TireMax Selling In Texas!!

TIREMAX offers franchises In Texas

TIREMAX of North America is now selling retail tire franchises to Texans.

Each franchise will be locally owned and operated and will follow the TIREMAX approach to the retail tire industry -- impeccably clean, well-merchandised showrooms and red carpet treatment for customers, the company says.

“We are passionate about the TIREMAX brand and what it has to offer,” says Christopher Wilkerson, president of The TIREMAX Corp. “We look forward to working with our franchisees and helping set industry standards for high-quality tire care, innovation and first-class operations.”

Typically, the initial investment for a franchise operation is around $121,700, according to Wilkerson.

TIREMAX launched its franchise program to answer growing consumer demand for people looking for small business options, says the company. The popularity to coax more miles out of existing vehicles instead of buying a new car has put retail tire stores on track to be a huge opportunity in this $30 billion industry, it notes.

“We’ve spent the past 10 years developing systems for the best customer service in the tire industry. We also spend a lot of time educating our employees,” says Wilkerson. “We are passionate about having every customer leave our store and say, 'Wow,’ that was great.' You don’t hear that often when purchasing tires. And, I have to say we exceed our customer expectations.”

According to TIREMAX , each franchise will include these concepts:

* Powerful value -- Every franchisee benefits from competitively priced tires through volume pricing, which then can be passed onto customers.

* Good neighbor -- As part of the TIREMAX franchise experience, every customer is offered free tire balance, free tire repair and free tire inspection.

* Customer service -- Everything has been designed to communicate "wow" to customers, and that starts with customer service from the start.

* Impressive exterior -- The TIREMAX distinctive look will visually set the retail store apart from other retail tire dealers.

* Stunning showroom - The TIREMAX state-of-the-art facilities offer cappuccino, plasma TV, and support a pride of ownership.

* Exceptional staff -- From the start, TIREMAX believes in rigorous selection standards, plus the benefit of TIREMAX’s marketing expertise and consumer understanding.

“We are looking for serious entrepreneurs who have high personal standards of excellence and the capital to invest in a franchise backed by a proven business model,” says Wilkerson.

For more information about franchises, go to www.tiremaxfranchising.com.

TIREMAX offers franchises In Texas

TIREMAX of North America is now selling retail tire franchises to Texans.

Each franchise will be locally owned and operated and will follow the TIREMAX approach to the retail tire industry -- impeccably clean, well-merchandised showrooms and red carpet treatment for customers, the company says.

“We are passionate about the TIREMAX brand and what it has to offer,” says Christopher Wilkerson, president of The TIREMAX Corp. “We look forward to working with our franchisees and helping set industry standards for high-quality tire care, innovation and first-class operations.”

Typically, the initial investment for a franchise operation is around $121,700, according to Wilkerson.

TIREMAX launched its franchise program to answer growing consumer demand for people looking for small business options, says the company. The popularity to coax more miles out of existing vehicles instead of buying a new car has put retail tire stores on track to be a huge opportunity in this $30 billion industry, it notes.

“We’ve spent the past 10 years developing systems for the best customer service in the tire industry. We also spend a lot of time educating our employees,” says Wilkerson. “We are passionate about having every customer leave our store and say, 'Wow,’ that was great.' You don’t hear that often when purchasing tires. And, I have to say we exceed our customer expectations.”

According to TIREMAX , each franchise will include these concepts:

* Powerful value -- Every franchisee benefits from competitively priced tires through volume pricing, which then can be passed onto customers.

* Good neighbor -- As part of the TIREMAX franchise experience, every customer is offered free tire balance, free tire repair and free tire inspection.

* Customer service -- Everything has been designed to communicate "wow" to customers, and that starts with customer service from the start.

* Impressive exterior -- The TIREMAX distinctive look will visually set the retail store apart from other retail tire dealers.

* Stunning showroom - The TIREMAX state-of-the-art facilities offer cappuccino, plasma TV, and support a pride of ownership.

* Exceptional staff -- From the start, TIREMAX believes in rigorous selection standards, plus the benefit of TIREMAX’s marketing expertise and consumer understanding.

“We are looking for serious entrepreneurs who have high personal standards of excellence and the capital to invest in a franchise backed by a proven business model,” says Wilkerson.

For more information about franchises, go to www.tiremaxfranchising.com.

Another Success Story

Francorp client, Kirk McGary, President of Real Property Management, has continued the growth of his company. Even in these challenging economic times, he has continued to grow quickly with about 150 offices open in the US and 7 in Canada. This is pretty impressive considering that they have only been franchising for a few years. Way to go Kirk!

http://www.realpropertymgt.com/

Pizza Hut to Award the Sweetest Tweets

Pizza Hut to Award the Sweetest Tweets with the Sweetest Treats to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Pizza Hut to Give Away Free HERSHEY'S(R) Chocolate Dunkers® to 100 Sweet Talkers
DALLAS, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you are a modern day Casanova, a hopeless romantic or just love to flirt, your favorite pick up line may earn you more than just a smile or grimace this Valentine's Day.

Pizza Hut is inviting consumers with silver tongues to share pick up lines – the best, the worst and the cheesiest – by tweeting @pizzahut for the chance to win a single order of HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Dunkers®, Pizza Hut's chocolate-topped dessert sticks. Even if you are more of the target for amateur Cupid remarks than the sugar lips dishing out sweet commentary, Pizza Hut would love to hear a line that won you over.

"Valentine's Day is all about cheesy pick up lines," said Pizza Hut Tweetologist Alexa Robinson. "As a southern girl, one of my favorites is, 'Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see!' I'm excited to see what other people send in."

To help set the mood for sweet tweeting, @pizzahut has compiled some more favorites:

"Hope you know CPR because you take my breath away."

"Did it hurt…When you fell from heaven?"

"You must be tired. You have been running through my dreams all night."

"I have had a really bad day and it always makes me feel better to see a pretty girl smile. So, would you smile for me?

How to Enter

Sweet talkers and those who've heard every line in the book alike can enter by visiting http://twitter.com/PizzaHut. Participants are asked to tweet replies using the hashtag #iluvPH and directing tweets to @pizzahut. Submissions must be "G" rated and will be judged on originality and "sweetness" (see Official Rules at www.pizzahut.com/newsroom.aspx). The sweetest tweets will be selected by Tweetologist Alexa and the team at Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut will accept entries February 11 – February 14, 2010. Winners will be notified by direct message on Twitter on or by February 15, 2010.

The Prize

100 sweet tweeters will win a free single order of HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Dunkers®, Pizza Hut's chocolate-topped dessert sticks (in the form of a $5 Pizza Hut gift card).

