September 03, 2010
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Your Entertainment Franchise News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in entertainment franchising news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the entertainment franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Entertainment Franchise News'The Back-Up Plan' Tops Weekly BLOCKBUSTER(R) Franchise Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER® (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending August 29, 2010 is "The Back-Up Plan." Tired of dating and determined to be a mother, Zoe (Jennifer Lopez) decides she can't wait any long First Gamer Doc(R) Video Games Franchise in Alabama Now OpenGamer Doc®, the retail video game store franchise that delivers a new and interactive customer experience, today announced the opening of its first Alabama store. The Huntsville Gamer Doc offers a family friendly environment and a "Pro Player" room. T New Blu-ray Player From Onkyo Offers BLOCKBUSTER Franchise On Demand(R)Blockbuster Inc. (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) announced that Onkyo's newest Blu-ray player, the BD-SP808 will offer BLOCKBUSTER On Demand®. This month, the model will be rolled out in electronics stores nationwide, adding to a list of more than 85 cons Leading Morrow Hotel Selects Monkey Joe's Southlake as a Preferred Attraction for GuestsHampton Inn Southlake Morrow Hotel announces the selection of Monkey Joe's Southlake as a preferred recommended attraction for their hotel guests to enjoy. The Monkey Joe's opened in August, 2010. It is the perfect destination for kids' parties and play t IHG Franchise Pays Back Guests for Their Checked Bag Fees This Holiday SeasonAs U.S. residents make travel plans for the holidays, or simply for a weekend getaway between now and the end of the year, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is rewarding their guests by reimbursing checked baggage fees. Beginning Aug. 16, when traveller Super 8 Hotels Franchise Tempt Facebook Fans With Music Passes and a Free StayWhat's better than free passes to one of the best music festivals in the country this summer? Free passes and a free hotel stay. Play N Trade Franchisees Continue to See Strong SalesPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc., the fastest growing video game franchise worldwide, today announced that for the month of July, 2010 their same store sales were up 17% compared to July, 2009. 'Kick-Ass' Tops Weekly Blockbuster(R) Franchise Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER® (Pink Sheets: BLOKA, BLOKB) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending August 8, 2010 is "Kick-Ass." Dave Lizewski is an average high school nerd and devout comic book lover with few friends. Wondering why the CEC Entertainment Franchise Taps Veteran Audit Partner as Chief Financial OfficerCEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced the appointment of Tiffany B. Kice to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective August 16, 2010. CEC Entertainment Franchise Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2010CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended July 4, 2010. Total quarterly revenues decreased 2.1% to $181.0 million during the second quarter of 2010 from total quarterly revenues of $184.8 millio World Tavern Poker And World Tavern Trivia Add Two New FranchisesWorld Tavern Entertainment®, an innovator in the business of driving more customers into bars and restaurants through its poker and trivia leagues, added two new franchisees to its growing franchise program. Clash of the Titans Available at BLOCKBUSTER Franchise: 28 Days Before Some Other OutletsBlockbuster Inc. (Pink Sheets: BLOKA) today announced availability of the movie, Clash of the Titans, in BLOCKBUSTER® stores and from BLOCKBUSTER By Mail a full four weeks before it will be available through some competitors. Blockbuster's early advan The Goodie Bag Makeover: Pump It Up Franchise Cuts the Calories and Stress from Party FavorsA few weeks ago, most kids didn't know what a roto launcher was. Now, it's one of the hottest gadgets found exclusively in the new Goodie Bags from Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds committed to helping families a Osaka's First InterContinental Hotel Franchise to open in 2013InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Osaka Station North Yard Development Project today reached an agreement for IHG to open a luxury hotel and high-end residences within the Osaka Station North Yard Development Project in Osaka city under the InterCon InterContinental Hotels Group Franchise Anounces 330,000 Reasons to Say 'Thank You'IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel company, is leading a week of celebrations to say 'thanks' to the teams across their 4,400 hotels, offices and reservation centres around the world. IHG Becomes First Global Hotel Franchise Company to Reward Loyalty Points for Geolocation Check-InsIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms today announced that Priority Club® members who become Topguest members will now be awarded loyalty points with each geolocation check-in at any one of its more tha CEC