February 09, 2012
Franchise News Watch

Your Franchise Financial News Source

Franchise News Watch brings you the latest in franchising financial news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.

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Franchise Financial News

Snap-on Incorporated Declares Quarterly Dividend

The Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) board of directors declared today a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.34 per share payable March 9, 2012 to shareholders of record on February 24, 2012.

Massage Envy Announces $15 Million in Franchisee Funding Available in 2012 Through Agreement with Franchise America Finance and The Bancorp Bank

Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today that new and existing Massage Envy franchisees have exclusive access to $15 million in development capital in 2012.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Provides Update on Share Repurchase Program

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTG) today announced the completion of a $100 million forward stock repurchase agreement that was executed on November 3, 2011.

Chick-fil-A Achieves Record Annual Sales of $4 Billion

In continuing with its trend of strong sales performance, Chick-fil-A(R), Inc. announces that it exceeded $4 billion in annual sales in 2011.

Jersey Mike’s Saw Record Growth In 2011

Jersey Mike’s Subs’ 55th anniversary year in 2011 was cause for celebration as the popular chain, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, opened its 500th restaurant, adding 69 new locations during the year, for record.

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands Inc. Announces Full-Year EPS Growth of 14%, or $2.87 Per Share, Excluding Special Items

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today reported results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011 including EPS of $0.75. Reported EPS for the full year was $2.74. Full year and fourth quarter results for Yum! Restaurants International (YRI) and the...

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2011.

Fazoli’s January Sales Set New Record

Fazoli’s, America’s largest premium Italian quick-service restaurant chain, is off to a running start in 2012 with record same-store sales growth in January.

Increased Demand For Factoring Services Drives Record-Setting Year For Liquid Capital

2011 was a record-setting year for Liquid Capital, which saw a dramatic increase in factoring volume in both its U.S. and Canadian markets.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings per Share of $0.73 and Annual Net Earnings Growth of Over 31% for 2011

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWLD), announced today financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 25, 2011.

Nathan's Famous, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Results

Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NASDAQ: NATH) today reported results for the third quarter of its 2012 fiscal year that ended December 25, 2011.

Welcomed Relief for Entrepreneurs: Nestlé Toll House Café by Chip Offers Alternative Funding Solutions Through Two Financing Options

As optimism of small business growth continues to rise, entrepreneurs nationwide are still struggling to receive financing.

Quiznos Sub

Quiznos Completes Restructuring of Debt and Strengthens Financial Position

Quiznos, one of the nation's premier quick-service restaurant chains and pioneer of the toasted sandwich, today announced that the Company has successfully completed its previously announced financial restructuring on an out-of-court basis.

Cookies by Design Opens Corporate-Owned Store in Dallas

In time for the holidays, Cookies by Design, known as “the original cookie bouquetIM company,” opened today a corporate-owned retail location in North Dallas.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. Announces December 2011 Comparable Store Sales

Toys"R"Us, Inc. today announced its comparable store net sales and total sales for the month of December 2011.

Realogy Announces Pricing Of Its Offering Of Two Series Of Senior Secured Notes

Realogy Corporation (the "Company") announced today that it priced $593 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior secured first lien notes due 2020.

Gap Inc. Reports January Sales

Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today reported that January 2012 net sales decreased 1 percent compared with last year.

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands Announces Full-Year 2012 Expectations; Raises 2011 EPS Growth Forecast to at least 13%, Excluding Special Items

Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM), in advance of its annual Investor Update Meeting, increases its full year 2011 EPS growth forecast to at least 13%, or $2.85 a share, excluding special items; previous guidance was at least 12%.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Franchise Announces Second Quarter 2010 Results

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2010.

Cosi, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Sales

Cosi, Inc. (NASDAQ: COSI), the premium convenience restaurant company, today reported that total revenues for the 2011 fourth quarter increased by $838,000 to $26,193,000 compared to $25,355,000 for the 2010 fourth quarter.

Winmark Corporation Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend and Special Dividend

Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders.

Primrose Schools® Reports Record Year for Franchise Sales, Signs Agreement for First California Location

In a year when U.S. franchise companies continued to see restricted growth due to lack of access to credit and the prolonged effects of the recession, Primrose Schools awarded 36 new franchises and opened 18 schools in 2011.

