pineapple
• 50,000 pounds of chocolate

“Mother’s Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate the women in our lives who deserve so much for the joy and comfort they bring,” says founder and CEO Tariq Farid, whose mother was the first to support Farid’s entrepreneurial idea to launch Edible Arrangements^® as a business. When business consultants were telling him the idea of selling fresh fruit arrangements would never work, it was his mother who encouraged him to go for it. Today there are more than 1,300 franchise locations open or under development worldwide.

“Mother’s Day always brings back memories of everything my mom meant to me, and we are happy to be able to help others celebrate the goodness of their mothers not only on Mother’s Day but every day of the year,” Farid added.

Whitefish, MT  – RestaurantNews.com

Due to popularity and strong demand, a 406 Summer Fare limited time only menu will be in all MacKenzie River locations this summer May 21, 2018 through the end of August 2018.

In sticking with MacKenzie River’s heritage, the 406 Summer Fare menu offers guests the opportunity to experience some of Montana’s unique local favorites. Menu items include a huckleberry salad, smoked trout dip, bison chili, big sky bison burger, going-to-the-sun flatbread, great northern pie, huckleberry cheesecake, Doc Holliday and unique huckleberry drinks.

“We consider our customers the ‘culinary curious’ – they are enthusiastic foodies with adventurous palates and a craving for something new – yet they also want flavors that are approachable and appealing,” said Brian Lind, director of culinary innovation for MacKenzie River. “Our team has found a way to incorporate a few of the Montana treasures into our summer LTO menu, while also ensuring the traditional favorites that we are known for remain.”

In addition, MacKenzie River will be donating $4.06 for every “I’m Your Huckleberry” wearable sold in store and via the website to the official non-profit fundraising partners of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. “We are lucky to have these national treasures in our state as their majesty and beauty inspire us each and every day,” said Ryan Fuller Chief Operating Officer of Glacier Restaurant Group.

The MacKenzie River concept delights diners with its innovative menu with mouth-watering food choices, creative specialty cocktails and diverse beer selection. From parents with kids, to senior citizens and everyone in between, guests can always have it all at MacKenzie River. The casual rustic atmosphere is achieved with refurbished hand-crafted felled lumber furnishings, antique outdoor sportsman finishes, and photographs that depict the heart and soul of the Rocky Mountains.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – Students studying franchising at Palm Beach Atlantic University will have the opportunity to enter the Kobel Franchise Challenge to compete for up to $300,000 to be used to acquire a franchise, according to Dr. John P. Hayes, director of Titus Center for Franchising at the University.

Ed Kobel, president and chief operating officer of Tampa-based DeBartolo Development, said that the gift to establish the competition has three goals:

1. to advance the Kingdom of Jesus Christ by sharing the gospel message with franchise employees, vendors and customers;
2. to generate profits to sustain the franchise and nurture its employees; and
3. to contribute financially to Palm Beach Atlantic University in support of the Titus Center for Franchising.

“To my knowledge, this is a unique competition for students studying through the Titus Center” Hayes said. “Most of our students say they want to buy a franchise but many are concerned about how to raise the investment money. The Kobel Franchise Challenge will be the answer for one or more students.”

“The University is grateful for the visionary leadership and free enterprise commitment of the Kobel Family Foundation in establishing this franchise challenge to offer an incomparable opportunity for students studying the dynamic business sector known as franchising,” PBA President William M. B. Fleming, Jr. said. “Franchising is growing nationally and internationally. Students who meet the Kobel Franchise Challenge will be perfectly positioned for success.”

Hayes said that details concerning the Kobel Franchise Challenge will be released in the fall with the competition set to begin in 2019. Watch a short video of Ed Kobel introducing the franchise challenge here.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – PRNewswire

On Tuesday, May 8, 2018 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., ice cream fans across the U.S. can make their day a little more extraordinary by visiting participating Häagen-Dazs^® Shops locations to indulge in one free scoop of ice cream in a sugar cone, cake cone or cup. Since this year marks the 10^th anniversary of the brand’s honey bee support, Häagen-Dazs is dedicating Free Cone Day to the hard-working bees by asking consumers to support the buzz by enjoying a free scoop, learning more about the bees’ needs and offering their support to the cause.

One-third of Häagen-Dazs ice cream flavors rely on pollinators, but bees are disappearing at an alarming rate and need help. Over the past 10 years, Häagen-Dazs has supported honey bee research and education by donating more than $1 million and working with ingredient suppliers, the Xerces Society and agronomists to create bee-friendly environments on farms where some of the brand’s most essential ice cream ingredients are grown – such as almonds and strawberries. To date, more than 11,000 plants have been planted, impacting 840 acres of farmland. The brand is also working toward the Bee Better Certification for products using these ingredients by helping farms create pollinator habitats and eliminate harmful pesticides.

“Free Cone Day is an opportunity to say thank you to our loyal fans, and we want to continue to recognize the pollinators that make our ice cream possible,” said Adam Hanson, The Häagen-Dazs Shoppe Company, Inc. President and General Manager. “Last year, we shared information about why the bees need our help and how everyone can play a role, which received great feedback from our customers. With this year marking the 10^th anniversary of the brand’s honey bee support, we wanted to build on that information and encourage everyone to band together for this important cause.”

Thanks to The Extraordinary Honey Bee, a new, award-winning immersive VR experience created by Häagen-Dazs, consumers can view the world through a bee’s perspective, learning more about the plight of the honey bee and simple steps that can help these vital pollinators thrive. On Free Cone Day, consumers in a few select Shop locations will have the opportunity to experience the video using VR technology.

This Free Cone Day, consumers can support the buzz by:

• Visiting a Häagen-Dazs Shops location to try one of the many bee dependent ice cream flavors
• Learning more through The Extraordinary Honey Bee VR experience and spreading the word
• Donating to the Xerces Society to help reach a goal of planting 1 million acres of habitat for bees: www.xerces.org/hd

For more information about Häagen-Dazs Shops’ Free Cone Day and to find out which local Häagen-Dazs Shops are participating, please check the Shop Finder at www.haagendazs.us/freeconeday.

The Häagen-Dazs Shoppe Company is always seeking new franchise owners with a passion for Häagen-Dazs super-premium ice cream to open shops in premier locations. To learn more about Häagen-Dazs Shops or how to open a franchise, please visit the www.haagendazsshoppecompany.com.