Signarama® Experiences Benchmark Year in 2018

Interim HealthCare Announces 2019 “Nurse Of The Year”

SUNRISE, FL – Interim HealthCare Inc., a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing, today announced Rakel Nussbaumer as its 2019 Nurse of the Year. Rakel works as a registered nurse for Interim HealthCare of Clovis, New Mexico, bringing comfort and care to her patients and their families. The “Interim HealthCare Nurse of the Year” is awarded annually during National Nurses Week, which begins May 6 and ends May 12, on Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
“It takes a truly remarkable person to give of themselves the way that Rakel has to her patients, their families and the local community she serves,” said Jennifer Sheets, Interim HealthCare Inc. President and CEO. “Nurses aren’t always aware of the significant impact they can have on patients and their families. We want Rakel, as well as all the other Interim HealthCare nurses and care professionals, to know that the work they do empowers people to live a more enriched, safe and independent life, and we thank you for all your contributions.”
Rakel began her career with Interim HealthCare in 2006 as a field nurse and grew into her current role as director of healthcare services for the Clovis franchise. Her role allows her to go beyond caregiving and support a team of clinicians. In the last year, Rakel designed and implemented a recognition board for all staff members, creating a space to recognize individual’s accomplishments and encourage team-wide support. This has boosted morale and appreciation for one another among the caregiver team.
“I’m so grateful to have chosen a career that allows me to impact so many lives in my community. I am honored to be recognized as Interim HealthCare’s Nurse of the Year,” said Rakel. “Caring for people is a true calling for me, and I’ve been lucky to do meaningful and impactful work for my patients and for my colleagues.”
“Nursing can be a taxing yet extremely rewarding career, and as the U.S. population ages, we need more great caregivers like Rakel to improve the lives of our patients, clients and their families,” said Sheets. “While the public recognition is well-deserved, the positive impact our nurses make day in and day out is immeasurable.”
To learn more, please visit for Interim HealthCare’s career webpage.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.
Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.
Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill On Track For Steady Growth in 2019

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – 24-7PressRelease – Award-winning restaurant, The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, finished the year strong with more than 36 franchise locations in various stages of development. The third location in Las Vegas, NV opened its doors on December 18, 2018. Early this year, new locations are expected to open in in Westminster, CO; Frisco, TX; Troy, MI; The Colony, TX; and Port St. Lucie, FL.

“The rapid growth of The Great Greek indicates our popularity among guests and their demand for great-tasting, high-quality food choices,” said Nick A. Della Penna, co-founder of The Great Greek. “The ingredients that have made us a success are that we buy the freshest products, prepare daily, and our team members at every location are committed to providing great guest service.”

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, a member of the United Franchise Group, a company that serves global entrepreneurs, is growing rapidly throughout the United States. “We are extremely excited about the growth of this brand in such a short time,” said Jim Butler, Leader of United Franchise Group’s Food Division. “It indicates how strong and appealing The Great Greek brand is to potential franchise owners. Its menu options feature bold flavors and healthy ingredients that make for a very enjoyable dining experience.”

Since partnering with United Franchise Group, the brand has experienced expansive growth and anticipates dozens of Great Greek Mediterranean Grill franchises to pop up across the nation. The brand also expects to expand to international markets in 2019.

About The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill

The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise concept featuring authentic Greek recipes, made to order, with only the highest quality ingredients, fresh products and outstanding hospitality. The original Great Greek locations were in Las Vegas, but the concept is now being franchised by The United Franchise Group and is quickly expanding across the U.S. and abroad.