Pizza Hut's HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Dunkers

Any dessert lover is sure to fall for Pizza Hut's HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Dunkers®. HERSHEY'S® Chocolate Dunkers are freshly-baked, soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert sticks topped with white chocolate and HERSHEY'S® milk chocolate – served with rich chocolate dipping sauce! The HERSHEY'S® trademark and trade dress are used under license.

About Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut, America's Favorite Pizza, delivers more pizza, pasta and wings than any other restaurant. The only pizza company to be named a top ten franchise in 2009 by Entrepreneur Magazine, Pizza Hut began 50 years ago in Wichita, Kansas and today operates more than 10,000 restaurants in over 90 countries. Pizza Hut, Inc. is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. ( YUM). To check out what's new at Pizza Hut visit pizzahut.com.

Media Contact:

Sarah Rosanova

Zeno for Pizza Hut

312-396-9711

Sarah.Rosanova@zenogroup.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pizza-hut-to-award-the-sweetest-tweets-with-the-sweetest-treats-to-celebrate-valentines-day-84115762.html
SOURCE Pizza Hut

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pizzahut.com

Francorp Client, Lee's Sandwiches Raises $20,000 With Coffee Promotion

Lee's Sandwiches Raises $20,000 With Coffee Promotion
SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Lee's Sandwiches raises $20,000 with their Lee's Coffee fundraiser on Saturday, January 30, which was created to donate all their total coffee sales for that day to Red Cross America.

Through advertising and promotion using traditional and social media, Lee's Sandwiches was able to raise awareness of their promotion and of their famous Lee's Coffee, "Ca Phe Sua Da."

"We are so proud that all our stores came together for this great cause and are able to make a contribution to a great cause," said Chieu Le, CEO of Lee's Sandwiches.

To commemorate, Lee's Sandwiches and Red Cross America will be celebrating on Friday, February 12, 2010 with a check presentation at their store location in Garden Grove at 13991 Brookhurst Street, Garden Grove, CA 92843 at 11:00am.

For more information on how you can contribute to Red Cross America, please visit

www.RedCross.org.

About Lee's Sandwiches

Since 1983, Lee's Sandwiches has been committed to providing the freshest and highest quality of Euro-Asian sandwiches and coffee to their customers. With nearly 40 stores in four states, the company is the first and only franchising Euro-Asian Sandwich chain. Lee's Sandwiches has expanded their coffee line to online and roasts the freshest and most unique beans to create their signature Lee's Coffee through the traditional method of French press.

For more information on how you can donate through Lee's Sandwiches, visit them online at www.leesandwiches.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lees-sandwiches-raises-20000-with-coffee-promotion-84175742.html
SOURCE Lee's Sandwiches

Denny's Super Bowl Commercial!

This is a great commercial from the Super Bowl last night from Denny's. If you haven't seen it, you should take the 30 seconds to watch it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csO66xk0VAc

Buffalo Wild Wings Q&A

Q&A: Buffalo Wild Wings EVP Judy Shoulak Says Community Focus is Key to Chain's SuccessBuffalo Wild Wings continued on a roll in 2009, adding units and growing sales as competing casual-dining concepts struggled. Newly promoted Executive Vice President Judy Shoulak shares her perspective on the chain's success.

By Christine LaFave Grace, Associate Editor -- Restaurants & Institutions, February 5, 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings expects Super Bowl Sunday to be, as in years past, its biggest single sales day of the year, and the Minneapolis-based chain has more to celebrate in 2010 than a Super Bowl match-up that's drawing national interest. The 27-year-old concept has grown to 652 units--90 more than on last year's Super Bowl Sunday--on a promise to guests of wings, beer and sports; in October, Buffalo Wild Wings reported revenue growth of 25% for the third quarter of 2009. Same-store sales, too, rose slightly in the same period: 0.8% for company-owned stores and 1.9% for franchised stores. These numbers led CEO Sally Smith to project that the chain would meet its goal of 20% to 25% net earnings growth for the year; fourth-quarter results are expected to be released Feb. 11.

Read the full article here: http://www.rimag.com/article/447893-Q_A_Buffalo_Wild_Wings_EVP_Judy_Shoulak_Says_Community_Focus_is_Key_to_Chain_s_Success.php

Franchise Awards by Constant Contact

Constant Contact Announces Winners of First Annual Franchise Excellence in Email Awards
Leader in email marketing recognizes outstanding achievements in email marketing by Abrakadoodle, Geeks On Call and EmbroidMe
Feb. 5, 2010, 8:38 a.m. EST
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/constant-contact-announces-winners-of-first-annual-franchise-excellence-in-email-awards-2010-02-05?reflink=MW_news_stmp

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb 05, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Constant Contact(R), Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!ctct/quotes/nls/ctct (CTCT 17.67, +0.25, +1.44%) , a leading provider of email marketing, event marketing and online survey tools for small organizations, today announced the winners of its first ever Franchise Excellence in Email Awards. Abrakadoodle(R), Geeks On Call(R), and EmbroidMe(R) were recognized for their outstanding achievements in email marketing as judged by Constant Contact's Franchise team and guest judge Joel Libava, The Franchise King(R) and president of Franchise Selection Specialists Inc.

"One of the many great characteristics of a successful franchise is their creative use of technology," said Kevin O'Brien, director, National Accounts, Constant Contact. "This was very apparent as we reviewed the entries for the Franchise Excellence in Email Awards. From creative design to compelling content, franchise businesses not only understand email marketing, they use it to help build strong customer relationships. We are so pleased to recognize our three winning franchises for outstanding email marketing success."

The Franchise Excellence in Email Awards attracted submissions from franchisors and franchisees across the country and spanned multiple industries. The winning entries were selected in the following three categories:

Best in Show 2009: Abrakadoodle This award-winning franchise impressed the judges with its high open rates and significant subscriber growth by using best practices and continually incorporating reader feedback into future campaigns.

Best Overall B2C Email Campaign: Geeks On Call High open and click-through rates caught the judges' attention, but it was the creative use of templates and content designed to meet the needs of their audience, that helped Geeks On Call win in this category.

Best Overall B2B Email Campaign: EmbroidMe In the challenging B2B category, EmbroidMe set the bar high with diverse, yet relevant content that met the needs of its audience and led to a significant increase in sales directly attributed to its email campaigns.

Honorable Mentions: Constant Contact also would like to recognize the following franchises for receiving an honorable mention for their creativity and success in email marketing: BlackJack Pizza(R), Great Clips(R), SignARama(R), and WSI.

In addition to national recognition, the winner in each category will receive a customized Constant Contact email marketing template for their franchise and twelve months free use of Constant Contact Email Marketing for one franchisee*.