Entertainment, Inc. Franchise to Webcast Second Quarter 2010 EarningsCEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:CEC) today announced that it will host a conference call with investors on Thursday, August 5, 2010, to discuss financial results for the second quarter ended July 4, 2010. The conference call will begin at 3:30 pm Central Ti Accor North America Opens 34 Franchise Locations In First Half Of 2010Accor North America, one of the nation's largest owner/operators of economy lodging, announces the opening of 34 Motel 6 and Studio 6 franchise locations in the first half of 2010. The latest openings include 32 Motel 6 locations and two Studio 6 properti IHG Franchise Launches Priority Club Rewards App for AndroidIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [Lon: IHG; NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced the launch of the second phase of its mobile app strategy with the global launch of its Priority Club(R) Rewards app for Play N Trade Franchise to Host International Madden NFL 11 Tournament, Offers $7000 in PrizesPlay N Trade Franchise Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to host an international Madden NFL 11 tournament at participating Play N Trade stores offering $7000 in prizes thanks to sponsors, EA and Virgin Gaming. Baymont Inn & Suites Asks, "Do You Heart Your Hometown?"Love your hometown? The Baymont Inn & Suites hotel brand wants you to shout it from the rooftops, or maybe just your computer, with its "I Heart My Hometown" sweepstakes and contest, through which nine lucky winners will receive a vacation prize pack Play N Trade Franchise On Pace to Open 30 New Stores in 2010Play N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce that 13 new Play N Trade stores have opened for business this year and another 13 are already scheduled to open by September. Play N Trade Franchise on Pace to Open 30 New Stores in 2010Play N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce that 13 new Play N Trade stores have opened for business this year and another 13 are already scheduled to open by September. Pump It Up Franchise Reaps the Profits of Enhanced Business ModelBouncing, sliding and jumping is big business, and Pump it Up, the nation's largest franchise to pioneer the concept of indoor inflatable playgrounds, is proving it once again. Introducing Manhattan's Newest Star: The InterContinental Franchise New York Times SquareIHG (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today began checking guests into the 607-room InterContinental New York Times Square. Rising 36 stories above the iconic New York skyline, the property is the large Krystal Franchise Breaks Ground On New Restaurant in Chattanooga, Eyes ExpansionThe Krystal Company is setting its sights on growing its presence in Chattanooga and is starting with the opening of a brand new, company-owned Krystal restaurant in north downtown this summer. Situated at 3409 Amnicola Hwy, the new location will be the f Accor Franchise Sells Compagnie des Wagons- Lits's Onboard Rail Catering Operations to NewrestAccor has sold Compagnie des Wagons-Lits's onboard rail catering operations in France, Italy, Austria and Portugal to Newrest through a joint venture owned 60% by Newrest and 40% by Accor. BLOCKBUSTER Franchise On Demand(R) Now Available on the Latest Philips Blu-ray PlayersP&F today announces that its latest Philips Blu-ray players will feature BLOCKBUSTER On Demand(R), expanding the ways in which Blockbuster provides consumers with instant access to the hottest movies. Families across America are now able to... Blockbuster Franchise Continues to Explore Various Recapitalization Opportunities, Reaches Forbearance Agreement With Senior Secured Note HoldersBlockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B), a leading provider of media entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a Forbearance Agreement with certain of its senior secured noteholders that provides the Company with additional time and... 'Green Zone' Tops Weekly Blockbuster(R) Movie Franchise Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER(R) (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending June 27, 2010 is "Green Zone." This action-packed thriller pairs Academy Award(R) nominees Matt Damon and director Paul... First Gamer Doc(R) Video Games Franchise In New Jersey Now OpenGamer Doc(R), the retail video game store franchise that delivers a new and interactive customer experience, today announced the opening of its first store in New Jersey, located in Cherry Hill. The store's "Pro Player" room features... Play N Trade Franchise Announces "Christmas in July" Giveaway Event, Sponsorship Deal and Storewide SalePlay N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce a "Christmas in July" giveaway event and sponsorship of several video game media properties including the Adrenaline Vault game site and three video game... CEC Entertainment Franchise Announces Chief Financial Officer ResignationCEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) today announced that Christopher D. Morris, the Company's Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will be leaving the Company on or about July 16, 2010 to pursue another business opportunity.
