Liberty Tax Service

Tax Service Launches Informational Campaign: CEO of Top-Rated Franchise Offers Insight to Surviving the Recession

Liberty Tax Service launched a new campaign, “Ask John Hewitt” to help people wade through the complexities of choosing and opening a franchise concept. In twelve years, CEO and Founder John Hewitt and his team have developed an operating system that’s ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2009 “Franchise 500,” and # 3 overall. During that time that Liberty Tax has set the pace as the fastest growing international tax service ever.
Franchising is gaining even more popularity as a proven business model for those who want to create equity in their own business and control their future
At Liberty we refuse to participate in the recession. It helps that we don’t require a tax background, and have a relatively low start-up cost when compared to the other top franchise opportunities.

Virginia Beach, VA (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 10, 2009 -- While corporate doors have been shutting on millions of employees, and unemployment has reached 9.4 percent, Liberty Tax Service has been developing an informational campaign to extol the benefits of franchising in a down economy. With the deluge of the economic stimulus tax changes taking effect, and with the certainty of taxation, the concept of franchise opportunities available is appealing to a diverse America, those who may be interested in firing their boss before their boss fires them.

News Image

Liberty Tax Service launched a new campaign, “Ask John Hewitt” to help people wade through the complexities of choosing and opening a franchise concept. In twelve years, CEO and Founder John Hewitt and his team have developed an operating system that’s ranked as the #1 tax franchise on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2009 “Franchise 500,” and # 3 overall. During that time that Liberty Tax has set the pace as the fastest growing international tax service ever, the door has always been open to John Hewitt’s CEO suite at Liberty Tax Service.

“Franchising is gaining even more popularity as a proven business model for those who want to create equity in their own business and control their future,” according to John Hewitt. “At Liberty we refuse to participate in the recession. It helps that we don’t require a tax background, and have a relatively low start-up cost when compared to the other top franchise opportunities. ”

With 41 years of tax industry experience, Hewitt stands as the most experienced CEO in the tax preparation business, having also founded Jackson Hewitt Tax Service (NYSE: JTX). From his entry into the industry in 1969 as an H&R Block tax school student, he’s firmly established himself as a pioneer in computerized tax preparation and electronic filing. Yet Hewitt’s accessibility to his team of franchisees, employees, stakeholders and the media is just as legendary.

No one at Liberty Tax is afraid to just ask John an operating or industry question. Hewitt’s availability and devotion to Liberty’s operations and its people helped coin the adage, “Just Ask John,” a natural theme for the company’s latest franchise opportunity campaign developed by Planet Central. John Hewitt has recruited over 3,000 franchisees into the franchise industry through the two companies he founded, and is the catalyst for the creation of thousands of jobs. Liberty Tax will hold fall tax schools in an effort to educate the public about tax preparation and hire employees for the upcoming tax season.

About Liberty Tax Service:
Liberty Tax Service was founded in 1997 by CEO John T. Hewitt, and has prepared over 7,000,000 individual income tax returns. In tax season 2009, Liberty Tax Service added 400 offices, and now has over 1,700 franchisees in its North American operating system. The company is poised to open additional 400-500 new offices by January 2010.

Liberty Tax Service completed the fiscal year (2009) with a 15% increase in tax returns prepared, and a 22% increase in revenue for the 2009 tax season. The company provides computerized income tax preparation, electronic filing and refund loans. An online product, eSmart Tax is available for customers who prefer a technological choice to prepare their own taxes. With an emphasis on customer service including audit assistance, a money back guarantee, and free tax return checking, Liberty Tax Service is well known for its strong commitment to its client base.

Liberty Tax Service CEO John Hewitt is available for interview. Contact Martha O’Gorman, LTS
Chief Marketing Officer at (800) 790-3863 ext. 8022 or martha.ogorman (at) libtax.com.

###

Sandella's Flatbread

Fast-Growing Sandella's Flatbread Cafe Announces Franchise Opportunities Now Available in San Diego County
San Diego--Sandella's Flatbread Cafe franchise opportunities are now available throughout San Diego County. (PRNewsFoto/Sandella?s Flatbread Caf?)

SAN DIEGO, CA UNITED STATES

SAN DIEGO, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandella's Flatbread Cafe announces that franchise opportunities for its upscale, fast casual cafe outlets are now available in locations throughout San Diego County. Sandella's is the largest and fastest growing flatbread concept in the world.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090709/LA44528)

Sandella's Flatbread Cafes serve premium-quality, health-conscious and great tasting flatbreads, paninis, quesadillas and wraps. These items are made using the company's proprietary brick-oven made flatbreads. Sandella's flatbread-based meals are not only delicious, they are also an excellent value with most meals priced between $5.00 and $7.00.

Founded in 1994 in West Redding, Connecticut, Sandella's now has more than 150 locations nationwide and 400 more in development in the United States and the Middle East. With fifteen years of operational experience, Sandella's Flatbread Cafe is a proven concept in the fast growing bakery-cafe segment of the industry.

Carolyn Cohen and Stephen Crystal hold the Sandella's Flatbread Cafe master franchise rights for San Diego County. "The food really sold us on the concept. We knew immediately that Sandella's would go over big with San Diegans," said Carolyn Cohen. Sandella's flatbread is baked fresh, all natural, has no trans fat, 0 grams of fat and only 195 calories. Stephen Crystal remarked, "Sandella's customers enjoy delicious, healthy, flatbread-based meals at an affordable price."

Sandella's Flatbread Cafes require a small kitchen footprint. Additionally, there are no grills, fryers, hoods or venting, so start-up costs are typically lower than that of many other franchises in this segment of the market. According to Ms. Cohen, "Excellent sites supported by compelling demographics are available throughout San Diego." To learn more about Sandella's Flatbread Cafe franchise opportunities in San Diego, contact Carolyn Cohen directly at 858-345-7695 or visit www.sandellas.com.

SOURCE Sandella?s Flatbread Cafe

Atlanta Small Business

Street vendors lose with new pact
By Christine Gallant
For the AJC

Friday, July 10, 2009

So the city of Atlanta finally is going to launch last year’s plan to “improve the quality of life downtown” by constructing large metal vending kiosks covered with corporate advertising and featuring national franchises, as soon as the final contract is negotiated with the vending management company.

But just why are we going forward with this street vending program now when economic times are so precarious, and the financial climate has changed so drastically since last year?

How will the would-be entrepreneur finance such franchises when “banks are concerned about risk” and “tight credit means … more danger of failures that destroy just not businesses but entrepreneurs’ personal finances,” according to news articles in the AJC this week.

The chosen management company is a subsidiary of General Growth, which originally contracted with the city last year but then declared bankruptcy. This is a bad omen.

