March 10, 2010
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Your Franchise Product Announcement News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in franchising product announcement 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.  Franchise Product Announcement NewsGNC Adds Dream Water(R) to New York City LocationsSarpes Beverages today announced the availability of its innovative, first-of-its-kind sleep and relaxation water at New York City locations of GNC. GNC, a leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products, will carry the 2.5 oz.-size bottle of...
Gap Introduces babyGap 1969 Premium Denim CollectionToday Gap introduced its newest collection of 1969 Premium Denim made especially for babyGap. Designed with a brand new, lightweight premium denim, the collection features Gap's iconic pieces specifically for babies 0-24 months. The Melting Pot Restaurants Hop Through Pacific Islands with New Spring MenThe Melting Pot Restaurants are offering a new menu featuring Pacific Islands themed dishes for a limited-time, starting March 15, 2010, and nationwide by March 26, 2010. Marble Slab Creamery(R) Introduces New Chocolate-Covered Strawberries for Valentine's DayMarble Slab Creamery® has announced the arrival of new chocolate-covered strawberries, just in time for Valentine's Day. The chef-driven brand will feature four different preparations of the strawberries: milk chocolate-covered, white chocolate-covere California Pizza Kitchen Creates Big Flavors in Small CravingsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ:CPKI), home of the original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, announced today their new... Special Valentine's Menu at Ruby Tuesday Offers Three Chances to Share the LoveAlthough Valentine's Day is on a Sunday this year, Ruby Tuesday will be "sharing the love" all weekend long. On February 12th, 13th and 14th, guests at Ruby's can enjoy a special Valentine's Dinner for Two that begins with a shared appetizer, includes...
RedBrick Pizza Unveils World's First Acai Berry, Multigrain Whole Wheat Artisan Pizza CrustRedBrick Pizza Worldwide has announced that its newest pizza crust is made with the acai berry, a fruit known for its health-promoting, antioxidant properties. Using the acai berry in the whole wheat, multigrain artisan crust is unique in the industry... Moe's New Junior Burritos Are Here to StayWhen the Joey Junior burrito limited time offer was introduced in January, women and teenagers fell in love with it. In the fall even more guests got hooked when Moe's began offering all of its burritos in a junior size. And now, after seeing a... T.G.I. Friday's(R) Restaurants Bring Back '3 for $12.99' Dinner Menu for a Limited TimeT.G.I. Friday's restaurants (www.fridays.com) today announced it is bringing back its popular "3 for $12.99" dinner menu with more than 300 full-course appetizer/entree/dessert combinations for a limited time at nearly all restaurants in the... Card Connection's Cardfetti Explodes onto the MarketLeading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection's new launch, Cardfetti, has exploded onto the market! Created in conjunction with UK Greetings' gifting division, Cardfetti, are small packs of metallic confettis in various shapes.
Home of the Original Hamburger Ices Competition With New Oreo(R) Peppermint ShakeInternational restaurant chain Johnny Rockets, known worldwide for its authentic, hand-dipped shakes, announces the launch of its newest frozen treat, the Oreo® Peppermint Shake, available through 2010. 'Houston, We Have Lift-Off' Thanks to New Johnny Rockets Spicy HamburgerIn response to overwhelming support and positive feedback from Johnny Rocket's loyal fan base, the international restaurant chain announced today that it will permanently add the new, limited-time only "The Houston" hamburger to its menu in 2010.
Ruby Tuesday Launches Sunday Brunch NationwideWith its nationwide launch of Sunday brunch, Ruby Tuesday is reintroducing its guests to a nearly forgotten classic: unhurried get-togethers and conversation with family and friends around the dining table. The new brunch menu offers a four-course meal... SIGNARAMA Now Offers Convenience of Online OrderingSIGNARAMA, the world's largest sign franchise, introduces a new, comprehensive web-based design and ordering service called ShopSIGNARAMA.com. Available 24/7 with a few clicks of the mouse, customers can create their own sign design from scratch... In Time for the Holidays GRISWOLD SPECIAL CARE Introduces Family 411According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 45 percent of individuals between the ages of 70 and 75 are now online. For seniors living far away from their families, especially during the holidays, getting online provides a way to keep in... Manchu WOK Launches New Deep-Fried CheesecakeJust in time for the holiday season, Manchu WOK, the largest Chinese fast food franchise, is introducing deep-fried cheesecake to their menu and marking another first for the quick service industry. Made of a warm cheesecake filling wrapped inside a... Toys"R"Us Begins Countdown to Christmas, Offering Customers the Biggest December of Savings EverWith less than 20 shopping days left until Christmas, the holiday values are just beginning as Toys"R"Us offers more incredible savings than ever before throughout the month of December. Starting with the Toys"R"Us Biggest December Sale Ever...
