Bear Creek Coffee and Espresso Company, one of the fastest growing coffee franchise chains with over 60 locations nationwide, is expanding to the Zain Iraq Headquarters to help perk up the spirits and economy of Baghdad!

Bear Creek Coffee & Espresso Company has built a strong & successful business model by providing a superior product, reliable equipment and exceptional service. Their keen awareness of local customs and preferences has fueled their success in a growing number of markets across the United States and is now enabling their newest licensee, Scott Munden, and managing partner, Hussein Shabibi, to aid in the rebirth of Baghdad with the promise and community spirit of a neighborhood coffee shop. (more…)

Batteries Plus, the nation’s largest chain focused on the $24 billion battery category serving both retail and commercial customers, has announced the addition of John Twist as Vice President, Franchise and Business Development.

Batteries Plus CEO Russ Reynolds is counting on Twist’s knowledge and experience in sales and marketing to help Batteries Plus build awareness in new and existing markets around the country. Currently, Batteries Plus has 400 locations open and in development in 42 states and Puerto Rico .

“We’re looking to John to keep our incredible momentum moving forward,” said Reynolds. “John has the marketing know-how and abilities to pursue new strategic growth opportunities on behalf of Batteries Plus and we’re excited to have him on our team.” (more…)

Stevi B’s, America’s leading value- oriented, family pizza buffet franchise concept, announced today that it has signed a franchise development agreement with UMA Capital Investments, LLC to open 10 new locations along Florida’s eastern coast, from West Palm Beach north to Vero Beach. This is the second Stevi B’s multi-unit agreement signed in Florida in 2008, bringing the total number of locations planned for the state to 13. Florida’s future locations will join the Stevi B’s restaurant currently operating in Tallahassee.

“Florida’s eastern coast is prime for Stevi B’s expansion. We are thrilled about bringing the brand’s value-driven offerings, provided in a welcoming environment for adults and children, to communities along the southern and central coast,” said Andy Patel, managing member of UMA Capital Investments, LLC. “As an entrepreneur, I am excited about becoming part of the Stevi B’s family. The support Stevi B’s offers its franchisees, from real estate selection to store marketing, is a big reason why we wanted to invest in the concept.” (more…)

While Mr. Rooter Plumbing may not have THE Joe the Plumber, there are many like him, including Bob the Plumber and several others who recently took their small business concerns straight to Capitol Hill.

“America is in a crucial time,” said Bob Beall, who owns a Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise in Pittsburgh and recently walked Capitol Hill with other Mr. Rooter franchisees. “There are several bills being lobbied everyday that have an impact on us and our Mr. Rooter businesses.”

Discussing issues like health care reform and federal tax policy, several Mr. Rooter franchisees and corporate executives recently met with key policy makers from their respective states. This opportunity to meet with legislators was possible thanks to the International Franchise Association’s 9th Franchise Appreciation Day. (more…)

Guide will be Available at the West Coast Franchise Expo Nov. 7-9 in Los Angeles

The International Franchise Association (IFA) will release its largest Franchise Directory this week. The 520-page Fall/Winter edition contains details about IFA’s nearly 1,300 franchise system members and 500-plus firms that provide goods and services to the industry—more than double the number of listings since the publication’s inception in 1990.

“The Franchise Opportunities Guide is the largest directory of its kind for those interested in buying a franchise,” said IFA Vice President of Development and Advertising Scott Lehr. “It serves as a valuable resource to prospective investors who can research franchise companies listed alphabetically and by industry category. Each listing offers a brief company history, investment level, required investor qualifications, training information and contacts.” (more…)

Lower Start-Up Costs and In-House Financing Make ServiceMaster Franchises Appealing to Entrepreneurs Looking for New Opportunities

A difficult economy often leads to growth in the franchise industry, as corporate downsizing can result in entrepreneurs starting their own small businesses. But with the current financial climate and some banks restricting their lending requirements, some would-be franchisees could have trouble getting financing.