The city’s new program would start with 20 kiosks around Woodruff Park, and then expand to Five Points, Centennial Park, the hotel district, Midtown and Turner Field, according to city official David Edwards. The first stage would be a total of 40 locations downtown, chosen according to advertising accessibility.

This is a wholesale change from the past. This new company will pick the vendors, manage the vendors and choose their merchandise. Gone are the small entrepreneurs who found their own niche in Atlanta’s bustling streetscape.

Since the 2003 moratorium on issuing new vending permits, the number of working street vendors has dwindled considerably. In 2003, the industry employed several hundred people, including vendors, vending assistants, delivery men and suppliers.

The new kiosk program could well mean bankruptcy for the present street vendors, a hard-working lot that includes disabled veterans and men who have earned their livings this way for 20 years and more.

Their assistants and suppliers would not fare any better, for the primary vendors will have to pay $500 monthly rent for the kiosks and a substantial fee to use this public space.

It would probably also mean eventual failure, if not bankruptcy, for those hapless souls who hope to launch franchises at the kiosks.

Franchises are expensive. As an example, a Planet Smoothie franchise costs $25,000 for the first store; and, including this fee, it costs between $160,000 and $275,000 to open such a store in a leased space.

The median initial investment cost for a franchise in 2006 was $25,150, and every year franchisees are required to make royalty payments in return for support in operations and advertising, according to the International Franchise Association.

This is also a bad time indeed for small businesses to ask banks for any sort of commercial loan.

The new vending contract sacrifices the city’s freedom from billboards and its traditional street vending, a business enterprise that dates back to at least the 1940s.

In return, the company will donate the kiosks and give the city 5 percent of the gross revenue from selling the advertising and collecting the rental fees.

But how much retail advertising on the kiosks is there likely to be in these harsh times of declining retail businesses? The AJC could tell the city some things about precipitously falling advertising revenues.

This vending kiosk plan was devised during very different economic times. But now, would Atlanta actually realize much revenue from this speculative gamble?

Christine Gallant, an English professor at Georgia State University, chaired the Atlanta Vending Review Board from 1992 to 1993.

www.ajc.com

Gap Franchise

Gap franchises coming to Thailand
San Francisco Business Times

Thailand will soon be able to fall into the Gap.

The San Francisco retailer has signed a franchise agreement with Armin Systems Ltd. to open Gap stores in Thailand. The first will open in spring 2010.

In January 2006, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) signed its first franchising agreement to expand its international presence. Through these franchise partners, the company today has 100 Gap and 34 Banana Republic stores open in 17 countries.

In Southeast Asia, Gap has franchised stores open in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore.

www.bizjournals.com

Baskin-Robbins Franchise

Baskin-Robbins Opens Raleigh And Durham For Franchise Sales
Published:07-July-2009
By Staff Reporter

Plans More Than 30 New Stores in the Region


Baskin-Robbins, has announced that Raleigh, Durham and the surrounding region are now open for franchise sales. More than 30 new stores are projected throughout the area.

Baskin-Robbins currently operates more than 6,000 stores in 35 countries and opened more than 600 stores globally in 2008. With a domestic footprint of nearly 2,700 locations, Baskin-Robbins is now seeking franchisee candidates in Raleigh and Durham to be part of a growth campaign designed to increase its US presence over time.

To fuel this growth in and around Raleigh and Durham, Baskin-Robbins is actively seeking store developers who possess strong financial backgrounds and the desire to maximize their territory's sales.

Salman Siddiqui, vice president of global business development at Baskin-Robbins, said: "As the Baskin-Robbins brand continues to develop in North Carolina, we're excited to provide new store owners with the unique opportunity to capitalize on their territory's potential, serve as the face of the brand in the community, as well as set the direction of the market's growth.

"By continuing our history of developing new product innovations and keeping our focus on customer service and business success for our franchisees, Baskin-Robbins is providing a completely new experience in 2009. We share common objectives with our store developers, which focus on building and sustaining a profitable business and strong brand in this increasingly challenging economy.”

www.food-business-review.com

Veteran Franchise Programs

July 2009
Franchise Program For Veterans
One c-store thanks returning service men and women by offering a helping hand toward a new career.

By CSD Staff

7-Eleven Inc. has launched a new program to make it easier for those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces to have the opportunity to own their own business.

This July, the convenience retailer is launching a new military veterans franchise program that offers discounted franchise fees to retired or separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been honorably discharged from the service. Qualified veterans who become first-time 7-Eleven franchisees will receive a 10% discount on the initial franchise fee for the first 7-Eleven store they franchise. This discount can range from $1,000 up to about $35,000, depending on the store.

"This is the first time we have offered a reduction like this in our franchise fees, and I can't think of a better group to receive this benefit than the men and women who have so selflessly served to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America," said 7-Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. A graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, DePinto served five years as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Retail locations available for franchising are located in 30 states across the U.S. An interactive map at www.franchise.7-eleven.com indicates stores available for franchising.

"The experiences and expertise gained in the military are ideal for succeeding as an independent businessperson," said Jeff Schenck, senior vice president of national franchising and real estate. "A career in the military fosters leadership, a strong work ethic, teamwork and team-building, and teaches system management skills and how to effectively execute plans."

"The 7-Eleven franchise business is perfect for people coming out of the military," said Todd Ferguson, a 20-year veteran of 7-Eleven franchising who previously served with the 82nd Airborne of the U.S. Army. "It's a 24-hour business and something is always happening. There's a real sense of mission in the store. Maintaining customer focus is not much different than the mission focus required in the military."

7-Eleven has military veterans serving in every level of the company from top management to field staff to store associates. With a growing number of veterans facing a difficult job market, veteran entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to start a successful business in which retired service personnel can use their skills to control their financial future.

www.csdecisions.com

Helen Doron Franchise and Network Marketing

Networking Helps the Helen Doron Educational Franchise Beat the Recession Blues

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

The success of the Helen Doron Educational Franchise Group during these challenging economic times is based on a dedication to rock solid educational values, and the ability to deliver a dynamic franchisee networking system.

London, UK (PRWEB) July 7, 2009 -- Networking is at the heart of the Helen Doron Educational Franchise model, and a very large part of its worldwide success. Networking provides the key for Learning Center Franchisees looking to promote their business locally, and is fundamental to Master Franchisors working to expand on a regional level. Networking is crucial for National Coordinators, operating a countrywide operation with high growth potential, and at the same time, it provides a life-link to the thousands of Helen Doron teachers around the globe.

The Helen Doron Early English leaning system, offers children from 3 months to 14 years, a fun, lively learning environment to stimulate language absorption, and the emotional and cognitive development that goes along with it. In 1985, British-born linguist Helen Doron founded her first Learning Center - training others in her exclusive methodology. Her method caught on fast, and within a short time, the original network of specially trained teachers grew into a vibrant international franchise operation. Today, the Helen Doron Educational Group has approximately 3,000 active teachers worldwide, with Learning Centres located in over 32 countries on four continents and is growing fast.