About United Franchise Group

Led by CEO Ray Titus, United Franchise Group is home to a variety of internationally recognized brands including Signarama, Fully Promoted, Experimac, Jon Smith Subs, Venture X, SuperGreen Solutions, Transworld Business Advisors, Accurate Franchising, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. With more than three decades in the franchising industry, and 1,600 franchisees in 80 countries throughout the world, United Franchise Group offers unprecedented leadership and solid business opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Kumon Math and Reading Center: From the Corporate World to Small Business Owner

GREENLAWN, N.Y. – For much of his career, Kawai Chan worked in the Information Technology (IT) industry, but after a shift at the company, he knew he wanted to make a change professionally and become a small business owner. Chan was reminded of the success his own niece experienced in the Kumon Program and was inspired to look into the franchise. With a mission to make the same impact on other young minds, Chan is now the proud owner of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Greenlawn.
“I distinctly remember watching my niece go through the Kumon Math and Reading Program, and seeing that it not only made an improvement on her academics, but also instilled a sense of routine, allowing her to become a self-starter with her work,” said Chan, owner and Instructor of Kumon Math and Reading Center of Greenlawn. “She was able to grasp concepts independently and knew what she needed to do to succeed. I look forward to making that same impact on children in my local community.”
The Kumon Method empowers preschool to high school aged children to become self-learners and is designed to advance math and reading skills while fostering a love for learning. It goes beyond traditional tutoring by actively developing critical thinking skills as children progress independently through a carefully crafted curriculum.
“While working in IT, I gained experience in creating training materials, as well as onboarding new employees,” said Chan. “I’ve always had a passion for instruction and helping others. My main hope for students at my center is for them to experience the joy of learning through my instruction.”
Kumon sparks critical thinking, establishes a pattern of success and builds confidence that can lead to accelerated learning throughout life. Learn more about the Kumon Method today.
About Kumon Math & Reading Centers
Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program that unlocks the potential of children, so they can achieve more on their own. As a comprehensive program, Kumon serves children in preschool through high school. The learning method uses an individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration, and develop better study skills. Founded in 1958, Kumon has over four million students enrolled at nearly 25,000 learning centers in 51 countries and regions.
About the Kumon Franchise Business
Kumon is an ideal small business for professionals. Kumon Franchisees must have a four-year college degree, be proficient in math and reading, have investment capital of $70,000 and a net worth of at least $150,000. Founded in 1958, Kumon has over four million students enrolled at nearly 25,000 learning centers in 51 countries and regions.

Home Franchise Concepts Adds AdvantaClean to its Growing Family of Brands

IRVINE, Calif. – Home Franchise Concepts (HFC), the world’s largest franchising system in the home improvement space, has expanded its position as a whole-home solution with the Jan. 1, 2019, acquisition of AdvantaClean, one of the nation’s leading franchised providers of restoration services.

AdvantaClean becomes the fourth Home Franchise Concepts home-related brand, joining Budget Blinds®, Tailored Living® and Concrete Craft® as the top-rated franchised brands in their categories.

Founded in 1994, AdvantaClean specializes in mold remediation, water damage restoration, and air duct and dryer vent cleaning. It also provides permanent solutions such as crawl space encapsulation, attic and radon ventilation and basement waterproofing. The Huntersville, N.C.-based company operates more than 230 franchise territories in 37 states.

The acquisition extends HFC’s footprint and commitment to North American homeowners to more than 1,700 franchise territories operating in 11,000 cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

“AdvantaClean is a perfect fit with the HFC family and spreads our mission of being a whole-home-solution provider with a growing suite of best-in-class home products and services,” said Shirin Behzadi, CEO of Irvine, Calif.-based Home Franchise Concepts. “Just like local Budget Blinds, Tailored Living and Concrete Craft business owners, AdvantaClean franchisees are trusted, local experts in their communities, offering innovative solutions to help turn their customers’ houses into a home.”

According to Behzadi, AdvantaClean shares a number of similarities with HFC and its brand family including common core values and a focus on giving back. AdvantaClean is a National Partner of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “As a growing franchisor, HFC is looking to develop and acquire brands that not only meet specific business criteria but can contribute to our ongoing commitment to caring and our long-term partnerships with Home for Our Troops, Wounded Warriors Canada and Working Wardrobes.”

