Veterans Get a Sweet Deal With Baskin-Robbins

Posted on by

Baskin-Robbins, sister restaurant franchise to Dunkin’ Brands, have engaged in a new mission to turn the ice cream franchise’s less than savory earnings away from their normal flat or declining reports.

 

New and existing Baskin-Robbins franchisees are being offered major discounts to reward them for opening new ice cream franchise locations. Baskin-Robbins franchisees can now reduce their required initial $25,000 fee payment over the course of a decade, instead of paying the amount at once.

 

Qualified new and existing franchisees who elect to open new ice cream stores will also make reduced royalty payments to Dunkin’ Brands during the first five years of their new stores’ existence. The subsequent royalty payments, after the first five years, will return to the standard 5.9 percent. Existing franchisees looking to open a new store would only pay a $12,500 upfront fee for each new location, along with signing a new franchise agreement per new restaurant location. As with the new franchisees, veteran franchisees are eligible to pay the $12,500 fee over the course of 10 years.

 

Military veterans, meanwhile, will see the entire $25,000 fee waived completely and operate the first two years  free of royalty-fees.

 

The goal of these incentives is to help stand alone Baskin-Robbins locations expand and encourage veteran involvement. Baskin-Robbins is also rolling out a new design for brick and mortar shops. Most Baskin-Robbins is currently expanding (mostly) within Dunkin’ Donuts shops.

 

These incentives became available in April and will continue to be available through June of 2014.

Profile: BRICKS 4 KIDZ

Posted on by

The BRICKS 4 KIDZ® model, was founded by Michelle Cote in St. Augustine, FL. Michelle started an after-school Spanish Class (outside the school system). In the spring of 2008 while filling out the forms to become a “School Board Vendor,” teaching Spanish at the school the following school year, Michelle noticed a category (on the form) for “Creative Science.” Her son loves to play with LEGO® bricks, and she thought to herself…”Maybe I could lead a Creative Science LEGO® class too.” Michelle was awarded the bid for both the after-school Spanish and the Creative Science Lego® class. That summer Michelle advertised a Spanish Camp and a LEGO® Camp. She had 3 children sign up for the Spanish and 35 children sign up for the LEGO® camp! BRICKS R KIDZ® was recently featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and was selected as #200 in their Top 500 Businesses ranking!

After seeing the excitement over the LEGO® bricks, Michelle decided to go with the LEGO® after-school class in the fall…and it took off. That Fall, Michelle found herself at 3 different elementary schools with an average of 20 students in each class every week. Now Michelle does over 20 after-school enrichment classes a week, PLUS in-school field trips, 11 camps during the summer and bunches of birthday parties every weekend!Today BRICKS 4 KIDZ® has over 320 franchises in 14 countries and 39 states making it one of the fastest growing franchises in the US and Canada (and possibly the world).

Business Model
BRICKS 4 KIDZ® provides project-based programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering to children, ages 3-13+, using LEGO® bricks.

 

BRICKS 4 KIDZ® has a high probability for success in your area because:

  • It’s a proven model – truly a home-based business
  • Requires only a modest investment
  • Has NO national competition
  • Quick ROI on your low-cost franchise
  • Can be operated as a part/full time business
  • Has high profit margins
  • Has low fixed overhead
  • It’s easy to operate
  • It can be easily taught to anyone
  • The classes, camps and birthday parties are affordable by nearly any family
  • Parents view the classes, camps, and birthday parties as educational and therefore feel that the fees are well spent
  • The BRICKS 4 KIDZ® Schedule follows the school-year calendar – no corporate hours with this business
  • Year-round income with camps during school vacations and birthday parties anytime
  • Thrive in any economy by providing affordable classes to parents who put education first on their list of expenditure


Turn Your Dream into Reality
For many people, the dream of owning their own business is just that – a dream. But it doesn’t need to be. With a BRICKS 4 KIDZ franchise you can turn your dream into a reality and be your own boss, create a new career, and begin enjoying the many benefits of business ownership. Learn more about this opportunity and the incentives they offer veterans here: http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/BRICKS-4-KIDZ.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Named 2013 Military Friendly Franchise®

Posted on by

Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies, the flexible island themed franchise concept, announces it was ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide and named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has made this distinguished list.