"The real magic of networking for the Helen Doron Educational Group is in the ability it gives us to establish an intimate rapport on an international level, creating a vital two-way bond that enables both sides to do business with people they know, trust, and care about," says Helen Doron, CEO and founder of the Helen Doron Educational Group. "I believe that the support we give our Franchise Partners, Master Franchisors and Learning Center Franchisees gives them the best chance for success - ultimately ensuring our own success."

Helen further explains the importance of networking and support in her company. "Franchising fits our company ethos like a glove. Our customer support system is as important to us as our learning system, and we are continually upgrading the service we offer our franchisees. We support them every step of the way with comprehensive business training, on-going support, conferences, seminars and workshops, plus marketing and promotional tools. Our international networking system is something special, with a dedicated group of customer support managers our franchisees can really depend on."

Helen concludes, "Networking continues to evolve at Helen Doron with a highly organized international support system that's always there for franchisees whenever they need it, including their own personalized real-time information database. We also provide a kaleidoscope of networking opportunities for teachers through forums, blogs, podcasts, mini-sites and newsletters. Teachers and franchisees always have a place with us to pose questions, exchange views, swap creative ideas, give and receive feedback, and make new friends amongst the many others around the world who have made the Helen Doron Educational Group their chosen vocation."

Today, many franchise business experts are using networking tools to explain and improve franchisee-franchisor relationships. Developer of the Franchise E-Factor strategy, Greg Nathan, demonstrates the needs and perceptions of franchisees through a six-stage progression of mindsets, which he believes will lead to optimal success, and bases much of his wisdom on networking relationships.

The Helen Doron Educational Group stands at the forefront of innovative educational systems since 1985, providing exclusive learning programs and quality educational materials for babies, children and adolescents the world over. Our quality educational programs include Helen Doron Early English and MathRiders for inspired learning in small groups; Polly the Collie, Super-Nature and Ready Steady Move! designed for larger groups (kindergartens and schools). The Helen Doron educational franchise model invites entrepreneurs to join a successful business operation that benefits children around the world.

For more information, visit www.helendoron.com/business-opportunities.php

###

Dating Service Franchise

New Franchise "Dating Service" Helps Find the Right Franchise Opportunity in Record Time

As more and more people think about owning a franchise to gain financial freedom, the question is: how can you find the franchise opportunity that's right for you? With literally thousands of franchises to choose from, quickly sorting through all the choices is the first step to beginning the process. To meet this growing need, EZMatch.com created a "matching engine" similar to those used by well known online dating services to quickly and effectively match people to franchises that fit their personality. By July 4th of 2009, 1,200 people were successfully "matched" to a short list of franchise opportunities to choose from.

White Plains, NY (PRWEB) July 7, 2009 -- More people than ever before are reacting to the problems in today's job market by starting a franchise as an alternative career option. For example, a new franchise opens every 8 minutes in America and franchising now represents 40% of all retail sales. As millions of Americans turn to franchising in today's rapidly shrinking job market, EZMatch.com is using the same technology as successful online dating services to match people to the franchise opportunity that fits their personality.

Finally, consumers exploring franchising can get an immediate answer to the key question, "What franchise is right for me?"

What franchise is right for me?
If it weren't for the EZMatch website, I might still be looking
I wasn't aware of ActionCOACH before taking the survey.
Although I had looked into a few franchises over the past year, when EZMatch matched me to ActionCOACH, I knew I had found the opportunity I'd been looking for.
Since launching in September 2008, EZMatch has helped thousands of people identify the franchise opportunity that best matches their personality, background, interests and goals.

And by July 4, 2009, 1,200 people have been successfully matched to a "short list" of franchise opportunities to choose from.

"If it weren't for the EZMatch website, I might still be looking," said Gary Stokes who took the free 10 minute survey this past January. "I wasn't aware of ActionCOACH before taking the survey."

"Although I had looked into a few franchises over the past year, when EZMatch matched me to ActionCOACH, I knew I had found the opportunity I'd been looking for."

Stokes signed his franchise agreement in just over a month after getting matched to six franchises that fit him best.

With a database of over 1,000 franchises to choose from, EZMatch.com can match people to franchise opportunities in almost 80 industries including home based, mobile, business-to-business, and of course, retail franchise opportunities.

Additionally EZFranchisesAvailable.com, an educational blog that offers "everything" consumers need to know about the world of franchising, provides an online community for those just starting out to learn more about the franchise exploration process.

# # #

Networking and Referrals for Franchise Marketing

Networking and referrals are good, cheap marketing
By Karen E. Klein
July 7, 2009

Dear Karen: I need to generate new business on a tiny marketing budget. Any advice?

Answer: Networking, word-of-mouth and referrals are cost-effective techniques that many entrepreneurs overlook.

Great customer service alone will not generate referrals these days, said Court Cunningham, chief executive of Yodle Inc., an online lead-generation firm based in New York.

"Constantly ask for referrals and educate those close to you on how to look for referral opportunities," Cunningham said.

If you're timid about asking directly, start by asking clients to provide testimonials or write reviews of your business online. "If you're proud of what your business is offering, you'll want to help others take advantage of your good service or product," he said.

Also, give service credits or discounts to clients who review or refer you, Cunningham said. "People want to help. They identify with small-business owners and they want the underdog to win."

Once you have established a referral program, send a description of it to all of your satisfied clients. Don't forget to send it to past clients, because it could be a way to rekindle old relationships, he noted.

You can also ask for referrals from companies that perform services that are complementary to yours.

"People like to help friends in related businesses, so long as they're not competitors," he said. "It's a win-win."

It's also helpful to provide clients and colleagues with literature that describes everything you do.

"Make sure there's a leave-behind. We recommend a one-page glossy summary of your services," Cunningham said. "Make sure it lists what areas you serve."

Read More.....www.latimes.com

Dunkin Donuts

Operator of 56 Dunkin' Donuts files for bankruptcy
Mon Jul 6, 2009 1:30pm EDT

By Tom Hals

WILMINGTON, Del., July 6 (Reuters) - An operator of 56 Dunkin' Donuts locations filed for bankruptcy on Monday, the latest in a growing list of franchise operators to seek court protection due to a steep drop-off in sales.

Kainos Partners Holding Company LLC of Greer, South Carolina, operates the donut-and-coffee franchises in New York, South Carolina and Nevada, with eight more under construction, according to court documents. It employs 700.

The company said the recession has put its customers under extreme financial stress while food costs have risen.

Kainos Partners joins a growing list of struggling operators of Dunkin' Donuts, which has 15,000 locations worldwide. Last month, the operator of several Nashville-area Dunkin' Donuts and the largest Dunkin' Donuts franchise operator on the west coast of Florida both filed for bankruptcy.

Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands Inc, which is owned by Bain Capital, The Carlyle Group and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

Kainos Partners also said it discovered that its chief financial officer had engaged in $420,000 worth of financial transactions involving company assets for his personal use. The executive was fired in February.

Like the Nashville-area franchise operator, Kainos said its largest creditor is CIT Group Inc (CIT.N), which is owed about $25 million. Under the planned reorganization, CIT will reduce the amount it is owed in return for a 72.5 percent stake in the reorganized company.

Kainos Partners, Dunkin' Donuts and CIT Group did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

The case is In re: Kainos Partners Holding Co LLC, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the district of Delaware, No. 09-12292. (Reporting by Tom Hals; Additional reporting by Chelsea Emery; Editing by Richard Chang)

Read More....www.reuters.com

Francorp On Twitter

You can follow daily updates from Francorp on Twitter. Francorp is involved with most of the global franchise activities, keep up with Francorp and the team through Twitter.

www.twitter.com/francorp

Great Clips Franchise

Monday, July 6, 2009, 3:28pm CDT
Great Clips looks to add 44 stores in Birmingham area
Birmingham Business Journal - by Lauren B. Cooper Staff

Hair salon franchise Great Clips said it’s looking for franchisees to open 44 new salons in the Birmingham area as part of a national franchise push.

Great Clips already has seven local salons and recently signed a new franchisee to open its eighth, said Rob Goggins, vice president of franchise development in a news release. It has 2,700 franchise salons in the U.S. and Canada, which employ 30,000 stylists.

The plan is to open salons throughout the Birmingham market, he said, from southwest of Tuscaloosa, through Birmingham to northwest of Gadsden.

The company said in a news release the opportunity for franchisees is “recession resistant” with a company that’s had more than $700 million in total systemwide sales and consistent same-store sales growth.

In 2008, Great Clips experienced a 35 percent growth in its franchise recruitment and this year was ranked as one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, said the release. It is based in Minneapolis, Minn.

www.bizjournals.com

How To Franchise Seminar

I wanted to send out a reminder email that Francorp offers great information on How To Franchise A Business at our "How To Franchise" Seminars. We hold the seminars all over the country and cover topics like: expansion alternatives, the costs to franchise, franchising vs. licensing, franchise buyer profiles, and many other topics. It is relevant for a business owner, executive, or someone looking to gather more information on franchising. CLICK HERE to learn more about FRANCORP'S SEMINARS.

Francorp

Francorp has worked with 112 of the most recent Franchise 500 companies. This is important from the perspective that Francorp as a consulting firm has done work with these franchise systems, many of which Francorp developed from the ground up. Francorp is renowned as the world leader in franchise development and new franchise launches. The firm continues to develop successful franchise systems today after 34 years of franchise consulting work. Look over the Francorp corporate site for more information on the firm and the clients Francorp has developed.

www.Francorp.com

NexCen Launches Franchise Web Portal

NexCen Brands Launches Franchise Web Portal

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NexCen Brands, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: NEXC.PK) today announced the launch of its NexCen Franchise Portal, a new website that offers a unique venue to prospective entrepreneurs interested in securing a franchise opportunity with one of the Company’s seven franchised brands. The NexCen Franchise Portal can be accessed at www.nexcenfranchises.com.

Through the web portal, potential franchisees can view all of NexCen’s franchise information in one location. The website features a streaming flash video guided tour through NexCen’s different brands, franchise news, and global opportunities for becoming a franchisee. Additionally, users can sign up for NexCen franchise events and seminars, as well as NexCen’s social network and mailing list.

Chris Dull, President of NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., the franchising subsidiary of NexCen Brands, stated, “NexCen’s Franchise Portal is an innovative website that showcases all of the franchise opportunities available through NexCen. We believe the new web portal will be an excellent resource to support our franchising platform and to market our brands, establish a personal connection with potential franchisees and ultimately grow our brand equity. Additionally, we expect the new portal to focus and streamline our advertising efforts and spend.”

Martin Amschler, Chief Development Officer of NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., stated, “We are thrilled about the launch of the NexCen Franchise Portal. Our web portal is packed with valuable information and resources that allow potential franchises to make informed decisions. Because this portal is exclusive to our franchised brands, we believe it will allow us to more effectively capture and manage qualified leads.”

The Company worked with Visual Media Pro, LLC in the development of NexCen’s Franchise Portal. For more information about Visual Media Pro, LLC please visit www.visualmediapro.com.

About NexCen Brands, Inc.

NexCen Brands, Inc. is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. It owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes two retail franchises: TAF™ and Shoebox New York®, as well as five quick service restaurant (QSR) franchises: Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker® and Pretzel Time®. The brands are managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands.

Chrysler Franchise

Car dealer fights Chrysler over franchise

By KELSEY ABBRUZZESE – 1 day ago

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — A poster in Jim Tarbox's office at his North Kingstown Chrysler Jeep dealership declares: "Challenge: The harder the course, the more rewarding the triumph."

It's a fitting slogan for Tarbox, whose business is suddenly in peril after Chrysler ended its franchise agreements with his two dealerships in Rhode Island and Massachusetts as part of its bankruptcy and restructuring plan.

Tarbox's family name has been synonymous with car sales in the area for years, but his public pushback has given him national attention.

He wept openly in bankruptcy court last month, saying he thought the rejection of his dealerships must have been a mistake. Tarbox has appealed a bankruptcy judge's ruling that terminated his franchises and those of more than 700 other dealers.

And he's protested Chrysler's actions to federal lawmakers.

"They've taken not only my businesses, but everything I've worked for, all my wealth and my rights," Tarbox said. "They're taking it all away from me and giving it to someone else up to the road.

"I'm going to do everything in my power to rectify this injustice. It's wrong," he said.

Tarbox bought the dealership from his father, Nick, in 2001 for $1.5 million, after working there since he graduated college in 1989. Tarbox's brother, Ed, owns Toyota and Hyundai dealerships in Rhode Island.

Jim Tarbox said he's confused by the criteria Chrysler used to determine which franchises to close. Though his Attleboro, Mass., dealership posted a loss in 2008, he said he made up for it with a profit at the North Kingstown business and netted $100,000.

Tarbox said he sells about 750 Jeeps a year and has awards for sales and services displayed in cases at the dealership.

Chrysler spokeswoman Kathy Graham said while Tarbox performed above his minimum sales requirement, the fact he sold only Jeeps made his dealership less attractive under the new plans. She said awards weren't considered during the decision-making process.

"The factors we used to choose which dealers would go forward with the new company's dealer network are documented," she said, "and Tarbox did not meet the test of the comparative analysis in the Providence market."

As part of his attempts to restore his businesses, Tarbox met in Washington with U.S. Reps. Jim Langevin and Patrick Kennedy, who have asked President Barack Obama's auto task force for the criteria Chrysler used and if they were applied consistently to all dealerships.