"Among the many excellent entries I reviewed, those that stood out to me were from the franchises that clearly understood their customer bases and used email marketing to communicate about their specific needs," said Libava. "I, myself, learned a lot about email marketing during the review process, and believe that franchises of all sizes can learn valuable marketing tips from these three winning organizations."

Franchise businesses interested in learning more about the Constant Contact franchise program and how email marketing can benefit their business should visit: http://www.constantcontact.com/industry/franchises.jsp.

* One free template and account awarded to ultimate winner per category. Free Constant Contact account starting 3/1/2010 to 3/1/2011. Free account includes Email Marketing for up to a total of 5,000 email addresses, Online Survey for up to a total of 5000 responses per month, Event Management for up to a total of 10 published events per month, Image Hosting and Archive. Use of this account is subject to Constant Contact's standard terms and conditions. Winner will be responsible for all fees for use of the accounts above the noted levels. Free custom template will be created by Constant Contact's custom services team and will be created on a timetable set by that team.

About Constant Contact, Inc.

With more than 300,000 customers, Constant Contact, Inc. is a leading provider of email marketing, event marketing, and online surveys for small businesses, non-profits, and member associations. Founded in 1995, Constant Contact helps small organizations grow stronger customer relationships by delivering professional, low cost, easy-to-use online tools backed with award-winning support, education and personal coaching. Constant Contact is a publicly traded company /quotes/comstock/15*!ctct/quotes/nls/ctct (CTCT 17.67, +0.25, +1.44%) with offices located in Waltham, Mass., Loveland, Colo., and Delray, Fla. To learn more, please visit www.ConstantContact.com or call 781-472-8100.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date they were first issued and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "should," "believe," "hope," "target," "project," "goals," "estimate," "potential," "predict," "may," "will," "might," "could," "intend," variations of these terms or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Constant Contact's control. Constant Contact's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, the Company's ability to attract new customers and retain existing customers; the Company's dependence on the market for email marketing services for small businesses, nonprofits, and associations; general economic conditions and economic conditions specifically affecting the markets in which the Company operates; adverse regulatory or legal developments; the Company's ability to continue to promote and maintain its brand in a cost-effective manner; the Company's ability to compete effectively; the continued growth and acceptance of email as a communications tool; the Company's ability to develop and successfully introduce new products or enhancements to existing products; the Company's ability to manage growth; the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property and other proprietary rights; and other risks detailed in Constant Contact's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 filed with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") on November 6, 2009, as well as other documents that may be filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Constant Contact's views as of the date of this press release. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. Constant Contact undertakes no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Constant Contact's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

SOURCE: Constant Contact, Inc.

Constant Contact, Inc.
Rosalind Morville, 339-222-5772
rmorville@constantcontact.com
or
PerkettPR for Constant Contact
Lisa Dilg, 313-399-0892
constantcontact@perkettpr.com

Pollo Campero and Disney

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 11:54am CST
Pollo Campero grows from Big D to Disney
Dallas Business Journal

Latin chicken quick-service restaurant company Pollo Campero is taking the fast-food dining concept it honed in Dallas to the Walt Disney World Resort.

The Dallas-based company has partnered with franchisee Levy Campero to open a new restaurant in the Downtown Disney Marketplace within the heart of the family-friendly resort in Orlando, Fla.

Read the full story by clicking here: http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2010/02/01/daily20.html?s=industry&i=retailing_restaurants

Taking the IPO road: Boon or bane

Taking the IPO road: Boon or bane
To understand the dynamics of franchise companies, releasing their Initial Public Offerings (IPO) and to educate the masses and investors on the undertakings of the franchise industry, Francorp has carried out a detailed study. Read on to know more.
By Franchise India Consulting January 18, 2010

http://www.franchiseindia.com/articles/Financial/Taking-the-IPO-road-Boon-or-bane-237/

Francorp, a part of Franchise India Group, Asia’s largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solutions Company conducted a study on the major trends in Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), operating plans, industry analysis and pricing of Domino’s. The report elaborates on the background of Domino’s, which is now known as Jubilant Foodworks Limited, the Master Franchise for Domino’s pizza stores across India and Sri Lanka. The company changed its name from Domino’s Pizza India Ltd. to Jubilant Foodworks Ltd. in September, 2009. However, the company still continues to use the brand name of ‘Domino’s Pizza’ for marketing and other related purposes. Jubilant Foodworks has opened 274 stores in 55 cities in India and is looking forward to extend this number to 450. The Company has 32 per cent stake from JP Morgan and India Private Equity Fund (IPEF). Jubilant Foodworks had net sales of Rs 2,806 million in 2008 and Rs 2,111 million in 2007 whereas the profit after tax for the company was Rs 67.5 million and Rs 77.5 million in both the years. The Company is now going for an Initial Public Offering and has filed a DRHP with SEBI for an approval.
A quick glance over the various parameters that are covered in the analysis of the IPO are:
Industry analysis on Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) category reveals that almost 25,000 pizzas are sold per day and offering such as ‘Pizza in less than 30 minutes or no-charge’ by Domino’s make it one of the top players in this category. Consumers spend almost 11 per cent of their pocket expense on fast-food every year. However, Domino’s has not shown any intention of increasing their product prices in near future.
Domino’s has 274 stores operating in Indian market out of which 70 stores went operative by August, 2009 itself. The Company plans to expand this number to 310 by March, 2010 and to 440-450 in the future. The fast food restaurant business has seen a rise of 7-20 per cent in 2009 and Domino’s itself claims to expand its base by 10 per cent in 2010. Domino’s currently owns 42 per cent of the market share. Jubilant Foodworks is looking to raise Rs 3 billion through IPO to settle around Rs 840 million debts whereas the investors are looking for a valuation worth Rs 1.65 billion for their share. According to Ajay Kaul, CEO of Jubilant Foodworks, “The Company is working on getting food brands other than pizza in India in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, addition of 38 Dominos stores before March 31, 2010 is the primary target that the Company is handling.”
Jubilant Foodworks is the first Master Franchisee to go for releasing an IPO in India. They do not own the Domino’s brand and therefore, cannot bring the requisite changes in it if required. On similar lines, the changes in market performance especially pertaining to the fast food service industry will directly affect the price of Equity shares of Jubilant Foodworks.
Jubilant Foodworks has planned to open its IPO on Jan 18 and will close it by Jan 20, 2010. The price band has not been decided but it is expected to be around Rs155.
To understand the IPO strategy of Jubilant Foodworks, we did the following analysis on risks and advantages associated with an investor making investment into a franchise company’s IPO.
Advantages of IPO route to Franchisee
To provide exit funds to PE investors who have stake in the franchisee’s business.
Expanding its operation through opening of more stores and therefore investing on marketing, advertising, training, etc of their franchisee business.
Clear its present debts.
Expansion of the franchise business in new territories.
Undertaking strategic initiatives.
To strengthen the market position of the brand they are promoting or franchising.
Challenges aligned with IPO to Franchisee
What would happen if a franchisee loses its master franchisee status for a region or country? This could happen due to two reasons. Either the franchisor closes its operation in that particular region or he decides not to give one master franchisee for any particular market but fragment it into several regional franchisees or individual franchisees.
Under both the conditions, the franchisee will:
Face competition from other franchisees of that region in the same product group/brand.
Any change in the brand introduced by the franchisor shall generate a response among the customers which cannot be controlled by franchisee/master franchisee.
Franchisee/master franchisee is not in a position to bring requisite changes in the brand even if the market demands so, as they are only the promoters of franchisor’s brand.
To justify the risks and advantages being undertaken by a franchisee company such as Jubilant Foodworks while releasing its IPO, it is important that we understand the course of development of a franchisee company that primarily effects the company’s decision to take the IPO road.
A group of franchisees or master/regional franchisee may require large amount of money. This could be for the following reasons:
To buy new equipments or to upgrade the old ones.
To expand into a new region or to establish a new kind of business related to new franchisee.
To pay back old debts in order to avoid paying interests on them
To provide ‘exit strategy’ for the owner or existing investors
The large sum of money against investments in franchise business can be procured through following types of investors:
Venture Capitalists
Angel Investors
Investment Banks
Private Equity Firms
Releasing IPO
The reasons why a franchisee does not start the business by raising funds through IPO are:
Limited requirement: A franchisee does not require huge funds to start the business
Lack of awareness : A franchisee may not have an idea about the process of releasing IPO to raise funds
No Corporate Identity: Franchisee may not incorporate them as a corporate identity and run the business as single entity throughout.
No Aggressiveness: At initial phases, a franchisee is interested in establishing the business and may not be very aggressive about expansion.
Difficulty in raising capital: A franchisee can find it possible to raise the required capital to initiate the business process without much hassle through friends, family, financial institutions, or Angels Investors.
Stringent Regulations: SEBI imposes strict regulations which a Company must comply in the process of application to release IPO.
High Cost of Eligibility: A franchisee company looking for releasing IPO must have good financial record, credit history, corporate governance and several other parameters, which already require high input cost to maintain. Thus, not all companies become eligible for releasing IPO.