AdvantaClean was founded by Jeff Dudan in Florida to help homeowners impacted by Hurricane Andrew. President Matt Phillips is a Certified Franchise Executive, U.S. Army veteran and serves on the board of VetFran, a veteran franchising initiative of the International Franchise Association.

“We are delighted to join forces with the experts at HFC and to expand our collective ability to positively impact homeowners across North America,” said Phillips. “It’s rare that you find two companies that are so closely aligned in business philosophy, core values and a genuine desire to impact our local communities in the long run. AdvantaClean franchisees can expect a bright future as part of the HFC family.”

Boxwood Partners, LLC provided financial advice to AdvantaClean on the transaction.

About AdvantaClean

Founded in 1994 as a contracting business handling cleanup and repairs in South Florida, AdvantaClean, now headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., is one of the leading national franchised providers of Restoration Services in the country. The company currently ranks 85th on Entrepreneur Magazine’s fastest-growing-franchises list and is among Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 in franchisee-satisfaction ratings. In 2013–14, USA Today and the International Franchise Association recognized AdvantaClean as a Top Franchise for Military Veterans. Today, more than 230 AdvantaClean franchised territories operate in 37 states.

About Home Franchise Concepts

Home Franchise Concepts (HFC) is the top-selling family of direct-to-consumer brands in the home-related goods and services space, one of the world’s largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. HFC’s three brands including Budget Blinds®, Tailored Living® and Concrete Craft® are consistently rated at the top of their categories and supported by nearly 1,500 franchise territories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

SOURCE Home Franchise Concepts

Clean Juice Franchise Opens 50th Store In 30 Months

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Clean Juice, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise with stores sold in 21 states nationwide, will open its 50th store at a grand opening event at Five Points Plaza in Nashville, TN on January 5, 2019. This on the heels of recently being named the Fastest Growing Franchise in Charlotte by the Charlotte Business Observer and a Top 100 Game Changer by Franchise Dictionary Magazine, a leading national publication for the franchising industry.
The 50th open store at Five Points-Nashville, owned and operated by Allen and Dawn Tyndall, will host a grand opening event at their store at 962 Woodland Street in the revitalized and trendy East side community. The event will feature exclusive grand opening discounts, free product sampling, attendance by several neighboring business, door prizes and more. The event will also feature a visit from “Iron” Michael Chandler Jr., a three-time Bellator Lightweight World Champion mixed martial arts fighter and owner of Training Camp Nashville.
“We are truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve our guests in communities like Nashville with a high-quality, healthy and delicious organic product,” said Landon Eckles, Co-founder of Clean Juice along with his wife, Kat. “We are equally grateful for the entrepreneurial-spirited and dedicated franchise partners like the Tyndalls, for helping us grow and deliver products with a speed, a smile and a servant’s heart.”
Clean Juice continues its journey in becoming the world’s most plentiful juice bar by providing USDA-certified organic food and beverages to on-the-go guests while building meaningful relationships. The company sources only the highest quality, premium organic ingredients for its organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açaí bowls and some bites like Avocado Toast. Clean Juice aims to provide the perfect nutrition that comes only from organic food. When and if there is a sourced or seasonal product that cannot be found organically, each franchise location notifies guest through its “transparency board” in the front of all stores.
“Our company takes our ten foundational core values very seriously and each of them are equally important,” said Kat Eckles, co-owner and spouse to Landon, who also serves as Chief Branding Officer. “We believe that everything we do is for God and the key to success is building trust through transparency” she said.
The franchise continues its rapid ascension after being chosen as the 2018 NextGen in Franchising Grand Prize Winner out of approximately 900 applicants at the International Franchise Association Conference last February.
About Clean Juice
Realizing the importance of an organic, plant-based diet, co-founders Landon and Kat Eckles started Clean Juice in 2016 as the first and only USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise. Rooted in “healthy body and a strong spirit” (3 John 1-2) scripture, Clean Juice offers organic açaí bowls, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and other healthy food to on-the-go families in a warm and welcoming retail experience across the nation. For more information about Clean Juice, its leadership team and its core values, please visit www.cleanjuice.com.

