DailyFranchiseNews.com

Honey Baked Ham Takes a Hit!

2009-12-18T09:46:27-06:00

Wow! Wouldn't want to see this story for too many franchisors--sure things are tough out there but so what? This is not the first bout of hard times and in franchising it's the fourth recession we've seen in the past two decades--all of which were good for franchising except this one. I don't know about you, but when I am feeling sad or deprived a nice Honey Baked Ham is exactly what I would enjoy--with some wine and chocolate! Everyone needs to perk up a bit! However, bad press like this is NOT helpful right now for franchising and franchisors!

Read story here in USA Today!

Brew and View

2009-12-17T13:38:20-06:00

Where can you go to see such classics like From Beer to Eternity and The Seven Beer Itch? Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, of course! These are just a couple of the posters in the lobby at one of their locations. Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, the nation’s oldest cinema-eatery concept showing first-run films, has had an impressive year and is in full expansion mode. Check out today’s Houston Chronicle to read one reporter’s take on his visit to Alamo.

Finding Your Niche

2009-12-16T15:23:55-06:00

Businesses everywhere are trying to distinguish themselves from competitors by offering niche services. One company that has been very successful at that is EduFit – a franchised fitness concept headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. While the economy has taken a toll on memberships, branding plays a major role in distinguishing successful gyms from the not-so-successful, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association.

EduFit founder and president, Alan Katz, said he has found his niche by assigning personal trainers to as many as five clients at a time, resulting in cheaper rates. Katz spent the past decade positioning EduFit for success and is ready to share the concept nationwide. Plans call for 25 franchises across the nation in the next couple years, and 200 in the next five years. Read more about finding a profitable business niche in today’s Scottsdale Republic.

Franchisors partner to provide extra layer of service in elder care industry

2009-12-16T10:15:19-06:00

Amramp, America’s leading low-cost, provider of steel modular ramp systems, recently announced a partnership with Homewatch Caregivers. The two companies joined forces to create HomeNest, a five-part system of high-quality and affordable accessibility options that includes assistance from one of Homewatch’s professional caregivers.

Read more about this partnership on ADVANCE for Nurses.

Retrofitness Goes Green!

2009-12-15T14:55:28-06:00

While going green may not have been cool in the 80s, it is today. That's why Retrofitness, the totally awesome, 1980s-themed fitness chain, just opened its first first LEED-certified franchise location in Deer Park, N.Y.

This new Retrofitness features the standard retro-style color themes, classic ’80s music and big-screen RetroTheatres, but also has green features including pipes with special environmental wiring and coding, toilets and faucets that run on electronic beam, low voltage lights on light settings, bathrooms and locker rooms made of recyclable materials, LEED-approved wood and sheet rock.

Customers still pay the 1980s rate of $19.99 a month for a state-of-the-art 21st century club.

Read more about this rad center at Club Solutions Magazine.