Franchise sector expects better 2010

Franchise sector expects better 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
BY JOEL BERG
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1265036188308660.xml&coll=1
For The Patriot-News
After a dismal 2009, the franchise business is hoping for better times in 2010.

The sector is expected to add about 36,000 jobs this year after shedding more than 400,000 last year, according to a forecast released by the International Franchise Association, based in Washington. It represents about 1,300 franchisors and 12,000 franchisees.

The recovery would be stronger if loans were easier to get, according to the association.

Read the full article at: http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1265036188308660.xml&coll=1

Five key trends that will shape business finance in 2010

http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20
Banks are about to take a bath on commercial real estate, and the reserves needed to cover those bad loans will leave less money available for business lending, warns Scott Shane, a business professor at Case Western Reserve University. Shane and other experts offer their take on five expected business finance trends for 2010, including continued weakness in the venture capital market.

Two day Business workshop on Healthcare, Wellness & Beauty to start in Mumbai

Two day Business workshop on Healthcare, Wellness & Beauty to start in Mumbai
By nricha17 - Posted on January 23rd, 2010 - 08:11
http://www.information-online.com/node/34037

Tagged: Dr Lal Path Labs Private Limited • Evolve • Franchise India Holdings • Franchise India Holdings Ltd • Francorp • Gaurav Marya • Harshjeet Kuroop • healthcare retail • Lal Path Labs • Manoj Shah • medicine chains • Medium Healthcare Consulting Pvt Ltd • Medium Healthcare Marketing • Mukesh Batra • Mumbai • Mumbai,Maharashtra,India • O.P. Manchanda • Ratan Jalan • real estate • retail • retail franchising • retail solution • Richa Narang • Roundtable • Srinivasan • Taj Lands End • The Organisers Franchise India Holdings Limited • Vivek Desai
Franchise India to host two day exclusive workshop on the Business of Healthcare, Beauty and Wellness with the leading experts of the industry.

Franchise India Holdings limited in association with Francorp and Medium Healthcare Consulting Pvt Ltd is all set to organize a two day workshop on Business of Healthcare, Wellness and Beauty on 29th & 30th January, 2010 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The two day workshop would explore and evaluate the opportunities in the India Healthcare, Wellness & Beauty segment and how the industry can use franchising to unfold the true potential.

The workshop would highlight the key areas of the industry like Overview and Challenges in healthcare retail, Why and When to Franchise : Expanding your business through franchising, Nuts & Bolts of a Franchise Action Plan, How do you find potential franchisees / business partners , Marketing, Pricing and Creating a Brand Identity, Some of the day-to-day Operational Challenges, and many more. The summit would be led by India’s top leading Industry Expert Mr Ratan Jalan, Founder, Medium Healthcare Marketing, along with experts having wide experience in these sectors.

Apart from the workshop, the CEO Roundtable, Expert Super session & Panel Discussion would also form a core part of the two day event. Some of the prominent speakers would be Dr Mukesh Batra, CMD, Dr Batras, Mr Harshjeet Kuroop, MD, Birla Kerala Vaidyashala, Mr Srinivasan, Naturals, Manoj Shah, CEO , Evolve, O.P. Manchanda, CEO, Lal Path Labs, Dr Vivek Desai, CEO & MD, HOSMAC

Also on the occasion Franchise India is to launch India’s first Whitepaper on business of Health, Wellness & Beauty which would provides strategic approach to the opportunities and challenges being witnessed in Health, Wellness & Beauty service and retail franchising.

Said Mr. Gaurav Marya, President, Franchise India “Healthcare & Beauty has emerged as one of the largest service sectors in India and globally. Also, driven by the country’s current demand and supply dynamics, there lies a huge potential for this industry to grow in the next decade, with some sectors growing at almost double-digit rate. Franchising continues to be one of the most adopted expansion strategy by the corporates as well as SMEs in this sector considering its numerous advantages. This workshop will open a way to explore the possible opportunities with the industry experts”

“This workshop would be of benefit for Brand owners and managers, administrators and senior management officials from Hospitals, Pharma / alternative medicine chains, diagnostic labs, OPD facilities, beauty clinics/ salons, gyms / fitness clubs, spas / wellness centre, therapy centre etc” further added by Mr. Marya

About The Organisers
Franchise India Holdings Limited (FIHL) is Asia’s largest integrated franchise and retail solution provider since 1999. Franchise India is an authority on franchising, licensing, retail, real estate and marketing having helped numerous investors in the country to become entrepreneurs. Franchise India has helped more than two lakh business investors, through its 50+ shows, held in India and abroad.

