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News and Information
Post Net Canada offers more value
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
March 6, 2007 - Newmarket, Ontario PostNet Canada has recently become one of the many franchisors that see the value in assisting their franchisees in getting started with solid advice and proper planning. They have enlisted the service of Ledgers Sure Start Program.
Launching a new franchise business can be daunting, stated Rob Anderson, President and CEO of PostNet Canada. Although PostNet provides extensive support and training, our franchisees have so many things to think about … from staffing, finding locations, training, grand openings and their local marketing.
“The last thing usually is the accounting and bookkeeping and the Sure Start program was just the answer”, he continued. “We also benefited through Ledgers keen knowledge of what being a franchise is all about and our Sure start program has been fully customized to our concept”.
“Getting a new location off on the right foot is vital to the success of the location”, stated Gordon Haslam, President and CEO of Ledgers Canada,” with this taken into consideration, we offer a new location setup package, which includes”:
• Incorporation of the business, articles, by-laws and minute book
• Business Plan, Budget & Cash Flow Projections
• Government registrations, Corporate Tax, Business Number
• Sales Tax Registrations
• Business Name Registration
• Accounting System Setup (Simply Accounting or QuickBooks)
• Organizational assistance
• 1st 3 months of Bookkeeping is INCLUDED!
Fees start from as low as $1,595.00 for the complete package
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Z-Pizza Expands in Virginia
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Zpizza Expands In Virgina
Local to Open Five Stores in Virgina Beach/Norfolk
Newport Beach, CA, —zpizza, the Southern California based gourmet pizza chain, recently signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Virgina entrepreneur Linda Tran. Ms. Tran, plans to open five zpizza stores in southeast Virginia—the first in Virginia Beach by Summer 2007.
“I was looking to franchise a concept that had an innovative niche,” says Tran. “zpizza caught my attention because of its gourmet, health conscious twist on traditional pizza.”
Often referred to as the Baja Fresh or Panera Bread of the pizza industry, zpizza takes a unique approach to the crowded pizza segment, offering a large selection of premium quality and creative pizzas. Zpizza’s menu offers 17 tasty and adventurous pizzas as well as sandwiches, salads, calzones and the opportunity to create your own pizza with a selection of crusts—including whole wheat, sauces, cheeses and toppings.
“zpizza’s popularity continues to broaden on the East Coast,” said Chris Bright, zpizza president. “We won ‘Best Pizza Restaurant’ and ‘Best Delivery Pizza’ in Washingtonian Magazine so we are very excited to be expanding beyond the metro area and into the rest of Virginia.”
zpizza will have over 60 locations open nationwide by the end of 2006 and another 200 in ongoing development in California, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, Colorado and Vermont.
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Maui Wowi The Destination For Hawaiian Products
Thursday, February 1, 2007
DENVER – Maui Wowi Hawaiian has revolutionized its brand to include authentic Hawaiian products, giving the franchise company the distinction of being the most comprehensive destination for these genuine Hawaiian products outside of Hawaii.
Known for its fresh-fruit smoothies, Hawaiian coffees, and Hawaiian merchandise such as gifts and exclusive Maui Wowi gear, Maui Wowi Hawaiian is now importing top-selling items from small Hawaiian farms and bakers — items that before could only be purchased online or in Hawaii.
“Our goal is to help make Maui Wowi franchisees the best they can be. By offering some of the most sought-after coffees in the world, (and the only 100% American Grown), our franchisees not only enjoy unbelievably cool products, they offer something no one else has anywhere outside of Hawaii!” said Michael Haith, ‘The Big Kahuna’ at Maui Wowi. “We’re a destination for fans of Hawaii and the Hawaiian lifestyle – so this expansion helps fulfill the requests from our raving fans and loyal customers.”
Maui Wowi now offers more than 100 new, authentic Hawaiian products through its nearly 500 franchised units worldwide. The company has plans to add even more merchandise from the islands in the future.
“We hand-selected the most reputable and popular farmers, roasters and bakers in Hawaii, like Mountain Thunder, and asked them to recommend their best-selling items for us to present to Maui Wowi customers,” added Haith. “Maui Wowi is famous for promoting the feeling of Ohana — or family – among our customers, franchisees, staff and suppliers. It feels great to help these small, family-owned Hawaiian companies grow their businesses outside the Islands and offer their products to the world.”
Maui Wowi Hawaiian franchise operators offer proprietary and exclusive merchandise designed specifically for retail stores, and Maui Wowi event/kiosk and cart operations.
About Maui Wowi Hawaiian
Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the only franchise that offers authentic, natural Hawaiian products, fresh-fruit smoothies, blended Hawaiian coffee beverages, and genuine Hawaiian lifestyle stuff. Founded in 1983, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has experienced meteoric growth to include nearly 500 franchised units in its worldwide franchise “Ohana,” or family. This earth-friendly company celebrates its Aloha Spirit by embracing the values of family, harmony and balanced living while striving to abide by the principles of sustainable living.