Memphis-based ServiceMaster, however, is one company which sees opportunity in the current economic conditions. ServiceMaster operates several franchise businesses that require a relatively small initial franchise investment. And, since the company is one of relatively few to operate its own in-house financing arm, would-be small business owners can work directly with the company to start a franchise business. (more…)

FASTSIGNS on Display at West Coast Franchise Expo, Nov. 7-9 in Los Angeles

While companies continue to invest millions to ensure their image is more dominant than the competition, leading sign and graphic franchise, FASTSIGNS(R) International, Inc., is seeking motivated franchisees to join its continued expansion into the Western U.S. The franchisor will join more than 150 franchise systems at the West Coast Franchise Expo (WCFE), Nov. 7-9 in Los Angeles, sponsored by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

With 35 centers open in California alone and another six under development, FASTSIGNS has seen consistent growth in California over the past two years. FASTSIGNS centers use innovation and technology to make the sign buying process simple by offering streamlined communication systems and high impact output technologies for a full range of custom sign and graphic products including banners, full color digital graphics, vehicle graphics, labels and decals, site signs, safety and identification signage, trade show exhibits and displays and so much more. (more…)

Sharing strategy and tactics for 2009 and beyond was the primary purpose of the recently completed Applebee’s Franchise Business Convention held in Las Vegas. While the agenda was replete with discussions of strategy and opportunities for learning, attendees were able to reinforce why “Neighborhood” is at the core of the Applebee’s culture by raising more than $97,000 for a local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.
Through the generous support and participation of Applebee’s franchisees and vendor partners, a silent and live auction raised $97,300 for St. Rose Dominican, a not-for-profit hospital serving the Las Vegas community.

“Great brands have a soul that embraces a sense of purpose and passion to support communities they serve,” said Mike Archer, president, Applebee’s Services, Inc. “The spirit of giving back is a powerful example of how the commitment to ‘Neighborhood’ is not only part of Applebee’s fabric, but is also woven throughout our franchisees and vendor partners. All of us are proud to support St. Rose Dominican in its mission to serve people in need throughout the Las Vegas community.” (more…)

The economy is slowing and people are clenching their paychecks tight to their chest with both hands, but one company sees this plight as opportunity.

Lubbock-based NiteTime Décor, which creates custom lighting portraits that incorporate landscape and architectural features of the home, has focused its expansion plans on the Houston metroplex and surrounding areas such as Cypress.

Jim Felhauer, VP of Nite Time Décor, said their business model allows established area landscape artists to add the Nite Time Decor concept to their existing business, giving them full service training, marketing and product availability. And customers trust companies they already do business with, he said. (more…)

First Impressions has created a dynamic and highly profitable business, growing quickly in a billion dollar market! Because of its fast growing niche, First Impressions has launched into a nationwide roll-out of its business and is offering entrepreneurs and individuals the opportunity of capturing their area market. Our business is creating wealth with great residual income in a huge, wide-open market. This year First Impressions will train and have 100’s of Exclusive Partners running this great business! (more…)

HomeVestors of America, Inc., the company famous for its “We Buy Ugly Houses”® billboards and America’s #1 Home Buyer, has awarded the additional title of Development Agent to Tulsa franchisee, Stieferman Investments, LLC.

The Tulsa business, co-owned by Bob Stieferman Sr., Bob Stieferman Jr. and James (”J.”) Roche, is the first one in the country to win the honor. The new status elevates the franchise to not only buy houses, but also sell HomeVestors’ new associate franchise opportunities and then train and mentor associate franchisees in the greater-Tulsa region.

“Bob and J. operate one of the best franchise locations in the country, and they will help us expand our franchise network in Oklahoma so that we can reach a greater market share and provide our much-needed services,” said John Hayes, president and CEO of HomeVestors. “As a Development Agent, they are empowered to grow the HomeVestors brand and extend their services for buying, rehabbing and selling homes to more people.”

Part of a new company model, the Development Agent program was designed to allow top-tier franchisees to sell part-time HomeVestors franchise opportunities called associate franchises and mentor those newcomers. The part-time real estate investors will be able to join the national HomeVestors brand as a home-based business.

Stieferman Investments plans to use the Development Agent status to add associate franchisees and cover a larger territory.

“I personally think it’s going to bring us closer together (with other investors),” said Stieferman Jr., who works with part-time real estate investors regularly to buy, rehab and sell houses across the city.

Stieferman Jr. added that the Development Agent program would also help to address an escalating number of phone calls from homeowners seeking help from HomeVestors.

About HomeVestors® of America, Inc. Founded in 1989 and franchising since 1996, Dallas-based HomeVestors® of America, Inc., has more than 220 franchises throughout the United States. The first franchise company of its kind, HomeVestors® trains and supports franchisees who specialize in buying homes in need of repair. Most commonly known as the “We Buy Ugly Houses”® franchise, HomeVestors® strives to make a positive impact in each community.