For any further information kindly contact
Richa Narang @09999881085
E-mail: nricha@franchiseindia.net

Restaurant Owner Uno Files for Chapter 11

BUSINESSJANUARY 20, 2010, 3:29 P.M. ET.
Restaurant Owner Uno Files for Chapter 11
By PATRICK FITZGERALD
From the Wall Street Journal

Uno Holdings Corp., the parent of the Uno pizzeria chain, filed for bankruptcy protection Wednesday with a plan that cuts $142 million in debt from its books and gives control of the company to bondholders.

The privately held company filed for Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.

Read the rest of the article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704320104575015370094036624.html?mod=djkeyword

Franchising Companies take the IPO road in India Is Dominos rightly valued? A study by Francorp!

Franchising Companies take the IPO road in India Is Dominos rightly valued? A study by Francorp!
http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/retail/2010011841530.htm

To understand the dynamics of the Franchising Companies releasing their Initial Public Offering (IPO) in India, Francorp carried out a study on the 'Dominos IPO'. The analysis reflects the major trends on Quick Service Restaurants, Operating Plans, Industry Analysis and Pricing of Dominos. Francorp has executed the research as an initiative to educate their readers and investors on the undertakings of the industry.

New Delhi, Delhi, January 18, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- To understand the dynamics of the Franchising Companies releasing their Initial Public Offering (IPO) in India, Francorp carried out a study on the 'Dominos IPO'. The analysis reflects the major trends on Quick Service Restaurants, Operating Plans, Industry Analysis and Pricing of Dominos. Francorp has executed the research as an initiative to educate their readers and investors on the undertakings of the industry. As a part of this initiative, Francorp also proposes to study other industries in detail and assessing their IPO plans. Francorp is a part of Franchise India Group, which is Asia's largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solutions Company that specializes in providing innovative solutions to its global clientele.

The report elaborates the background of Dominos, which is now known as Jubilant Foodworks Limited, which is the Master Franchise for Domino's pizza stores across India and Sri Lanka. The Company changed its name from Domino's Pizza India Ltd. to Jubilant Foodworks Ltd. in September, 2009. However, the company will continue to use the brand name of 'Domino's Pizza' for marketing and other related purposes. Jubilant Foodworks has opened 274 stores in 55 cities in India and is looking forward to extend this number to 450, soon. The Company has 32% stake from JP Morgan and India Private Equity Fund (IPEF). Jubilant Foodworks had net sales of Rs. 2,806 mil in 2008 and Rs. 2,111 mil in 2007 whereas the profit after tax for the company was Rs. 67.5 mil and Rs. 77.5 mil in 2008 and 2007 respectively. The Company is going for Initial Public Offering and has filed DRHP with SEBI for approval.

A quick glance over the various parameters which have been covered in the analysis of the IPO are :.

◦Industry analysis on Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) category reveals that almost 25,000 pizzas are sold per day and offering such as 'Pizza in less than 30 minutes or no-charge' by Domino's make it one of the top players in this category. Consumers spend almost 11% of their pocket expense on fast-foods every year and world's second largest growing consumer economy doesn't seem to alter their spending even if the food inflation might hit 15-20% high in the coming time. However, Domino's has not shown any intention of increasing their product prices in near future.

◦Domino's on the other hand has 274 stores operating in Indian market out of which 70 stores went operative by August, 2009 itself. The Company plans to expand this number to 310 by March, 2010 and to 440-450 in more future. The fast food restaurant business has seen rise of 7-20 percent in 2009 and Domino's itself claims to expand its base by 10% in 2010. The Company saw 30% increases in its sale to lower segment of the economy through the launch of its 'Pizza for Rs. 35'. Jubilant Group eyes 45% market share in the market which is expected to grow to Rs. 6-7 bil. Dominos currently owns 42% of the market share. Jubilant Foodworks is looking to raise Rs. 3 bil through IPO to settle around Rs. 840 mil debt whereas the investors are looking for a vaulation worth Rs. 1.65 bil for their share. According to the CEO of Jubilant Foodworks, Mr. Ajay Kaul, the Company is working on getting food brands other than pizza in India in forseeable future. In the meantime, addition of 38 Dominos stores before March 31, 2010 is the primary target that the Company is handling.

◦Jubilant Foodworks is the first Master Franchisee to go for releasing IPO in India. They do not own the Dominos brand and therefore, cannot bring the requisite changes in it if required, by them. On the similar lines, the changes in market performance especially pertaining to the fast food service industry will directly affect the price of Equity shares of Jubilant Foodworks.

◦Jubilant Foodworks has planned to open its IPO in Jan 18 and will close the books on Jan 20, 2010. The price band will be decided in the coming week. It is expected to be around Rs. 155.

To Understand the IPO strategy of Jubilant Foodworks (Master Franchisee of Domino's Pizza in India) in India, we did the following analysis on risks and advantages associated with an investor making investment into a franchise company's IPO.

Advantages of IPO route to Franchisee

◦To provide exit funds to PE investors who have stake in the franchisee's business

◦To expand its operation through opening of more stores and therefore invest on marketing, advertising, training, etc of their franchisee business

◦To clear its present debts and improve its debt to equity ratio.

◦To expand the franchisee business in new territories

◦Undertaking strategic initiatives

◦To strengthen the market position of the brand they are promoting or franchising

◦Corporate purposes

Challenges aligned with IPO to Franchisee

The risk associated with the IPO release of any Franchisee, for the prospective investors can be summarized as under:

◦What happens if a franchisee loses its Master Franchisee status for a region or country? This could happen due to two reasons.

◦The franchisor closes its operation in that particular region,

◦The franchisor decides not to give one Master Franchisee for any particular market but fragment it into several regional franchisees or individual franchisees.

Under both the conditions, the franchisee will either

◦Face competition from other franchisees of that region in the same product group/brand, or

◦Won't be having any business

◦Any change in the brand introduced by the franchisor shall generate a response among the customers which cannot be controlled by franchisee/master franchisee.

◦Franchisee/Master franchisee is not in a position to bring requisite changes in the brand even if the market demands so, as they are only the promoters of Franchisor's brand.

◦The franchisee/master franchisee will have to align its marketing, advertising and operation strategy in consent from franchisor and will find it difficult to introduce immediate changes to tackle new entrants in the particular market sector.

To justify the risks and advantages a franchisee company such as Jubilant Foodworks is undertaking while releasing its IPO, it is important that we understand the course of development of a franchisee company that primarily effects the Company's decision to take the IPO road.