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Maui Wowi opens in H-E-B Supermarkets
Maui Wowi Hawaiian Opens First Of Many Stores Within H-E-B To Deliver Aloha Spirit To Customers Throughout Texas And Mexico
Relationship Continues Maui Wowi’s Growth Strategy, Allowing Company’s Authentic Hawaiian Products to Be More Accessible to More Customers
SAN ANTONIO and DENVER – Maui Wowi Hawaiian has established a relationship with H-E-B — a San Antonio-based, privately held supermarket chain with more than 300 stores — which enables Maui Wowi Hawaiian franchise operators to open retail outlets inside H-E-B stores throughout Texas and Mexico.
In December, customers in Katy, Texas, became the first to experience Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s Aloha Spirit in the H-E-B store at 1621 S. Mason Road. An additional seven Maui Wowi Hawaiian stores are scheduled to open inside H-E-B locations in the first quarter of 2007.
“The relationship between Maui Wowi Hawaiian and H-E-B is an example of the best working with the best. H-E-B is a leader in its field, and we take great pride in being chosen to work with them over better-known competitors,” said Michael Haith, CEO, Maui Wowi Hawaiian. “H-E-B offers a wonderful opportunity for our company to continue on our strong growth path and for our franchise operators to offer Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s new line of authentic Hawaiian products through more points of distribution.”
One of the nation’s largest and most cutting-edge independently owned food retailers, H-E-B serves families all over Texas and Mexico with more than 300 stores and 60,000 employees. The first eight stores will serve as test sites for the Maui Wowi Hawaiian/H-E-B collaboration. The two companies will jointly determine the future roll-out schedule based on these results.
“Our relationship with Maui Wowi Hawaiian will enhance the retail experience of H-E-B customers by offering them an escape from the ordinary,” said Cyndy Garza, director of public affairs for H-E-B Houston. “It will be a place where they’ll be able to purchase authentic Hawaiian products and healthy, all-natural beverages.”
About Maui Wowi Hawaiian
Maui Wowi Hawaiian is the only franchise that offers authentic, natural Hawaiian products, fresh-fruit smoothies, blended Hawaiian coffee beverages, and genuine Hawaiian lifestyle stuff. Founded in 1983, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has experienced meteoric growth to include nearly 500 franchised units in its worldwide franchise “Ohana,” or family. This earth-friendly company celebrates its Aloha Spirit by embracing the values of family, harmony and balanced living while striving to abide by the principles of sustainable living.
About H-E-B
For more than 100 Years, H-E-B has been an innovative retailer. Known for its fresh food, quality products and convenient services, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at everyday low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 60,000 partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities throughout Texas and Mexico.
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Home Inspections Not Just For The Home Buyer
Monday, January 8, 2007
In today's real estate market, home inspections are utilized by almost 80 percent of all homebuyers. However, inspections are also becoming increasingly popular with sellers who feel that, by having their home inspected prior to listing, they're alerted to the repairs they'll need to make to help increase their homes' marketability.
"For every $100 of repairs a home needs, a buyer is likely to try to negotiate about $200 off the asking price,Seller inspections are becoming an important tool to help get the best possible price."
Below, Home inspection experts offer tips to make a seller savvy:
· An inspection helps set a realistic selling price. The market analysis prepared by the real estate agent will help in determining a fair selling price for the home. However, such comparison doesn't usually reflect the true physical condition of the home and its systems. For example, if the house has been well maintained and upgraded over the years, a high listing price may be justified by the third-party inspection report, and not just based on the word of the owner/Realtor.
· The listing price should reflect deficiencies. If a house has deficiencies, the price should be lower. The combination of a professional inspection report and a listing price that reflects the true condition of the house can help minimize any re-negotiation of the sales price and, possibly, even speed up the selling process. A buyer may be more apt to purchase a home that needs work if the price is adjusted for this, versus a home in great condition with an inflated price.
· Disclosure is key. It has become a necessity to disclose, up front, any problems that buyers will most likely find out on their own or through their own inspection. Failure to disclose these items/defects can mean problems for the seller later on. By having their own inspection done, sellers will be alert to these issues - one's the buyer's home inspector will likely find anyway or those that will become apparent once the buyer moves in. The homeowner is perceived as having the most intimate knowledge of the home and can be held liable for misrepresenting its condition. In reality, the majority of homeowners know little about the absolute condition of the structural and mechanical systems in their homes, yet they are responsible for them for the sale.
· Third party precautions. As more and more courts impose strict disclosure requirements on the sellers of residential properties, it is in the seller's best interest to share as much of this legal liability with a third party, such as the professional home inspector - whose business is disclosure. This affords sellers with an additional layer of legal protection, so make sure to hire an inspector that has training, credentials and the necessary insurances.