Maui Wowi Hawaiian honors military veterans by offering service members support and guidance to ensure a successful future as a Maui Wowi franchise operator. Veterans also receive a discount off the franchise fee in appreciation of their service. The company features low-cost franchise opportunities in a variety of flexible business models that allow a customized approach to business ownership.

“I like franchising because you learn from the experience of others. I’d rather work smarter, not harder. Why reinvent the wheel when somebody else has already laid it out for me?” said Dave Ricketson, a retired Navy Pilot and current Maui Wowi franchisee in Jacksonville, Florida. “As soon as we found out Maui Wowi offered a mobile business model and was Hawaiian themed, our search was over.”

Being selected as a Military Friendly Franchise® places Maui Wowi Hawaiian in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

“Military veterans are hardworking, skillful, and determined individuals; making them ideal candidates for running a successful Maui Wowi business,” said Justin Livingston, Director of Global Franchise Development. “Being featured on the Military Friendly Franchise list for the fourth year in a row is a true testament to the quality support of our system and our continued efforts to offer a unique opportunity to members of the military.”

As a member of the IFA VetFran program, as well as SBA’s small business development program, Maui Wowi Hawaiian actively seeks to connect with military veterans and offer a dedicated support system to help them achieve their dreams.

Maui Wowi Franchisees receive hands on training, as well as guided support that includes a comprehensive launch program for retail and mobile event models; in addition to continued collaboration and operational support from the Mainland (corporate office.)

The 2013 Military Friendly Franchises® list was compiled via a data-driven survey overseen by an advisory board of industry experts. The survey results list were independently tested by Ernst & Young based upon the weightings and methodology established by Victory Media.

About Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies:
Since 1982, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has embraced the Hawaiian culture and has been serving paradise in a cup since the day it began, 30 years ago. From event carts, mall kiosks and stand-alone retail locations Maui Wowi Hawaiian offers premium, all-natural, gluten-free, fresh-fruit smoothies, as well as gourmet Hawaiian coffees and espresso beverages. With over 400 operating units in eight countries, Maui Wowi Hawaiian has truly gone “Global” by adding an online store, shop.mauiwowi.com. Now customers from anywhere in the world can experience the prized-gourmet Hawaiian coffees and taste the ‘Aloha Spirit’ with a ‘Click-of-a button!’ To learn more information about Maui Wowi Hawaiian’s, products, locations, or flexible, low cost franchising opportunities, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Maui-Wowi-Hawaiian-Coffees-and-Smoothies.

Mexican Food Franchise America’s Taco Shop Seasons Its Concept With Authenticity

Posted on by

 

What separates America’s Taco Shop from its fellow Mexican food and restaurant franchise competitors?

 

One word: authenticity.

 

Many Mexican restaurants and franchises offer customers a watered down version of an original Mexican specialty. At America’s Taco Shop, that won’t happen. The Mexican franchise’s menu features traditionally prepared Mexican favorites like carne asada tortas and pastor tacos, seasoned with traditional spices from the Sinaloa region of Mexico. (The Sinaloa region of Mexico can be found along the country’s northwestern coastal border with the Gulf of California.)

 

Franchisees of America’s Taco Shop don’t just buy in for the food. Many franchise locations are open and ready for business within 6-8 months. The franchise’s support team has 20 years of experience helping franchisees with their new business from start to finish.

The opportunity to expand America’s Taco Shop within the United States and U.S. territories remains open and available to qualified potential franchisees. The option to open single or multiple units within a location is also available to potential franchisees, dependent upon each individual’s financial stability and information.

 

Aside from the authentic food, another great aspect of America’s Taco Shop is the number of different ways a franchisee can establish a location. While traditional stand alone brick and mortar locations are possible, mall kiosks, airport kiosks and mobile options are also available.

 

For more information on Mexican food franchises or on America’s Taco Shop, visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/America%27s-Taco-Shop.

WIN Home Inspection Named a 2013 Military friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs Magazine

Posted on by

WIN Home Inspection announces it’s achievement of being ranked in the top 10 percent of all franchises nationwide, and being named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise® in both the general services and real estate listings by G.I. Jobs Magazine for the second year. At WIN, Veterans represent 1/4 of their company’s franchisee base and they provide realistic opportunities for Vets to become successful business owners through the WIN for America program, in which veterans can qualify for Gold, Silver or Bronze level awards, allowing for 100%, 50% or 10% of their franchise fee to be waived.