Express Employment Professionals Reports Record Year for 2011; Sales Up 22 Percent

Express Employment Professionals announced today that 2011 sales topped $2.1 billion, up 22 percent in a year, as employers continue to rely heavily on temporary staffing solutions amid an uncertain economy.

Brinker International Reports Increases in Second Quarter Fiscal 2012 EPS, Comparable Restaurant Sales and Traffic

Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced results for the fiscal second quarter ended Dec. 28, 2011.

IN2IT Nutrition and Fitness

IN2IT Franchising, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2011 Sales Increase Sharply

IN2IT Franchising, Inc. announced that its sales and net income continued to grow in the Fourth Quarter 2012.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Receives $30 Million from GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance

GE Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance and Louisiana-based Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers completed a $29.5 million financing deal including a $26 million term loan and a $3.5 million revolving line of credit.

Balihoo Secures $5 Million in New Funding to Fuel Business Expansion and Continue Record Growth

Balihoo (www.balihoo.com), the premier provider of Local Marketing Automation (LMA) technology and services to national brands with local marketing needs, today announced the company has secured $5 million in financing to fund future business growth.

Realogy Announces Proposed Offering Of Two Series Of Senior Secured Notes

Realogy Corporation (the "Company") announced today that it is proposing to issue approximately $593 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured first lien notes due 2020.

Jamba, Inc. Reports Fiscal Year 2007 Revenue Increase of 17.9%, and Fourth Quarter 2007 Revenue Increase of 9.6%

Jamba, Inc. (NASDAQ:JMBA; NASDAQ:JMBAU; NASDAQ:JMBAW) today reported preliminary unaudited revenue, comparable store sales, and store count results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2007.

FirstLight HomeCare

FirstLight HomeCare Exceeds Benchmarks in Ultra-Competitive Industry

Cincinnati-based FirstLight HomeCare can attest to this growth as the company continues to gain market share and exceed the highest industry benchmarks in this ultra-competitive industry with the addition of three to four new markets each month.

Bear Stearns Reports Full Year And Fourth Quarter 2007 Financial Results

The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. (NYSE:BSC) reported results today for the fiscal year and the fourth quarter ended November 30, 2007.

Sonic Reports First Quarter 2012 Results

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced results for its first fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2011.

MAACO Collision Repair and Auto Painting

Maaco Partners With Franchise America Finance For Franchise Lending Program

Maaco, the nations leading paint and collision service provider, has signed an agreement for a franchisee lending program with Franchise America Finance (FAF).

Realogy Enters Into Agreements To Amend And Extend Apple Ridge Securitization Facility

Realogy Corporationannounced today that it and its subsidiaries have entered into agreements to amend and extend the existing Apple Ridge Funding LLC securitization program utilized by the Company's relocation services operating unit, Cartus Corporation.

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands Poised for Growth in 2012

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, a franchisor of Mrs. Fields and TCBY, announces the completion of its previously announced exchange offer and refinancing, signed and recorded on December 13, 2011.

Denny's

Denny's Announces New Loan Program to Support Domestic Unit Growth in New and Emerging Markets

Denny's Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN), one of America's largest full-service family restaurant chains, today announced a loan program to support Denny's domestic unit growth.

Quiznos Sub

Quiznos Reaches Agreement to Restructure Debt and Strengthen Financial Position

Quiznos, one of the nation's premier quick-service restaurant chains and pioneer of the toasted sandwich, today announced that the Company has reached agreement with a significant majority of its first- and second-lien lenders on a consensual financial...

Captain D’s Finishes 2011 Strong with Positive System Wide Same-Store Sales

When CEO Phil Greifeld took the leadership helm at Captain D’s, the fast casual seafood chain that operates and franchises 527 restaurants in 25 states, growth was the only option.

Ace Hardware Reports 2008 First Quarter Financial Results

Ace Hardware Corporation, the world's largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative, today reported net income of $10.8 million for the first quarter of 2008, which was a decrease of $3.3 million, as compared to the $14.1 million for the first quarter...