Spread the Joy this Holiday Season with Krispy Kreme's Festive Sweet TreatsShare good tidings this Holiday season with friends and loved ones by giving them delightful goodies from your local Krispy Kreme.
Ben & Jerry's Hits the Halfpipe with Hannah Teter's Maple BlondieThis winter, Ben & Jerry's takes to the mountain to honor fellow Vermont native and gold-medalist snowboarder, Hannah Teter with its newest flavor, Maple Blondie. The first flavor created for an athlete, Maple Blondie is a rich and creamy maple ice... California Pizza Kitchen Launches New Menu OptionsCalifornia Pizza Kitchen (NASDAQ:CPKI) (CPK), home of the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, announced today the addition of seven new... Jackson Hewitt Launches Redesigned National Web Site and New Social Networking PlatformsIn the wake of 2009's economic stimulus initiatives, U.S. consumers face an array of important tax law changes and a daunting number of questions on how these changes may impact them. To help better inform and empower consumers about tax-related issues... Caribou Coffee(R) Raises the Bar With Real, All-Natural Chocolate BeveragesCaribou Coffee, the second-largest gourmet coffeehouse operator in the world, is the first of its kind to reformulate all of its mochas and chocolate beverages using real, all-natural chocolate now available in white, milk and dark chocolate. T.G.I. Friday's(R) Restaurants Announce Half-Price AppetizersT.G.I. Friday's announced it will feature eight half-price appetizers in the bar after 4 p.m. at nearly 600 participating restaurants in the U.S. beginning today through December 23. AD-vantage Promotions Prepares for St. Nick's DayWhen you wake up on the morning of Dec. 6, will there be a Sack full of candy and maybe even a present in it waiting for you? If you answered yes, you're one of the special ones in the Midwest who participate in a tradition known as St. Nick's Day. Spicy Pickle Kicks Off Holidays With Turkey TuesdaysSpicy Pickle(TM), the popular fast casual restaurant brand, with 13 locations in the Greater Denver area, announced the launch of Turkey Tuesday, at any Colorado Spicy Pickle, guests can enjoy any Turkey sandwich, sub or Panini with a bag of chips...
Fazoli's Celebrates 20th Anniversary with $2.99 Baked SpaghettiIn 1989, amid citizen rebellions in Eastern Europe and China, Fazoli's started its own Italian Revolution in Lexington, Ky. by serving affordable pasta meals to the hungry masses. The revolution quickly spread to other cities. In honor of the chain's... T.G.I. Friday's(R) Restaurants Introduce Two New Burgers and Two New Chicken SandwichesT.G.I. Friday's today announced it will feature two new burgers and two new chicken sandwiches on its menu for a limited time at nearly 600 participating restaurants in the U.S. California Pizza Kitchen Uncorks New Wine ListCalifornia Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) (NASDAQ:CPKI), home of the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts announced today a newly redesigned...
Pretzelmaker(R) Rolls Out Pumpkin Spice PretzelPretzelmaker(R) announced today that the Company is introducing a new pretzel flavor for fall - Pumpkin Spice. Available for a limited time, the specialty pretzel is topped with a crunchy pumpkin spice blend with caramel sauce either drizzled... Go, Go, Goji! UNO(R) Fall Menu Is 'Berry' DeliciousUno Chicago Grill®, America's Healthiest Chain Restaurant(1), introduces some "berry" delicious options as part of its limited-time-only fall menu.
Domino's Says...Order as Many Pizzas as Your Trunk Can Handle!Domino's Pizza(®) (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, is gearing up for its national customer appreciation week. During the week of Oct. 19, Domino's(®) will be thanking its customers with a week-long carryout deal, offerin Benihana Invites Guests to Indulge in New Culinary Offerings and Enhanced Dining ExperienceBenihana Inc., operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, today announced the unveiling of delicious new additions to the famed Benihana menu. The new menu offerings are part of the company's Teppanyaki... Salsarita's Launches Breakfast Catering Program NationallySalsarita's Fresh Cantina, one of the nation's fastest growing, fast-casual Mexican restaurant chains, has expanded catering beyond lunch and dinner to include a breakfast program after testing its acceptance in select markets across the country. CiCi's Pizza Offers Unbeatable $4.99 or LessFor two weeks in October, hungry diners can take a bite out of CiCi's Pizza's endless buffet at a discounted price of $4.99 or less. Now through October 25th, CiCi's 24-footlong buffet offers 18 various kinds of craveable pizzas, a bottomless salad bar...