· Make repairs before you sell. Sellers can turn lemons into lemonade with their own home inspection. For instance, if the roof needs major repairs or if the bathroom has an ongoing leak, any potential buyer is likely to negotiate the cost of these repairs off the listing price up front (Experts say for every $100 of repairs needed, the buyer will look to negotiate $200 off the price). The seller could have saved half the profit by fixing the roof and any other items on their own, positioning re-caulked bathroom tiles and new roof shingles as new upgrades or improvements versus just a needed repair.
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Blockbuster to Sell Rhino to GameStop
Movie rental company Blockbuster Inc. said Friday it will sell its Rhino Video Games chain to video game retailer GameStop Corp. for an undisclosed sum.
The sale is expected to close by the end of this month.
Rhino is a regional store chain specializing in buying, selling and trading video games. It has 72 stores in the Southeastern U.S.
Blockbuster said the sale is in line with its strategy to focus on company-branded assets and the video rental market. The company is integrating its in-store and online business to battle competition from online movie rental company Netflix Inc.
Blockbuster's shares closed down 8 cents at $5.70 on the NYSE, and jumped 15 cents or 2.6 percent to $5.85 in after-hours electronic trading. In the intraday session the stock hit a new 52-week high of $5.90, beating its previous year-high of $5.81.
GameStop's shares closed up 8 cents at $55.49 on the New York Stock Exchange.
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
Fransmart Encourages Aspiring Entrepreneurs to Investigate Franchising
Friday, January 5, 2007
December 19, 2006 - Alexandria, Va. December 19, 2006—Tired of being a corporate drone? Have you ever thought of becoming your own boss? Fransmart, a franchise development company that grows emerging or regional concepts into national chains, is encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to look into the franchising industry and take hold of their financial future. Fransmart specializes in restaurant franchises and offers opportunities to buy multi-unit territory nationwide.“The best thing to know about food franchises is that they offer stability—people wake up every day needing to eat,” says Greg Jones, Fransmart’s Vice President of Sales. “The food industry isn’t going anywhere and Fransmart represents a variety of concepts that have the proven systems and support you need to be successful.”Fransmart concepts zpizza, Mr. Greek, City Wok, Rockin’ Baja Lobster and The Firkin Group of Pubs are among the smartest new concepts taking the country by storm. Each franchise offers thorough support services to launch and run your business, including real estate, training and marketing to name just a few. Adds Jones, “Franchising gives corporate refugees the opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives—one where they can take charge of their future. Why not start that chapter with one of Fransmart’s successful brands?” zpizza:Featured on Good Morning America as a healthy dining option, zpizza has received rave reviews since its inception in 1986. The chain was most recently voted “Best Pizza Restaurant” and “Best Pizza Delivery” in Washingtonian magazine, “Best Crust on the Planet” by LA Times and “Best Pizza in the City” by Phoenix New Times. Mr. Greek:Mr. Greek, a Canadian born Greek chain was voted “Best Greek Food” by the Toronto Sun 10 times in the past 12 years and “Best Greek Restaurant Chain” by Eye Weekly five out of the past six years. City Wok:While industry publication Restaurant Hospitality recognized City Wok as "personifying the future of fast casual dining," the restaurant is innovative in providing tableside service to complement the speed and value of the typical fast casual concept. Their fresh, made-to-order dishes are prepared using authentic Chinese cooking techniques and recipes, and feature homemade sauces and high quality ingredients.Rockin Baja Lobster:Rockin’ Baja Lobster Restaurant and Beach Bar, the San Diego based chain of rockin’ fun Baja Mexico-style cantinas, was recently recognized as a regional growth chain in industry powerhouse publication Nation’s Restaurant News. The rapidly expanding chain has a one of a kind cuisine inspired by the unique cooking style found in Baja coastal village of Puerto Nuevo. The Firkin Group of Pubs:Named the 2005 “Best Pub in Toronto” by Toronto Sun Readers, The Firkin Group of Pubs is one of the most popular neighborhood pub chains in Canada and recently captured the title of the largest and fastest growing pub chain in the United States. Serving spectacular food in a friendly, authentic pub atmosphere, the Firkin Pubs draw families, students and professionals alike. About FransmartFransmart is a franchise development company that specializes in growing emerging or regional concepts into national chains. Founded by franchise veterans Chris Bright and Dan Rowe, Fransmart was developed to provide the strategy, systems and predictability of the largest most successful chains to early stage franchise brands. Fransmart manages a portfolio of brands and helps sell development territories to high net-worth individuals and experienced chain operators. We provide support to our portfolio companies helping them secure high quality real estate, enhance and manage their unit economics and secure brand awareness within the restaurant and franchise industry. For more information on Fransmart or to learn more about our brands please visit www.fansmart.com
posted by joe@franchisefetch.com
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