Eaglerider Motorcycle Franchise Revs Up Motorcycle Industry With New PartnershipEagleRider, the world's largest motorcycle rental and tour company, and Triumph Motorcycles, the fastest growing motorcycle manufacturer on the globe, have announced a partnership that will expand revenue streams for dealers and give customers more... BLOCKBUSTER(R) Movie Rental Franchise Anounces 'From Paris With Love' Tops Weekly BLOCKBUSTER(R) Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER(R) (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending June 13, 2010 is "From Paris With Love." James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) is a personal aide to the U.S. Ambassador in France and is... Play N Trade Gaming Franchise to Host a Discovery Day for Potential Franchisees at New San Diego StorePlay N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to host a Discover Day in San Diego, CA to educate potential franchisees on the opportunities and benefits of owning a retail video game store. Play N Trade Anticipates Big News for the Gaming Industry at the 2010 E3 ExpoPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce that Play N Trade franchisees and members of its corporate support center will be in attendance at this year's E3 Expo from June 15-17 at the Los... Gamer Doc(R) Video Games Coming to AlabamaGamer Doc(R), the retail video game store franchise that delivers a new and interactive customer experience, today announced that franchisee Tom Wang has signed the lease for his store at 4925 University Drive, Suite 166, in Huntsville, Alabama. 'The Wolfman' Tops Weekly BLOCKBUSTER(R) Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER(R) (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending June 6, 2010 is "The Wolfman." In this update of the 1941 classic, Academy Award(R) winner Benicio del Toro stars as Lawrence Talbot, a man... Play N Trade Franchisee Uses Community Involvement to Ensure Success, Opens Second Store in British ColumbiaPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide is excited to announce that franchisee Justin White will open his second store in Courtenay, British Columbia. Alamo Drafthouse Founder Returns to Spotlight as New CEOThe creator of what Texas Monthly has dubbed "the most important film festival in America" announces he is returning to his starring role as CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema brand, effective immediately. Tim League, founder of the... 'Valentine's Day' Tops Weekly Blockbuster(R) Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER(R) (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending May 23, 2010 is "Valentine's Day." The romantic comedy follows an intertwined group of singles and couples in Los Angeles on the...
'Edge of Darkness' Tops Weekly Blockbuster(R) Hit List of Top 10 Renting DVDsTopping the BLOCKBUSTER(R) (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) Hit List of "Top 10 Renting DVD Titles" for the week ending May 16, 2010 is "Edge of Darkness." In the intense thriller, Mel Gibson portrays Thomas Craven, a Boston detective whose only... Play N Trade Crowns International Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Tournament Winner, Gives Away Over $1700 in PrizesPlay N Trade Franchise, Inc, the largest video game franchise worldwide, is excited to announce Evan Williams of Monroe, NY as the International Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Tournament Champion. Priority Club Rewards Launches Hotels AnywhereIHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) Priority Club® Rewards today announced the global launch of Hotels AnywhereTM, an industry-first redemption option that enables members to instantly redeem their Priority Club points, or combine points and cash... World Tavern Entertainment(R) announced today its national launch of its Franchising ProgramAfter a successful test of four franchises in select markets, World Tavern Entertainment® is geared up to offer franchises nationwide. "It is an exciting time to be at World Tavern, we have proven that our business model works, and franchising allows. CEC Entertainment, Inc. to Present at the Stephens, Inc. Spring Investment Conference on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.CEC Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: CEC) announced today that it will present to investors attending the Stephens Inc. Spring Investment Conference being held at the New York Palace Hotel in New York, New York on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The presentation will...
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Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
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