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Features & Special ReportsMulti-Tasking: What It Takes To Be A Successful Multi-Unit FranchiseeTwenty years ago, franchising meant buying the rights to and opening a single unit or business. But a changing trend has taken hold during the last two decades. Today, it's not uncommon for a single franchise operator to have 5, 6, or even dozens of units. FRANdata research notes the number of multi-unit operators now tops 34,000, and those operators control more than 155,000 franchised units in the U.S. It's a growth strategy that has proven effective but it should be approached with caution. Multi-unit operators are generally wired differently then their single-unit counterparts. Successful multi-unit operators are typically experienced, skilled, professional business executives who have chosen franchising as their business model. They possess the skills, training, capital, infrastructure, and vision to operate numerous units and have the ability to continue adding units to their portfolio--without stressing their organization or their stomach. Episode 006: The Benefits of a Franchise ModelFranchising provides benefits for both seller and buyer. For franchisors, the primary benefit is the ability to use other people's money to expand the brand more rapidly than they could either on their own or through investors or lenders. The initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties they collect allow franchisors to build their brand without sacrificing control to outsiders or the pressure of repaying lenders. Measure for Measure: Unit Economics Plays a Leading Role on Today's Economic StageThe most fundamental business strategy calls for black numbers on the bottom line. In simplest terms, it's proof the business is generating more cash than it is spending. All too often, though, entrepreneurs get involved in businesses without employing a proper system to help them keep a watchful eye on what they're earning and what they're spending. Managing day-to-day operations can be so time-consuming that it leaves little room for financial analysis. Or perhaps key individuals lack a basic understanding of how to read and interpret financial statements. Combine these factors with the down economy, and you'll likely wind up with a troubled business. Service Based Franchising: Where the Action IsLast week we ended our discussion of service concepts with the point that many of these businesses are based on customers making the choice to trade money (surplus) for time (deficit). The example we used was maid services, where time-starved customers spend money to buy time they can spend with their family and friends. Other examples of businesses built on services that customers could perform themselves but choose to pay someone else for include lawn and landscaping services, residential painting, oil change, and installation of home entertainment systems. Seven Steps to Fiscal Fitness: A "Fiscal Physical" Will Help Your Business Survive, Grow, and ProsperIn the few minutes it takes you to read this article, 40 businesses across the nation will fail--and that statistic was [i]before[/i] the economic downturn of the last 24 months. Tragic? Yes. Remarkable? Not at all. The road to business success is littered with the skeletons of companies whose owners--mostly brilliant and skilled individuals--failed to "take care of business" in the financial management of their enterprise. Service Based Franchising: What Franchisors WantWhen you first consider franchising as a business model, one of the choices that arises is which type of business, in which sector, suits you best. One basic choice is to make is goods or service; another is retail or home-based. In previous months, we've explored ways to find the sector, and the franchisor, most likely to give you the best chance of success. More recently, in the previous four weeks, we've discussed the attributes franchisors look for in franchise candidates in the retail sector and in the home-based sector. Here we apply the same lens to the services sector. Let's begin with the similarities. All franchisors want candidates who follow the system, pay royalties on time, possess marketing skills and savvy, know how to run a business, show leadership and growth potential, are good communicators, and are expansion-minded, community-oriented, and willing to give back to the system. Franchisors look for these skills whether you choose a service, retail, B2B, or other concept. Margaritas Mix: Franchise Veterans get on Board for Franchise LaunchThe south-of-the-border spirit of great Mexican food and authentic art could soon spread throughout New England and beyond, thanks to a new franchising and area development agreement rolled out by Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will 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. How To Work Franchise Trade Shows, Part 3: Quick Tips For Greater Success - And What To Do After The ShowThis last installment of a three-part series provides quick tips for greater success at the show, and the final ingredient for making the most of your trade show spend: what to do after you get back to the office to increase your franchise sales. Franchisors: Spread the Word on Tax CreditsThere are three essential areas of focus in a successful business: operations, sales, and financials. For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume you have a well-run operation and are doing as good a job as possible to maintain or increase sales. For most businesses, the easiest and most fun parts of the business are running it and having lots of happy and repeat customers.
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