Bob Capalbo, owner of America Chrysler Dodge and Jeep in Westerly, is one of the six surviving Chrysler dealerships in Rhode Island. He has known the Tarboxes for more than a decade and said he'd be just as upset if his franchise were terminated.

"They've been great competitors of ours and a very, very good dealership," Capalbo said. "To be terminated without any compensation didn't seem right."

Tarbox and his lawyers believe his franchises were rejected as retaliation for his opposition to Chrysler's request to establish another Jeep dealership in nearby West Warwick. Rhode Island franchise law allows dealers to protest a manufacturer placing a franchise within 20 miles of its location.

Chrysler eventually withdrew the request, but Tarbox said the bankruptcy decision gave the company to opportunity to finally reject his franchise because of his protest rather than gauging his dealership on performance.

Read More....www.google.com

Action Coach Franchise

Passionate About Developing Businesses, Kuldeep Persaud Joins the ActionCOACH Franchise in Iowa

Disillusionment with the corporate world and a desire to own his business coupled with a passion to help fellow business owners led Persaud to leave the corporate world and join ActionCOACH.

Las Vegas, NV, July 04, 2009 --(PR.com)-- A passion for developing people and businesses as well as a desire to own a business were the chief motivators in Kuldeep Persaud’s decision to join the ActionCOACH franchise, founded by Brad Sugars in 1993.

“I was also tired of corporate America and the politics that has become ‘part and parcel’ of the corporate world today,” he said. “I now want to be in control of my own destiny and make a bigger impact in society –something I know I can do effectively through business coaching.”

Backed by an impressive 30 years experience in the business world and awed by the ActionCOACH system as well as its worldwide success, Kuldeep Persaud decided to join the franchise.

With the support of his Master Licensee David Drewelow, Persaud’s office will be located in Amana, Iowa and he will be focusing on Eastern Iowa.

Before becoming an ActionCOACH, Persaud was a senior business executive with 20 years of full P&L responsibility.

“I turned around three highly stressed businesses to sustainable profitability and growth. The development of the leadership teams in these businesses was critical for success,” he said.

Persaud’s prior experience in the corporate world will help him in his new role as an ActionCOACH.

“I have acquired a tremendous amount of business skills over thirty years in all areas of running a business,” he said. “With my leadership skills, business knowledge, and the ActionCOACH system of coaching, I will help clients ‘live their dreams’.”

Excited about the challenges and the results that will accrue from his business coaching role, Persaud has a vision for his new endeavor.

“My vision is to make a significant impact on society by improving small businesses across the world –measured by one business at a time,” he said.

A member of the Cedar Rapids Chambers of Commerce, the Advisory Board for Executive Education at the University of Northern Iowa and the Rotary Club, Persaud is also active in the Optimist Club.

ActionCOACH is the world’s number one business coaching and executive coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries. To learn more, go to actioncoach.com.

###

Taxi Franchises

Council moves to franchise taxi companies
By Melody Hanatani

Taxi cabs line up along Santa Monica Boulevard on Wednesday morning. Cab companies will now have to battle for the right to pick up customers in Santa Monica after the City Council on Tuesday established a more stringent licensing system to relieve a notoriously overcrowded taxi population. photo by BRANDON WISE.
July 02, 2009
CITY HALL — Cab companies will now have to battle for the right to pick up customers in Santa Monica after the City Council on Tuesday established a more stringent licensing system to relieve a notoriously overcrowded taxi population.

The new franchise structure, which will officially take effect after the council approves it upon a procedural second reading, creates a competitive bidding process for a cab license, a major shift from the existing open-entry system in which all operators who meet insurance and other basic requirements are allowed to conduct business in the city.

The franchise system is expected to cut the number of cabs by more than half. Between one and eight companies will receive a franchise agreement.

In order to even qualify for a franchise license, companies must meet a set of criteria, such as have a minimum fleet size of 25 vehicles, operate a centralized dispatching system, and have drivers who are proficient in English. The bidding process will be structured to give weight to companies that are local, use SULEV or other fuel-efficient cars and offer discounts to seniors and persons with mobility problems.

The proposal for a franchise structure came after the Task Force on the Environment in 2006 recommended the development of an ordinance that creates a franchise system awarding licenses to companies whose cars meet certain emission and mileage standards. A study by Nelson/Nygaard Consulting Associates followed two years later, finding that at the time, there were 412 cars operated by 55 companies in the city.

That number has since grown to 522 permitted cabs, all for a city that has about 91,000 residents.

"This has really been a long time coming," Councilman Richard Bloom said. "I do think we're going to achieve a number of goals by moving to franchising, not the least of which are moving further along toward our goals for sustainability, reducing the amount of chaos on our city streets that I think will measurably improve traffic congestion."

Some taxi company owners asked that council consider a medallion system, which imposes a cap on the number of cars but allows vehicle licenses to be automatically renewed and transferred or sold to other cab drivers as long as city officials determine that the new owner meets qualifications. The system is used in New York, Boston and San Francisco.

City officials said they decided not to go with the medallion system because it poses challenges with enforcing service standards. It also does not increase cab drivers' income, officials said.

Bulldog Realtors
advertisement
There was also concern that the franchise system could lead to unfair control over the cab industry by a select group of companies.

Betty Hung, an attorney with the Inner City Law Center which represents the Los Angeles Taxi Worker Alliance, said that a recent UCLA study exposed problems in the franchise system in Los Angeles, including shredding of financial documents and misclassification of political contributions.

"This system unfortunately continues and we believe that it's critical for you to take into account the findings of the UCLA study," Hung said.

The new system is expected to weed out the majority of current operators. City officials believe that 47 of the 55 companies would not meet the minimum fleet requirement of 25 cars.

Read More...www.smdp.com

7-Eleven Recruits Veterans

Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 2:58pm CDT | Modified: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 3:12pm
7-Eleven recruits veterans as franchisees
Dallas Business Journal - by Katherine Cromer Brock Staff Writer

Convenience store retailer 7-Eleven Inc. is offering discounted franchise fees to retired or separated veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The chain plans to open 200 new stores this year, said store spokesman Margaret Chabris. All new stores will be franchised, she said. Nationally, there are 1,300 stores available for franchising. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, 70 existing stores also are available for franchisees.

Veterans who have been honorably discharged from the services and are first-time 7-Eleven franchisees will receive a 10 percent discount on the initial franchise fee. This can translate to a savings of $1,000 up to $35,000, according to a release from the company.

7-Eleven said a franchise costs $50,000 to $300,000, depending on the store type, size and location.

There are locations available for franchising in 30 U.S. states, including Texas.