To date in 2013, four veterans have been recipients of WIN for America awards:

  • Marshall Davidson, Decatur, AL
  • Bryan Haley, North Branch, MN
  • Philip Morgan, Frisco, TX
  • George Parra, Memorial, TX

On top of that, WIN works with the IFA VetFran Program and the Military Base Transition Program.

“Our business model has low capital startup costs, low fixed costs, high margins, and requires no brick and mortar. It’s a proven success model,” says WIN Home Inspection President, Steve Wadlington. “Central to this effort is our ‘WIN for America’ Award program, along with individual business planning. We are proud to give back to those who have served.”

“The Military Friendly Franchises® list was created four years ago out of demand from military veterans, many of whom want to start or own their own business, but are unclear where to begin,” said Sean Collins, director for G.I. Jobs. “Veterans make great franchisees in our business. Our most success and productive business owners are ex veterans.”

The full list of Military Friendly Franchises® is published each June in G.I. Jobs Magazine, and on http://militaryfranchising.com, a web tool that helps veterans decide which franchise to choose. Click here to learn more about the WIN veterans opportunity.

 

ABOUT WIN HOME INSPECTION

WIN Home Inspection began in 1993, offering home inspection business franchises in the Pacific Northwest. Within a year, the company dominated this regional market and has since expanded across the US with 173 locations in 27 states. It is one of the fastest growing home inspection companies in the country, and listed on VetFran and GI Jobs as a top 10 Veteran-Friendly Franchise.

A member of the VetFran Chairman’s Corps, WIN is a recognized leader on behalf of veterans and the franchise industry. For information on WIN Home Inspection and the home inspection business opportunity, please visit http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/WIN-Home-Inspection.

Enter to Win Entrepreneur Magazine’s Entrepreneur of 2013 Contest

Posted on by

Entrepreneur Magazine is searching for entrepreneurs who are, “bringing new light to [their] industry, employees and community.” Entrants need only to answer a few quick questions to see if they meet the contest’s preliminary qualifications. Once entrants have made the first cut, they’ll move on to submit their completely entry by June 17th.

 

Franchises are, of course, also eligible, as The UPS Store is sponsoring the search.

 

Past winners include:

 

John Lucash, OrigAudio — Lucash, tired of lugging heavy speakers with him while traveling, started OrigAudio, a line of portable audio products.

 

Adam Nelson, Good Nite Lite — Nelson makes early morning wake-ups and bedtimes easier and fun for children with his illuminated sun and moon night lights.

 

Derek Zobrist, Enovative Kontrol Systems — Zobrist started Enovative Kontrol, which sells water recirculation technology to building owners, saving them up to 30 percent on water heating bills.

 

Kelly Giard, Clean Air Lawn Care — Founder Kelly Giard turned a part-time project for fun in his garage into a successful sustainable lawn-care franchise.

A Fresh Restaurant Opportunity: Una Mas Mexican Grill

Posted on by

 

Cinco de Mayo may only happen once a year, but everyday is an excuse and an opportunity to enjoy fresh, flavorful Mexican cuisine at Una Mas Mexican Grill.

 

Using only the freshest, healthiest ingredients, Una Mas’ menu merges Mexican authenticity with modern California flair. Menu items include authentic favorites like the Gallito Grilled Burrito that features grilled chicken or steak, guacamole and freshly made salsa. California influences can be seen–and tasted– in the food franchise’s Roasted Veggie Taco and Pineapple Thai Burrito.

 

The first Una Mas Mexican Grill opened in 1991– over 15 years ago– in San Jose, California. Over the course of subsequent years, Una Mas has grown to serve 20 communities in the San Jose, Palo Alto, San Francisco, Fremont and Walnut Creek areas of California. In addition, Una Mas and its franchisees are committed to helping local schools through fundraising events.

 

Instead of selling candy bars, coupon books or wrapping paper, Una Mas has two different fundraising programs for schools looking to raise money for books, after school programs, sports equipment and everything in between.

 

The Mexican restaurant franchise currently operates 20 franchise units in California– and they’re looking to expand. As a fast-casual food franchise, Una Mas Mexican Grill is a part of the fastest growing restaurant segment within the franchise industry. Mexican food has also increased in popularity over the past few years.