A group of franchisees or master/regional franchisee may require large amount of money. This could be for the following reasons:

◦To buy new equipments or to upgrade the old ones

◦To expand into a new region or to establish a new kind of business related to new franchisee

◦To pay back old debts in order to avoid paying interests on them

◦To provide "exit strategy" for the owner or existing investors

◦To make original owners or investors rich

The large sum of money against investments in franchisee business can be procured through following types of investors:

◦Venture Capitalists

◦Angel Investors

◦Investment Banks

◦Private Equity Firms

◦Releasing IPO

These investors always check the feasibility of the business, credentials of the person or group who wants to start the business and what other assistance in the growth of business such as marketing, legal and advertising will be required during the establishment of the business.

Our critical analysis of franchisee growth delivers following comments and propositions:

The reasons why a franchisee business does not start their business by raising funds through IPO or why a franchisee business cannot initiate procurement of funds through IPO are:

◦Limited requirement: A franchisee does not require huge funds to start the business

◦Limited Awareness: A franchisee may not have an idea about the process of releasing IPO to raise funds

◦No Corporate Identity: Franchisee may not incorporate themselves as corporate identity and run the business as single entity throughout

◦No Aggressiveness: At initial phases, a franchisee is interested in establishing the business and may not be aggressive about expansion

◦Limited Difficulty in Raising Capital: A franchisee can find it possible to raise the required capital to initiate the business process without much hassle through friends, family, financial institutions, PEs, VCs or Angels Investors.

◦Stringent Regulations: SEBI imposes strict regulations which a Company must comply in the process of application to release IPO.

◦High Cost of Eligibility: A Franchisee Company looking for releasing IPO must have good financial record, credit history, corporate governance and several other parameters, which already require high input cost to maintain. Thus, not all companies become eligible for releasing IPO.

Notes to Editor

About Franchise India

Franchise India is Asia's largest integrated franchise solution company since 1999, with an absolute authority on Franchising, Licensing, Retailing, Real estate and Marketing. The company has consulted several major brands over these years like HCL, MGF, Quality Walls, Tata, Gitanjali, HSBC, Levis, JK Tyres, Lakme, D'damas, Adidas, Euro Kidz, The Apollo Clinic, Chhabra 555, Kidzee, Motilal Oswal, Rosebys, Next, Welhome and more, through media, advisory and exhibitions. With its strategically formed divisions, Franchise India has created its own niche as the pioneers of franchise industry and a small business authority.

For more details log on to http://news.franchiseindia.com

http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/retail/2010011841530.htm

Taco Bell founder dies at age 86 - MarketWatch

Taco Bell founder dies at age 86 - MarketWatch

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Southern California McDonald's Restaurants Offer Free Wi-Fi to Customers in Over 600 Locations

Southern California McDonald's Restaurants Offer Free Wi-Fi to Customers in Over 600 Locations
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southern-california-mcdonalds-restaurants-offer-free-wi-fi-to-customers-in-over-600-locations-81745862.html

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. will offer free Wi-Fi including more than 600 McDonald's restaurants in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

One in six reported Wi-Fi hotspots in the U.S. are located at McDonald's**, making McDonald's the leading provider of out-of-home Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.

"McDonald's is committed to providing our customers with quality, convenience and service all at a great value," said Neal Ruby, McDonald's owner/operator and president of the McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California (MOASC). "Free Wi-Fi is just another way we are bringing greater value to our customers, when they need it the most."

Customers can access free Wi-Fi at McDonald's by opening their browser, connecting to the access point and accepting the agreement terms. The addition of free Wi-Fi now provides even greater value to McDonald's customers in the Southland all day, every day.

MOASC is comprised of over 600 franchised and company-owned McDonald's restaurants in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. Follow us on Twitter: @McDonalds_SoCal.

** As of Dec. 31 Jiwire.com reported 68,609 hotspots in the U.S. (paid and free), McD’s has 11,000+ Wi-Fi enabled restaurants. This means that McDonald’s represents over 16+% of reported U.S. hotspots.

Contact:
Marissa Medina/Liz Santos

Porter Novelli

(323) 762-2500

mmedina@porternovelli.com


SOURCE McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California

7-Eleven, Inc. Named Winner of 2009 Retailer Chief Award for Merchandising Excellence

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/7-eleven-inc-named-winner-of-2009-retailer-chief-award-for-merchandising-excellence-81963297.html
7-Eleven, Inc. Named Winner of 2009 Retailer Chief Award for Merchandising Excellence
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) this week will honor 7-Eleven, Inc. as the 2009 winner of the Retailer Chief Award for Merchandising Excellence during POPAI's Annual Night of Honors held Thursday, Jan. 21, in Miami Beach, Florida concluding the 2010 MarketSmart Conference.

"I can't think of a more driven, exemplary, and deserving company dedicated to advancing the marketing at retail industry than 7-Eleven," stated POPAI President Richard Winter. "7-Eleven not only pushes for policies and practices that help elevate the industry, but they also work on a daily basis to ensure that they are meeting and exceeding the needs of the consumer as well."

7-Eleven has conducted myriad marketing campaigns and implemented some of the most promising marketing at retail technologies in 2009 to spur an increase in impulse purchases and provide consumers with a more tailored and interactive in-store experience. Technologies the convenience store retailer unveiled include mobile marketing coupons in some 200 stores in the San Diego area and one of the nation's largest in-store TV networks with an estimated reach of 190 million viewers.

While 7-Eleven placed great emphasis on the consumer, the world's largest convenience store retailer has not forgotten about giving back to the retail community at large. In July the company launched an ambitious grassroots initiative aimed at gathering one million petition signatures from customers to change the way credit card companies do business with retailers across the country. The impetus behind the campaign was simple: An average of two out of every one hundred dollars Americans spend goes to transaction fees, and for many businesses, transaction fees are now their highest non-labor cost, growing even faster than health care costs.

7-Eleven has embarked on a major growth plan including opening some 250 stores in the U.S. and Canada this year after opening more than 200 stores in 2009. In addition, 7-Eleven is providing more franchise opportunities through its Business Conversion Program, whereby the company invites qualified owners of mom-and-pop convenience stores or other small retail outlets to rebrand their operations as a 7-Eleven store. There are now 180 of these conversions in the U.S. since the program started in 2005.

The criteria used in determining the Chief Retailer Award recipient included a commitment to marketing at retail advocacy, a proven history of activism on behalf of the marketing at retail community, and success and growth as a company – all areas in which 7-Eleven has excelled.