Cherry Blow Dry Bar Experiences Rapid Growth In 2018

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – Cherry Blow Dry Bar – an expanding franchise that provides premium express services including blowouts, hair extensions, makeup services and treatments – celebrates a remarkable year of brand growth with a 44 percent growth rate in 2018.
Launched in 2013 and franchising since 2015, the brand has 18 total locations across seven states, about half of the salons opened in 2018 alone. Further, the affordable-glamorous brand opened eight new locations this year and entered new markets, including Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana, expanding its presence into the Southern states of the United States. In addition to the openings, the brand signed 11 franchise development deals calling for a total of 65 additional units – one deal was signed with a development group in Southern California calling 50 locations in the next several years to come.
“This year has been full of growth for Cherry Blow Dry Bar,” expressed Fred Vicario, CEO of Cherry Blow Dry Bar. “Since launching our franchising opportunity, 2018 has been one of our best years on record. The new salon openings and multi-unit development deals we signed will play a vital role in propelling the brand forward over the next several years.”
Plans for the first quarter of 2019 show that the company has no plans of slowing down as approximately four new salons are slated to open. In the New Year, the brand estimates to have 20 new salons open and operating all while continuously signing new franchisees.
Cherry Blow Dry Bar offers blowouts for hair of any length starting at about $40. Customers can pick and choose from the salon’s styling menu which includes nine different hairstyles – from updos and beachy waves to braids and voluminous curls. Salons offer three types of memberships, starting at about $59.99 for two monthly blowouts.
Although Cherry Blow Dry Bar primarily focuses on blowouts, other beauty services such as hair extensions, treatments, makeup application and even scalp massages are also offered.
“While growing our footprint nationally has been the goal since we launched our franchise opportunity – our main priority is to create a place that women will use as their go-to salon for blowouts and makeup services,” noted Vicario. “Cherry Blow Dry Bar exists to provide a welcoming environment for guests to come and receive glamorous services with long-lasting results at affordable prices. Our success and growth would not have been feasible without our dedicated team members and incredible franchisees.”
To augment the company’s growth, Vicario is looking for franchisee partners who have a passion for customer service and have a strong business acumen. Including a franchise fee of $39,000 the initial investment to open a Cherry Blow Dry Bar franchise is between $235,000-350,000.
Today, there are 18 salons open and operating in seven states – Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Louisiana and Virginia – with nearly 80 more under various stages of development throughout the country.
For more information about Cherry Blow Dry Bar, visit www.cherryblowdrybar.com.

About Cherry Blow Dry Bar
Launched in 2013 and franchising since 2015, Cherry Blow Dry Bar is an expanding franchise that provides premium express services including hair blowouts, hair extensions, makeup services and treatments for a perfectly finished look, all at affordable prices through a unique membership model. Today, there are 18 Cherry Blow Dry Bar salons open and operating in seven states, with nearly 80 more in various stages of development. For more information, please visit www.cherryblowdrybar.com.

7-Eleven Rings in 2019 with 19-cent Coffee, 7-Select® Pure Bottled Water

IRVING, Texas – PRNewswire – After counting down the end of 2018, revelers can ring in 2019 with 19-cent coffee and bottled water at participating 7-Eleven® stores. Good for a medium cup of fresh-brewed coffee or 1-liter bottle of 7-Select Pure water, the deal is available through the retailer’s 7Rewards® loyalty program on the 7-Eleven smartphone app. The coupon offer for each beverage is redeemable from 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 1, 2019. One item each per customer.

“At 7-Eleven we want every customer interaction to be delightful and valuable, 7Rewards loyalty program does exactly that,” said Gurmeet Singh, 7-Eleven Chief digital officer and Chief information officer. “Customers can earn and redeem points when they check out and even engage in unique in-store experiences, such as augmented reality. At 7-Eleven we want to deliver products and experiences our customers want and deserve. As we all celebrate the new year, what better way to reward our customers than to give them valuable promotions on products they love.”