“This is the first time we have offered a reduction like this in our franchise fees, and I can’t think of a better group to receive this benefit than the men and women who have so selflessly served to protect the freedoms we enjoy in America,” said Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven president and CEO. DePinto is a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point and served for five years as an officer in the U.S. Army.

The new incentive is a permanent part of the company’s business plan, Chabris said.

Dallas-based 7‑Eleven is the largest convenience retailing chain, operating 7,800 stores in North America, and more than 36,200 stores in 15 countries. The chain saw 2008 revenues of more than $53.7 billion.

“During these times there are a lot of individuals who want to control their destiny and becoming a franchisee is one such way,” said Charles Wetzel, president of Dallas-based retail analysts Buxton Co.

“Retired military is a good audience for 7-Eleven as they have an inherent level of discipline and structure through training. Franchises are looking for new ways to market themselves and this is a great example. I wouldn’t be surprised if this catches on and others fall in line — then you are back to pitching brand strength against brand.”

www.bizjournals.com

NexCen Brands

Jul 1, 2009, 5:47 p.m. EST
NexCen Brands Provides Business Update
Reports Selected Preliminary First Quarter 2009 Operating Results and Highlights and Announces Second Quarter 2009 Highlights

NEW YORK, Jul 01, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --Reports Selected Preliminary Full Year 2008 Results

NexCen Brands, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: NEXC.PK) today provided a business update. The Company reported selected preliminary unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2009, announced second quarter 2009 operational highlights and reported selected preliminary unaudited financial results for the 2008 fiscal year. The Company is in the final stages of completing its 2008 audited financial statements and 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with the previously announced restatement and amendment of its 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Selected Preliminary First Quarter 2009 Results and Highlights

NexCen expects to report revenues from its franchise business, its only operating segment, of approximately $12 million for the first quarter of 2009, a $2 million and 15% increase over first quarter 2008 revenues of approximately $10 million. First quarter 2009 results fully reflect the acquisition of Great American Cookies and the joint venture interest in Shoebox New York, which were completed in January 2008. On a pro-forma basis, assuming these two transactions had been completed on January 1, 2008, revenues from continuing operations were approximately $12 million for the first quarter of 2008.

The preliminary financial results for the first quarter of 2009 include:

-- Royalty and licensing revenues were approximately $6 million, 7% greater than the first quarter of 2008.

-- Plant revenue associated with the sale of cookie dough was approximately $5 million from Great American Cookies, which was acquired on January 28, 2008, approximately $2 million and 49% above first quarter 2008 revenue of approximately $3 million.

-- Franchise fee revenue from the sale of new franchises was approximately $1 million, a decline of approximately 20% from the first quarter of 2008.

-- The Company's cash on hand at March 31, 2009 was approximately $8 million, remaining consistent with cash on hand at December 31, 2008.

-- The amount of the Company's outstanding debt was approximately $142 million at March 31, 2009, remaining level with the amount of outstanding debt at December 31, 2008.

-- Deferred revenue related to the pipeline for franchise stores to be opened pursuant to executed Letters of Intent and Franchise Agreements was approximately $3 million at March 31, 2009, a decrease of approximately $2 million or 32% from $5 million at December 31, 2008.

-- The Company's pipeline of franchised stores to be opened pursuant to Letters of Intent and Franchise Agreements was 310 stores at March 31, 2009 versus 379 stores at December 31, 2008, a decrease of 69 stores or 18%.

-- Total franchised locations were 1,772 stores at March 31, 2009 versus 1,824 stores at December 31, 2008, a decrease of 52 stores or 3%. During the first quarter of 2009, NexCen had 85 closings of franchised stores and 33 openings.

-- -- First quarter ending store count was 1,186 stores for QSR brands and 586 stores for Retail brands.

-- First quarter ending store count was 1,310 domestic locations and 462 international locations.

-- The Company's overall effective interest rate and related interest expense related to its outstanding debt declined due to repayments of principal in the fourth quarter of 2008, modification of interest rates in the first quarter of 2009 and declines in LIBOR rates. The Company's average effective interest rate for its credit facility was 6.8% and 6.6% in the first and second quarters of 2009, respectively, as compared to an average rate of 8.6% in the fourth quarter of 2008. The average monthly cash interest expense was $822,000 and $780,000 in the first and second quarters of 2009, respectively, as compared to average monthly cash interest expense of $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Second Quarter 2009 Highlights

The Company also provided an update today regarding business activities during the second quarter ending June 30, 2009, which includes:

-- The Company has executed franchise agreements for 20 new franchise units across its seven franchise businesses in the second quarter, versus franchise agreements for 24 new franchise units in the first quarter of 2009.

-- NexCen's pipeline of franchise stores to be opened pursuant to Letters of Intent and Franchise Agreements increased to 367 stores at June 30, 2009 versus 310 stores at March 31, 2009.

-- The Company continued to expand its global footprint and international presence in the second quarter of 2009. -- The 50th franchised Marble Slab Creamery store opened in Canada.

-- NexCen introduced its franchising concepts to five new countries: TAF (The Athlete's Foot) to Lebanon and Botswana; Great American Cookies to Canada and Mexico; and Shoebox New York to Korea, where three locations have already opened and the fourth location is slated to open in July.

-- NexCen executed master development agreements for Marble Slab Creamery in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and for Shoebox New York in Kuwait.

-- NexCen continued to make progress with the integration of Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker into one brand, Pretzelmaker, which will be the second largest pretzel concept in the United States by number of franchised stores.

-- The Company executed on much of its rebranding strategy for Marble Slab Creamery. It rolled out new packaging. It introduced a new Celebrity Sundae program with the help of three of the contestants from Season Five of the Bravo TV show "Top Chef," Fabio Viviani, Carla Hall and Jeff McInnis. It launched a redesigned web site with online cake ordering functionality. The Company also is finalizing its new store design, which will be introduced this fall.

Kenneth J. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of NexCen Brands, stated, "Our first quarter results and our franchise expansion activities are reflective of our efforts over the past year to streamline our business, reduce operating expenses, improve cash flow and grow our franchised brands. We have improved EBITDA and operating cash flows as compared to 2008, and we anticipate further improvements in these key metrics as we move forward in 2009. We also continue to execute on our four-pronged business strategy for 2009, to strengthen each of our brands, integrate our brands, increase profitability of our franchisees, and leverage our franchising platform. Overall, we are encouraged by our performance in our franchise business, despite a challenging economic environment. We believe we are now starting to see the fruits of our efforts to improve the business, after a difficult year in 2008."

2008 Selected Preliminary Operating Results

Continuing Operations: Franchise Business

NexCen expects to report revenues from continuing operations of its franchise business of approximately $47 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to approximately $20 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, an increase of $27 million or 139%. The results for 2008 fully reflect the acquisitions completed in 2007, and include the acquisition of Great American Cookies and the joint venture interest in Shoebox New York that were completed in January 2008. On a pro forma basis, assuming all acquisitions of franchised brands had been completed on January 1, 2007, revenues from continuing operations were approximately $50 million for 2007 and $49 million for 2008.