Since 1936, POPAI has served as the leading international advocate and voice of the marketing at retail industry. Comprised of 20 chapters worldwide and serving more than 1,700 members internationally, POPAI promotes, protects and advances the broader interests of the marketing at retail community through original research, certified education, showcasing industry excellence, trade forums and protecting intellectual and legislative rights. For more information, please visit www.popai.com.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/7-eleven-inc-named-winner-of-2009-retailer-chief-award-for-merchandising-excellence-81963297.html

SOURCE POPAI

RELATED LINKS
http://www.popai.com

Retire? Forget About It - Entrepreneur.com

Retire? Forget About It - Entrepreneur.com

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Shathayu Ayurveda to Build a Pan –India Network by leveraging Francorp’s expertise

Shathayu Ayurveda to Build a Pan –India Network by leveraging Francorp’s expertise
By cvwscentrestage - Posted on January 7th, 2010
http://www.information-online.com/node/31020

Shathayu Ayurveda, established in 1901 is a traditional healing centre which started with a vision of providing effective & economical health care services. With a century old brand value and a strong presence in South, Shathayu Ayurveda is now set to expand into other regions nationally with the expertise of Francorp. Francorp is a part of Franchise India Group, which is Asia’s largest integrated Franchise and Retail Solutions Company that specializes in providing innovative solutions to its global clientele.

Shathayu Ayurveda promotes research & evidence based Ayurveda. Shathayu Ayurveda has emerged as the pioneer in wellness and treatment of various diseases such as migraine, psoriasis, diabetes, etc, apart from its health maintenance programmes, massages and many more Ayurvedic treatments. Conceptualized by doctors, Shathayu Ayurveda has an in house medical pharmacy, providing treatments which are research based and truly result oriented. Apart from traditional health centre, it also offers effective weight loss programmes where patrons can lose upto 6-8 kgs weight with in a stipulated time which no other centre can assure of. ISO certified, Shathayu Ayurveda has successfully treated more than 5,00,000 patients at their 3 operational centres in Bangalore.
Commenting upon the association, Mr Gaurav Marya, President Francorp said, “It is estimated that the total value of products from the entire Ayurvedic production in India is on the order of one billion dollars (U.S.).Ayurvedic medicines are produced by several thousand companies in India, but most of them are quite small, including numerous neighborhood pharmacies that compound ingredients to make their own remedies. Shathayu Ayurvedic Centre is targeting to open more than 100 centers by 2012. India is sensitive market both in terms of price and well being. Shathayu offers a unique business proposition to its franchisees. Its emphasis on preventive healthcare is bound to yield returns in the long term due to rising health consciousness amongst Indian consumers. Hence there is an enormous opportunity in the Indian market which ensures high returns from this successful association.”
About Francorp
Since its inception in 1976, Francorp has been the unsurpassed leader of the Franchise Consulting Industry globally. Over the years, Francorp based out of Chicago, has assisted companies in virtually every market segment with its patented processes and unmatched expertise. The clients include companies like Bridgestone, XEROX, Shell Oil, Hallmark Cards, Encyclopedia Britanica, Mad Science Group, Pollo Camperio, Ace Hardware, BP, Fruehauf, and Gant, to name a few. In India, Francorp has associated with Franchise India Holdings Ltd. and has coalesced in an experience of 42 years.

About Franchise India
Franchise India is Asia’s largest integrated franchise solution company since 1999, with an absolute authority on Franchising, Licensing, Retailing, Real estate and Marketing. The company has consulted several major brands over these years like HCL, MGF, Quality Walls, Tata, Gitanjali, HSBC, Levis, JK Tyres, Lakme, D’damas, Adidas, Euro Kidz, The Apollo Clinic, Chhabra 555, Kidzee, Motilal Oswal, Rosebys, Next, Welhome and more, through media, advisory and exhibitions. With its strategically formed divisions, Franchise India has created its own niche as the pioneers of franchise industry and a small business authority.
http://www.information-online.com/node/31020

The Three P's That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2010

The Three P's That Will Drive Small Business Success in 2010
By Michael Perrone
http://www.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=947757
What a year! For many, 2009 is a year they would like to forget. Between overleveraged mortgages, banks that failed or were too big to fail, and a restructuring of the auto industry, many individuals and businesses alike are ready to ring in 2010 with a more hopeful outlook.

In the coming months, the healthcare debate, business incentives and changes to the tax code will be at the forefront of local and national debates. Though important, these are issues in which the individual small business owner has minimal say. Instead of focusing on these larger issues, entrepreneurs should focus their efforts on enhancing small business productivity, prudence, and profit as we move into 2010.

Productivity
In the last few years, many companies learned to do more with less as cuts in spending and employment left many small businesses demanding more out of their employees. In 2010, small business productivity will remain vital as employees continue to carry a heavy workload. For companies to succeed, they need to arm their employees with the right small business productivity tools.

To read the full article visit: http://www.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=947757

DISCOVER FRANCHISING WITH THE FRANCHISING LEADER, FRANCORP

January 5, 2010
Author: Rushali Khandelwal
http://www.clickshappen.com/postafreepressrelease/pressrelease.cfm?ID=91888

DISCOVER FRANCHISING WITH THE FRANCHISING LEADER, FRANCORP
In 1976, Donald Boroian found Francorp Inc, the world’s largest and oldest franchise consulting company. Francorp, USA has been the leader in the franchise consulting industry for more than 30 years. It has helped over 2000 businesses across the globe to create success stories and carve a niche. With its global reach, Francorp enables seamless integration of the business model with a country’s unique ecosystem and legal functions. Chicago-based Francorp Inc. joined hands with Franchise India, Asia’s largest integrated franchise and retail Solution Company, early last year to start its Indian Chapter under the banner of Francorp India.

Providing strategic planning, legal, operations and marketing consultancy, Francorp is the first and only firm to offer comprehensive franchise consulting and development services under one roof. Based in New Delhi, Francorp India has its branch office in Bangalore and is in a process of setting up offices in Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai for geographical penetration. Besides assisting domestic brands to expand nationally, Francorp also facilitates to expand their franchise network in international markets as well.

India is amongst the largest consumer markets in the world and is currently experiencing a consumption boom. With disposable incomes rising in India, majority of the global and domestic brands see an immense potential to expand in the Indian market. These encouraging trends highlight the fact that companies have tremendous scope to grow by opting a strategized mode of expansion!