H&R Block Reports Fiscal 2012 Second Quarter Results; Closes Sale of RSM McGladrey

H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) today reported a GAAP net loss from continuing operations for the fiscal second quarter ended Oct. 31, 2011, of $123.0 million, or $0.41 per share, compared to a net loss of $111.4 million, or $0.36 per share in the prior year.

McDonald's Global Sales and Profit Momentum Continues

McDonald's Corporation announced today that global comparable sales rose 5.9% in September and 6.9% in the third quarter 2007.

H&R Block to Discontinue EXPRESSTAX Brand

H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) announced today it will discontinue service under its EXPRESSTAX brand.

Realogy Completes Offering of Two Series of Senior Secured Notes

Realogy Corporation (the "Company") announced today that it successfully completed its previously announced private offering of $593 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2020.

Benihana Inc. Reports Total Restaurant Sales Results for the Final Four-Week Period and Entire Twelve-Week Period of the Third Fiscal Quarter 2012

Benihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHN), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today reported total restaurant sales and comparable restaurant sales for the final four-week period and the entire twelve-week period of the...

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2011 Results

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Jamba, Inc. Adopts Shareholders Rights Plan

Jamba, Inc. (NASDAQ:JMBA; NASDAQ:JMBAU; NASDAQ:JMBAW)announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a Stock Purchase Rights Plan designed to enable all Jamba, Inc. stockholders to realize the full value of their investment and to provide for...

Snap-on Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011 Results

Snap-on Incorporated (NYSE: SNA), a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, equipment, diagnostics, repair information and systems solutions for professional users performing critical tasks, today announced 2011 operating results...

Dutch Bros.' Sales Increase in 2009; 10 New Stores Projected for 2010

Despite a slow economy, Dutch Bros. Coffee ended 2009 on a high note that included a nearly six percent sales increase over last year and a rise in company giving.

McDonald's Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend

oday, McDonald's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per share of common stock payable on March 15, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2012.

Dunkin' Brands Signs Exclusive Procurement & Distribution Agreement With Dunkin' Donuts Franchisee-Owned Cooperative

Dunkin' Donuts franchisee-owned cooperative, today announced that they had signed a long-term, performance-based agreement for NDCP to be the exclusive supply chain provider for all Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in the continental United States.


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Features & Special Reports

"The Proven Match" for Finding Qualified Franchisees Debuts on Franchising.com Ad Portal

Proven Match has teamed up with Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) to give results-driven franchisors a cost-saving profiling service that delivers pre-qualified candidates.

Restaurateur Extraordinaire: Sam Covelli Does It With More Than 200 Locations

Sam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's.

Running For Charity: Colortyme Franchisee Raises Money And Awareness For Children's Hospital

This April will mark the third year in a row that Al Coelho has run the 26-mile Boston Marathon. That's a significant achievement. But it's only a part of what Coelho will do that day.

Turning Up The Heat: Learning How To Handle Irate Customers And Look Like A Hero

Irate customers. No matter how good you are at what you do, what business you are in, or where it is located, you will at some point find yourself facing an irate customer.

Sustaining Business: Zane Tankel On Growing During Tough Times

As the economy continues to struggle through a slow recovery, business people everywhere are looking for any tools or techniques that will help them keep their businesses alive and thriving.

Creating a Cost-Effective Lead Generation Strategy

For many franchisors, the traditional advertising vehicles - portals, print advertising, PR, and broker networks - do not appear to be working as effectively as they were five years ago.

New Highlights from the 2012 AFDR

In the previous two issues of FUSR, we published (1) a high-level overview of the 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), followed by (2) a selection of highlights from the report.

Finding Your Optimal Buyer: Sellers Must Learn To Look Beyond Price

When sellers are contemplating a decision regarding the sale of their business, they overwhelmingly select the bidder with the highest price, only to find afterward that this might not have been the best decision for their circumstances.

The Four Steps to Lead Generation Success, Part 4: Wow 'Em!

This fourth installment builds on those ideas, showing how you can "wow" your candidates and the importance of how you present your concept to them.

The Winner's Column - February 2012

As savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in a volatile economy, FUSR continues to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, innovating, and continuing to grow, whether domestically or overseas.

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