The preliminary financial results for the year ended December 31, 2008 from continuing operations include:

-- Royalty and licensing revenues were approximately $26 million versus $16 million in 2007, an increase of approximately $10 million or 59%.

-- Franchisee fee revenue from the sale of new franchises was approximately $4 million, an increase of approximately 5% over 2007.

-- Plant revenue from our Great American Cookies factory, which was acquired in January 2008, was approximately $17 million.

-- The Company's cash on hand at December 31, 2008 was approximately $8 million as compared to cash on hand of $47 million at December 31, 2007.

-- The amount of the Company's outstanding debt was approximately $142 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of $32 million as compared to the amount of outstanding debt of approximately $110 million at December 31, 2007. The acquisition of Great American Cookies completed in January 2008 substantially increased the outstanding debt to approximately $179 million, which was then subsequently reduced.

-- Deferred revenue related to the pipeline of franchise stores to be opened pursuant to executed Letters of Intent and Franchise Agreements was approximately $5 million at December 31, 2008, an increase of approximately $1 million or 17% from $4 million at December 31, 2007.

-- The Company's pipeline of franchised stores to be opened pursuant to Letters of Intent and Franchise Agreements was 379 stores at December 31, 2008 versus 394 stores at September 30, 2008, a decrease of 15 stores or 4% quarter over quarter.

-- Total franchised locations were 1,824 stores at December 31, 2008 versus 1,869 stores at December 31, 2007 (on a pro forma basis including the Great American Cookies stores as if we owned the brand on December 31, 2007), a decrease of 45 stores or 2%. In 2008, the Company had 221 closings of franchised stores and 176 openings. -- 2008 ending store count was 1,205 stores for QSR brands and 619 stores for Retail brands.

-- 2008 ending store count was 1,335 domestic locations and 489 international locations.

Discontinued Operations: Consumer Branded Licensing Business

Revenues relating to NexCen's consumer branded licensing business, which consisted of Bill Blass and Waverly, will be reported as discontinued operations due to the sale of those businesses completed in 2008.

Material Increases in Operating Expenses

The Company's efforts in 2008 to stabilize its financial condition, enhance its liquidity and position itself for long-term viability and future growth had a significant negative impact on its 2008 financial results. The Company's total operating expenses increased materially in 2008, as compared to 2007, due primarily to impairment related to intangible assets, significant increases in restructuring charges, loss on the sale of Bill Blass and Waverly, and increased professional fees related to internal and external investigations and the restructuring of its debt facility.

Decreases in Value of Intangible Assets

The Company expects that its balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 will reflect significant reductions in the value of its intangibles, which comprise its principal assets, due to anticipated impairment charges of approximately $242 million in 2008 and the sale of the Bill Blass and Waverly businesses. The anticipated loss on sale for those businesses is approximately $7 million. The Company is filing a Current Report on Form 8-K today which provides more detail on these matters.

Kenneth J. Hall, Chief Executive Officer of NexCen, stated, "The past year was a significant transition year for NexCen as the Company went through dramatic change, including restructuring its debt facility, narrowing its strategic focus on franchising and completing the sale of Bill Blass and Waverly to reduce the Company's debt. While our 2008 results will reflect significant losses as a result of the additional expenses and charges that the Company incurred as a result of these actions, we believe we have entered 2009 as a stronger company."

Status of Quarterly and Annual Filings

The Company announced that it anticipates being able to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by July 31, 2009 an amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2007, which will include a restatement of its 2007 financial results. The Company anticipates being able to file by August 31, 2009 its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending March 31, 2009.

The Company plans to hold an investor conference call following each of these filings to review in greater detail the respective financial and operating results.

About NexCen Brands, Inc.

NexCen Brands, Inc. is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. It owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes two retail franchises: TAF(TM) and Shoebox New York(R), as well as five quick service restaurant (QSR) franchises: Great American Cookies(R), MaggieMoo's(R), Marble Slab Creamery(R), Pretzelmaker(R) and Pretzel Time(R). The brands are managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure

This press release contains "forward-looking statements," as such term is used in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements include those regarding expected cost savings, expectations for the future performance of our brands or expectations regarding the impact of recent developments on our business. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "may," "will," "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. They are not guarantees of future performance or results. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include: (1) our statements are based on preliminary unaudited results that are subject to change upon completion of the audit of the Company's financial statements and finalization of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008, as well as review of the Company's interim, unaudited financial statements and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ending March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, (2) the Company's efforts to focus on the franchise business as its core business may not be successful and may not improve the performance of the Company; (3) economic conditions may deteriorate in international and domestic markets, which could negatively impact the Company's business and financial performance, (4) our inability to file our financial reports within the prescribed timeframes, the need to amend our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and the failure to hold an annual meeting of stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 may subject us to governmental investigations or third-party claims, (5) continued delays in our compliance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's filing requirements may negatively impact the Company, (6) increases in LIBOR, which affects the interest rate on approximately 61% of the debt outstanding under our current bank credit facility, will increase our interest expenses, (7) the substantial debt service obligations and extensive covenants in our bank credit facility may restrict our ability to respond to changing market conditions, and (8) other factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE: NexCen Brands, Inc.

www.marketwatch.com

Auto Franchising

Strom Altman switching to Suzuki after losing Dodge franchise
Staff report
Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Weeks after losing his Dodge franchise as part of Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy reorganization, North Charleston car dealer Strom Altman said Wednesday his Remount Road store will sell new Suzuki vehicles.

The announcement marks Suzuki's return to the Charleston market after a seven-month void. Car dealer Johnny Dangerfield shuttered his two Suzuki sites in Summerville and Moncks Corner in January.

Chrysler cut ties with the former local Dodge dealership last month, even though Altman said his sales were strong. The Suzuki agreement, which was finalized Wednesday, will allow the dealership to add seven workers.

See Thursday's editions of The Post and Courier for more details.

www.postandcourier.com

Quiznos Franchise

Shelley Owens: Mejia takes over Quiznos franchise in Sebastian

By Shelley Owens
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
TreasureCoastDining.com email newsletter

Sign up and receive mouth-watering emails with the latest news, reviews and more about area restaurants.
SEBASTIAN — Francisco Mejia, a Quiznos franchisee in Melbourne, purchased the Quiznos at 1927 U.S. 1 in Sebastian in April.

“I currently own another store and I am in the process of expanding,” he said. “It’s a lot easier to take over a location that has a history than to build a new location and hope it does well.”

Mejia said he has instituted a number of promotions and procedures to boost sales at his new location. “Right now, we have a promotion. Get any three small subs for $9.99,” he said. “You can get prime rib, meatloaf, any sub. We’re delivering. We also put coupons in the bags with customer orders.”