Today, investors looking for low-risk, high-returns avenues are opting for retail and franchising sectors to gain secured profits! The staggering growth rates witnessed in these sectors makes franchising as the safest and practical investment option in the recessionary times. Since its inception, Francorp India has consulted upto 100 brands to develop the franchise programs and have further strategized their business plans for nationwide expansion. Led by a team of consulting experts, who create customized solutions for each business in diversed industries, Francorp India offers an unmatched structured expertise in the franchise consulting domain. Francorp has strategized expansion plans nationally for clients like 3M, Interbrands, Lal Path Labs, NIPS, Kamyo, Pidilite, Kitsch, Bizaare, Indage Group, Fine Jewellery, Reebok, Latin Quarters, Sohum Spa, Carz Spa, Welhome, Gelato Vinto, Khyber, Normak Fashions, Bansal Tutorials, Daily Bread, Jumboking, Print Studio, Nnoni, Bon South, Dhananjai Apparels, Jamboree to name a few.

Commenting on Francorp’s growth, Mr. Gaurav Marya, President, Francorp said “The franchise industry has witnessed a high growth rate in the Indian sub-continent since its beginning in the early 90s and there is still an enormous scope for growth with the industry estimate of US$ 7 Billion. Moreover, India has the highest retail density in the world to approx 12 million positioning a great potential! If compared, 85% of the franchised businesses are successful and 90% of the self start-up ventures are failures, evidently positioning franchising as a safe mode of investment. In India, Francorp is an undisputed market leader in franchise consulting space due to its unmatched expertise and unique business approach. We have already consulted upto 100 clients in India in a short span of 1 year of operations and have numerous names in the pipeline. We plan to revolutionize the industry, by depicting the inherent potential of the franchise model of business expansion to propel the industry growth to the next level.”

About Francorp
For over 30 years, Francorp has been the leader in the franchise consulting industry. Globally Francorp has assisted more than 10,000 companies for expansion, and has developed more than 2,000 franchise programmes throughout the US, Japan, South Africa, Middle East, Central America, Malaysia, Philippines, Argentina, Chile and Mexico. Its notable clients include companies like Bridgestone, XEROX, Shell Oil, Hallmark Cards, Encyclopedia Britanica, Mad Science Group, Pollo Camperio, Ace Hardware, BP, Fruehauf, and Gant, to name a few.



About Franchise India
Franchise India Holding Ltd. is Asia’s largest integrated franchise solution company since 1999, with an absolute authority on Franchising, Licensing, Retailing, Real estate and Marketing. The firm has already consulted numerous brands in past few years like Videocon, HP, Reebok, Store 99, Pidilite, Hauck, Xenos, HCL, MGF, Kwality Walls, Tata, Gitanjali, HSBC, Levis, JK Tyres, Lakme, D’damas, Euro Kidz, The Apollo Clinic, Chhabra 555, Kidzee, Motilal Oswal, Rosebys, Next, Welhome and many more through its media initiatives, advisory services and exhibitions. With its strategically formed divisions, FIHL has created its own niche as the pioneers of franchise industry and a small business authority.

For further details please contact:
Ms. Payal Gupta @ gpayal@franchiseindia.net
Or visit www.francrop.in

Domino's CEO to Step Down

JANUARY 5, 2010, 8:14 A.M. ET.
Domino's CEO to Step Down
By TESS STYNES
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703436504574639943527702538.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Domino's Pizza Inc. Chief Executive David A. Brandon will step down in March, with the board of directors planning to name J. Patrick Doyle as his successor in keeping with the pizza-chain's succession planning.

Mr. Brandon will stay on as chairman while becoming athletic director at the University of Michigan.

The pizza chain, like other restaurants, has been struggling amid the recession. It is in a battle for market share with rivals such as Yum Brands Inc.'s Pizza Hut and Papa John's International Inc., as well as thousands of independent pizzerias across the U.S.

For the full article, go to http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703436504574639943527702538.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

Franchising Goes Green

Franchising Goes Green
By Sara Wilson
http://www.allbusiness.com/franchises/13097437-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2F2976250+%28AllBusiness.com+-+Franchising%29

What do Pizza Fusion, Subway, McDonald's, Cartridge World and Ecowash Mobile all have in common?

Besides being franchises, it might not seem like a sub shop or a burger joint would, in any way, be comparable to a printer cartridge refilling company or a car wash business. But look a little deeper, because a new shade of business practices is coming to light: America’s going green, and franchises of all kinds are joining the movement.

“‘Sustainability’ or ‘green’ franchise companies are a trend,” confirms Alisa Harrison, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at the International Franchise Association (IFA). “We are seeing it in two ways: Those companies that are using their sustainability as a marketing point both to sell franchises and to market to their consumers, and those that are making incremental changes in order to conserve resources while at the same time reducing operating costs such as lower energy and water bills.”

Read the full article at: http://www.allbusiness.com/franchises/13097437-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2F2976250+%28AllBusiness.com+-+Franchising%29

The innovator's DNA

The innovator's DNA
http://knowledge.insead.edu/innovation-innovators-dna-091221.cfm?vid=358

Hal Gregersen
A major new study involving some 3,500 executives has highlighted the key skills that innovative and creative entrepreneurs need to develop. The six-year-long research into disruptive innovation by INSEAD professor Hal Gregersen, Jeffrey Dyer of Brigham Young University and Clayton Christensen of Harvard, outlines five 'discovery' skills you need. But, says Gregersen, you don’t have to be ‘great in everything.’

Some well-known business leaders such as Apple’s Steve Jobs and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos rely on their own particular strengths since innovative entrepreneurs rarely excel at all five discovery skills. For example, Scott Cook of Intuit is strong in observational skills. Marc Benioff, founder of Salesforce.com, does a lot of networking, he says. As for Bezos, “experimentation was his forte,” while Jobs is “incredibly strong at associating.”

The five skills, Gregersen says, are ‘a habit, a practice, a way of life’ for innovators. Although Gregersen and his co-authors use the DNA metaphor, innovative entrepreneurs are actually made or developed, rather than born. “We each have unique, fixed physical DNA,” says Gregersen, “but in terms of creativity, we each have a unique set of learnable skills that we rely on in order to get to the ideas that will give us some insight.”

Read the rest of the article at: http://knowledge.insead.edu/innovation-innovators-dna-091221.cfm?vid=358

First Coast restaurant chains plan for growth across SE | Jacksonville.com

First Coast restaurant chains plan for growth across SE Jacksonville.com

First Coast restaurant chains plan for growth across SE
Several Jacksonville-based restaurant chains are poised to grow; even coast-to-coast.

Even in lean times when diners think twice about eating out, Jacksonville-based restaurant chains have been setting the table for growth.
Firehouse Subs continued its decade-long expansion in 2009 with announcement of plans to eventually open 28 locations in Indianapolis and 125 in Chicago. Firehouse now counts 375 restaurants - up from 30 in 2000 - and has a presence in 19 states. Robin Sorensen, one of the company's founders, said Firehouse wants to open 70 more restaurants in 2010.