 

For those interested in becoming a franchisee for Una Mas offers entrepreneurs:

 

  • a low-cost opportunity into the popular Mexican, fast-casual franchise segment
  • Una Mas is an established, well-recognized brand with strong customer loyalty
  • Streamlined operations and proven operational systems
  • Strategic marketing and branding programs
  • Entry level opportunity with tremendous territorial availability and potential
  • No multiple-unit opening requirements

 

For more information, visit Una Mas’ informational brochure at http://www.veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Una-Mas-Mexican-Grille

A Different Approach to Franchising: 7-Eleven

Posted on by

Forget the hassle of finding a location, lengthy zoning approvals and expensive build-outs. With 7-Eleven, franchisees get a fully operational store from day one. The 7-Eleven system makes opening and operating multiple stores easy. If your goal is to become the head of your own business empire, 7-Eleven has the opportunity for you. All you have to do is be ready to be a 7-Eleven franchise owner on day one.
7-Eleven has a royalty system based on gross profit, not total sales. In other words, the store has to achieve gross profits for 7-Eleven to benefit at all. The company and the franchisees are unified by the same goal. It is a true co-prosperity business model.
That’s why 7-Eleven goes beyond helping franchisees increase sales, by giving them the complete tools and resources they need to operate the business in a way that increases gross profits.

 

7-Eleven’s robust, comprehensive technology system gives franchisees and their staff the consistent, real time, accurate information they need to make operating the store as easy and profitable as possible.

These systems make owning and operating multiple stores streamlined. If your goal is to become the head of your own business empire, 7-Eleven has the systems in place for you. All you have to do is fill out a short online questionnaire on the 7-Eleven website. Click here to be taken directly to the form: http://franchise.7-eleven.com/apply-now/?utm_source=francliq&utm_medium=portal&utm_campaign=francliqvisits, and take the first step to opening your own successful 7-Eleven business!

A Proven Alternative to Coffee Shop Franchises

Posted on by

 Crimson Cup Coffee and Tea has helped hundreds of independent coffee shops get off to a successful start.  Since 1991, Crimson Cup has taught more than 250 independent coffeehouse owners across 28 states how to set up and operate a profitable coffee business.

Their comprehensive, hands-on training approach allows you, the franchisee, to hit the ground running when you open your doors for business, so you can minimize mistakes and become profitable quickly. Their handcrafted coffee plus their passion, equals a lucrative, growing community of successful independent coffee shops!

The Crimson Cup franchise opportunity offers the best of both worlds. They offer all the benefits of a franchise, without the franchise headaches and expenses. They are not a franchise, and that is a good thing. Instead of a cookie-cutter store design that each franchisee is required to imitate, Crimson Cup allows franchisees to create their own unique coffeehouse name, look and personality to reflect that person’s individuality.  And each franchise owner still gets to benefit from their 21 years of knowledge and experience in the coffeehouse business to teach you everything you need to know to be successful.

In addition to supplying awesome coffee, syrups, sauces and recipes for espresso-based drinks, Crimson Cup also provides guidance in:

  • Developing a business plan
  • Scouting a location and negotiating a lease or purchase
  • Name and Logo development
  • Arranging the coffee bar, menu and seating area for maximum efficiency
  • Creating a pour-over brew bar
  • Developing a menu
  • Choosing, installing and maintaining equipment
  • Marketing, including promotional signage for seasonal specials
  • Selecting and training staff
  • Operating efficiently and profitably

To learn about opening up your own Crimson Cup Coffee Shop, more information and the online submission for can be found here: http://veteransfranchise.com/franchise/Crimson-Cup-Coffee-and-Tea.

Veterans Learn About Franchising With McDonald’s Hamburger University

Posted on by

VetFran and McDonald’s will host an all-day seminar on Friday, May 10, 2013 just outside of Chicago designed to cover the fundamentals of franchising for veterans and other franchisee hopefuls.

 

Led by franchising experts, the seminar, aptly titled McDonald’s Hamburger University, will discuss legal issues and franchise finance in an educational setting. Board members of the IFA and franchise industry leaders will answer questions and inform on franchise basics, too.

 

Featured speakers include representatives from McDonald’s, the IFA, Radioshack, Franchising for Dummies co-author, Mr. Rooter, TSS Photography, and TD Bank.

 

Veterans in attendance will be eligible to join the International Franchise Association as subscribers and receive free admission to the International Franchise Expo.

 

Date & Location

 

Friday, May 10, 2013

McDonald’s Hamburger University

2715 Jorie Blvd, Room 224

Oak Brook, IL 60523