“The economy has put downward pressure on every business but, based on what we’ve done, we’re seeing positive results,” Mejia said. “It’s only been three months but, compared to last year, we’re already a little ahead.”

Quiznos corporate also has introduced new products, like the $4 Torpedo sandwich, that makes their food competitive with fast-food chains, Mejia said.

If a lack of funds has torpedoed your chances of going out to eat as often as you would like, it’s time to search the Scripps Interactive Newspapers’ dining database for low-cost restaurants.

Search for a specific cuisine in your area and look for the single dollar sign. That tells you prices are less than $15. Click on a restaurant that looks interesting. On the restaurant page, you’ll see information, hours and a map, and can find the menu and price range.

Read More....www.tcpalm.com

Little Caesars Veteran Program

U.S. Military Veteran Opens Pizza Franchise Under Little Caesars Veterans Program

Innovative Program Provides Business Opportunity to Former Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today proudly celebrates the grand opening of another store under the Little Caesars Veterans Program, as former U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant Billy Tucker opens his Little Caesars Pizza restaurant at 1371 Hancock Road in Bullhead City, Ariz.

"It is an honor to be a part of a franchise system that supports veterans for their service and provides the opportunity for us to become business owners and operators," said Tucker. "The Little Caesars Veterans Program will allow me to utilize the skills I learned in the military to run my store and build for my future."

Serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1985 to 1993, Tucker was responsible for coordinating combat aircraft and helicopter operations for the 2nd Marine Division during the Gulf War. In 1992, after his honorable discharge, he was considering other professional options for the future. He was offered the opportunity to work for his brother in-law, a Little Caesars franchisee in Las Vegas, and moved to the area to supervise three stores.

When his brother in-law retired in 1999, Tucker pursued a career in the real estate industry as a broker. He remained interested in business opportunities with Little Caesars, and when he learned about the Little Caesars Veterans Program he was motivated to rejoin the brand as a franchisee.

"Little Caesars has always been committed to giving back to the communities they serve, and that's important to me," said Tucker. "I look forward to giving back to the Bullhead City community as a business owner, and serving fresh, high quality pizza to my customers, ready when they are, with no waiting or need to call ahead."

The Little Caesars Veterans Program was created in 2006 to thank veterans for their service and provide them with career opportunities when they transition to civilian life or seek a career change. It offers honorably discharged, service-disabled veterans, such as Tucker, who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees, a benefit of up to approximately $68,000 on their first store. Honorably discharged, non-service-disabled veterans who qualify as Little Caesars franchisees are eligible for a benefit of up to approximately $20,000 on their first store.

"With talented veterans such as Billy joining the Little Caesars team, the Little Caesars Veterans Program continues to grow and offer veterans business ownership opportunities," said David Scrivano, president of Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. "The skills Billy gained in the military, such as teamwork, dedication and a familiarity with processes, will enable him to become a strong Little Caesars franchisee."

Some of the menu items Tucker will feature in his store include HOT-N-READY(R) Pizza, Crazy Bread(R), Caesar Wings(R) and Caesar Dips(R).

In one of the largest U.S. quick serve restaurant research studies in 2008, Little Caesars was named the best value for the money of all quick serve restaurant chains.* Sandelman & Associates' Quick-Track(R) research study tracks key consumer behavioral and attitudinal measures for all major fast-food chains. Surveys were conducted among more than 94,000 quick service restaurant customers in 75 major markets across the U.S. Little Caesars was also named highest rated pizza chain for "Convenience of Locations" and "Speed of Service."

Since the program launched in over two years ago, interest has remained high in the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than 50 veterans collectively are applying more than $1.5 million in credits and benefits to help them grow their Little Caesars businesses. To date, more than 2,500 inquires have been made about the program.

The Center for Veterans Enterprise (part of the Department of Veterans Affairs), Marine For Life (an organization that helps Marines and Sailors transition to civilian life), and the International Franchise Association (through its VetFran program) are points of contact for the Little Caesars Veterans Program. They can provide information about the requirements and qualifications of becoming a Little Caesars franchisee.

About Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan, in 1959. Little Caesars, the fastest growing pizza chain, built more stores in the world in 2008 than any other pizza brand and today is the largest carry-out chain globally with restaurants on five continents. Little Caesars is growing in prime markets across the country, and is offering strong franchisee candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system. For the second year in a row, Little Caesars was named "Best Value in America"* of all quick-serve restaurant chains. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.

In addition to Little Caesars Pizza, Ilitch companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and a variety of venues within these entities. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

For more information about the Little Caesars Veterans Program and available franchise opportunities, visit www.LittleCaesars.com or call 1.800.553.5776.

Franchise Industry During Recession

01-07-2009 - 23:39
Franchise Industry Profits from Change in Economic Climate

While it may seem risky to open a business in the midst of a recession, one particular industry – franchising – is proving that the self-owned business model is still alive and well. And, for those entrepreneurs ready to experience the excitement of business ownership, opportunities exist in segments where the recession is actually fueling franchise growth.

"No industry is completely recession proof, but we are finding that there are several franchise sectors that are prospering due, in part, to the current state of the economy," said Jania Bailey, president and COO of FranNet. "When financial change occurs, so do consumers' needs and purchasing habits. As a result, a distinct group of businesses are now in higher demand."

Bailey says the following business categories would make particularly wise investments:

* Senior Care Services: According to the Administration on Aging, 37.9 million Americans are currently age 65 or older, and the population is expected to double over the next 30 years. Therefore, Bailey says that the need for elderly caregivers and assisted living businesses will not only remain high but will grow and prosper.
* Technology Solution Services: The influx of people using gadgets to navigate through personal and business affairs will come to depend on tech-savvy individuals for necessary repairs. Accordingly, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that an increase of more than 800,000 jobs in the Information Technology (IT) sector is expected over the 2006-2016 projections decade.
* Tutoring Services: According to Bailey, educationally-focused franchises are tough to deflate, as people have shown that they will spend on their children – in good times or bad. In addition to tutoring and supplemental educational opportunities, enrichment classes for art, music and sports are likely to continue to be in high demand.
* Home Repair Services: In lieu of purchasing a newer, bigger home, many people are investing in home repairs and renovations. Home repair services also have high value to sellers, who may be looking to revamp their properties before placing them on the market.
* For more information, visit www.frannet.com.

Francorp State Registration Team

Francorp works very closely with its clients to manage the state registration process for franchise registration. Francorp has a team of experienced legal compliance administrators who deal closely with each of the state examiners. Without the assistance of the Francorp team this process can be extremely time consuming and costly. Talk with a Francorp franchise analyst for more details on this process and how we work with franchise organizations on an ongoing basis.

Francorp, Inc.