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Companies with environmentally friendly business practices aren’t just green; they could be seen as evergreen, thriving even when the economy isn’t.

In today’s tough economy, scores of skilled and educated individuals are finding themselves without jobs. In many cases, these newly laid-off individuals have been in the workforce long enough to have a solid skill set and enough money saved up-or a strong enough credit history-to go into business for themselves. Many will choose franchising. (more…)

Franchise Update Media Group, the leading industry resource for franchise development, today announced the availability of a new business book, entitled “Grow to Greatness - How to Build a World-Class Franchise System” that identifies the five success drivers for franchise development, and can save companies thousands of dollars in costly mistakes. The book’s author is Steve Olson, publisher for Franchise Update Media Group. (more…)

Gabriel who has bought the Armagh and South Tyrone regions will also take on part of the County Down area as part of Card Connection’s strategy to encourage franchisees to take advantage of economies of scale through running bigger businesses.

“Gabriel’s experience in managing a large team of people in his previous role as a busy pub and restaurant owner will make him ideally placed to manage an expanding Card Connection franchise,” confirms Andrew Cutler, franchise director at Card Connection. “Gabriel has already acquired two vans, a warehouse and is employing a former colleague, so now he’s really ready for business. (more…)

G.J. Gardner Homes has been ranked as one of the top two hundred franchised companies in the USA today by Franchise Times Magazine, one of the world’s leading franchise publications.

“After years of very hard work, it is a great result”, said Darren Wallis, the CEO of G.J. Gardner Homes. “And we are so proud of the fact that we are an Australian company and were able to successfully enter the US Market”.

“But, it is not surprising as we have a great team around us who love the business and work hard, and the systems and strategies we have developed over the years give our team a clear and distinct business advantage when applied correctly. This result is just a product of the commitment we have to our team, and our team to us”. (more…)

Times are tough and Americans are curtailing their spending. But passionate pet owners draw the line at cutting back for our furry friends — they’re part of the family! Recent statistics released by the APPMA (American Pet Products Manufacturing Association) indicate that the pet sector continues to grow, and Camp Bow Wow’s rapidly expanding business aligns with that trend.

“People will cut back on dining out and shopping, but are much less inclined to pull their dogs out of the day care that they’ve grown to love and trust,” said Heidi Flammang, CEO and Top Dog of Camp Bow Wow. “We continue to see our camps thrive across the country and people still need a safe and fun place to board their pets when traveling for work or pleasure.” (more…)

Precision Fitness, a franchised fitness business model focused on affordable personal training, today released client acquisition and retention figures from its newest gym, citing these issues as top business incentives for new Precision Fitness franchises launched this year. Precision Fitness’ recently opened San Diego gym, evolving from an existing private fitness training studio to a Precision Fitness franchise, retained 98 percent of its existing client base and added 38 new clients with the shift. In addition, the gym added ten new clients in its second month of operation, hitting the anticipated target of between eight and 12 new clients each month. A second San Diego facility is opening soon in the Vista area. (more…)

Like many immigrants, Lyudmila Khononov turned to a franchise to fulfill her American dream.

When she was 10 years old, Mrs. Khononov’s family left Odessa, Ukraine, for the U.S. in search of a better life. “There was a lot of discrimination against Jews,” she recalls of their exodus 30 years ago.

As they began anew in this country, “we had nothing except a dream,” Mrs. Khononov says. “But our parents told us we could be anything we wanted to be.”

After marrying, Mrs. Khononov and her husband, Gregory, ran a diner in Queens, N.Y., for six years. But when it came time to think about expansion in 2001, they borrowed money from a bank and friends and turned to a franchise instead. (more…)

LISA Tobias, who owns four Domino’s Pizza franchises in the west of Scotland, has won third prize at the British Franchise Association’s franchisee of the year competition.

Tobias, who gave up a career as a gymnast first to work for Domino’s and then set-up her own stores, has plans to expand her network across Scotland. She was named as Domino’s manager of the year when she was 21 and, just two years later, she became their youngest ever franchisee when she acquired her first store in Kilmarnock.

Still aged just 27, Tobias’s other stores are in Ayr, Clydebank and Govan.