Enhanced with added minerals and electrolytes, 7-Select Pure Water is one of 7-Eleven stores’ best-selling bottled drinks. And coffee is the company’s best-selling beverage of all – selling 1 million cups a day. 7-Eleven was the first retailer to offer coffee in to-go cups, introducing them at its Long Island stores in 1965.

The 7-Eleven hot beverage bars offer lots of choices – flavored and exotic coffees, hot tea and hot chocolate. The featured hot beverage is Chips Ahoy Hot Chocolate, exclusively available at 7-Eleven stores. For no extra charge, customers can conveniently create their perfect cup with sweeteners, plain and flavored creamers, flavored syrups and toppings to suit their taste.

All coffee varieties, flavors and blends are exclusive, with roasting levels and specifications developed exclusively for the retailer. 7-Eleven continues to seek out responsibly sourced coffees – 100 percent of its Colombian beans are sourced from coffee-growers whose farms meet strict standards designed to protect the environment, conserve wildlife and protect local communities. Its Exclusive Blend coffee contains 30 percent of coffee beans that meet the same standard.

The 19-cent coffee counts toward the 7Rewards “Buy Six, Get the Seventh Free” drink offer, and both products earn 7Rewards points.

Customers can sign up for the 7Rewards loyalty program by (1) downloading the 7-Eleven mobile app, (2) using the 7Rewards website, (3) messaging the 7-Eleven Bot on Facebook Messenger or (4) securing a physical 7Rewards loyalty card at a store nearby. Members earn points on most purchases** and bonus points on select products, multi-packs and promotional offers.

**Points exclude cards, services, fuel and age-restricted items including tobacco, lottery and alcohol.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 67,000 stores in 17 countries, including 11,800 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7-Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7-Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7-Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer loyalty platform on the 7-Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.

Signarama® Experiences Benchmark Year in 2018

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – 24-7PressRelease – Signarama®, a division of affiliated brands under United Franchise Group, experienced another benchmark year in 2018. Under the leadership of President A.J. Titus, the award-winning company continued to grow, adding more than 80 new franchisees worldwide, with a projected goal of adding 130 franchisees in 2019.

“We are extremely proud of our accomplishments this year, and certainly acknowledge the wonderful work of all franchise owners and employees because they are the foundation of our brand’s success,” said Signarama President, A.J. Titus. “I am proud to lead us into 2019 and look forward to great things in the New Year.” In August, Titus was recognized by the South Florida Business Journal as one of the region’s most entrepreneurial and influential leaders for its annual “40 Under 40” award.

Another major accomplishment for Signarama in 2018 was the unveiling of its new interactive showroom design. “It is the industry’s most modern, well-organized, and colorful professional space to sell products and services and provide customers with a truly “hands on” experience,” commented Titus. “The attractive, functional design had an immediate impact within the community, and it set the bar higher from an appeal and access standpoint.”

Signarama was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2018 as part of the Franchise 500 list and was named one of the “Top Global Franchises for 2018.” In addition, franchisees Bob and Melissa Chapa, owners of the Signarama in Troy, Michigan were named “Franchisees of the Year” by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

Signarama is setting the gold standard in a very competitive industry. It continues to be the sign solution for thousands of satisfied consumers who appreciate excellent products, friendly service, and an unwavering commitment to quality. From custom business signs, to vehicle and boat wraps, Signarama offers comprehensive options to meet every need.

About Signarama®

Signarama, the world’s largest sign franchise, offers branding and messaging solutions in addition to comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers – from business signs, vehicle wraps, and digital signs, to advertising and marketing services. Signarama is part of a successful group of affiliated companies and brands under the United Franchise Group (UFG). Signarama was recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as part of the Franchise 500 list and a Top Global Franchise list in 2018. With over 800 locations in 60 countries, the company expects to have more than 1,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2020.